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Rody sees ‘better Christmas’

Cites gains in gov’t vax drive, blasts people still hesitant to get ‘shot’ By Vito Barcelo and Willie Casas

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said he was confident the country will have a “better and truly merry Christmas” this year as the number of COVID-19 infections have declined due to the government’s immunization drive.

In his televised Talk to the People, Du- saying this is the only solution to defeat terte also urged people to get vaccinated, COVID-19 and return to normal lives.

“For people who don’t want to be inoculated with COVID 19 vaccines, they should be injected while they are asleep,” Duterte said. “I know many people are still hesitant. That’s the problem, those people who do not want to get vaccinated. That’s why find them in your barangays. Let’s enter their houses and vaccinate them while Next page

Curfew hours in NCR shortened, seen to boost business recovery By Joel E. Zurbano MAYORS in Metro Manila have agreed to impose a shorter curfew hours as active COVID-19 cases in the region continue to decline. Members of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved and signed on Oct. 10 a resolution stating the new curfew hours will be from 12 midnight to 4 a.m., two hours shorter than the previous 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. period. The new policy will be implemented beginning today (Oct. 13), according to Metropolitan Manila Develop-

ment Authority chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. The MMC, composed of the 17 mayors in Metro Manila, is the governing board and the policy-making body of the MMDA. According to Abalos, the local chief executives decided to adjust and shorten the curfew hours after the Department of Health reported a “general decrease in COVID-19 active cases in NCR on account of rapid and efficient detect and isolate strategies and enhanced vaccination efforts, among others.” Next page

VOL. XXXV • NO. 240 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 •WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Maring’ leaves trail of damage in Luzon with 11 dead, 7 missing By Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja AT LEAST 11 people were killed, and seven others were missing, all in Luzon, after heavy rain across the Philippines flooded villages and triggered landslides, authorities said Tuesday. Severe Tropical Storm Maring (in-

ternational name Kompasu) drenched swathes of the most populous island of Luzon on Monday as it swept across the archipelago nation towards the South China Sea. Four people—three of them children-were killed in landslides in the landNext page

MARING’S FURY. Rescuers search for three family members buried in a landslide Monday night in Dominican Hill, Baguio City at the height of rains caused by

Tropical Storm Maring. The heavy downpour and strong winds loosened debris and caused flooding elsewhere in the country, from Baguio City’s famed Burnham Park to downtown Candon, Ilocos Norte and even Brooke’s Point in Palawan (photos at left). Dave Leprozo with PCG Photos

Solons move WHO pushes third dose for those vaxxed with Sinovac, Sinopharm for nixing sub option for bets By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

THE World Health Organization’s vaccine advisers on Monday recommended people with weakened immune systems should be offered an

By Maricel V. Cruz and Vito Barcelo

additional dose of all WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines. The United Nations health agency’s experts also said over-60s fully immunized with China’s Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines should be offered an additional third vaccine dose.

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) stressed it was not recommending an additional booster dose for the population at large, which is already being rolled out in some countries. The WHO wants a moratorium on

By Rey E. Requejo

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82,228

39,896

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2,561,248 25,146 (As of 4 PM, October 12)

SC tells Senate to answer plea on Ong’s arrest

A STALWART of the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats on Tuesday urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to remove the substitution option for candidates. Deputy Speaker Prospero Pichay, Jr. of Surigao del Sur expressed believes that substitution is not a good practice in the political arena nowadays. Pichay stressed “this business of substitution is actually creating a chess or poker game among all the parties because like for example, the PDP-Laban fielded Sen. Bato (Ronald) dela Rosa as presidential candidate. But we all know that Sen. Bato is not really serious about running for

2,683,372

booster doses for the general population until the end of the year to give priority to first doses in the dozens of nations starved of vaccines. The WHO’s target of getting 10 percent of the population in each country

KEEP ON JABBING. A nurse applies the second dose of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine to one of 185 residents of Barangay Salitran 4 in Dasmarinas, Cavite on Tuesday, organized by the local Philippine Red Cross chapter (see related story above). JR Josue

Pinay music on BBC ‘Primate’ wins Emmy

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday required the Senate to answer the petition filed by Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corporation executive Linconn Ong, who assailed its orders citing him in contempt, ordering his arrest and placing him under detention for allegedly testifying “falsely and evasively.” This was in connection with his company’s multi-billion contract with the government for the purchase of COVID-19 medical supplies. Next page

Not bird, nor plane, but it’s gay Superman

LOS Angeles-based Filipina composer Denise Santos was speechless when the host announced that she and fellow composer Adam Lukas were honored for their work on the BBC documentary series

NEW YORK—Superman fell for a reporter and now his son is doing the same, although this time the superhero’s love interest is a man called Jay. DC Comics announced on Monday

By Nickie Wang

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Survey: Pinoys rely on TV for news A

SURVEY from Sept. 6 to 11 by Pulse Asia released Tuesday said the majority of Filipinos still prefer to get their news through television.

(55 percent), and Class ABC (60 percent), with Facebook being identified by more than half of Metro Manilans (64 percent) and those belonging to the best-off socio-economic grouping (51 percent).” Meanwhile, only 3 percent of Filipino adults said newspapers were their source of information. Pulse Asia also said there was a drop in percentages of those whose sources of news were their family or relatives and friends or acquaintances. More than half or 59 percent logged on more than once a day, 22 percent logged on only once, 13 percent logged on 2 to 6 times a week, 3 percent logged on once a week and 2 percent logged on

less often than once a week. “From June 2021 to September 2021, there is a decline in the percentage of internet users who access the web more than once a day in the Philippines as a whole (-8 percentage points) as well as in the rest of Luzon (-10 percentage points), Mindanao (-19 percentage points), and Class D (-8 percentage points),” the pollster said. The survey also found that Facebook and YouTube were the most popular social media accounts among internet users in the country, with 99 percent and 57 percent usage, respectively. It is followed by TikTok (17 percent), Instagram (14 percent) and Twitter (8 percent).

The poll, conducted using face-to-face interviews among 2,400 respondents, had a plus-minus 2 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level. It found that 91 percent of the adult population said television was their main source of information. While television remains the most popular platform for news consumption, the survey found an increase in the use of radio and Internet, Pulse Asia said. Some 49 percent of Filipino adults get their news about the government

and politics through radio, a 5-percent increase from the survey conducted in June. Using the Internet as news source, meanwhile, rose to 48 percent compared to the last survey’s 44 percent. “Radio is a source of political news of most Visayans (67 percent), Mindanawons (64 percent), and those in Class E (55 percent),” the pollster said. “The internet is mentioned as a news source by most Metro Manilans (72 percent), those in the rest of Luzon

Curfew... From A1

Navy, PCG train with US forces via ‘Sama-Sama’

“Everything is going down. The number of COVID-19 cases are (sic) declining as well as the reproduction rate, according to DOH data and OCTA Research. In light of the recent developments particularly the steady decrease of active cases, the curfew hours being presently implemented in the NCR under Alert Level 4 has to be adjusted,” Abalos said. The DOH, however, encouraged the continued observance and enforcement of COVID- 19 protocols and minimum public health standards in order to avoid a future rise in active cases. The MMC said the adjustment would also help businesses to recoup losses during the pandemic, noting that the health crisis has already affected a huge number of business establishments. The previous curfew hour -- 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. -- was imposed following the implementation of a new alert level system last month being pilot tested to further curb the spread of the deadly virus. Meanwhile, the Metro Manila mayors will also enforce policies restricting access to public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 to prevent mass gatherings and to avert COVID-19 transmission during the observance of Undas or All Saints’ Day. Abalos said the MMC decided to adopt the resolution implemented last year to temporarily close cemeteries all over the metropolis – 29 public cemeteries in all – for at least one week. “Filipinos can still physically visit the graves of their departed loved ones earlier than Oct. 29 or later than Nov. 2, subject to the prescribed thirty percent (30 percent) venue capacity, Face masks, face shields, and observance of physical distancing will be required,” said Abalos. MMDA Resolution 21-22, Series of 2021, cited that “as for the conduct of wakes, necrological services, funerals, interment, cremation, and inurnment during this five-day period, the prescribed guidelines by the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases shall govern.”

Solons... From A1 President,” Pichay said. He denied that Lakas-CMD’s presidential aspirant Anna Capella Velasco, the party’s executive director, and vicepresidential bet Lyle Fernando Uy are mere “placeholders” waiting for real

‘Maring’... From A1 locked mountainous province of Benguet, and one person drowned in the coastal province of Cagayan, the national disaster agency said. “Eleven municipalities were flooded but it subsided this morning,” Cagayan provincial information officer Rogelio Sending said. Major highways and bridges were flooded, he said, but the water was retreating Tuesday. The storm intensified the southwest monsoon, sparking a flash flood in a village in the western island province of Palawan, leaving four people dead and the same number missing. “Around seven to eight barangays are still flooded... due to clogged drainage or lack of drainage,” said Earl Timbancaya, a disaster officer in the city of Puerto Princesa on Palawan. “But it’s subsiding now.” The Philippines is hit by an average of

COVID BRIEF Vaccination card data private—NPC THE National Privacy Commission (NPC) has reminded all personal information controllers (PICs) to get vaccinees’ free and informed consent before using any personal information in their COVID-19 vaccination cards for promos, raffles, or discounts. The agency recently issued NPC Public Health Emergency (PHE) Bulletin No. 20 in light of reports of collection of copies of COVID-19 vaccination cards by certain companies as a form of reward to vaccinated individuals. Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro noted that vaccination cards contained sensitive personal information such as the vaccinee’s age, date of birth, and health information. Othel V. Campos

Gov’t sees hitting 90% vax goal soon The government is optimistic it can achieve its goal of inoculating 90 percent of eligible population before the election period next year, given the steady supply of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. “We encourage everyone to be inoculated. We have enough supply of vaccines coming in, projection of almost 100 million this October,” said Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor, chief of staff and spokesperson of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Mayor made the statement after the arrival of additional 272,610 doses of government-procured Pfizer vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last Monday. Joel E. Zurbano

THE Philippine Coast Guard and Navy have teamed up with the United States armed forces for training that aims to boost interoperability and maritime security operations, the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement. The US said their military conducted a tactical combat casualty care training with the PCG North Eastern Luzon District from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6. The embassy said this is the first time the US military was able to train with the PCG

in North Eastern Luzon directly, with 20 Coast Guard personnel participating. The training included theoretical and practical sessions of basic lifesaving and tactical combat casualty care, as the program aimed to improve local forces’ response in maritime security operations and search and rescue. The Philippine Navy and the US Navy also launched the fourth installment of their annual joint exercises called “Sama-Sama 2021.”

The training aims to focus on transnational crime, counterterrorism, antipiracy, and anti-narcotics, among other things, as it reconstitutes the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). The United States described the training as proof of the “close relationship” between Manila and Washington in “promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region by strengthening maritime law enforcement and maritime search and rescue.”

Rody... From A1

removing your masks—washing and distancing, and [allow] the gradual resumption of our economic activities, then we can hope for a better and truly merry Christmas.” “We are confident that the most, if not all, major cities in the country will be hit and even surpass this target before Christmas,” he added. Duterte appealed to the people to grab the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19, regardless of the brand, especially now that the country has an adequate vaccine supply. “This is not just for your own protection but…. part of your civic duty to protect others and also allow us to turn the page to get everyone back on track to normalcy,” he said. As of Monday, a total of 50,066,590 COVID-19 vaccine doses have already been administered nationwide, based on the National Covid-19 Vaccination Dashboard uploaded on the official website of the Department of Health (DOH). The DOH data shows that 23,360,489

people have been fully vaccinated, while 26,706,101 others have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the June 23 to 26 survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations, around 45 percent of Filipinos are now willing to get inoculated against COVID-19. Only 24 percent are still uncertain about receiving the vaccine, while 21 percent do not want to get vaccinated. The survey also found that 10 percent of the respondents have already been vaccinated, with 7 percent receiving the first dose and 3 percent already completing the two doses. In another SWS survey, 91 percent of Filipino adults said they were worried that anyone in their immediate family would be infected with COVID-19. The SWS poll, conducted from September 12 to 16, saw the percentage of those worried about their loved ones getting COVID-19 increased by four points from the 87 percent who said they were so worried in June. Full story on manilastandard.net.

fully vaccinated by the end of September was missed by 56 states. However almost 90 percent of high-income countries hit the target. SAGE said it would review the issue of general booster doses on Nov. 11. Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director general Eric Domingo, meanwhile, said there is no need to administer COVID-19 booster shots right now as there is no waning effect in

the vaccines yet. Domingo, in a briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte early Tuesday, said the low number of breakthrough COVID-19 infections means there is still no need to administer booster shots among fully vaccinated individuals. Domingo said the FDA reported 516 breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated individuals nationwide, which represent only 0.0025 percent of the 20.3 million fully vaccinated in the country. “At the fifth month, if we see a lowering of the vaccine protection, there would be [more] breakthrough infections,” he said.

“But we have not seen it at this time.” Earlier, the Department of Health said there is no complete evidence yet on the need for boosters. Several COVID-19 vaccines have been given WHO approval for emergency use during the pandemic: PfizerBioNTech, Janssen, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac and AstraZeneca. They are all two-dose vaccines, except the Janssen jab. The WHO is also on the verge of deciding whether to give emergency use listing (EUL) to India’s Bharat Biotech jab. Full story on manilastandard.net.

candidates to substitute them. “The business of substitution is actually not a good practice,” Pichay, secretary-general of the Lakas-CMD, said. Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez echoed Pichay’s view as he proposed certain reforms he said would “put an end to the manipulation and mockery of the election process.”

“One reform I am proposing is an almost absolute ban on substitution of candidates by political parties. Another is the restoration of the old rule requiring incumbent officials to resign or to be deemed automatically resigned upon the filing of their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for other positions,” Rodriguez said. Meanwhile, an election lawyer weighed in on the issue of political par-

ties putting “placeholders,” or members filing candidacies with intention to be substituted, similar to the 2015 move of PDP-Laban when they suddenly fielded Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. According to Emil Marañon, an aspirant admitting he was merely a “placeholder” could be a ground for him to be considered as “nuisance.” Full story on manilastandard.net.

“Primates.” They won an Emmy for Outstanding Music Composition in the 42nd annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards. Santos, who was in tears during the virtual announcement held on Sept. 28, just gave Lukas a big hug and let the latter deliver an acceptance speech live from their recording studio. “We couldn’t be more humbled and honored to accept it. We’d like to thank the BBC Natural History unit for their stunning work. We’d like to thank our families as well as partners for their unconditional support,” Lukas said, while his scoring partner was containing her emotion and their friends and family were applauding in the background. In an interview with CNN Philippines, Santos shared that it took her three months to finish the scoring for the documentary series, which presents a detailed insight into the daily lives of primates in the wild. Full story on manilastandard.net.

a petition, according to Hosaka, is 10 days. Ong named as respondent Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Senator Richard Gordon, and the Senate sergeant-at-arms, retired Maj. Gen. Rene Samonte. Ong filed his petition through lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who earlier called the Blue Ribbon Committee a “kangaroo court.” In his petition, Ong asked the Court to declare as null and void for being unconstitutional the implementation of Section 18 of the Senate Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of

Legislation, adopted via Senate Resolution 5 on August 9, 2010, as amended by Senate Resolution No. 145, adopted by the Senate on February 6, 2016, insofar as it punishes as contempt the act of testifying falsely or evasively. The petitioner also sought to declare as unconstitutional Section 6, Article 6 of the Rules of the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigation also known as the Blue Ribbon Committee, adopted on August 14, 2019, insofar as it punishes as contempt the act of testifying falsely or evasively. Full story on manilastandard.net.

a story released in August. They will share a kiss in a comic to be published next month, the publisher said, describing Kent as “bisexual.” “Following a scene where Superman mentally and physically burns out from trying to save everyone that he can, Jay is there to care for the Man of Steel,” DC Comics said.

The storyline will feature in “Son of Kal-El” issue five, due to hit shelves on November 9, the publisher said in a press release headlined “Jon Kent finds his identity.” “Today, more people can see themselves in the most powerful superhero in comics,” said Tom Taylor, who writes the series. AFP

asleep so the story’s complete,” the President said. Duterte made the statement after deputy chief implementor of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Vince Dizon said COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is still present in far-flung areas. He said there needs to be an intensified information drive to let people know that vaccines reduce the chance of being infected with or getting a severe case of COVID-19 as proven by data coming from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For the last few days, the Philippines recorded lower COVID-19 cases despite the presence of the more transmissible Delta variant. In his regular public address, Duterte said: “If we continue to ramp up the vaccination of our people, along with our consistent practice of mask—not

WHO... From A1

20 storms and typhoons every year, which typically wipe out harvests, homes, and infrastructure in already impoverished areas. Because a warmer atmosphere holds more water, climate change increases the risk and intensity of flooding from extreme rainfall. Malacañang on Tuesday urged the public to take precautionary measures as Maring was expected to bring heavy rainfall over parts of Luzon. “We ask the public to continue to take precautionary measures, observe minimum public health standards, and cooperate with their respective local authorities in case of an evacuation,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a press statement. Roque said local government units (LGUs) are in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure immediate response operations in affected areas. Full story on manilastandard.net.

SC... From A1 SC Public Information Office chief Brian Keith Hosaka said the order was confirmed by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo following the magistrates’ regular en banc session. “The respondents in the petition filed by Linconn Ong were required by the Court to file their comment to the main petition and prayer for TRO (temporary restraining order),” Hosaka said. The usual period given to respondents in

Not... From A1 that the new Superman, who is the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, will have a romantic relationship with a male friend. Jon Kent and budding journalist Jay Nakamura struck up a friendship in

PH 113th in WHO case fatality rate list The Philippines ranks 113rd globally in terms of COVID-19 case fatality rate, according to the October 10 World Health Organization (WHO) rankings by countries, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Monday night. WHO has a total of 192 member states. Citing the WHO dashboard, Duque reported to President Rodrigo Duterte that the Philippines ranked fifth among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in terms of case fatality rate. Willie Casas

Pinay... From A1

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Court convicts 3 RAM men for death of Olalia By Rey E. Requejo

REGIONAL trial court in Antipolo City has convicted members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) and sentenced them to up to 40 years of imprisonment for the death of labor leader Rolando “Ka Lando” Olalia and unionist Leonor Alay-ay more than 30 years ago.

Antipolo RTC Branch 97 Presiding Judge Marie Claire Mabutas-Sorda found Fernando Casanova, Dennis Jabatan, and Desiderio Perez guilty for the deaths of Olalia and Alay-ay. They are only three out of 13 RAM members under detention for the crime. “The Court has carefully sifted through the volumes of records of these cases and is fully convinced that the prosecution was able to establish beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of the accused in these cases,” the 34-page decision read. “The prosecution through the witnesses it presented was able to show the participation of accused Desiderio Perez, Dennis Jabatan and Fernando

Casanova,” it added. Aside from the prison terms, Judge Mabutas-Sorda also directed the three to pay the heirs of Olalia the total of P1.2 million as civil, moral, exemplary, and temperate damages. For Alay-ay’s death, the court directed the accused to pay his heirs the amount of P900,000 as civil, moral, exemplary, and temperate damages. “All monetary awards shall earn interest at the legal rate of six percent per annum from the date of ﬁnality of this decision until fully paid,” the ruling read. Judge Mabutas-Sorda has also sent the cases to archives subject to reactivation considering that the other nine ac-

‘Act on commercial cases quickly’ By Julito G. Rada THE Supreme Court has “strongly reminded” the regional trial courts (RTCs) to act without delay in the rehabilitation, insolvency, and other related commercial cases pending before them This is in response to the appeal of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III for the resolution of such legal disputes within the period mandated under the law. Under Circular No. 105-2021 issued by the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), the high tribunal said judges of RTCs designated as special commercial courts should follow the time limit set in deciding commercial cases. Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez told judges in the circular that failure to decide cases and other matters “within the reglementary period constitutes gross inefficiency and warrants the imposition of administrative sanctions against the erring magistrate,” as stated in the SC ruling on Gallego vs. Doronila. As ex-officio chairman of the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines, Dominguez

informed the OCA about commercial cases that have remained pending for more than one year in the lower courts without any approved rehabilitation plans. This was even when the statutory maximum period to act on them, as mandated under Republic Act 10142 or the Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act of 2010, is one year from the filing of the petition. In response to Dominguez’s call, Marquez said in his circular: “All judges of the Special Commercial Courts and those handling commercial cases are hereby STRONGLY REMINDED (emphasis in original) that pursuant to Sec. 72 Republic Act 10142, courts ‘shall have a maximum period of one (1) year from the date of the filing of the petition to confirm a Rehabilitation Plan.’” Dominguez recently wrote to Marquez, urging the SC to “ensure that courts comply with their mandate” in resolving cases involving rehabilitation, insolvency, and liquidation proceedings, among other related commercial disputes.

cused remain at large. One of the accused, Col. Red Kapunan, is currently the Philippine Ambassador to Germany. He was cleared in 2016 after the court granted his demurrer to evidence. A demurrer to evidence is in effect a motion to dismiss anchored on the ground that the evidence presented is insufﬁcient. “Our victory today has only stiffened our resolve to never abandon our search for the remaining nine men involved in our father’s brutal killing,” lawyer Rolando Rico Olalia, son of Ka Lando, said in a statement. The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said that while the Antipolo Court’s decision gives relief, they still have the “tinge of frustration” as only three of the accused have been convicted. “On the one hand, others who are allegedly involved—based on the disturbing testimonial evidence of the prosecution—remain off the hook and are in our midst. Nine of those formally charged are still at large despite 35 years on the run,” NUPL lawyer Edre Olalia, a cousin of Ka Lando, said.

LANDMARK’S LAST DAYS. A worker sweeps the front of the National Planetarium at Rizal Park in Manila on Tuesday. The 46-year-old building will be decommissioned and demolished to give way to the development plans of the National Parks Development Committee, including a new Planetarium structure. In its heyday, it featured four daily regular shows and a permanent exhibit in the main building, featuring paintings of Philippine astronomical myths and beliefs and diorama representations of the solar system, major constellations and astronomists. Norman Cruz

More testing centers added for Bar exams THE Supreme Court on Tuesday announced that the number of testing centers for the 2020-21 online bar examinations rose to 29 after ﬁve more sites have been approved suitable for holding the licensure test for aspiring lawyers on January 16, 23, 30 and February 6. In a Bar Bulletin No. 29, the SC’s Ofﬁce of the 2020/21 Bar Chairperson said the additional testing centers are the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City with a maximum of 756 slots for examinees; UP in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, 436 slots; De La Salle University on Taft Avenue in Manila, 794 slots; Angeles University Foundation in Angeles City, 200 slots; and Liceo de Cagayan University in Cagayan de Oro City, 208 slots. More than 11,000 law graduates have applied for the 2020-2021 online bar examinations. The tremendous increase in the number of examinees was attributed to the postponement of the bar examinations in 2020 due to

COVID-19 and the holding of the tests simultaneously with the 2021 examinations which were originally set for November 2021. But the SC reset the examinations to early 2022 after considering the COVID-19 situation nationally and in all the testing site, as well as receiving advice from various experts. In 2019, a total of 7,685 law graduates took the bar examinations, 8,158 in 2018, and 6,748 in 2017. The 24 other testing centers with their maximum available slots, include: National Capital Region — Ateneo de Manila University Law School, Ateneo Professional Schools Building, 20 Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City (maximum 269 slots); Manila Adventist College, 1975 San Juan Street, Pasay City (maximum 450 slots); University of Makati, J.P. Rizal Extension, West Rembo, Makati City (maximum 1,000 slots); Far Eastern University, Nicanor Reyes, Sampaloc, Manila (maximum 600 slots); and University of Santo Tomas, España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila

(maximum 500 slots). Cordillera Administrative Region — St. Louis University School of Law, A. Bonifacio Street, Baguio City (maximum 1,035 slots). Region 1 (Ilocos Region) — St. Louis College, Carlatan, San Fernando City, La Union (maximum 1,280 slots). Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) — Cagayan State University College of Law, Carig Campus – Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (maximum 421 slots); St. Mary’s University College of Law, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (maximum 259 slots). Region 4A (CALABARZON) — De La Salle University – Lipa, 1962 Pres. J.P. Laurel National Highway, Lipa City, Batangas (maximum 1,125 slots). Region 4B (MIMAROPA) — City College of Calapan, Barangay Guinobatan, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro (maximum 200 slots). Region 5 (Bicol Region) — University of Nueva Caceres, J. Hernandez Avenue, Naga, Camarines Sur (maximum 1,000 slots). Rey E. Requejo

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021

DOTr rejects jeepney fare hike amid COVD-19

Former Tourism chief cleared of graft allegations FORMER Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo has expressed gratitude for the resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing all graft charges against her and six others related to P60 million worth of advertising payments placed by the Department of Tourism with government network PTV 4 for a program produced by her brother, Ben Tulfo. “This ruling clearly shows that the rule of law and justice is alive and well in this beautiful country,” said Teo in a statement. In a 21-page decision penned by Rosana Oliva, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III, and approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires last Sept. 30, the anti-graft court cleared Teo and the others in the graft cases for lack of evidence. “In the absence of proof that the findings of Commission on Audit (COA) in its Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) have gained finality, the filing of the instant case borders on prematurity amounting to lack of cause of action. Wherefore, the instant criminal complaint is dismissed for want of probable cause,” the decision said. Also cleared were Teo’s former executive assistant Arlene Mancao; Dino Antonio Apolonio, former general manager of PTV; Ramon Del Rosario, former PTV head of Airtime Management Group; Ma. Alma Francisco, administrative officer IV of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO); and broadcaster Bienvenido “Ben” Tulfo, an incorporator of Bitag Media Unlimited Inc. The case stemmed from the P60million ad placement deal entered into by the DOT with Ben Tulfo’s program “Kilos Pronto at PTV.” According to the COA, Teo may have violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic Act 3019 allegedly for conflict of interest, since the DOT advertisement was placed in the program hosted by her own brother. Rio N. Araja

Higher COA budget breezes through Senate By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE proposed P14.46 billion budget for 2022 of the Commission on Audit (COA)--which is 2.74 percent higher than its 2021 budget--breezed through the Senate yesterday. In just almost ten minutes, the Senate subcommittee gave its nod to the recommended COA budget. This is the fastest hearing on budget presentation this year. In his budget presentation, COA chairperson Michael Aguinaldo said the additional budget is for COA’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and Capital Outlay to bankroll the construction of additional para provincial satellite auditing offices (PSAOs) As of June 30, 2021, Aguinaldo said 54 PSAOs had been built in the Cordillera Administrative Region and ARMM. He related that 14 PSAOs are still under construction. “The bulk of these, or about 47, were constructed in the past six years and it could have been more if not for the pandemic and the quarantine it caused,” he said. No senators questioned the COA budget, prompting Senate Finance committee chairperson Sen. Sonny Angara to immediately endorse the COA budget for plenary deliberations.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

‘NO’ TO OIL PRICE HIKE. Members of Anakpawis stage a demonstration before a gasoline station at Philcoa along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to protest against a recent oil price hike. Manny Palmero

Higher oil prices seen trending until yearend T By Alena Mae S. Flores

HE Department of Energy (DOE) warned Tuesday the high oil prices will likely continue until the end of the year amid tight global supply and higher demand.

The DOE has already monitored an uptick in world oil prices from Monday to Tuesday equivalent to about P1.50 per liter though the weekly price impact to consumers may still change. “We expect the supply shortage to last until the end of the year and there is a possibility of easing out of supply in the first quarter of 2022,” Rino Abad, director of the Oil Industry Manage-

ment Bureau said during the Laging Handa briefing. Abad said they have coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on the possibility of granting cash assistance to the transport sector due to the high oil prices. Abad said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has directed the bureau to study the grant of cash assistance “If there is no fare hike or the fare hike is insufficient.” The LTFRB is currently evaluating the pending P3 fare hike petition of transport group Pasang Masda. He said the cash assistance will be discussed with the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management for the allocation of any available funds but they have to wait for the LTFRB fare hike decision.

Abad also urged consumers to take advantage of the discounts of up to P4 per liter to shield them from the price hikes. As this developed, DOE is working continuously to respond to the restoration of energy services and assessing damages to areas that have been affected by Tropical Storm Maring. “The DOE and rest of the Energy family remains on top of the situation, especially in providing the immediate energy needs in the affected areas,” Cusi said. The DOE said there are sufficient levels of supply and reserves as of 6:00 AM Tuesday with the Luzon grid operating in normal condition. The agency said diesel power plants (DPPs) in Cagayan such as Balatubat and Minabel have shut down since Monday due to bad weather conditions.

GROUNDBREAKING.

Manila mayor candidate Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna (inset) and Manila vice mayor candidate and current congressman Yul Servo lead the groundbreaking ceremony of a multipurpose hall and basketball court for the youth at the corner of Jaboneros St. Binondo this Tuesday. Norman Cruz

Nobel Peace Prize meant to focus on a ‘free press’

DILG: Over P35m worth of drugs confiscated from Oct. 3 to 9 By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) confiscated more than P35 million worth of marijuana and shabu in drug operations conducted from October 3 to 9. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said methamphetamine and marijuana amounting to P35,666,243 were confis-

cated in different drug hauls carried out by anti-drug agencies. During that period, 710 anti-illegal drugs operations were conducted resulting in the arrest of 1,025 drug offenders. Fourteen of those surrendered, while a suspect died during an operation, according to Año. Año also reported that the government’s fight against illegal drugs has been institutionalized through the campaign

by local government units particularly with the creation of provincial, city, and municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Councils. A 2016 government campaign to rehabilitate drugs addicts has also gained momentum, Año said. In 2017, 149,000 drug users availed themselves the community-based drug rehabilitation program through the existing Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRCs).

Gov’t boosts campaign vs. agri smuggling By Joel E. Zurbano

CORRECTIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK. San Juan City Mayor Francis M Zamora talks to an inmate through an intercom of the new Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Visitation Area at the San Juan City Jail in San Juan City, during the kickoff of this year’s National Correctional Consciousness Week. Manny Palmero

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday said it is not inclined to approve any jeepney fare hike amid the impact of COVID-19 to commuters. “As of today, ayaw ko ng dagdag pamasahe. Ang tatamaan diyan ay yung nakakarami (As of today, I do not want any fare hikes. Many will be affected )” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a virtual briefing. “It has been my position and continues to be my position. Humanap tayo ng pamamaraan sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga jeepney drivers and operators. Huwag tayong tumutok sa tinatawag na increasing of fare (Let’s look for other ways and work with jeepney drivers and operators. Let’s not focus on fare hikes),” Tugade added. Pasang Masda and other transport groups earlier announced that they will file a petition for a P3 percent increase in jeepney fare due to high oil prices. At present, the minimum fare stood at P9. According to the Department of Energy, the year-to-date adjustments stand at a total net increase of P16.55 per liter for gasoline, P15 per liter for diesel, and P12.74 per liter for kerosene. To help the jeepney drivers and operators, the DOTr is implementing the service contracting program, which allows participating PUV drivers to receive an onboarding incentive and a per kilometer fee to ferry medical frontliners, authorized persons outside of residences (APORs), and essential employees. For those joining the Free Ride initiative under the Service Contracting Program, the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) increased the payouts from P46.80 to P82.50 per kilometer for buses, and P52.50 for jeepneys. PUV drivers also stand to receive an additional P7,000 if they log-in via the LTFRB’s Driver mobile application for five days a week. DOTr also entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help drivers and operators that were affected by the Public Vehicle Modernization Program. Under the “enTSUPERneur,” the government will give financial assistance to PUV drivers and operators an opportunity to start their own business.

THE government has intensified its border security measures against agricultural smuggling following reports that illegally imported vegetables are being sold openly in public markets. In the recent meeting with the Department of Agriculture, Customs officials agreed to allow personnel of the department to have access to the X-ray scanning areas of the bureau to ensure full transparency in the conduct of inspection of agricultural products. The Customs bureau will also allow the agency to get all relevant information to validate shipments suspected of agricultural smuggling. The said information includes the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) and the Inward Foreign Man-

ifest, among others. Also, an agreement towards a strengthened anti-smuggling coordination was established where derogatory information and intelligence information may be quickly shared and acted upon by each agency. Last week, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service operatives assigned at Manila North Harbor seized P50 million worth of onions and other illegally imported items during a raid in Meycauayan, Bulacan. Raided was the warehouse owned by Elite Globus Primeholdings Corp. located at Bahay Pare Road, Sitio 4 in Barangay Bahay Pare. Aside from 2,000 sacks of imported red onions, boxes of frozen seafood and health and beauty products were also discovered at the establishment.

THE Nobel Peace Prize awarded to two journalists-- Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia—is meant to highlight the need to protect a free and independent press. Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee also said in an interview that “what we’d like to do with this prize is show that freedom of expression is not a daily exercise that we should take for granted, but is of vital importance for wellfunctioning societies,” Reiss-Andersen, in the interview, said “If nobody stands up and gives information, you let the oppressor win. Silence is the supporter of totalitarian regimes.” She added that Muratov and Ressa “speak up, they document, they publish what is going on. That is why they have been awarded the peace prize and that is their achievement.” Ressa, co-founder and CEO of digital news site Rappler meanwhile said that the cyberlibel filed against her was a “government’s case.” Ressa made the statement after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque congratulated her on her Nobel Prize win. She said the praise from the government “came with a hit” Reports quoted Ressa as saying that “hand in hand with that [praise] was this reminder, which is a lie... that the cyberlibel complaint is filed by an individual and what the the government repeatedly refuses to say is that it takes a government to actually, file a criminal case. Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, meanwhile has filed a Senate Resolution No. 927 urging the Senate to recognize Maria Ressa’s Nobel Peace Prize as mandated by Senate Resolution No. 110.

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021

Criteria for presidential/VP bets

ANYONE, even certified or card-carrying crackpots, can run for the two highest elective positions in this country, provided he/she fulfills the basic requirements enumerated in the 1987 Constitution: Natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding such election. That list of qualifications has been criticized as grossly inadequate. There’s the proposal to include “college graduate” to replace the mere literacy requirement. Or “of sound physical and mental health” as the top leaders need to be hale and hearty to meet the hectic demands of their positions. Or even “capable of conducting a nationwide campaign.”

Here’s a yardstick we can all use. But the Constitution obviously listed only the minimum requirements, which would cast a wide net according to democratic principles and not unfairly limit the choices to a few. The 1Sambayan recently endorsed the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo. It said it considered six criteria in choosing Robredo: Integrity, competence, track record, patriotism, vision for our country, and winnability. Let’s tackle them one by one. Integrity. As we understand it, integrity simply means honesty. First of all, those who offer themselves as candidates for the presidency must not have been involved in any controversy involving moral turpitude, such as stealing from the public coffers. Neither should they have been involved in serious crimes such as murder and human rights violations, nor widely known as habitual liars. Competence or the capability to lead, to govern, to manage the complex affairs of state. This covers a lot of ground, from the political to the economic to the social dimensions of national life. This also includes some familiarity with the Constitution and the laws of the land, although this does not necessarily mean being a lawyer, as the president must make decisions in conformity with existing laws as well as moral and ethical standards in Philippine society. The Chief Executive, as the architect of our foreign policy, must be able to command the respect of other nations in negotiations, whether related to political, economic or trade issues. Track record or performance includes experience in governance and policy-making, whether in public office or in the corporate world. The candidate must uphold transparency and accountability in public office. Here, the

presidential candidate must demonstrate statesmanship, or defense of the national interest or the public welfare at all times. If we go by what’s been said about politicians and statesmen, the politician thinks of the next election, the statesman thinks of the next generation. Patriotism or love of country. The Chief Executive must be the first to take pride in our history and heritage as a nation while acknowledging that as a nation and as a people, we have our own limitations. The candidate must pledge to put the national interest first in dealing with other countries. He/she must also instill respect for Filipinos values, customs and traditions without closing the door to foreign influences that can enhance our own practice of democracy, contribute to economic advancement, and enrich our cultural and social life as a nation characterized by diversity. Vision for the country must be reflected not just in a catchy slogan, such as “Fight Corruption!” Or “End Poverty!” but in a comprehensive platform that fleshes out what reforms in politics, economics and society are needed, not just in the six years of the presidential term but even beyond that, or could be followed through or continued by succeeding administrations. The winnability factor is a complex one. It could take the form of consistently high marks in popularity surveys, wide exposure in main mainstream and social media, high awareness of the candidate by Filipinos across geographical ar areas and social classes, and personal charisma. It’s a subjective standard although it can be verified by statistical analysis. A candidate may be winnable at certain points in time, but turn out to be a dud at a later period. Survey firms warn that popularity surveys are mere snapshots of public opinion “if elections were held today” and should not be construed as valid tomorrow or a month after. We add another criterion to this list: Genuine commitment to democracy. All those who run for public office in this country must clearly say they stand for democracy. But most of them pay only lip service to democracy; the tendency is to make policy decisions without consulting their constituents, or rule with an iron hand. They should be booted out of office in the next election. Are we saying that those running for president must possess all or most of these qualities? That’s the ideal. But we know that no one is perfect, and human frailties may be set aside for as long as the candidate meets the yardsticks of integrity and competence. We can probably even consider those hiding skeletons in the closet if they are sincerely contrite and vow to change their ways. At the end of the day, we shouldn’t elect to the highest elective position someone with none of the above qualities at all, and simply wants power for its own sake. We should have learned our lessons by now. In succeeding columns, we will try to assess the qualities of the presidential and vice-presidential bets according to the above criteria and rate them according to a grading system from 1-10 to guide voters on election day. ernhil@yahoo.com

Why the United States dominates the Nobels By Issam Ahmed NO FEWER than eight of this year’s 13 Nobel winners were American citizens, extending a historic trend tied to the strength of US academia and its ability to attract top world talent. American universities consistently dominate “Global top 100” rankings, with a mix of private “Ivy Leagues” with lavish endowments and prestigious state colleges. Since the first Nobels were awarded in 1901, the US has racked up 400 medals, followed by the United Kingdom with 138 and Germany with 111 — these figures include people affiliated with multiple countries. “I’m really appreciative of the opportunities that have been given to me in this country,” Ardem Patapoutian, co-winner of the 2021 Nobel Medicine prize for his work on the nerve receptors related to touch, said of the United States at a press conference after his win. The Armenian-American, who grew up in Lebanon, credited his success to the publicfunded University of California system, where he received his bachelors and did his post-doc, as well as the Scripps Research Institute where he has been based for two decades. The University of California is also home to his co-winner David Julius, of UC San Francisco. In all, UC staff and faculty have won 70 Nobels — one shy of the total won by France, the fourth-leading country. Basic research This year’s Physics Prize co-winner Syukuro Manabe, who left Japan in the 1950s and did his groundbreaking work on climate models at Princeton in New Jersey, told reporters that in America, he was able to go where his curiosity led him, which was key to his success. Chemistry co-winner David MacMillan relocated to the United States from Scotland in

the 1990s, and is also a professor at Princeton — where Filipino-American Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa earned her bachelors in 1986. Monday’s Economics Prize was shared by Canadian-American David Card, IsraeliAmerican Joshua Angrist -- both at Princeton -— and Dutch-American Guido Imbens, who is at Stanford.

Since the first Nobels were awarded in 1901, the US has racked up 400 medals. Funding for basic research, which is defined as study for the aim of improving scientific theories or understanding of subjects, is at the heart of America’s wins, David Baltimore, cowinner of the 1975 Nobel Prize in medicine, told AFP. This is a “trailing indicator” because, compared to applied research, the dividends can pay out years or decades later, often in unpredictable ways. “It’s also the strength of our research institutes and universities that goes back to the founding of Harvard so many centuries ago, and their continued support with no breaks,” added Baltimore, now president emeritus and distinguished professor of biology at Caltech. American emphasis on basic research traces back to the aftermath of World War II and the creation of the National Science Foundation in 1950, which continues to coordinate federal funding to universities today. Philanthropy and private endowments also play an ever-growing role in financing. While China is catching up to the US in terms of total research funding ($496 billion

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Seriously

CANDIDATE who knows his or her incapability to lead, or is fully aware of the lack of experience for the job, and yet who runs anyway despite all advice to the contrary is not the worst candidate of all. That person at the very least would have the virtue of persistence — which in most cases have caused great feats.

The caller, Energy Secretary and PDP Laban bigwig Alfonso Cusi, told Dela Rosa that the party could not find anybody else who could continue the legacy of President Rodrigo Duterte except him. “The fight against drugs, corruption, insurgency — all of those you can continue. So come here [to Sofitel] to file your COC,” Dela Rosa quoted Cusi in Filipino.

The distinction of being the worst kind of candidate would instead go to the candidates who know of their own inadequacy, are indifferent about whether they should run, and do other people’s bidding as if they had no mind of their own. We saw this on full display on Friday afternoon, a few minutes before the closing of the filing of the certificates of candidacy for the 2022 elections. A senator said he received a phone call at 3pm telling him to go to the Sofitel where the certificates were being filed. To his credit, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa had the mind to ask his caller why.

Weeks ago, the party endorsed Senator Bong Go for president and President Duterte for vice president. Go, however, filed for vice president while Duterte said he was retiring from politics. “I was surprised. Who wouldn’t be? That’s the presidency,” Dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa also said he felt worried — not because of the daunting demands of the job he was told to apply for, but because he might not have enough time to be at the hotel for the 5pm deadline. His worry was unfounded, though — he made it at 4:30. Filipinos have a lot more to worry about with this kind of thinking by

Filipinos have a lot more to worry about.

the dominant party. Fielding someone as clueless as the former chief of the Philippine National Police betrays their desperation to have someone — anyone — fill a spot. The move also hints at a sinister plot to substitute somebody else — perhaps there is a lot of convincing and fleshing out of details going on — for Dela Rosa. After all, substitutions are allowed until November 15, and they have seen how it has worked to the incumbent’s best advantage during the last polls. We should seriously be worried that a sitting senator of the land, whose job it is to craft good laws and who is earning his keep from the taxes we pay, would allow himself to be made a puppet. Mr. Dela Rosa has regaled us before with bombastic statements and even tears, but this latest stint as clueless candidate — or willing placeholder — takes the cake. We should also worry that our officials have been less than forthcoming about their plans and feel entitled to keep us guessing about their next moves. This is not a season for mind games. Why can’t they make their intentions known at the outset so we can spend less time speculating and more time thinking about whether they are worthy to be considered in the first place?

BBM vs. Isko

A WEEK after the filing of certificates of candidacy for the biggest electoral tussle every six years, the battle lines for the May 9, 2022 presidential elections have been drawn. There are six principal protagonists for president—Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., 64; Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, 43; Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, 46; the world’s best boxer Manny Pacquiao, 42; Vice President Leni Robredo, 56; and Senator Panfilo Lacson, 73. There are two things these six would-be presidents agree on. The worst pandemic of the century must be put under control. The economy must be rescued from its worst slump in 100 years. Solving the pandemic looks like a nobrainer. Jab vaccines onto the forearms of more people. Assuming an adult population of 65 million, that’s 55 million Filipinos to get a herd immunity of 85 percent. By the first quarter of next year, it is expected more than 55 million will be inoculated. The nagging problem then is the economy. None of the six candidates have a concrete action plan to end the recession. It is because no president before Rodrigo Duterte has faced such a deep economic slump. Duterte’s solution has been to borrow money and pour that money into the problem. So you have ayuda by the hundreds of billions, a good part of which has been stolen or pocketed by bureaucrats and their private cohorts. He also ordered wholesale purchases of face masks, face shields and versus $569 billion adjusted for purchasing power parity in 2017), it has challenges linked to academic freedom and ability to attract top talent, said H.N. Cheng, president of the American Chemical Society. Rewarding youth and migrants Just as rich countries with strong sports infrastructure dominate international competitions like the Olympics, being the world’s number one economy makes the United States a scientific powerhouse. “A scientist for example will find more job opportunities not only in academia, but also industry, government labs and other opportunities,” Cheng told AFP. Marc Kastner, an emeritus professor of physics at MIT, added that US universities have a long history of rewarding bright young researchers with their own labs. “In places like Europe and in Japan, there would be big groups led by a very senior professor and it wasn’t until that person retired that a younger person stepped in, and by that

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

PPEs (personal protective equipment). Some of his good friends from Davao suddenly saw an opportunity to make big bucks short term and have let greed take over their usually sociable characters. Actually, had Duterte not declared the world’s longest and severest lockdown, he would not have had such a bad economic situation. Half of the 63 million registered voters are jobless and therefore, angry— angry that their jobs have been sacrificed at the altar of pandemic mismanagement.

Expect then the 30 million jobless voters not to vote for anyone Duterte endorses for president. The damage to the economy is deep. The scars will last long, if not forever. NEDA estimates the lost economic output at P41.4 trillion, equivalent to more than two years of GDP. It would take ten years to recover that money, if ever, per NEDA estimates. Expect then the 30 million jobless voters not to vote for anyone Duterte endorses for president. That creates an opening for the anti-Duterte or anybody- but-a-Duterte, candidates. Like Isko Moreno, Pacquiao, Leni and Ping. But millions more voters are so stupid, thanks to our decrepit educational system that produces the most ignorant graduates in the world, they think Duterte is god and is the only one who can fill the emptiness of their pockets. That gives candidates like Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte a better than even chance at winning the presidency. In fact, per surveys, Bongbong and Sara are the leaders, with each of them time they don’t necessarily have their best ideas anymore,” he said. For example, Harvard neurobiologist Catherine Dulac, who won the 2021 Breakthrough Prize for her work on parental instinct, decided against returning to France in her twenties for this very reason, as well as gender bias, she told AFP last year. Looking ahead, some worry that falling immigration could challenge US preeminence. “The US has built a phenomenal culture of welcoming,” Stefano Bertuzzi, who migrated from Italy and is today CEO of the American Society for Microbiology, told AFP. Lately, however, he and Kastner have been worried by rising trends of xenophobia and nationalism, which are making the United States less of a choice destination. This is particularly true for Chinese students, who came under the scanner during the administration of former president Donald Trump over espionage concerns. AFP

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expected to win 20 to 21 percent of voters, if the election were held today. That’s a formidable 40 percent chunk of voters, especially if they join forces. With six candidates and all things being equal, each aspirant should get at least 16 to 17 percent of the total votes at the starting gate. So far, five of the six have that base. Bongbong has about 21 percent, Sara 20 percent, Isko 18 percent, Pacquiao 15 percent and Leni 14 percent. Ping Lacson has to do a lot of legwork to reach double digits in his poll ratings. Some of the candidates though are blessed with favorable factors. About 27 percent of voters or at least 13.5 million (assuming a 50-million turnout) speak Ilocano—the pure Ilocano, Igorot, Pangasinense, and Ifugao. Bongbong Marcos should get the loyalty of at least 80 percent of the 13.5 million Solid North votes or 10.8 million votes. As a solid tribal bloc, the Cebuanos are the most numerous. One of every four voters speaks Cebuano. That is 12.5 million voters on election day. The two Cebuano-speaking candidates, Sara and Pacquiao could split the vote evenly, at six million each, thus neutralizing the regional vote impact of Cebu and Mindanao. Also a factor in the young Marcos’s favor—43 percent of voters (21.5 million) are aged 25 to 44. These are people born when the late President Marcos was in his final years or had left the presidency. They have little or no memory of his supposed evil deeds like the alleged plunder and human rights violations. I suspect that being a Marcos is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. Aside from Bongbong’s leadership qualities, his being a Marcos is often cited as one reason voters want him. Of course, the young ones—the 18-to 24-year-olds — are mad at Marcos, the dictator and strongman, thanks to strong anti-Marcos propaganda in universities and media. But they are only 14 percent of voters, or 7 million. This is also the same constituency Leni is trying to tap. The Tagalog candidates like Isko and Ping can count on the support of 12.5 million Tagalog-speaking voters in Metro Manila and the balance of Luzon. NCR and the Balance of Luzon account for 60 percent of total votes. Assuming a 50-million turnout, that’s 30 million votes, including the 13.5 million who are Ilocano-speaking, leaving about 16.5 million who are probably pure Tagalog. These people though have no particular regional loyalty. But if asked to choose, they should have Isko as their top of mind choice. This early thus, the real battle is between Bongbong and Isko. So far, Marcos has the edge. Of course, miracles do happen in elections. So Pacquiao, Leni and Ping could still spring a surprise.

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Republic of the Philippines Fifth Judicial Region

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT TODAY Branch 8, Legazpi City FAMILY COURT ORDER SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

This Court commands the petitioner, Vance Sergio R. Reyes, to publish with dispatch at his expense this Order one a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the Philippines as well as in a local newspaper having general circulation in the Province of Albay, also once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks. TITLE OF THE CASE: VANCE SERGIO, R. REYES, Petitioner, versus GINLY EPIFANIO REYES, Respondent DOCKET NUMBER: Civil Case No. FC-20-261, Regional Trial Court, Fifth Judicial Region, Branch 8, Legazpi City. NATURE OF THE PETITION: The Petition seeks to declare the marriage between petitioner and respondent celebrated on August 10, 2013 at St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Legazpi City as VOID AB INITIO due to the respondent’s Narcissistic Personality Disorder with underlying Anti-Social and Histrionic Traits. PRINCIPAL GROUNDS OR THE MATERIAL ALLEGATIONS IN THE PETITION: “6. Petitioner and Respondent first met in the year 2005 in Legazpi City, Albay when Petitioner, then sixteen years old, was a fourth year high school student in St. Raphael Academy. Respondent, then almost twenty-three years old, was Petitioner’s English teacher in the said school. 7. Petitioner became infatuated with Respondent because of her physical appearance and figure. Respondent was also quite popular among the male students in Petitioner’s batch because she was willing to be in a relationship with her students although they were minors. However, Petitioner did not court Respondent because she was his teacher. Also, Respondent was then in a romantic relationship with one of Petitioner’s friends who was also his classmate. Aside from Petitioner’s friend, Respondent also had romantic relationships with several students in their school who were all minors. 8. Respondent was close to her male students and she even went with Petitioner and his group of friends who were all male to an outing in Sto. Domingo, Albay. When the administrators of the school who were nuns heard about this, she was summoned to the office and given a warning. After Petitioner graduated, Respondent continued to go out with her male students until she got fired from her job. 9. X x x x x 10. Sometime in 2008, when Petitioner was on a study break in Legazpi City, Albay, Petitioner saw Respondent again. She went to their house with his high school friends as it was the town fiesta. Later on, she went on a night out with him and his high school friends. Again, she was the only female in their group. 11. Petitioner’s romantic feelings for Respondent resurfaced because of their meeting. He asked for her mobile number from one of his high school friends and they became text mates. They became sweethearts shortly thereafter. That time, he was only nineteen years old while she was already twenty-six years old. 12. In 2009, Petitioner graduated from college and went on his first trip as an apprentice seafarer in a commercial ship. He went on succeeding trips in 2010 and 2011. During these years, the relationship between Petitioner and Respondent was on and off. 13. During their on-and-off relationship, Petitioner and Respondent quarreled most of the time because Respondent was immature and Petitioner did not approve of Respondent’s outgoing lifestyle. Respondent dresses inappropriately, likes to go out late to party, and keeps undesirable company consisting mostly of young men, some of whom were high school classmates of Petitioner. Petitioner asked Respondent to behave properly, as her age and status as a teacher demands, but Respondent refused to listen to him. 14. Through all of these, Petitioner tried to understand Respondent. He thought that she was used to having her way because she is her mother’s favorite child and she was used to being treated like a princess, just like her mother treated her. And so, he apologized to her for their fights even though it was not his fault. She never said sorry and wanted him to adjust to her all the time. He tried his best to keep their relationship because he was very much in love with her. 15. News also reached Petitioner that Respondent was cheating on him with two of his high school batchmates while he was away working. Respondent denied this accusation and Petitioner believed her but when they were already married, Respondent eventually admitted to Petitioner that his two high school batchmates indeed became her boyfriend. 16. Sometime in 2011, Petitioner proposed marriage to Respondent. She rejected him but she took the engagement ring which he offered her and she did not return it. He learned later on that she pawned the engagement ring. 17. After Respondent rejected Petitioner, he moved on and had a girlfriend who was his high school classmate and also a former student of Respondent. 18. Sometime in 2012, Respondent sent Petitioner a handwritten letter where she professed that she still loved him and asked him to come back to her. She knew that he was already in a relationship with her former student but this did not deter her from communicating with him and expressing her love for him. 19. Aside from sending Petitioner a love letter, Respondent also went to his house for a visit. She brought fried rice and told Petitioner that she cooked it for him. Petitioner knew that Respondent does not cook so he was flattered by Respondent’s efforts and attention to him. In a short time, his feelings for her came back again. 20. Respondent also went to the school where Petitioner’s then girlfriend, also Respondent’s former student, was working as a teacher and told the latter to break up with Petitioner because Petitioner loves her (Respondent). Petitioner’s then girlfriend was very much embarrassed because Respondent created a scene, and she told Petitioner about what happened. 21. Petitioner felt sorry for his girlfriend but he loved Respondent very much so he chose her. He left his girlfriend and reconciled with Respondent. Thereafter, Petitioner went on another trip and returned towards the end of the year 2012. 22. When Petitioner returned, his mother asked him why he did not tell her that he and Respondent were already getting married. Petitioner was surprised because he did not propose again to Respondent. He learned from his mother that Respondent told her that they were already engaged. Their relatives and friends also started congratulating him. Petitioner was shocked but he did not tell them that it was untrue because he did not want Respondent to be embarrassed. 23. Petitioner asked Respondent why she told his mother, relatives, and friends, that they were already engaged. Respondent answered that it was because he proposed to her in 2011, and she accepted his proposal. She also said that she already wanted to get married because she was already thirty years old. 24. While Petitioner proposed in 2011, he had a change of heart and he did not want to get married yet because he realized that he was still very young and his career has just started. He told Respondent this but she threatened to break up with him if he does not marry her. She cried so hard and she even threatened to commit suicide. He took her threats seriously because he knew that she had suicidal tendencies. He did not want to lose her again so he agreed to marry her. He redeemed the engagement ring which she admitted to have pawned to her aunt and he stood by her announcement that they were already engaged. 25. Petitioner went on another trip in early 2013. Because he was abroad working, his mother took charge of their wedding preparations. Petitioner and his parents shouldered all the wedding expenses. Respondent did not give any monetary contribution or participated in the wedding preparations. However, she made extravagant demands on Petitioner and his parents. For instance, she demanded that their wedding reception be held in an expensive hotel. She also demanded that a leading fashion designer create her wedding gown, as well as the gowns of her two sisters who acted as her maids of honor. 26. Petitioner gave in to all of Respondent’s demands although it depleted his savings because he loved Respondent and he felt that it was his duty as the man in the relationship. Moreover, it was the first time in the history of Respondent’s immediate family that a family member was getting married. Respondent was raised by a single mother and she has two younger sisters who have different fathers. Growing up, her life was hard and their quality of life only improved when her mother became the mistress of a married man. Her two sisters both have two children each, but both are likewise unmarried. Thus, Petitioner thought that it was their only chance to experience a proper wedding so he indulged them and gave in to all their demands, however expensive they were. However, he was disappointed with Respondent’s lack of participation and extravagance. 27. Petitioner and Respondent were married on 10 August 2013 in St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Legazpi City, Albay. Attached herewith as Annex “D” is a copy of their “Certificate of Marriage”. 28. Shortly after their wedding, Petitioner left for another trip. Respondent was left to the care of Petitioner’s parents and was employed as a teacher in the school owned by the latter, Reyes Computer Oriented School (RCOS). 29. Before their marriage, Respondent was jobless because she got fired again from her job in another school. When Petitioner asked her why she was fired, she told him that it was because she had a fight with the school owner’s daughter who was a minor. Later on, after they separated, he learned that she was fired because she got involved with the boyfriend of the said school owner’s daughter who was also a minor. 30. Respondent was assigned to teach English to high school students in RCOS. However, the school principal, Petitioner’s uncle, noticed that Respondent was unusually close and touchy with her male high school students. Respondent was also always tardy and when her attention was called, she was angry and disrespectful. Lastly, Respondent had a quarrel with another teacher in the school over a male high school student in whom they were both romantically interested. Petitioner’s parents were outraged by Respondent’s behavior but they did not want any scandal so they did not fire her. Also, they did not want to give Petitioner who was working abroad any cause for worry so they kept the matter to themselves. 31. Respondent eventually resigned from her teaching position in RCOS because of the strained relations between her and the school principal as well as her co-teacher. She was again jobless. She asked Petitioner for money because according to her, she wanted to open a parlor just like her mother. That time, Petitioner had little money left because his savings were depleted by the extravagant wedding demanded by Respondent. However, Petitioner was happy that Respondent was showing initiative so he willingly gave her all the money he had left and supported her business venture. 32. Respondent opened a parlor but it was closed down after a few months only because of her mismanagement. She was always absent from the parlor although she always told Petitioner’s parents that she goes there. 33. Respondent also hired a young man, ostensibly as her marketing assistant, in the parlor. Petitioner found out later on that she brought the said young male marketing assistant with her on a trip to Manila. When he confronted her about this, she told him that her young male marketing assistant accompanied her up to Naga City only, and that from there, she went to Manila alone to buy some equipment for the parlor. It turned out, however, that she was with her young male marketing assistant all the way to Manila and then back to Legazpi City, and they spent the night together in a motel. 34. Naturally, Respondent’s out of town trip with her male young marketing assistant and her spending a night with him in a motel caused a rift between her and Petitioner. He resented her repetitive lying and her infidelity. However, he chose to forgive her and give their young marriage another chance because he hoped that she will still change. 35. Respondent’s parlor was closed down and its physical space was taken over by her mother who also owns a parlor nearby. To Petitioner’s dismay, Respondent did not return or even volunteer to return the monetary equivalent of the equipment taken over by her mother, as well as the rent for the parlor which he paid for in advance. But again, he chose to overlook these things and started anew with her. 36. Petitioner went on another trip at the end of 2013. He did not want to leave yet because he wanted to spend time with Respondent as they were newly-married. He also wanted to study so he could be promoted in his job. But she told him to go because they needed money so he took the job offered to him by their company. 37. Petitioner returned in 2014. Initially, Petitioner’s reunion with Respondent was joyful but Respondent started to demand a house from Petitioner. Petitioner had no more savings because he spent his money on their wedding, and then on her failed business venture, and also on her heavy shopping when he came home. However, to please her, he promised her that he will build her a house. To help Petitioner, his parents allowed him to build a house on a portion of the lot they owned. Respondent was also employed by his parents as a cashier in RCOS so she can have her own income and save money. 38. Respondent then asked Petitioner if he could enroll her in graduate school for a master’s degree. He agreed because she persuaded him that it was for her professional development. However, she never obtained a master’s degree and even incurred a grade of “Incomplete” in one of her subjects, despite the fact that she was always out on weekends, allegedly to attend her classes. 39. Petitioner left for another trip in early 2015 and returned towards the end of the year. Upon his return, Respondent again brought up the issue of their house. She insisted that he have the title to the portion of his parent’s lot (where they will build their house) transferred to their name. He told his parents about her demand and his parents said it cannot be done because the entire lot is a collateral to a loan they still owe. He relayed this response to her and she got angry so they quarreled. 40. Petitioner and Respondent also quarreled because Petitioner found out that their joint bank account was almost closed. When he asked her about it, she admitted that she withdrew from the said account beyond the maintaining balance, which was why the account was almost closed. He wondered why she had to deplete their joint account when he was regularly sending her money and she was also earning as an employee in his parent’s school. She was also staying at his parent’s house, free of charge. 41. Later on, Respondent admitted to Petitioner that she used the money to contribute to the business venture of her mother, a restaurant, which eventually closed down also. Respondent had no savings of her own to contribute because she was always shopping and spending money on trivial things like clothes, bags, and shoes. 42. Petitioner then noticed that Respondent was no longer wearing their engagement ring. He asked her where the ring was and Respondent said she lost the ring when it slipped from her finger as she was washing the dishes. He learned later that it was lost because she pawned it again and failed to redeem it. He was hurt because it seemed to him that she did not show any importance to their engagement ring and she even lied about its loss. It was also the second time that she pawned their engagement ring. The first time happened before they were even married. But because he loved her, he bought her a new engagement ring of her own choosing after she demanded one. 43. Petitioner also noticed that when the restaurant of Respondent’s mother was still open, Respondent was always out. She always comes home late and, sometimes, she does not come home at all. When he asked her where she always goes, she said she is helping in her mother’s restaurant, even until the wee hours of the morning. He requested her to just leave the management of the restaurant to her mother and their staff but she refused and even resented him. 44. At around the same time, Petitioner’s high school classmate told him to tell his wife, Respondent, to stop flirting with his younger brother who was already in a relationship. Petitioner’s high school classmate was also one of Respondent’s former boyfriends. They quarreled and Respondent stayed at her sister’s house. 45. A few days after their separation, Petitioner and Respondent reconciled. Then they quarreled again because he found out the reason why their joint account was almost closed, that she used their savings to fund her mother’s restaurant without his knowledge and consent. He discovered it because she slipped while they were talking about her mother’s newly-opened restaurant. She mentioned that she shouldered some expenses in its opening and when asked by Petitioner, she admitted that she got the money from their joint account. In the past, she denied that she used the money for her mother’s restaurant. 46. Petitioner got angry at Respondent because he caught her lying again. He called her a liar and they quarreled. She threw a hysterical fit. She started crying aloud and she hit herself. She punched her mouth until it bled. She also slapped her face several times. She cried so loud that Petitioner’s father was alarmed and entered their bedroom. 47. Petitioner’s father saw Respondent’s mouth bleeding and she continued to cry aloud. She told Petitioner’s father that he (Petitioner) hit her. Petitioner’s father readily believed her and got angry at him (Petitioner). In his rage, he punched him (Petitioner) because he thought that he (Petitioner) hit her. 48. Petitioner explained that he did not hit Respondent but she continued to accuse him. He grew afraid of her because of her great capacity to lie and to inflict harm on herself. It was not the first time that she harmed herself physically. In one instance, she banged her head on the wall and also slapped her face repeatedly because they quarreled. She also attempted to slash her wrist in front of him. 49. Respondent calmed down after Petitioner’s father took her side. Petitioner locked himself up in another room, away from her, for fear that she would hurt herself again and then blame him. 50. Respondent claimed to Petitioner’s father that she was afraid of Petitioner because he hit her, but she spent the day maligning and humiliating Petitioner. She went around the school of Petitioner’s parents and told the people she knew there that Petitioner hit her. Then she went home to her mother and also told her the same story. 51. Respondent was at her mother’s house for almost a week but Petitioner did not want to fetch her. He was afraid of her and he did not want to reconcile with her anymore. However, Petitioner’s parents convinced him to fetch her and ask for her forgiveness. He told them that he did not hit her but they did not believe him. Petitioner’s father brought him to the house of Respondent’s mother to fetch her (Respondent). 52. Respondent went with Petitioner and his parents so Petitioner had no choice but to reconcile with her. But from then on, he was afraid whenever he was alone with her. He had difficulty sleeping beside her because she might accuse him again of hitting her. He already wanted to break up with her because her behavior was not normal and he has had enough but he thought of his parents. They are conservative and he thought that they will certainly be disappointed if his marriage fails. He was also too young to have a failed marr 53. Petitioner left for another trip in 2016. While working abroad, he thought of breaking up with Respondent for good because he was afraid of her and her abnormal behavior. However, he changed his mind because he loved her and he was afraid that she might kill herself, given her suicidal tendencies. 54. Petitioner returned in early 2017. He wanted to have a child since the start of their marriage but Respondent was unable to conceive. Thus, he persuaded her to go to a fertility doctor in Naga City for a consultation. They have already been trying to have a child for a long time and even subjected themselves to an examination by a doctor in Legazpi City sometime in 2014. The results of the examination showed that both of them were healthy and she was capable of conceiving a child, but she was unable to bear any. 55. At first, Respondent agreed to go to Naga City with Petitioner to secure an appointment with the doctor. However, when it was time for them to return, she made so may excuses to postpone their visit. On the day when they were scheduled to go to Naga City again, she told him that she was sick with flu. He decided to just reschedule their visit and even took care of her. The next day, however, she was up and about and even went jogging early in the morning. And to his bewilderment, she said she was already feeling well when he asked her how she was. He felt that she only pretended to be sick to avoid their doctor’s appointment as she did not really want to them to have a child but he kept it to himself. When he reminded her about the doctor’s appointment, she made additional excuses until he just stopped asking her and they never returned to the doctor. 56. In the days that followed, Petitioner started to notice that Respondent was always up early in the morning. She, in her jogging attire, usually left their house at past five in the morning, when he was still asleep, and returned at past seven or sometimes at eight. At first, he did not mind it although he felt that she was neglecting him and he was sad that he always woke up and ate breakfast alone. To spend time with her, her asked her if he could accompany her in her morning routine but she refused saying she would rather go alone and leave him to rest.

57. At around the same time, Petitioner and Respondent quarreled because she did not want him to borrow her cellular phone. One day, he asked her if he can borrow her cellular phone because his own cellular phone ran out of battery and he had to check something urgent for his work. She refused. He got angry at what he perceived to be an unjustified refusal to a reasonable demand. 58. Petitioner was further irritated because Respondent was always on her cellular phone talking to someone instead of minding him. When he asked her who she always talks to, she said it was just one of her sisters or her niece but he was not thoroughly convinced because she usually excused herself and left the room, even transferring to their house’s annex, whenever she talked to someone on her cellular phone. Despite all of these, he chose to make peace with her because his stay with her was limited and he will soon be going abroad to work. 59. Sometime in April 2017, Respondent came home late again. When he asked her where she came from, she said she came from her mother’s house. He got angry at her because she was always outside, going out early and coming home late, when they should be spending time together as he has just returned from his trip and will soon leave again. She resented him but they eventually reconciled again. 60. A few weeks later, on 06 May 2017, Respondent again left their house and told Petitioner that she will meet with her thesis adviser as she was planning to resume her graduate studies. When it was time for dinner, he texted her and asked her to go home already because it was getting late. She said she was on her way home. Hours passed and she was still not yet home. He started to worry, especially because she was no longer responding to his text messages and was cancelling his calls. He contacted her family and asked them if they know where she was but none of them knew. After waiting for a few more hours, he went to her mother’s house so he could seek their help in looking for her. Instead of helping him, however, her mother became hysterical and told him that if something bad happens to her daughter, he and his parents are accountable. He just went home and spent the night waiting for her but she never came home. 61. The next day, on 07 May 2017, Petitioner and his parents went to the house of Respondent’s mother to talk to the latter. They told her that Respondent did not come home. At first, Respondent’s mother denied knowing where she was. However, when Petitioner’s father told her that they will be filing a police report so police authorities can start looking for her, Respondent’s mother suddenly said that Respondent went to her house at midnight and left at four in the morning to go to Petitioner’s house. 62. Respondent never came home to Petitioner again. That afternoon, he went to Manila for a scheduled training and he did not hear from her until a few days after. He asked her why she did not go home. Instead of answering him, she got angry at him and said her whereabouts are none of his business, that she could do as she pleases, and that she could go wherever she wants. Upon further inquiry, however, she said she was really on her way home on 06 May 2017 when she was waylaid by her friends and they convinced her to attend a class reunion which they did. 63. The day after Respondent did not come home to Petitioner, Petitioner learned from his brother that Respondent has been cheating on him with a young man, a college student, who was also a student at St. Raphael Academy. Petitioner’s brother sent him photos of her and the young man. 64. Respondent posted the photographs on her Instagram account sometime in March 2017. Petitioner does not have an Instagram account. Curiously, she did not post the photographs on her Facebook account where she is friends with Petitioner and his family. Attached herewith as Annexes “E” and series are copies of the said photographs. The young man in the photographs with Respondent is named Kimber Azupardo, twenty-three years old, and a resident of Bonot, Legazpi City, Albay. He lives near the restaurant formerly operated by Respondent’s mother. Petitioner also recognized the young man because the latter was a former classmate of his cousin in St. Raphael Academy, and was also a former student of Respondent. 65. After seeing the photograph of Respondent in jogging attire with the young man, Petitioner asked his niece who lives in their house and whose room was downstairs. Petitioner’s niece was usually the first one to wake up in the morning because she makes their breakfast. She told him that every morning, at around past five, Respondent was up before her and she would find Respondent talking to someone on her cellular phone. At one time, she heard Respondent tell the caller to pick her up so that they can have a joy ride. Respondent told the caller that she will pay for the gas of the vehicle. The voice of the caller was that of a man, but when Petitioner’s mother walked down towards them, Respondent acted as if she was talking to her niece and quickly said goodbye to the caller. 66. Petitioner then talked to their house helper. He learned from her that some time ago, she caught Petitioner taking pills in the morning. She told Respondent that she should not do it because she will not get pregnant. 67. Petitioner also learned that Respondent often complained to her co-employees in RCOS that she is not sexually satisfied with him, and that she finds his sexual organ small. He was gravely hurt because she was disclosing intimate details about their sexual life to other people. He felt that she no longer respected him and does not care about his reputation at all. 68. Petitioner confronted Respondent by text message about what he discovered and asked her to explain who the young man in the photographs is. He received a text message from her number and the sender denied knowing the young man in the photographs. The sender also asked who Petitioner was. The sender claimed that he was a poor man, that a woman had just sold him the SIM card that he was using, and that he does not know who the woman is. Petitioner was baffled because the day before he received the said text message, Respondent had just sent him a string of text messages using the same number. He also wondered who in these days would buy a used SIM card from a stranger and still use it. 69. A few days after, Petitioner received another string of messages from Respondent’s number. This time, the sender claimed that he is the uncle of Respondent, and that he learned about what happened to them from one of their relations. The sender told Petitioner, among other things, that he must not listen to what other people are saying about Respondent, that she is a very kind person, and that she is naturally close to her students because she is a teacher. 70. Petitioner was perplexed why Respondent’s uncle, who does not even know how to use a cellular phone and who was not close to Respondent, would text him about such personal matters. He also noted that the sender who claimed to be Respondent’s uncle constructed text messages very much like Respondent did. He was convinced that the sender was in fact Respondent herself who was using lies again just to talk to him. 71. It was not the first time that Respondent acted strangely. As stated above, she hurt herself physically just to make it appear to Petitioner’s parents and her mother and sisters that he was hurting her. 72. Respondent also likes being the center of attention and is fiercely jealous of any perceived competition. One time, she told him that she is jealous of the attention that he is giving her own mother. At another time, she told him that he should love only her and he cannot love the child that they may have more than he loves her. He was shocked because she was jealous of even her own mother, and of their own child should they have any. 73. Respondent was also jealous of Petitioner’s family. During a meal, when he talked to his family more than her, she became quiet and aloof. Later on, when they were alone in their room, she picked a fight with him. She told him that he loves his family more than her and that he enjoys their company more than hers. 74. On 31 May 2017, Petitioner saw Respondent inside the car of Kimber Azupardo while he was driving along Rizal Street near Divine Word College of Legazpi, where Kimber Azupardo was then studying. Petitioner was hurt and distressed but he chose not to confront them anymore. 75. Sometime in 2018, Petitioner saw Respondent again with Kimber Azupardo near Embarcadero de Legazpi. Again, Petitioner chose not to confront them anymore because it was clear to him that Respondent had already chosen another man over him. 76. Respondent has abandoned Petitioner for three years already. Petitioner submits that his marriage to her is void ab initio due to her psychological incapacity. 77. On 14 January 2019, Petitioner was examined by Susan Sabado, a clinical psychologist, for the purpose of determining whether he and Respondent suffer from psychological incapacity. Attached herewith as Annex “F” is the “Psychological Evaluation Report for the Declaration of Nullity of Marriage Due to Psychological Incapacity” which she prepared after the examination. Also attached herewith as Annex “F-1” is the letter of invitation sent by the said clinical psychologist to Respondent. 78. In the above-stated report, the said clinical psychologist made the following findings: “XI. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF THE RESPONDENT: On the other hand, GINLY (Respondent) with her exposure to a hard-up life being raised solely by her mother due to the untimely death of her father has developed a deep-seated need for care, security and nurturance in her life. Moreover, she developed a faulty value system due to the permissive and tolerant mode of upbringing wherein discipline was not effectively instilled by her mother. She was allowed to do or pursue whatever she pleased or whatever would provide her with contentment, comfort and satisfaction. As such, this has eventually led her to be too demanding when it comes to requiring other people to be attentive to her needs at all times. Subsequently, she always craves to be the center of others’ attention. In the long run, this makes her vulnerable in falling in love or establishing close attachments with others from whom she demands attention, support and understanding. Otherwise, she would feel highly insecure and dissatisfied. Thus, she finds younger men appealing as she could easily make them submissive to her. And since she fears rejection, she is thereby predisposed to become overly insecure and jealous. Her coping mechanism though is by of way of being controlling to people around her thus, her tendency to be exaggerated in her manner of expressing her sentiments. She also becomes vindictive since she readily seeks support from others including the opposite sex thus, causing irreparable damage within her marital relationship. More often than not, she desires to have someone who would serve as her “ally” through thick and thin so that when this happens, she becomes willing to forego her own convictions just to become contented and happy in her life. Within her marriage, her weak-willed disposition in assuming her own roles had led to the collapse of her union with her spouse. This had therefore incapacitated her when it comes to complying adequately with her sexual duties and responsibilities as she becomes very focused on her needs that she has become insensitive and cruel to her spouse. Hence, she failed to sustain her own commitment to her marriage and family life since she also decided to seek comfort in the arms of other men. Therefore, she is deemed to be suffering from NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER with underlying Anti Social and Histrionic Traits as manifested by the following behavioral indications: • Has grandiose sense of self-importance and believes she is special (ex. She expects her spouse to treat her with reverence so that she could pursue whatever she needs or wishes, such as pressuring him into early marriage and him solely spending extravagantly for their wedding. She always wanted affirmation of his love and loyalty to her. Thus, she do as she pleases, was self-centered and thinks only of herself, and did not care if her actions were hurting other people, especially her husband. She wanted all of his attention to be focused on her, and resented him when he showed attention to other people, even to her own mother and her would-be child with him). • Shows demanding and arrogant behavior (ex. She had demanded everything from her spouse in terms of monetary support/resources, which she just squandered on her pleasure-oriented activities with her circle of friends and paramours. Ex. This demanding behavior of her was evident even before marriage as she insisted on him proposing to get back to her if she has still feelings for her even if he was then in a relationship with another woman, then later on insisting to propose and marry her even if he was still not ready). • She seeks another relationship as a source of care and support (ex. She was not able to effectively assume her roles/obligations as a wife to her husband and has also engaged in extra marital affairs with younger men while her spouse was working onboard a ship for their family’s upkeep). • She lacks empathy and is unwilling to recognize or identify the feelings and needs of others (ex. She shows lack of consideration and cruelty whenever she betray her husband’s trust either with money matters or indiscretions as well as whenever she neglected her spouse in favor of her pleasure-driven lifestyle such as when she suddenly abandoned him). • Renders disposition as she pleases without consideration to the feelings of her spouse and children (ex. She had squandered their family’s financial resources without thinking about its impact on her own family’s future and well-being; ex. She made decisions and actions that had extremely created a detriment to her marriage such as when she engaged in illicit affairs and later abandoned her spouse). • She has high degree of attention-seeking behavior and prefers an extravagant way of life (ex. She always wants to be the center of others’ attention so that and is also materialistic). • She manifests colorful, dramatic and extroverted behavior (ex. She is always head-on with her plans to the extent of being too adventurous and liberated with her activities and lifestyle). • Impulsivity and failure to plan ahead (ex. She committed actions without introspection such as asking him to propose and marry her, then later in their marital life, she squandered her husband’s financial resources on her needs and wishes as well as supported the needs of her biological family). • Deceitfulness and manipulative behavior (ex. She is a pathological liar who repetitively deceived her spouse just to get extra money from him; which she just spent on her extravagant lifestyle. ex. She made promises to her husband that she will go with him to a doctor for them to conceive a child but made several excuses and even feigned illness just so she will not get pregnant and have another competitor for affection. Ex. She claimed to have lost her engagement ring twice making her husband replaced it, which was later found out to have been pawned by her for her own use). • Absence of remorse for her misdeeds (ex. She never felt guilty and had never apologized for her demands and pleasure-driven lifestyle as well as illicit affairs with other men).

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

WB: ‘Comprehensive’ debt relief needed W ASHINGTON—Debt loads in low-income countries surged 12 percent to a record $860 billion in 2020 amid the pandemic, prompting World Bank President David Malpass to call Monday for a “comprehensive plan” to deal with the issue. “Sustainable debt levels are vital for economic recovery and poverty reduction,” he said. Efforts to combat COVID-19 exacerbated already-rising debt levels, and addressing the problem will require relief from lenders, Malpass said. The situation is urgent since the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) launched by G20 nations early last year, which allows countries to defer debt payments while battling Covid-19, expires at the end of 2021. The DSSI “wasn’t broad enough, but suspended some debt,” Malpass told reporters, warning that given the

challenge debt represents to poor nations, it may need to be extended. “I think there should be consideration by the world of what to do after January 1. And a suspension is something that could be considered,” he said. The World Bank and IMF are holding their fall meetings this week in Washington, which will see some officials attend in person for the first time since 2019,

NAVY SALUTE. Chief of US Naval Operations Admiral Michael M. Gilday (left) and India Navy Chief Karambir Singh inspects the guard of honor prior to a meeting in New Delhi on October 12. AFP

UN chief hits ‘broken’ Taliban vows to women, girls UNITED NATIONS—UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday slammed the Taliban’s “broken” promises to Afghan women and girls and urged the world to donate more money to Afghanistan to head off its economic collapse. The comments came on the heels of the first face-to-face talks between the United States and the Taliban since the Islamists took control of the country, at which the issue of women’s rights was raised, according to the State Department.

“I am particularly alarmed to see promises made to Afghan women and girls by the Taliban being broken,” Guterres told reporters. “I strongly appeal to the Taliban to keep their promises to women and girls and fulfill their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law.” Guterres said the United Nations “will not give up” on the issue and said the body discusses it daily with the Taliban, who have been in power since mid-August but whose legiti-

CAUSE OF ACTION 79. Under Article 68 of the Family Code, “the husband and the wife are obliged to live together, observe mutual love, respect, and fidelity, and render mutual help and support” (Emphasis supplied). 80. In the seven years of their marriage, Petitioner experienced first-hand how incapable Respondent is of fulfilling the above-mentioned obligations. First, Respondent abandoned Petitioner to be with another man. 81. Second, Respondent, through her actions, has shown consistently that she does not love and respect her husband, Petitioner. She does as she pleases, is self-centered and thinks only of herself, and does not care if her actions are hurting other people, especially Petitioner, her husband. She is unfaithful but she wants all of Petitioner’s attention to be focused on her, and resents him when he shows attention to other people, even to her own mother and her would-be child with Petitioner. 82. Third, Respondent is incapable of rendering mutual help and support to Petitioner. Throughout their marriage, it was Petitioner alone who bore the financial burden inherent in their relationship. While Petitioner is hard-working and frugal, Respondent is irresponsible and is a spendthrift. She cannot hold a job for a long time and even the business that she ventured into with the help of Petitioner was a failure. She is unable to finish her graduate studies. She also cannot manage her finances and is always cash-strapped, even if Petitioner regularly sends her financial support. She lives extravagantly and does not know how to save her and Petitioner’s earnings. Petitioner is practically alone in building their family. 83. Most importantly, Respondent has shown an unwillingness to procreate and bear children. Although she is physically capable, she was unable to bear a child with Petitioner because she is unwilling to. She has continually made excuses, even feigned sickness, to avoid their doctor’s appointment, and she was caught red-handed taking pills to avoid getting pregnant. 84. In any event, Respondent has shown that she is psychologically incapable of being a mother and not just unwilling to become one. Under Article 209 of the Family Code, “parental authority and responsibility shall include caring for and rearing them (unemancipated children) for civic consciousness and efficiency and the development of their moral, physical, mental, and physical character and well-being”. 85. Countless of times, Respondent has shown that she is incapable of being a good role model to her would-be child with Petitioner. She is self-centered, wasteful, and extravagant. She is also unfaithful and is a pathological liar. And she has a proclivity to engage in sexual relations with younger males, most of whom are minors. A person with such qualities and proclivity is hardly someone a child can look up to while growing up. 86. Under Article 36 of the Family Code, “a marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if such incapacity becomes manifest only after its solemnization”. 87. Petitioner submits that Respondent is one such psychologically incapacitated person who cannot comply with the essential obligations of marriage as stated above and thus prays that his marriage with Respondent be declared void ab initio. 88. X x x x x PRINCIPAL RELIEFS PRAYED FOR: To declare the marriage between Petitioner and Respondent VOID AB INITIO under Article 36 of the Family Code; terminate the absolute community property between Petitioner and Respondent by reason of the nullity of their marriage; order the Local Civil Registrar of Legazpi City, Albay, the Civil Registrar General, and the Philippine Statistic Authority to cancel from their respective registries the “Certificate of Marriage” of Petitioner and Respondent dated 10 August 2013 in Legazpi City, Albay; and issue other reliefs which are just and equitable under the premises. This Court commands the respondent, GINLY EPIFANIO REYES to answer the allegations above within a period of thirty (30) days, such period counted from the date of the last publication of this Order. Should the respondent fail to file in Court her Answer, the Petitioner will take judgment as the evidence will warrant. Send copy of this Order upon the respondent, GINLY EPIFANIO REYES,, at her last known address appearing on record at Central City Subdivision, Legazpi City, Albay. SO ORDERED. Hall of Justice, Rawis, Legazpi City, 15 February 2021.

(MS-OCT. 13 & 20, 2021)

RITCHIE R. REGALA Judge

macy as a government is still not internationally recognized. “Broken promises lead to broken dreams for the women and girls of Afghanistan,” Guterres said, noting that three million girls have enrolled in school since 2001, and the average amount of education for girls has increased from six years to 10. “Eighty percent of Afghanistan’s economy is informal, with a preponderant role of women. Without them, there is no way the Afghan economy and society will recover,” the UN chief warned. AFP

IN BRIEF Thailand reopens to jabbed tourists

XII. REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The disorder of GINLY (Respondent) is considered permanent and incurable in nature, as it is deeply rooted to her childhood years as encouraged and nurtured by the faulty type of upbringing she was exposed to. And since said disorder is present even before the celebration of their marriage due to its developmental nature, it is considered to have juridical antecedence. Therefore, said disorder is already ingrained in her personality make-up and mode of adjustment towards the environment she interacts with. In fact, she already considered it as part of her being and is therefore “ego syntonic” which means that she sees nothing wrong with her attitudes and behavioral manifestations. Hence, no known interventions could heal a person suffering from the above mentioned disorder. In a similar manner, such incapacity is grave enough to have caused the total breakdown of her marriage, as it prevented her from showing good adjustment towards the demands and requirements of marriage. It is likewise evident that their union from the beginning was not founded on love, trust, support, fidelity and respect and meant not to last because of the existing psychological incapacity of GINLY (Respondent). It is therefore recommended by the undersigned Psychologist to this Honorable Court, that the marriage of VANCE SERGIO R. REYES (Petitioner) and GINLY EPIFANIO-REYES (Respondent), be nullified.”

though others will participate virtually. New World Bank data shows the deterioration in debt indicators was widespread and impacted countries in all regions, across all low- and middle-income countries. “Many developing countries entered 2020 in a vulnerable position, with public external debt already at elevated levels,” the report said, and then governments provided unprecedented resources to try to contain the virus and the economic fallout. The World Bank and IMF likewise ramped up support, especially for the most vulnerable countries. However, some poor countries saw debt loads increase by as much as 20 percent, and for most, economic growth and income as well as exports did not increase. Addressing reporters, Malpass said the pandemic has caused “tragic reversals” in development f o r poor countries nationwide. AFP

RETURN SMOKE. A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot to return

a tear gas canister toward Israeli security forces during clashes following a demonstration against settlements in the village of Beita in the occupied West Bank, on Tuesday. AFP

Brazil’s Bolsonaro accused of ‘crimes against humanity’ over forests at ICC PARIS—Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was accused Tuesday of “crimes against humanity” at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in the destruction of the Amazon, the first case seeking to explicitly link deforestation to loss of life. Planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from burning and industrial-scale agriculture in the Amazon are higher than the total annual emissions of Italy or Spain. Deforestation in the region already releases more CO2 than the rest of the Amazon can absorb. Austrian environmental justice campaigners Allrise filed the official complaint at The Hague-based court Tuesday morning. They asked for legal proceedings against Bolsonaro and his administration for actions “directly connected to the negative impacts of climate change around the world”. The complaint accuses the Brazilian leader of waging a widespread campaign resulting in the murder of environmental defenders and of endangering the global population through emissions caused by deforestation. It harnesses the growing field of climate attribution science, which allows researchers to prove a link between extreme weather events, on the one hand, and global heating and environmental degradation, on the other. The team behind it said that Bolsonaro’s administration had sought to “systematically remove, neuter, and eviscerate laws, agencies and individuals that serve to protect the Amazon”. It said that Bolsonaro was responsible for approximately 4,000 square kilometres (400,000 hectares) of lost rainforest each year, and that he had presided over monthly deforestation rates that had accelerated by up to 88 percent since taking office on January 1, 2019. AFP

BANGKOK—Thailand plans to fully re-open to vaccinated tourists from countries deemed low risk from November 1, the country’s leader said Monday, citing the urgent need to save the kingdom’s ailing economy. Before the pandemic, Thailand attracted nearly 40 million visitors a year drawn to its picturesque beaches and robust nightlife, with tourism making up almost 20 percent of its national income. But Covid-related travel restrictions have left the economy battered, contributing to its worst performance in more than 20 years. Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced Monday the country will be reopening its borders to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from “low risk countries”. The 10 nations considered low risk include Britain, the United States, China, Germany, and Singapore. “When they arrive, they should present a (negative) Covid test... and test once again upon arrival,” the prime minister said in a televised address. After getting a negative test, “they can travel freely like Thais,” he said. AFP

Sydney ends 106 days of lockdown

SYDNEY—Elated Sydneysiders celebrated the end of almost four months of coronavirus lockdown on Monday, putting behind them a period of “blood, sweat and no beers” in Australia’s largest city. Sydney’s more than five million residents were subjected to a 106-day lockdown, designed to limit the march of the highly transmissible Delta variant. With new infections now falling—New South Wales state recorded 496 cases on Monday—and more than 70 percent of over-16s fully vaccinated, the city is dusting off the cobwebs. From midnight pubs, restaurants and cafes began throwing open their doors to anyone who could prove they were vaccinated. They included 32-year-old Garth Diemer and his team of high-spirited construction workers who were making the most of a rainy day. “We knew the pubs were going to be open about 10 am ‘cause it’s Freedom Day, so I thought I’d take the blokes down for a couple of schooners,” he told AFP. “I’ll tell you what, mate, it is bloody beautiful just to have a beer right in the middle of the heart of Sydney, at the Circular Quay and have a beer with your mates. I’m over this lockdown.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News Northern Luzon Isko supporters mobilize for ‘Maring’ victims SUPPORTERS of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in Northern Luzon have mobilized their volunteer organizations to extend help to their provincemates affected by Typhoon Maring. The ISKO Northern Alliance (INA), a member of the National Alliance for Isko (NAISKO) and Ikaw Muna Pilipinas (IMP), have initiated relief operations in several areas in the calamity-hit Ilocos, Cagayan and Cordillera regions. Leaders of the volunteer groups have coordinated with the ofﬁce of the Manila mayor for the provision of goods and other needed assistance in the typhoon-affected areas. Other organizations supporting Domagoso’s presidential bid from the National Capital Region and other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have responded to the call for help and support for their Ilocano brothers and sisters. Torrential rains and strong winds whipped Monday through Benguet and other northern Luzon areas due to ‘Maring.’ According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, at least 11 persons died while seven remain missing during the onslaught of the severe tropical storm. At least 45 flooding and 14 landslide incidents were also reported.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Lakas open to Sara as substitute A TOP official of the Lakas-CMD said the political party is open to having Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as its substitute standard bearer should she change her mind and decide to run for president in the 2022 synchronized elections. But Lakas-CMD secretary-general and Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay insisted the candidates fielded by the party for the top two highest positions are not placeholders. “We cannot call them that since they are qualified to run,” he said, referring to Anna Velasco and Lyle Uy, presidential and vice presidential bets, respectively, of Lakas. In June, Lakas-CMD renewed its alliance with Duterte-Carpio’s regional party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, and

vowed to support her should she seek the presidency. “She can always join Lakas. She can always be sworn in as a member of Lakas then substitute. But the decision is with her,” Pichay said. Duterte-Carpio has repeatedly turned down appeals from her supporters for her to run for president. She filed her certificate of candidacy for a third and final term as Davao City mayor. A faction of the PDP-Laban, led by its standard bearer Sen. Ronald

dela Rosa, also said it is open to having the presidential daughter as its substitute bet. Dela Rosa said he was more than willing to withdraw his COC should Duterte-Carpio decide to gun for the presidency under the PDP-Laban. The Davao City mayor, however, has already rejected this scenario. “Mayor Sara has no intention of becoming a member of PDP or of being its standard-bearer now or in the near future,” said Duterte-Carpio’s spokesperson, Liloan Cebu Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco. Meanwhile, the possibility that Duterte-Carpio will join next year’s presidential race remains, according to a report by Fitch Solutions, a unit of Fitch Group.

“We believe there remains a strong prospect of Sara Duterte still running for president. The absence of Sara Duterte from the vice and presidential candidate lists was somewhat surprising given her strong showing in opinion polling through 2021 and Rodrigo’s potential need for an ally, given the threat from an International Criminal Court probe into his ‘war on drugs,” the report said. “However, there remains a loophole in which Sara could still run, substituting for another candidate before the November 15 deadline, as Rodrigo did six years earlier. Sara has insisted that she intends to run for Davao city mayor, but the potential for her to mount a late bid for the presidency remains,” it said. Julito Rada

Manila

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Kiko willing to be replaced if it will boost Return of NIA under Agriculture Leni’s chances dep’t to benefit farmers—Marcos

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REPAIR. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. shows the extent

of the damage at the Nagtahan flyover due to recent earthquakes. Trucks will be prohibited from plying the flyover until April next year. Abalos says the southbound lane of the bridge will also be closed from March to April 2022 for retrofitting. Danny Pata

VICE presidential candidate Francis Pangilinan said he is willing to withdraw his candidacy to give way to a stronger running mate who can help boost the chances of Vice President Leni Robredo in next year’s presidential race. In an interview with ANC, Pangilinan said he will consider being replaced if one of the presidential contenders decides to slide down to run in tandem with Robredo. “If that will secure the chances of Vice President Leni in terms of her getting the votes of the candidate who will slide down, if it will improve her chances at winning, then we are open to that,” Pangilinan said. “But if sliding down will hurt our chances more than help it, of course, we will not allow her chances to be undermined,” he added. Meanwhile, Pangilinan said candidates in the upcoming elections should focus on COVID-19 instead of being preoccupied with political colors. “Our problem is not colors. Our problem is COVID. Unless we contain COVID and manage it with interventions, everything else will remain stagnant,” he said in response to queries on Robredo’s decision to use the pink color instead of the Liberal party’s trademark yellow. “For me, talks about colors should be stopped. Let us talk about problems related to COVID and their solutions,” he added. According to a second quarter SWS survey, some 4.2 million Filipinos experienced hunger in May 2021. Recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority also showed unemployment ballooned to almost 3.9 million in August—nearly a million more than the July record of 3.07 million. Macon RamosAraneta

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday sought the transfer of National Irrigation Administration under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, saying the move will help Filipino farmers improve their agricultural productivity. Marcos, who filed his certificate of candidacy for president in next year’s elections under the banner of the revitalized Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, stressed the DA, being the primary agency handling the agriculture sector, has all the pertinent data, programs, equipment, and experts. Marcos said both agencies would be able to fulfill their mandates and deliver better services to Filipino farmers if their program strategies and targets are aligned. “The DA and NIA have a common objective of ensuring food security in our country and transferring the NIA to the DA could enhance food production nationwide. Their integrated programs and interventions would develop the agriculture sector which is key to our economic development,” Marcos said. NIA is mandated to provide efficient, effective, and sustainable irrigation services aimed at helping Filipino farmers increase their yields

and thus contribute to the country’s inclusive economic growth. Studies show that proper irrigation is a major driver of productivity in farms with more than 60 percent of rice ﬁelds depending on irrigation more than rainwater. “Since there was irrigation in our country, our farmers have not only been able to harvest more than once a year, but they can plant even if it is not the rainy season. So we really have to develop our irrigation system in the country,” Marcos said. The NIA is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) that was under the Ofﬁce of the President (OP) when it was created in 1963. It was transferred to the Department of Public Works, Transportation, and Communication in 1972, and was attached to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and DA in 1987. In 1992, the NIA returned to the OP but was transferred again to the DA. In 2014, NIA was later on moved to the OP by Executive Order No. 165. In April, Agriculture Secretary William Dar requested the transfer which he said would support better integration and enhance coordination to maximize available resources to improve the productivity of Philippine agriculture.

VISAYAS: Aklan : NabasIbajay; Cebu: Toledo City, Balamban, Barili, Carcar, Cebu City, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Danao, Liloan, Mandaue, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, LapuLapu, Dumanjug, Talisay, Moalboal, Bogo City, San Remigio, Sogod, Alcantara, Santander, Ginatilan, Daanbantayan; Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City, Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia, Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia), Bago City; Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton; Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay MINDANAO:Agusan Del Norte: City of Butuan; Agusan del Sur: Rosario, San Francisco, Trento, Bayugan, Santa Josefa; Compostela Valley:Monkayo; Davao del Norte: Santo Tomas, Braulio E. Dujali, Panabo, Tagum, Carmen, Island City of Samal; Davao del Sur: Santa Cruz, Bansalan, Davao City, Digos, Hagonoy; Davao de Oro:Montevista, Compostela, Nabunturan, Maco; Cotabato: Kidapawan, Makilala; South Cotabato: General Santos City, Polomolok; Bukidnon: Malaybalay, City of Valencia, Quezon, Don Carlos, Manolo Fortich, Baungon, Libona, Impasug-ong, Maramag; Lanao Del Norte: Linamon, Baloi, City of Iligan; Misamis Oriental: Balingasag, Cagayan de Oro, Claveria, Talisayan, Manticao, Sugbongcogon, Medina, Kinoguitan, Binuangan, Balingoan, Naawan, Villanueva, City of El Salvador, Jasaan, Opol, Tagoloan, City of Gingoog, Lugait; Gitagum, Laguindingan, Libertad, Initao; Saranggani: Alabel

Lacson warns ironclad discipline awaits future Cabinet members By Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENTIAL candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson warned that tight discipline awaits future Cabinet members under a LacsonSotto leadership. Lacson, who has been in public service for more than 40 years, is running in tandem with fellow veteran lawmaker, Senate President Vicente Sotto III. He said a different brand of discipline awaits Cabinet officials, especially those who will try to engage in corrupt or anomalous transactions. “If we become President and Vice President of this country, Filipinos may yet witness the spectacle of a Cabinet memberturned-rogue being arrested for extortion. It’s about time we make an example of higher-ranking officials. We cannot fire the

small fry just to let the big ﬁsh continue to extort,” said Lacson. “This is the kind of discipline that the Lacson-Sotto leadership intends to instill in government ofﬁcials,” added Lacson, who was a former chief of the Philippine National Police. He also vowed to push for the digitalization and interoperability of systems in government agencies to minimize corruption. He said that while agencies like the Bureau of Customs are computerized, their systems are not yet automated such that human intervention and red tape are still possible. “If you just change the personnel, they will be lost in their new assignments. Worse, if they get bitten by the corruption bug, the problem starts all over again,” he said.

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Sports

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021

JAZZ BLUDGEON PELICANS. Jordan

Clarkson of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during a preseason game at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Clarkson scored 17 points and helped the Jazz rout the Pelicans, 127-96. AFP

Tang still coach of St. Benilde THE College of Saint Benilde Blazers will still have Ty Tang as the head coach of their men’s basketball team. School officials have not looked for a replacement for Tang even after he and his family left the country on June 18 to migrate to Canada. For now, Tang is on leave while there has been no physical and face-to-face sports activities allowed in the last two years of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Tang said he will be back with the Blazers once green light is given for the team to go into physical training and workouts. “It may happen. Depends when it will start,” said the 37-year-old Tang in a message to the Manila Standard. School officials said they are keen on letting Tang stay on to handle the squad whenever the league is finally allowed to have team practices. “Si coach Ty Tang pa rin ang coach ng Benilde. Nakaleave of absence lang siya,” said Dax Castellano, sports director of CSB and incoming management committee head for Season 97. In Tang’s last two years with the team, the Blazers managed to finish fifth and almost made it to the Final Four -- toting a 10-8 record in Season 94 and a 9-9 slate the following year, before Season 96 was called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. For now, the Blazers still have a core of players led by Justin Gutang, Will Gozum, and Migs Oczon. Peter Atencio

Beermen seek 3-2 lead; TNT Giga eye equalizer By Peter Atencio

ORCING a 2-all deadlock in their best-of-seven semifinal series was a big step for San Miguel Beer.

Taking a 3-2 lead in Game 5 will now be the next challenge for the Beermen when they clash with the TNT Tropang Giga at 6 p.m. today in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. Meanwhile, the Magnolia Hotshots shoot for a berth in the finals when they clash with the Meralco Bolts at 3 p.m. The Hotshots have a 3-1 lead after an 81-69 beating of Meralco in Game 4 last Sunday. SMB coach Leo Austria said the team knows that they need to work hard to avoid getting into difficult situations

again in the semis. “Winning the game was a big step for them (Beermen). From start to finish, they played hard defense,” said Austria after they came away with a 116-90 demolition of TNT last Sunday. In Game 4, the Beermen strived to play good basketball the entire time and limited themselves to 18 errors. On the other hand, the Tropang Giga continued to struggle and adjust to the absence of Kelly Williams. Compounding their woes, another key player in Poy Erram left the court and was hospitalized following an accident early in the second quarter. The fate of the 6’8” Erram remained uncertain after he sustained what could be a fracture on his cheekbone as he got hurt after Beerman Moala Tautuaa landed on him during a mishap. Williams, the 2008 MVP, who has been sitting out due to the league’s health and safety protocols, is expected to return after missing games since the start of the second round of the playoffs.

And with Williams expected comeback, Austria said the team can’t relax now that they have a chance to grab another win in the series. “They (players) know that if you lose, it will be very hard to recover. They know they’re up against an organized team like TNT,” added Austria. The Tropang Giga felt the absence of Williams in the series, where he averages 18.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Without Williams, much of the team’s workload fell on the shoulders of RR Pogoy and Troy Rosario, who averages 12.55 and 12.73 points, respectively. On the other hand, most the load in the Beermen’s efforts is usually distributed among Terrence Romeo, CJ Perez, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, JuneMar Fajardo and Tautuaa The last time around, Tautuaa led the team with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Romeo, Cabagnot, Lassiter, Fajardo, Santos and Perez all contributed in double digits.

Busy 2022 for Gilas PH Women GILAS Pilipinas Women will have its hands full by 2022 as it competes in two major international tournaments, including the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games where it is the defending champion. Coach Pat Aquino said the grind begins for the national squad by mid-November for the 2022 qualifying tournament of the FIBA Women’s World Cup set on Feb. 6 to 14, although the venue of the competition has yet to be named. Aquino and the rest of the team that just came from its FIBA Asia Cup campaign in Amman, Jordan, are just finishing their mandatory quarantine protocols, after which they will sit down and meet with top officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to discuss what is expected to be a busy calendar for Gilas Pilipinas Women next year. The 50-year-old national coach told the weekly online session of the PSA Forum that he already had initial talks with SBP Special Assistant to the President in Ryan Gregorio regarding the plan moving forward. “The SBP is very supportive of us in our coming tournaments. And I’m very happy to hear that. We’re just waiting and looking forward, preparing all the plans and getting all the players for the tournaments again,” said Aquino, joined in the public sports program by national stalwarts Janine Pontejos and Camille Clarin. Right off the bat is the qualifying meet for the Women’s World Cup to be hosted by Australia from Sept. 22 to Oct. 1. Aquino hopes to have 6’5” regular center Jack Animam back in the team, along with US-born Filipina cager Mai-Loni Henson, a former University of Washington Huskies standout. Animam failed to suit up in the FIBA Asia Cup as she’s currently playing pro ball in Serbia. Ella Fajardo, the rookie playmaker from Duke University, won’t be making the qualifier, however, due to her commitment in the US NCAA. But the foremost priority of the team is definitely retaining the SEA Games title in Vietnam in May after finally winning the gold for the first time ever during the 2019 edition of the biennial meet here in Manila. “Pinag-hirapan namin ‘yun kaya kailangan naming mai-defend ‘yun (ang korona),” said Pontejos in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, Daily Tribune, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. “Definitely, I would love to be a part of that gold medal (team). We have a great program going for us,” added Clarin, who played for Gilas Pilipinas women for the first time in the last FIBA Asia Cup. Aquino believes the hectic schedule lined up for the team in the coming months would be good for Gilas’ SEA Games title retention bid, recalling how the same timetable helped the Filipina cagebelles to finally score a breakthrough gold in the regional showcase.

Jaworski’s family in search of cure for his rare disease By Randy Caluag

Robert Jaworski

WHAT really ails basketball Living Legend Robert “Sonny” Jaworski? His son Dodot Jaworski Jr. explained the condition of his father, even as he revealed they are in continuous search of a specialist to treat the rare disease that has afflicted the well-loved basketball icon. In an interview with media personality Anthony Taberna on his youtube channel, Dodot said his father is suffering from a blood disease, where his “iron level is high, but at same time anemic siya.” “We’ve been trying to look for doctors here and abroad, but none of them can understand kung ano ‘yung nangyayari sa kanya,” revealed Dodot. “Tuloy-tuloy lang po ang paghananap ng paraan para mahanap kung ano ‘yung cause ng blood disorder. Kaya we continue to ask for prayers na sana we’ll find a solution dito sa kanyang karamdaman,” he said. The elder Jaworski has been ill since last

year and has not fully recovered. He’s currently being treated at their family residence in Corinthian Gardens in San Juan. Partly to blame, according to Dodot, was probably the long exposure to the physical strain on the hardcourt. Jaworski retired from the Philippine Basketball Association at the age of 52. There are days that Jaworski is in high spirits and doing very well, but there are also days when he’s silent. “Lumalabas na ‘yung mga sakit sa tuhod, sakit ng likod. He’s okay naman, but he’s not 100 percent in terms of his physical strength,” he said. Dodot joined his father in 1995 as a rookie for the playing coach Jaworski Sr. at Ginebra. They won one championship together in the 1997 PBA Commissioners’ Cup playing as the Gordon’s Gin Boars. On Oct. 16, Jaworski Sr. will be honored by the Philippine Postal Corporation with limited edition stamps featuring his images in celebration of the 75th year of

the Philippines’ first stamp. Dodot said Jaworski is very much aware of the honor bestowed on him and revealed that his mother, Evelyn herself provided the Philpost with his pictures from newspapers and magazine clippings, which she herself collated. “Alam niya (Jaworski Sr.) The pictures were from my mom’s collections through the years. ‘Yung clippings ng mama ko, volumes and volumes ‘yan. Amazing talaga ang ginawang labor of love ng mama ko,” Dodot said. “Our family is really humbled by this recognition. Sabi ng papa ko, kung wala kayo, wala kami. Tulungan niyo po kaming ipagdasal si papa,” he added. One of those who posted his thoughts and support for Jaworski was his former Crispa rival and Ginebra teammate Philip Cezar. “Coach Sonny Jaworski, I’m praying for your good health, alam ko kaya mo lampasan ‘yan, hindi kita malilimutan. Magkalaban at magkakampi,” said Cezar.

PSC holds Indigenous Peoples’ Games in Sarangani THE Philippine Sports Commission’s diverse grassroots sports program continued amid the pandemic with the three-day pre-recording of the Indigenous Peoples’ Games in the province of Sarangani. Philippine Sports Commission commissioner and project head Charles Raymond A. Maxey led a small group in conducting the program under close coordination with Provincial Tribal Chieftain Fulung Edmund D. Pangilan and Municipal IP Mandatory Representative Makabatog Monard C. Galgo at the Lamlifew Village Museum and Blaan School of Living Traditions in Malungon, Sarangani. In accordance with the Inter-Agency Task Force’s health and safety protocols, all participants, PSC staff, local officials and tribe members tested negative for COVID-19 before the said activity. Face masks were worn

and physical distancing was observed in between video and photo shoots. The event is part of the celebration of the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, with support from the National Commission on Indigenous People and Pocari Sweat. “‘Yung awareness ng ating mga kababayan sa mga tradisyunal na laro at patuloy na pamumuhay ng mga katutubo ay isang malaking tagumpay para sa Philippine Sports Commission. ‘Yung diversity and equality ng mga programa ng PSC ay sinisiguro naming mabibigyan nang sapat na panahon at pagkakataon,”said Maxey. Traditional games by the Blaan Indigenous Peoples like the Sfaltu (long jump) Skuya Kura (horseracing) and Sumpit and Pana were in full display during the activity, with the Blaan elders performing Kmisong (Fire Making) using coconut husk

or dried wood coir and split bamboo. The PSC core group was warmly welcomed by the Blaan Indigenous Cultural community through their indigenous welcome dance called Aral Kafi (Blaan Eagle Dance) at the Kalonbarak Skyline Ridge in Malungon. Highlighting the event was the turnover of sports equipment such as basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls to Malungon Mayor Ma. Theresa Constantino to further boost the grassroots sports program in the province. “Hopefully, these equipment can encourage the youth to engage in sports. It’s our gratitude to them for supporting our programs,” Maxey said. The PSC also distributed 400 sets of Indigenous Peoples provisions such as bags made of abaca fiber, bamboo notebooks, ballpens, PSC commissioner Charles Maxey turns over sports equipment to Malungon personalized PSC notepads and face towels. Mayor Ma. Theresa Constantino during the IP Games’ closing ceremony.

Business Medilines gets SEC approval for P2-b initial public offering By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission said Tuesday it approved the P2-billion initial public offering of medical equipment distributor Medilines Distributors Inc. and the P9.87billion follow-on offering of developer Sta. Lucia Land Inc. It approved Medilines’ public offering of up to 550 million primary common shares priced at P2.45 each, plus a secondary offering of up to 275 million shares to be sold by shareholder Virgilio Villar, brother of billionaire Manuel Villar. The shares will be listed and traded on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange. Net proceeds from the offering will be used to finance the company’s working capital for the procurement of products and build-up of medical consumables inventory and to repay debt. The IPO is scheduled to run from Nov. 11 to 17, in time for the company’s debut on the PSE on Nov. 25, based on the latest timetable submitted to the SEC. Medilines tapped PNB Capital and Investment Corp. as the sole issue manager, lead underwriter and sole bookrunner for the offering. Medilines is one of the country’s leading distributors of medical equipment to both public and private healthcare facilities in the Philippines. Its portfolio includes equipment from multinational medical device companies catering to specialized medicine, including diagnostic imaging, dialysis and cancer therapy. Meanwhile, the SEC also approved Sta. Lucia’s offering of up to 2.5 billion common shares with an oversubscription option for another 500 million common shares at a price range between P2.38 to P3.29 apiece. The net proceeds from the offering will be used to finance new and ongoing projects, payment of shortterm debt, strategic land banking and general corporate purposes.

MRDC set to open 8-MW hydroplant in Nueva Vizcaya By Alena Mae S. Flores RENEWABLE energy provider Matuno River Development Corp. said Tuesday it will commence commercial operations of an 8-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya province in December. The run-of-river project is expected to feed power to the grid while also providing irrigation to farmers in Nueva Vizcaya. “The project is a realization of the company’s plan to push forward the Department of Energy’s agenda towards making renewable energy a significant part of the country’s energy mix,” MRDC president Armando Diaz said in a statement. The project is located along Matuno River, a tributary of the Magat Dam, which has a large watershed area of 590 square kilometers. The power plant was built utilizing top-of-the-line European equipment from Global Hydro Energy GmbH in Austria. It will be connected to the Bayombong Substation of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines where its expected output of 8 MW will go towards augmenting the power supply needs of Luzon. The project will add much-needed capacity in the grid amid the anticipated increase in demand and the unpredictable outages of the older and less efficient coal power plants. “The company is very much optimistic and bullish in our push for green energy which we are proud to say, defies the limitations of the current pandemic and its restrictions,” Diaz said. The company attributed this to the strong support of the Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Irrigation Administration, the Board of Investments and the local government and the community who continue to rally for the quick completion of the project.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Tuesday, October 12, 2021

-16.19 PTS. Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021

IMF cuts PH growth forecast to 3.2% as health crisis lingers By Julito G. Rada

HE International Monetary Fund on Tuesday reduced its 2021 growth forecast for the Philippines to 3.2 percent from a previous assumption of 5.4 percent, taking into account the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest figures were contained in the World Economic Outlook: Recovery During a Pandemic report for the month of October released by the IMF to the media. The 3.2-percent forecast is below the government’s official gross domestic product growth target range of 4 percent to 5 percent this year. Next year, the IMF also reduced its growth forecast to 6.3 percent from 7 percent it made in June 2021. Thomas Helbling, IMF mission chief for Indonesia and Philippines, said in a statement the sizeable reduction in the forecast for real GDP growth in 2021 to 3.2 percent reflected two main factors. “Real GDP growth in 2021Q2 [second quarter] was weaker than expected by IMF staff. Instead of increasing by 0.5 percent [quarter on quarter, on a seasonally adjusted basis], it declined by 1.3 percent... This outcome seems to reflect a stronger negative impact of the second

COVID 19 wave,” Helbling said. Helbling said the economic recovery in the second half was expected to be slower than previously expected, because of a third wave of COVID 19 starting August and increased uncertainty. “Continued policy support, vaccine roll-out and global growth will support a stronger economic recovery in 2022. The downward revision of real GDP growth to 6.3 percent in 2022 from 7.0 percent previously mainly reflects the mechanical impact of the weaker economic recovery in 2021,” Helbling said. He said the progress in the vaccination program and continued monetary and fiscal policy support would be central to the economic recovery in the near term. A stronger global economy will be another crucial element to the economic recovery, he said. The economy contracted by a record 9.6 percent in 2020, the worst GDP per-

formance since World War 2. The economy rebounded in the second quarter this year with an expansion of 11.8 percent, ending a five-quarter technical recession that started in the first quarter in 2020. The interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee composed of the heads of the Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority and Department of Budget and Management cut its growth forecast this year to a range of 4 percent to 5 percent from 6 percent to 7 percent previously, because of the impact of the latest rounds of enhanced community quarantines implemented in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces to curb the spread of the Delta variant of the virus. An IMF team led by Helbling conducted virtual discussions with officials of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the economic cluster of the government and other public and private sector representatives about the Philippine economy for the 2021 Article IV Consultation from May 21 to June 11, 2021. The IMF also said in the October WEO that the ASEAN-5—composed of Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia—would likely grow this year by 2.9 percent, a rebound from the 3.4-percent contraction last year. Next year, the region is expected to grow 5.8 percent.

commends BDO Unibank Inc. for its resourcefulness in delivering services to clients and communities even at the height of the pandemic environment. At the recently held Asian Banking and Finance Wholesale and Retail Banking Awards 2021, BDO was awarded with the Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year (Philippines) for its webinar series Market Sense. Subsidiary BDO Private Bank won Wealth Management Platform of the Year (Philippines) while corporate social responsibility arm BDO Foundation won the COVID Management Initiative of the Year (Philippines).

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.6650

Japan

Yen

0.008825

0.4471

Pound

1.360100

68.9095

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128551

6.5130

Switzerland

Franc

1.078516

54.6430

Canada

Dollar

0.801346

40.6002

Singapore

Dollar

0.738007

37.3911

Australia

Dollar

0.734800

37.2286

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653435

134.4363

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266645

13.5096

Brunei

Dollar

0.735294

37.2537

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.029533

1.4963

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.7954

Euro

1.155700

58.5535

Korea

Won

0.000836

0.0424

China

Yuan

0.155008

7.8535

India

Rupee

0.013266

0.6721

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239923

12.1557

New Zealand

Dollar

0.693600

35.1412

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035666

1.8070 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF Century Pacific founder dies at 90

CENTURY Pacific Food Inc. founder and chairman emeritus Ricardo Po Jr. passed away at 90 years old, the company said Tuesday. “We are deeply saddened to report that Mr. Ricardo S. Po, Sr., founder and chairman emeritus of Century Pacific Food Inc., has passed away,” the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. The family did not provide other details. A self-made entrepreneur, Po started his professional career as a journalist before moving to advertising where he started and managed Cathay Promotions Advertising Co. He also later became a stock broker. He founded Century Pacific in 1978 and it grew to become one of the largest branded food companies in the Philippines. Forbes Asia included Po in its list of Philippines 50 richest in 2021 with a net worth of $1.5 billion. Aside from Century Pacific, the Po family has interests in property developer Arthaland Corp. and restaurant chain Shakeys Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. Jenniffer B. Austria

DMCI, Semirara declare dividends

APEC still expected to achieve goals

Trade deficit widened in August as imports topped $10b ed to face a depreciation bias to close out the year especially with sentiment shifting back to developed market currencies, “whose countries have fared much better in terms of pandemic response and as a result have enjoyed a quicker rebound for their economies.” The growth in imports, however, reflected improved supply and demand conditions as the economy gradually recovered from the COVID-induced recession last year. The higher imports in August was due to the increase in top 10 major commodity groups, led by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with 116.2-percent increase, followed by medicinal and pharmaceutical products (73.2 percent) and iron and steel (55.6 percent).

2,449,007,403 117,645 9,742,757,390.95 100 87 65

DMCI Holdings Inc. and Semirara Mining and Power Corp. of the Consunji group declared record cash dividends for 2021despite the severe impact of the pandemic on last year’s earnings. DMCI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors in a special meeting approved the declaration of P6.37 billion in special cash dividends. This is on top of the P6.37 billion in regular and special cash dividends paid out in April this year. DMCI shareholders on record as of Oct. 26, 2021 would be entitled to a special cash dividend of P0.48 per share. Payment will be made on Nov. 10, 2021. With the additional special cash dividend, DMCI will end the year with P12.75 billion in total dividend payments, which represent 194 percent of the company’s consolidated core net income in 2020. “The 194-percent dividend payout ratio is the highest in the history of DMCI Holdings whose dividend policy commits to at least 25 percent of the preceding year’s consolidated core net income,” the company said. DMCI’s unit coal mining and power generation firm Semirara also declared a P7.4 billion special cash dividend. This is on top of the P5.3 billion in regular cash dividends paid out in April this year. Jenniffer B. Austria

BDO’S AWARDS. Singapore-based Asian Banking & Finance

THE country’s trade deficit widened to $3.58 billion in August as merchandise imports jumped 30.8 percent to $10.04 billion from a year ago and exports grew at a slower rate of 17.6 percent to $6.47 billion, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show. ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said with the widening trade deficit, concerns about the current account deficit would likely surface, as the so-called “twin deficits” threatened the pace of recovery. “With the current account balance swinging back into the red and the similar reversal in flows on the financial account, we could see the balance of payments edge closer to the red resulting in a weaker currency,” he said. Mapa said the peso was also expect-

7,107.82

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

Data showed that from January to August, imports reached $74.18 billion, up by 31.1 percent from $56.59 billion in the same period last year. Export sales reached $6.47 billion in August, as the top 10 major commodity groups recorded annual increases led by cathodes and sections of cathodes, of refined copper (162.5 percent), electronic equipment and parts (41.8 percent) and coconut oil (31.8 percent). The cumulative export earnings in the first eight months amounted to $48.93 billion, up by 19.6 percent from the a year earlier. Mapa said both inbound and outbound shipments showed double-digit gains given the low base from last year. Julito G. Rada

THE Philippines said that despite weakened services and trade-in movements in the region amid the pandemic, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation remains in a good position to achieve the goals listed in the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap and increase its share in the global services sector. “There appeared to be wide differences in access to the services markets which were further exacerbated by the pandemic. I think that the region can do more. The ASCR Midterm Review has provided us some insightful ideas on how we can make the benefits of our implementation more sustainable and far-reaching,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez at the launch of the midterm review of the 2016-2025 ASCR. The review showed uneven progress since the adoption of the Framework in 2015. A case in point was the Philippines which was cited in the review as having an expanding information and communications technology sector that was well-placed to continue trading, albeit with a demand-side shock and slow internet connection. The government is investing in measures to reduce constraints stemming from relatively low broadband penetration, with a view to supporting such technical change durably over the medium-term, the report said. Lopez said the services sector plays an increasingly important role in the global economy as it generates opportunities for greater income, productivity, employment, investment and trade. Othel V. Campos

Manila Harbor Center receives 8 light rail vehicles By Darwin G. Amojelar MANILA Harbor Center Port Services Inc., a fully-owned subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc., said Tuesday it took delivery of eight light rail vehicles from Citadel Shipping’s MV Morning Margareta for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension Project. MHCPSI is a multipurpose terminal that specializes in handling project cargo at the Port of Manila. “This is the seventh LRV delivery this year by Citadel, the local ship agent of global RoRo shipping company Eukor,” MHCPSI said. Eukor holds the exclusive right to bring in the brand new LRVs for the LRT 1 Cavite Extension Project. MHCPSI said it unloaded 48 LRVs from Spain and Mexico to be used for the existing system and Cavite Extension project of the Light Rail Transit Line 1. Another 72 LRVs are

scheduled for delivery until June 2022. “We are honored to be given the opportunity to share our cargo handling expertise and assist the Department of Transportation, Light Rail Transit Authority and the Light Rail Manila Corp. in the implementation of this much-needed project that aims to provide the public with a reliable, safe and efficient mass transport system,” said MHCPSI executive director Phillip Marsham. MHCPSI runs the largest international breakbulk and bulk operations at the Port of Manila. Located at the north wharf of the Manila Harbour Centre, the company operates a 10-hectare, 4.5-million metric ton capacity multipurpose terminal that caters to both international and domestic cargo. MHCPSI started commercial operations in December 2020 under a permit to operate issued by the Philippine Ports Authority.

CEBU-MADE SHIP. Global shipbuilder Austal completes Bañaderos Express, the largest high-speed trimaran ever built in the Philippines and second largest highspeed vessel to be constructed during the pandemic. Bañaderos Express is also the 20th vessel Austal has completed since it set up shop in West Cebu Industrial Park in Balamban, Cebu in 2012. It was built for inter-island ferry service Fred. Olsen Express of the Canary Islands.

Business

B2 || WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market drops; Semirara, DMCI lead gainers S TOCKS fell Tuesday, mirroring Asian indices as investors fretted over spiking inflation, signs of economic weakness an end to central bank support and a global energy crisis. Manila Standard

The PSEi, the 30-company benchmark index of the Philippine Stock Exchange, lost 16 points, or 0.2 percent, to close at 7,107.82, while the broader all-share index retreated 3 points, or 0.1 percent, to settle at 4,420.07 on a value turnover of P9.7 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 100 to 87, while 65 issues were unchanged. Four of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. which TODAY surged 10 percent to P28 and CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT DMCI Hold-

ings Inc. which climbed 9.1 percent to P8.84. World markets have come under pressure in recent weeks as the reopening of economies and supply chain snarls ramp up inflation, with a rally in commodity prices a major factor. All eyes are on the release this week of inflation data in the United States and China, with expectations for multi-high readings that will add pressure to central banks to tighten monetary policy. Asian markets retreated Tuesday as investors grew increasingly concerned about a growing energy crisis, spiking inflation, signs of a slowdown in the global economy and an end to central

bank financial support. China’s ongoing crackdown on the private sector and the debt woes of the PSEi OCTOBER 12, 2021 country’s property giant Evergrande were also acting as a dampener on sentiment. World markets have come under pressure in recent weeks as the reopening of LAST % economies and supply chain snarls ramp PRICE CHANGE CHANGE up inflation, with a rally in commodity CYAN 1MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK SCC 28 2.55 10.02% prices a major factor. All eyes are on the release this week 2 NRCP 0.66 0.06 10.00% of inflation data in the United States DMC 8.84 0.74 9.14% and China, with expectations for 3 multi-high readings that will add pres- 4 ATN 0.53 0.04 8.16% sure to central banks to tighten mon5 MAXS 7.04 0.44 6.67% etary policy. With AFP

IN THE MATTER OF

: : Amended Registration Statement CENTURY ACQUA LIFESTYLE CORPORATION : -Registrant-: x----------------------------------------------------------------x

6 7 8 9 10

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on 05 October 2021 an Amended Registration Statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of CENTURY ACQUA LIFESTYLE CORPORATION (the “company”) to reflect the following changes to its Registration Statement which was rendered effective on 15 June 2015, as amended on June 2, 2016: Items to be Original Provision Amended Increase in 520 Preferred C shares the number of 520 Preferred D shares Preferred C and D Shares from 520 to 1,040 Decrease in the Preferred C price per share of Preferred C Tranche Price per share 1 ₱383,333.00 and D 2 3 4 5

Decrease in the Annual Usage Entitlement of Preferred C and D from 28 nights to 14 nights

₱392,916.00 ₱466,943.00 ₱422,874.00 ₱444,017.00

Proposed Amendments Reason/s for Amendments 1,040 Preferred C shares To conform with 1,040 Preferred D shares the Amended Articles of Incorporation dated 16 May 2017 Preferred C For the classes of shares to be Tranche Price per share more affordable 1 ₱191,666.50 to the public 2 3 4 5

Preferred D

Tranche 1 2 3 4 5

Price per share ₱444,444.00 ₱455,555.00 ₱466,943.00 ₱490,290.00 ₱514,804.00

A shareholder of Preferred A, B, C and D Shares is entitled to use and occupy, for 28 nights per year, rooms owned by the Company in Acqua 6 Tower – Novotel Suites Manila

Completion and turnover of Acqua 6 Tower on 30 September 2019

The Acqua 6 Tower is due to commence construction on the first half of 2015 and is expected to take approximately 48 months to complete. Change in the The Acqua 6 Tower is the total number of sixth building within the Acqua 6 Tower’s integrated urban residential Hotel Suites development, which will from 310 to 152 house 310 Hotel Suites and 185 branded residential units. Of the 310 Hotel Suites, 152 will be owned by the Company while the remaining 158 units will remain with CLC. The 185 residential units will be sold by CLC as retail units. The Acqua 6 Tower will be a dedicated hospitality project to be managed by Novotel Suites, Manila.

Price per share ₱222,222.00 ₱227,777.50 ₱233,471.50 ₱245,145.00 ₱257,402.00

A shareholder of Preferred A and B Shares is entitled to use and occupy, for 28 nights per year, while a shareholder of Preferred C and D Shares is entitled to use and occupy, for 14 nights per year, rooms owned by the Company in Acqua 6 Tower – Novotel Suites Manila The Acqua 6 Tower commenced construction on March 2015 and was completed and turned over on September 30, 2019. The Acqua 6 Tower is the sixth building within the integrated urban residential development, which initially housed 310 Hotel Suites and 185 branded residential units. Of the 310 rooms intended as Hotel Suites, 152 are owned by the Company while the remaining 158 are owned by CLC, which will be converted to regular residential units after the approval of this Amended Prospectus is secured. The 185 residential have been sold by CLC as retail units. The 152 Hotel Suites owned by the Company will still be operated as an All-Suite Hotel, to be managed by Accor, the largest Hotel Group in the world, under the Novotel Suites Brand. The Company offers different installment schemes. (1) Spot Cash; (2) Spot Down 20%-75%, balance over five (5) years; and (3) Standard Payment Term.

Subscription prices have been made more affordable

Payment Terms The Company will offer 5 of the Offer payment schemes. (1) Spot Cash; (2) Spot Down balance over construction period; (3) equal payments over construction period (4) 70%-90% installment, balance upon turnover and (5) Standard Payment term The Company may adopt of 1.25% monthly, balance Optional Payment Term upon turnover. Extension (“OPTE”) to assist shareholder with The Company may adopt funding the turnover Optional Payment Term balance. Extension “OPTE” to assist shareholder with funding “OPTE” will carry a fixed the turnover balance. interest rate of 8%-12% per annum over 5 years “OPTE” will carry a fixed and be subject to late interest rate of 12% per payment penalties of 3% annum over 5 years and per month. be subject to late payment penalties of 3% per Standard Payment Term month. The Standard Payment Standard Payment Term Term shall be P25,000 Means the P25,000 upfront upfront as option fee, as option fee, followed by followed by monthly monthly payments equal to payment amortizations 1.25% of the Board Lot’s for the 40% Balance price every month for the payable within five (5) duration of the Project’s years. Remaining 60% of scheduled construction the Balance may be paid period, with the remaining in full on the fifth (5th) balance becoming due year or may be applied upon turnover for Optional Payment Term Extension (OPTE) Payment of Turnover for a maximum period Balance of five (5) years subject to interest and terms The buyer, at his option, and conditions that the may pay his turnover Company may impose at balance in cash or through such time of availment. the Company’s Optional Payment Term Extension Late payment penalties Program subject to 12% will be 3% per month of interest per annum. the required minimum payment due. Unpaid penalties shall be added to the buyer’s outstanding balance and his/her minimum payment due for the following month. Payment of Turnover Balance The buyer, at his option, may pay his turnover balance in cash or through the Company’s Optional Payment Term Extension Program subject to 8%-12% interest per annum. Approval will depend on the results of a credit investigation on the buyer, to be conducted by the Issuer, as well as the buyer’s payment history with CALC. Any negative findings on the buyer’s credit and payment history may result in his/her application for optional payment term extension to be declined

Said Amended Registration Statement and other papers/documents attached thereto are open to inspection by interested parties at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Corporate Governance and Finance Department (CGFD), Ground Floor, North Wing Hall, Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Vicente Sotto Street, 1307 Pasay City, during business hours and copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished to any party upon request at such fees as the Commission may prescribe. The Amended Registration Statement dated October 5, 2021 may also be downloaded through this link: https://www.calc.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Amended-Preliminary-Prospectus_October-5-2021.pdf. Issued on October 7, 2021, Pasay City

RACHEL ESTHER J. GUMTANG-REMALANTE Director (MS-OCT. 13 & 18, 2021)

CAMBODIAN ECONOMY.

2021. AFP

Workers buy food in front of a factory in Phnom Penh on Oct. 12,

Samsung boss goes on trial on drugs charges To reflect the 100% completion of construction and turnover of the Acqua 6 Tower To reflect Century Limitless Corporation (“CLC”) decision to convert the 158 units to regular residential units instead of participating in the pool of 310 hotel suites

Reference No. 202110-00013-OD

MAC MBC PHA PRIM COAL

5.34 9 0.9 1.48 0.305

0.32 0.5 0.05 0.08 0.015

6.37% 5.88% 5.88% 5.71% 5.17%

TOP LOSERS

₱196,458.00 ₱201,369.00 ₱211,437.00 ₱222,008.50

Preferred D

TOP GAINERS

SEOUL, South Korea—The de-facto leader of the sprawling Samsung group Lee Jae-yong went on trial Tuesday on charges of illegally using the anesthetic propofol, the latest legal travail to beset the multi-billionaire. Lee—the vice-chairman of the world’s biggest smartphone maker Samsung Electronics and according to Forbes the world’s 297th richest person—is accused of having repeatedly taken it at a plastic surgery clinic in Seoul in 2017 and 2018. Propofol is normally a medical anesthetic but is also sometimes used recreationally, and an overdose of the drug was given as the cause of pop star Michael Jackson’s death in 2009. Usage is normally seen as a minor offence in the South and prosecutors originally proposed fining him 50 million won ($42,000) under a summary indictment, a procedure where less serious cases do not go to court. But the court overruled the prosecution and ordered a trial. Wearing a dark grey business suit and a facemask, Lee remained tight-lipped as he entered the Seoul Central District Court, skipping questions from reporters.

In court, prosecutors demanded a larger fine of 70 million won, Yonhap news agency reported. Lee’s lawyers maintain the substance was administered for medical reasons. “It was prescribed in accordance with medical procedure by a doctor during Lee’s treatment,” they said in a statement. Samsung Electronics declined to comment. The firm is the flagship subsidiary of the giant Samsung group, by far the largest of the family-controlled empires known as chaebols that dominate business in South Korea, the world’s 12th largest economy. Lee became the conglomerate’s de facto leader following the death of his father last year. Two months ago he was released early from a two and a half year prison term for bribery, embezzlement and other offences in connection with the corruption scandal that brought down ex-South Korean president Park Geunhye. The early release was seen as the latest example of South Korea freeing on economic grounds business leaders imprisoned for corruption or tax evasion. AFP

In this file photo taken on March 04, 2020, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at a press briefing on COVID-19 in Washington, D.C. The IMF Executive Board reaffirmed on Oct. 11, 2021 its “full confidence” in the Washington-based crisis lender’s chief, keeping her on as managing director after she was hit with allegations of data tampering. AFP

IMF chief: Image of integrity dented by scandal WASHINGTON, United States—Bulgaria’s Kristalina Georgieva, whose role as head of the International Monetary Fund was reaffirmed Monday despite allegations of data tampering, is described as a respected economist with a strong background in international finance. The 68-year-old took the helm of the Washington-based crisis lender in October 2019 after Christine Lagarde departed to lead the European Central Bank. Two years later, she was engulfed in controversy after an investigation concluded that during her tenure at the World Bank, she was among top officials who manipulated data from its closely watched Doing Business report in favor of China. On Monday, however, the Fund’s Executive Board “reaffirmed its full confidence” in Georgieva, keeping her on as managing director. Georgieva welcomed the decision, saying the allegations were “unfounded.” She had been the only candidate to lead the IMF, which traditionally is led by a European while the World Bank is headed by an American. But the Fund had to change its bylaws to approve her appointment, since she was over the 65-year age limit. Until then, she had spent most of her career

at the World Bank, becoming its chief executive in 2017. A native of Sofia, she taught economics there for 26 years, and built up environmental experience with a focus on agriculture and sustainable development. Her main priorities at the IMF have been fighting inequality and climate change, as well as better integrating women into the economy. When Georgieva took the reins of the IMF, the global economy was weakened by trade tensions between the United States and China. No one could imagine the global downturn that occurred a few months later when the Covid-19 pandemic began, disrupting economies and daily life worldwide. Described by her supporters as unimpeachably honest, the allegations against Georgieva from an investigation done by an outside law firm came as a surprise. Georgieva is “a bold leader in confronting the economic fallout of the pandemic, as well as in positioning the fund as a global pioneer on climate change,” US economist and Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz wrote following the release of the investigation’s findings last month. Other backers have pointed to her campaign to increase the IMF’s reserves to amplify its lending ability to poor countries. AFP

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Lufthansa pays off another $1.7b in bailout cash BERLIN, Germany—Lufthansa said Monday it had paid back in advance 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion) of state aid obtained last year at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which decimated air travel. The payment comes on the back of a 2.2 billion euro capital increase as the German carrier, in which the German state has a 14 percent stake, banks on a revival of demand for air travel next year. Lufthansa added it also intends to pay off an aid tranche worth one billion euros by the end of the year. The carrier had already paid back a state loan of one billion euros in February and has bounced back following the successful 2.2 billion euro capital increase launched last month. In June last year, Lufthansa shareholders overwhelmingly approved a nine billion euro government bailout as the aviation sector found itself buffeted by coronavirus headwinds that brought flying to a virtual halt. “Today, we are keeping our promise and paying back a large part of the stabilization funds earlier than expected. We are increasingly confident about the future. More and more countries are opening their borders” as demand returns, said chief executive Carsten Spohr. “We are very grateful that Deutsche Lufthansa AG was stabilized with tax money in the most challenging of times. This has made it possible to preserve more than 100,000 jobs and secure them for the future.” Berlin stepped in June last year as the pandemic looked to threaten the future of the group which includes Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlines. With the loosening of travel restrictions and a gradual return in demand, Lufthansa posted a net loss of 756 million euros for the second quarter of this year—half the 1.5 billion euros for the same period in 2020 when COVID brought global air traffic virtually to a halt. AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021

Cebu bet crowned Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2021 Shanyl Kayle Hofer’s win was the ninth victory for a Cebuana lass in the history of Aliwan Fiesta.

SHANYL Kayle Hofer, a 20-year-old accountancy major at the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu, was crowned Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2021 in virtual ceremonies streamed over the social mediaplatforms of Manila Broadcasting Company. Representing the town of Minglanilla, Hofer bested 11 other finalists from various parts of the country to win the second edition of the online pageant, which sought “beauteous Filipinas committed to helping tourism initiatives and social responsibility programs in their respective communities” as a way of exemplifying Filipino resiliency and bringing them hope amid the pandemic. Hofer advocated support for small and medium

Celebrity moms’ go-to app launches holiday season gift packages METRO Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI)’s mWell PH, the fastest growing fully integrated health and wellness mobile app in the country, now caring for thousands of patients online, is fast becoming the go-to-app among celebrity moms who value health and put a premium on wellness. Beauty queen, model, actress, TV host and new mom Miriam Quiambao-Roberto says she has become an avid mWell PH app user. She says, “From doctor consultations to wellness tips, I’m amazed at the many features this app offers.” She uses the mWell PH app for her family’s healthcare and wellness needs, easing the strain and anxiety of being a new parent with 24/7 access to doctors and parenting tips and articles. Other celebrity moms who make their family’s health top priority have discovered the mWell PH app. Nina Corpuz, Ara Mina, Sunshine

Cruz, Geneva Cruz, Nikki Valdes, and Empress Shuck, enjoy mWell’s many features that benefit every member of the family. After being launched last July, mWell now offers a holiday season Gift of mWellness by giving away prizes to new users via Flex your mWell PH app on Facebook. New users who download and register on the app and showcase their photo along with their mWell homepage have a chance to win health and wellness gift items like air purifiers, UV-C lamps, e-vouchers from Southstar Drug and PhilCare. The Gift of mWellness keeps giving with the mWellness Subscription Package: Get 3 doctor video consultations for only P249; with mWell’s Best Value Package, save as much as P1,500. Available only from Oct. 16 to Nov. 30. mWell gives patients easy access to an impressive roster of partner-doctors from Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc. (Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos, Asian Hospital and Medical Center De Los Santos Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital and Marikina Valley Medical Center), CareSpan, PhilCare, and Keralty Clinic.

scale entrepreneurs, who are among the hardest hit by the pandemic. She also received the award for Best in Evening Gown from Alfonso Light Brandy. Vijie Matias of San Manuel, Isabela was named first runner-up, while Chynna Kaye Verosil of Bugallon, Pangasinan emerged second runner-up. Matias’ video submission at the competition launch was also given the Pride of Place award. National athlete Cherry May Regalado of Kalibo, Aklan, who is a bemedalled pencak silat stalwart on the global stage, won the Netizens’ Choice and Best in Talent awards, apart from being cited for Best Digital Video Production.

Other special awardees were Angeli Gabrielle Therese Estrada of Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Miss White Rose Papaya and TNT Nasa Saya Yan); Sharmaine de la Cruz of Zamboanga (Miss Charm); Keith Arboleda of Echague, Isabela (Miss Unique Smile); and Krysti Anne Villarias of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte (Palmolive Gandang Natural). The search for Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2021 was made possible with the participation of MBC radio stations nationwide — DZRH, Love Radio, Yes The Best, Easy Rock, Aksyon Radyo, and Radyo Natin — from which a total of 47 entries were received and eventually trimmed down to the 12 finalists.

‘Lunch Out Loud’ marks first year on noontime block

Celebrity moms Sunshine Cruz, Miriam Quiambao, and Nina Read full story at maCorpuz enjoy mWell’s many features that benefit every member nilastandard.net of the family.

Global movement promoting Filipino music launched MUSIC Philippines (WMP) officially launches GLOPM or Global Pinoy Music, a collaborative movement which strengthens its global effort to promote Filipino music. The campaign aims to showcase Pinoy musicians through borderless platforms while creating opportunities for them to team up with other artists around the world. WMP is pairing domestic talent with Filipino producers and or “Fil-global” artists through GLOPM. The initiative also aims to be a leading source of original and diverse Filipino music, with tracks that reflect the culture and shared experiences of every Filipino. With this, WMPmakes it possible for domestic and international musicians to learn from each other, as well as create music that will resonate with Pinoys across the globe. “GLOPM aspires to make Filipino artists be felt, seen, and heard on the world stage,” WMP A&R Manager Kelley Mangahas explains the plat platform GLOPM aims to provide Filipino artists.

“WMP will be utilizing its resources as a record label and leveraging global expertise and knowledge in music production into Philippines,” Mangahas added. WMP Managing Director Sarah Ismail says that she is elated to showcase Filipino talent to the global community, “We are very proud to launch GLOPM as a movement that amplifies and elevates Filipino talent to the global community. I believe in the immense talent of Filipino artists and GLOPM is the perfect platform for us to do just that. They deserve global recognition.” GLOPM has launched its first set of releases. Indie-pop duo Leanne & Naara collaborated with internationally acclaimed producer August Rigo, who is known for his work with Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Sean Kingston, and BTS among many others, for the single titled “Anticipation.” “We’re always open to working with exdifferent producers but I guess the ex citement reeled in when we found out that August also has Filipino blood. He’s got some really big names that he’s worked with under his belt but the funny thing is it never felt like it at all. He’s a straight up cool guy, and very easy to talk to. Off the bat we understood that he does it for the love, and that passion together with our openness made the process easy,” says Leanne. Read full story at manilastandard.net Warner Music Philippines welcomes Catriona Gray as the newest addition to the GLOPM roster.

The cast members of the noontime show smile for the camera during a set visit attended by select members of the entertainment press. From left: Ariel Rivera, K Brosas, Jeff Tam, Bayani Agbayani, Wacky Kiray, KC Montero, and Laboching.

ROM the very start, Lunch Out Loud director Bobet Vidanes believed that the noontime show — the newcomer on the noontime block dominated by ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime and GMA-7’s Eat Bulaga – would survive competition despite the numerous challenges that it had to face.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, Vidanes, whose television credits include Pilipinas, Game KNB? (2001 to 2009), Wowowee (2005 to 2010), It’s Showtime (2009 to 2020), Kapamilya Deal or No Deal (2006 to 2016), and Pilipinas Got Talent (2010 to 2018), to name a few, underscored the strengths of Lunch Out Loud and its milestone being on air for one year now. “We’re not competing against Eat Bulaga or It’s Showtime, we’re here to complement them in entertaining the viewers. From the very start, as the show’s director, I envisioned that the show would last for one year or even beyond that because first of all, it gives employment,” Vidanes stated. “Lunch Out Loud doesn’t just entertain viewers it also helps people in need. Narealize ko, hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon kailangan mong mamigay ng pera sa pagtulong. Help comes in many forms,” he added. LOL is hosted by Billy Crawford, Alex Gonzaga, Bayani Agbayani, K Brosas, Wacky Kiray, Ariel Rivera, KC Montero, Laboching and Jeff Tam. And for their first anniversary, they are all preparing to perform in an ‘80s inspired production number. Joining them on their anniversary week as co-host is Isabelle Daza. Joining the celebrations are Daryl Ong, Thor Dulay, and Kris Lawrence. Also adding to the festivities are the

Jukebosses from the Sing Galing show of Rey Valera and Randy Santiago. Tiktok stars Mannex Manhanttan, DJ Loonyo, Yukii Takahasi, Yanyan de Jesus and Queenay are also joining in the fun. •••

Jinggoy Estrada seeks to address challenges of the new normal Actor and former politician Jinggoy Estrada is a public servant like no other. Even when he was a young boy, the former senator always knew that public service was his calling.

Lunch Out Loud director Bobet Vidanes.

Being the eldest son of Joseph Estrada, a popular movie actor who went on to have a storied political career that included distinguished terms as mayor, senator, and president of the Philippines, Jinggoy knew he was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. Even as he also dabbled in acting himself, Jinggoy started to throw his hat in the political arena at an early age. At only 25 years old, Jinggoy was already the Vice Mayor of his hometown in San Juan City, where his father served as its longest-tenured and best-known mayor. Shortly thereafter, Jinggoy became the country’s youngest-ever elected local chief executive just before he reached 30. For three consecutive terms, the man dubbed as “Anak ng Masa” transformed San Juan into one of the most progressive and most peaceful municipalities in the entire Philippines. Read full story at manilastandard.net

From left: Former San Juan Vice-Mayor Janella Estrada, Jinggoy Estrada, and his wife, Precy Ejercito.

French film festival back with a bang in Hollywood HOLLYWOOD’S French film festival unveiled its line-up Monday, with organizers hoping to capitalize on a pandemicsparked shift towards non-English language programming in the United States. The 25th edition of COLCOA — the world’s largest festival dedicated to French film — will open with Between Two Worlds, in which Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche goes undercover to expose the insecurity of the gig economy. The film, which has a largely non-professional cast, leads a field of 55 movies and series, as well as 19 shorts designed to showcase the best in Gallic cinema.

“Contrary to what could have been expected after all these months of lockdown, this very eclectic and highprofile program reflects the amazing number of films actually produced in France during the last two years,” Francois Truffart, the festival’s executive producer and artistic director, said. The raging COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s event, as audiences retreated inside. But, says deputy director Anouchka van Riel, the boom in non-English language films and television during lockdown is proof that there is a sizable market — and appetite — for things

other than Hollywood’s usual fare. “In a world that had to shelter in place for a year due to the pandemic, French stories went global while individuals were isolated at home,” she said, citing French-language series Lupin and Call My Agent. Continuing hits such as Netflix’s smash Korean-language Squid Game underline the point that audiences do not find subtitles off-putting, says van Riel. COLCOA, which stands for “City of Lights, City of Angels” — the nicknames of Paris and Los Angeles, respectively —runs from Nov. 1 to 7. AFP

Award winner Juliette Binoche (pictured December 2019) takes the lead in ‘Between Two Worlds,’ a realist exploration of the gig economy with a largely non-professional cast.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

On her: Bardot long-sleeve dress, Roberto Coin earrings and bracelet

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021

Wrapping the magic of

Christmas

By Bernadette Lunas

N A time when health crisis and other circumstances keep us apart, being with your loved ones – family, friends, community – is already a gift.

WRAPPED IN LOVE.

Rustan’s offers holiday gift suggestions — like this Lacoste dress and Elle jacket (in photo) — for customers’ loved ones, which they can buy in store, online, or via personal shoppers.

Rustan’s Commercial Corporation president Donnie Tantoco (left) and marketing and communications head Dina Tantoco.

“Togetherness is, at the end of the day, our greatest blessing, our reason for being, and our path to fulfillment,” said shoppers in store as well as to those availing the department store’s personal Rustan’s Commercial Corporation president Donnie Tantoco shopper service powered by “117 and counting highly trained personal as he shared with the media guests to their annual Christmas shoppers”, according to marketing and communications head Dina Tantoco. Other services the department store offers for hassle-free Christmas shopping campaign launch the words he heard at a virtual mass he include Gift List Management that allows customers to send their gift list to recently attended. Tantoco added, “In a world where it’s all about individuals – Rustan’s personal shoppers, who can look for the gift choices, assist in the individual rights, individual truths – the message I heard was the transaction process, and set the delivery to the buyer’s or the recipients’ houses. Customers who want to personally shop can schedule an appointment for Assisted community, the family is more important than the individual.” “We cannot live fruitfully, purposefully, joyfully, and Shopping service to have a store personnel assist them during their visit. Those who productively if we are not connected, not part of an interdependent prefer to shop virtually can do so via video call with a personal shopper. “We try to make it a stress-free Christmas for all customers not only by doing community. What I heard from those words is we will never be happy it efficiently, but also recognizing that every name on your list is someone we if we do not live for a purpose that is larger than ourselves.” It it the essence of togetherness and making it more special in the second want to do something special for,” enthused Donnie Tantoco. Early Christmas shoppers can take advantage of discounts on a variety of time we are celebrating the holiday season amid a pandemic that Rustan’s products during Rustan’s launch weekend on Oct. 15 to 17. department store aspires to give to its customers. Christmas, after all, is Moms with little kids can score up to 35 percent off on select items from being together with the important people in our lives “Now, we all value relationships. And one way to connect with someone is Attipas, Babyhood, Banz, Graco, Hamico, Yamatoya, Roobetter, My Carry Potty, and more. by giving thoughtful gifts,” added Tantoco. Bags, accessories, shaving sets, and other men’s items from Gouache, Braun, And thoughtful gifts, Rustan’s has in spades. Holiday essentials for sale, as in Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, and Seiko, Pacsafe, Hydrapak, Lewis N. Clark, Artiart, Bugatti Bags, Loqi, Jack more are prominently displayed at Rustan’s Christmas Village on the 5th Nicklaus, and Knomo are offered at special rates up to 50 percent off. Frequent Shopper Program (FSP) members can earn x5 FSP points from floor of its Makati branch. Hackett, New Balance, Emporio Armani, Magnanni, Pedro del Hierro, and Food boxes filled with sumptuous goodies from Gourmet Garage, Marks & more. Spencer, Theo & Philo, and Ferrero Rocher are also More FSP points (x5) will be given to available at the festive specialty shop, as well as On her: Vivienne Tam knitted top and Daze highshoppers buying women’s apparel, bags, Champagne from Moet & Chandon. rise skinny jeans; On him: Pedro del Hierro dress and shoes from Elie Tahari, Coccinelle, The Christmas Village is open until Dec. 31 to shirt, Hackett shirt and trousers Dooney & Bourke, Bardot, Swarovski, Criselda Lontok, Lady Rustan, Lotus, and Luna. Meanwhile, Sitara Vintage and Etika Collective are slashing up to 15 percent off prices of selected items. During the weekend launch, shoppers can get up to 30 percent off on kitchenware, tableware, glassware, small appliances, and other lifestyle accessories from Beka, Cuisinart, Tefal, Amefa, Nachtmann, The retailer first launched in August the Shein Seletti, Wilmax, Serta, Malouf, Russell x Candle Ray collection consisting of men’s Hobbs, Saeco, Gaggia, and more. and women’s clothing inspired by architectural In addition to special offers, all FSP geometry “that suggests power and authority”. members will get more points when they Candle Ray is known as an “eco-friendly label shop at participating women’s, men’s, kid’s, that creates functional clothing”. home, fine jewelry, and beauty brands on In September, Victorian-inspired lingerie Oct. 15-17. Members spending at least pieces from Shein X Abimer collection were P5,000 are entitled to x5 FSP points. launched along with the Shein x Raya collection UnionPay cardholders will receive P800 composed of womenswear in a range of designs. Rustan’s gift card or Rustans.com online gift Abimer is known for her sexy yet sophisticated card when they spend at least P8,000 in store pieces worn by celebrities like Solenn Heussaff or online until Dec. 31. Rustan’s extends it 0 and Nadine Lustre, while Abastillas is noted for percent bank installment promo until January her intricate textile manipulation techniques. 31, 2022. Holiday shoppers can choose Quinto, meanwhile, brings her advocacy to between three transaction plans depending highlight women empowerment through clothing on their purchase amount, covering up to 3, in the Shein x Kimble collection scheduled to debut 6, and 12 months at 0 percent installment for on the app and website this month. Shein says, the participating credit cards. collection will showcase a play on textures through different manipulations and a mix of elegant silhouettes. Madlangbayan’s pieces are also coming soon. In January, Shein launched Shein X to give emerging fashion designers an opportunity to collaborate with the brand and take their designs to new heights. THE “happy in pink” effect is bottled in Nuxe’s new Prodigieux Floral le parfum. Pieces by Filipino designers who are part of Shein’s It features joyful notes from the combination of global design incubator program. Clockwise: Shein magnolia, grapefruit, and musk that invigorate the x Abimer’s floral pink crop cami top, Shein x Kimble’s senses and lift spirits. The graduated spectrum of ruched drawstring hem pullover, Shein x Candle Ray’s hues on its bottle increases in intensity, from pastel two-tone raw cut crop jacket. pink to candy pink. Launched alongside the perfume is the collection’s floral-scented shower gel that features a coconut and wheat cleansing base infused with Gentle Fluidity Gold and Silver editions sweet almond oil and botanical glycerin. Prodigieux Floral le parfum and Prodigieux Floral Scented Shower Gel are available at Beauty Bar, Rustan’s and Robinsons department stores, Rustans.com, BeautyMNL, Lazada, Shopee, and PREMIUM department store Adora brings to the Zalora. country the gender-neutral fragrance brand of French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. Gentle Fluidity consists of two eaux de parfums composed of the same 49 ingredients yet carrying different olfactory experiences that transcend the malefemale dichotomy. Gentle Fluidity Gold is a musky oriental eau de parfum that draws a bright and radiant silhouette provided by the essence of coriander seeds basking in an overdose of musk and vanilla. Gentle Fluidity Nuxe Silver, on the other hand, exudes a woody aromatic trail Prodigieux dominated by nutmeg and amber woods, and paired Floral le with essence of coriander seeds, musk, and vanilla. parfum Both editions are exclusively available at Adora.

International retailer unveils Filipino-designed collections GLOBAL fast fashion retailer Shein (formerly She Inside) highlights its new collections by Filipino designers who are part of its global design incubator program. Shein X, launched earlier this year, has accepted into the program rising designers Candle Ray Torreverde, Abimer (Abigail Mercado), Raya Aleczandra Abastillas, Kimble Quinto, and Pamela Madlangbayan from the Philippines.

VANITY CORNER

Smell pink

Francis Kurkdjian’s gender-neutral perfume