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on A4) PH EXPECTED TO REACH UPPER(Story MIDDLE-INCOME STATUS BY YEAREND

BUSINESS / B4

GOOD RIDDANCE, RODY TELLS UNVAXXED PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said "good riddance" to those who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19, saying he will not feel bad if they die from the respiratory disease. This was after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said 93 percent of those who died of COVID-19 in the country were unvaccinated. Individuals who have not been immunized against COVID-19 also account for

VOL. XXXV • NO. 358 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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85 percent of severe and critical coronavirus cases in the country, Duque reported to the President in a taped public briefing. "I'm not trying to be morbid, but what's important for me is that nobody dies. The problem is that our program in fighting the pandemic includes basic protocols and vaccination," Duterte said. "So it's up to you. I've said this before and I'll say it again, I don't know how

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Race is on for 77 nat’l posts 260 candidates vie for them, woo 65.7m registered voters to win

By Vito Barcelo

NDER the shadow of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the threemonth campaign period for national candidates for those running for President, Vice President, Senator, and party-list representatives in the May 2022 polls will kick off today, Feb. 8, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday. In the first-ever national elections held under a global pandemic, some 65.7 million registered voters will troop to polling places to elect who will succeed President Rodrigo Duterte on May 9 -- among 77 national positions in total. For candidates for local elective positions—members of the House of Representatives and regional, provincial, city and municipal officials—the campaign begins on March 25 but also ends on May 7, 2022. There are 10 presidential candidates, nine vice-presidential candi-

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dates, 64 senatorial aspirants, and 177 party-list groups. Before this, the Comelec issued guidelines for candidates to conduct their campaigns in accordance with current health protocols, as denoted by the “Category” that mirrors the prevailing COVID Alert Level in an area as set by the national Inter-Agency Task Force on the disease (see table below – Editors). The 10 candidates aspiring for the country’s top post are Ernesto Abella, Leodegario “Leody” de Guzman, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Norberto Gonzales, Panfilo Lacson, Faisal Mangondato, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Jose Montemayor Jr., Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, and Maria Next page Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

Comelec moves presidential debates to first week of March By Vito Barcelo THE much-awaited presidential debates to be led by the Commission on Elections will be moved from February to the first week of March, a poll official said Monday. Comelec-Education and Information Department Director Elaiza David said the first round of debates for presidential and vice presidential candidates may be held in March. The Comelec earlier said it would

host six debates for presidential and vice presidential contenders for the May 9 polls starting late February. “We are still coordinating with media networks and other partners, and seeking en banc approval for the debate guidelines, David said. However, the Comelec official hoped the guidelines would be approved. The poll body was originally looking to hold presidential and vice presidential debates from February to April ahead of Next page the May 2022 polls.

Pedia groups back jabs for kids ages 5-11, national rollout set

3,616,387 6,835

116,720

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3,445,129 16,330 (As of 4 PM, FEBRUARY 7)

By Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano THE Philippines began its vaccination program of children ages 5 to 11 against COVID-19 in Metro Manila on Monday, with pediatric groups rallying behind the government's rollout for young kids and encouraging their parents to bring their offspring to the nearest health center. The Department of Health (DOH) said the rollout will later be expanded nationwide as the government aims to inoculate some 15 million children in the said age group. According to DOH guidelines, children and their parents must preregister with local governments, and both must bring valid IDs with pictures. Next page

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PANDEMIC ELECTIONS CAMPAIGN GUIDELINES (Source: Comelec Resolution No. 10732) CANDIDATES FOR NATIONAL POSTS 10 for President 9 for Vice President 64 for Senator aspirants 177 for Party-list groups * 316 seats available in the House of Representatives -- 253 from congressional districts, 63 from party-list system. CATEGORY LEVELS NOTED BELOW ARE EQUAL TO COVID ALERT LEVEL STATUS AS DEFINED BY IATF RESTRICTIONS A. FOR IN-PERSON CAMPAIGN: CATEGORY LEVEL RESTRICTIONS 1 No limit 2 A candidate or campaign leader may be accompanied by a maximum of five (5) campaign support staff. 3 Maximum of three (3) campaign support staff. 4 Not allowed 5 Not allowed Prohibited activities (all category levels): a. Entering any private dwelling during house-to-house campaigning, even with the express permission of the homeowner; b. Crowding, or allowing there to be, crowds that violate MPHS around the candidate and his or her companions; c. Handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions, and the public; d. Taking selfies, photographs and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions, and the public; and e. Distribution of food and drink, and all other goods or items.

B. FOR CAUCUSES, MEETINGS, CONVENTION, RALLIES AND MITING DE AVANCE: CATEGORY LEVEL RESTRICTIONS 1 Allowed up to 70% of the operational capacity of the venue, whether indoor or outdoor 2 Allowed up to 50% operational capacity (indoor or outdoor) 3 Allowed up to 50% of the operational capacity (enclosed outdoor only) 4 Allowed up to 30% of the operational capacity (enclosed outdoor only) 5 Not allowed Prohibited activities (all category levels): a. Handshakes, hugs, going arm-in-arm, or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions, and the public; b. Taking selfies, photographs and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions, and the public; and c. Distribution of food and drink, and all other goods or items. FOR MOTORCADES AND CARAVANS (PASSENGER CAPACITY) For Trucks, Buses, Mini-Trucks and Jeepneys —Allowed up to 70% of vehicle capacity under Category 1; Up to 50% capacity under Category 2 and 3; Up to 30% capacity under Category 4; Not allowed under Category 5 For Service-Utility Vehicles (SUVs), Sedans and Owner-Type Jeepneys Full capacity allowed under Category 1 and 2; Up to two passengers per row and one passenger on the driver's row under Category 3 and 4; Not allowed under Category 5 Tricycles—Full capacity allowed under Category 1 and 2; One passenger in the sidecar, one backride passenger under Category 3; One passenger in the sidecar, no

backride under Category 4; Not allowed under Category 5 Motorcycles—One backride passenger allowed under Category 1 and 2; No backride passengers under Category 3 and 4; Not allowed under Category 5 * Only candidates, campaign leaders, and supporters belonging to the same household are allowed to be in the same vehicle. Prohibited motorcade activities (all category levels): l. Stopovers, layovers, and other similar stoppages for the conduct of other election campaign activities; 2. Handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions, and the public; 3. Taking selfies, photographs and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions, and the public; and 4. Distribution of food and drink, and all other goods or items. PENALTY FOR ELECTION OFFENSES Any person committing an act constituting a violation of Sections 87, 88 and 89 of the Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 or the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), as amended shall be prosecuted under Section 262 of the OEC. If proven guilty, he/she shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than six (6) years and shall not be subject to probation. In addition, the guilty party shall be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage.

PH new cases Watch bulletin on Quiboloy eyed below 10k for By Rey E. Requejo 7th straight day

By Willie Casas

THE Philippines on Monday announced 6,835 new COVID-19 cases, the seventh straight day the tally remained below 10,000, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed, as the government began vaccinating children ages 5 to 11 against the coronavirus. The positivity rate has declined to 19.1 Next page

JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday the Department of Justice could issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy should there be a need to do it. Guevarra stressed that with such an order, the Bureau of Immigration would be mandated to closely monitor Quiboloy’s travel outside the country using the airports or seaports. “We can issue an ILBO motu proprio

(on one’s own initiative). We’ll play it by ear as we examine the evidence before us and as outside events unfold,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters. Quiboloy and two other members of KOJC have been indicted in the United States and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has released “wanted” posters on the religious leader. A federal warrant was issued against Quiboloy in the US on Nov. 10, 2021 over his grand jury indictment before the US District Court for the Central District of California, Santa Ana, California “for Next page

News

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Kerosene leads oil price hike anew The oil firms raised the price of kerosene by P1.25 per liter, diesel by P1.20 per liter, and gasoline by P1.05 per liter. "Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will increase the prices of gasoline by P1.05 per liter and diesel by P1.20 per liter ef-

fective 6AM of February 8, 2022," the company said in its advisory. Petron Corp., PTT Philippines, Seaoil Philippines, Caltex Philippines, Cleanfuel, and PetroGazz also raised pump prices.

Over the weekend, Unioil Petroleum Philippines announced that consumers can expect fuel prices to go up this week. It said diesel would increase by P1.10 to P1.20 per liter and gasoline by P1 to P1.10 per liter. World oil prices have continuously gone up amid anticipation of tight supply versus increasing demand. According to the Department of Energy, world prices went up last week due to rising geopolitical tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border, supported by a solid demand outlook.

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Lito Atienza of Group 2 is set on Feb. 9. The e-rallies of the third group of the vice presidential bets composed of former congressman Walden Bello, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III will begin on Feb. 10. The vice presidential candidates will also each have 10-minute e-rally time slots. For senatorial candidates and party-list organizations, each night five senatorial bets and five party-lists each are given three-minute e-rally programs. For more information regarding the schedules, the public may visit the social media pages of the poll body. In Resolution No. 10695, the Comelec also reminded candidates that it is prohibited to give donations or gifts in cash or in kind. They may also not appoint or use special policemen and confidential agents during the period. In Resolution 10730, the poll body also stated that all campaign materials must bear and be identified by the reasonably legible, or audible words “political advertisement paid for,” followed by the true and correct name and address of the candidate or party for whose benefit the election propaganda was printed or aired. There are also size limitations to pamphlets, leaflets, stickers, posters, and streamers. The posting of any election campaign or propaganda material outside of authorized common poster areas, in public places, or in private properties without the consent of the owner is not allowed. Public places include electronic announcement boards, such as LED display boards located along highways and streets, and LCD monitors posted on walls of public buildings; motor vehicles used as patrol cars, ambulances, and for other similar purposes that are owned by local government units, governmentowned and controlled corporations; Waiting sheds, sidewalks, street and lamp posts, electric posts and wires, traffic signages and other signboards erected on public property, pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, flyovers, and underpasses, bridges, main thoroughfares, center islands of roads and highways; Schools, shrines, barangay halls, health centers, public structures and buildings or any edifice; public trans-

port vehicles owned and controlled by the government, such as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Philippine National Railway (PNR) trains; and within the premises of public transport terminals, such as bus terminals, airports, seaports, docks, piers, train stations, that are owned and controlled by the government. Each party and independent candidate, with prior consent from the Comelec, may put up common poster areas in every barangay subject to limitations. Candidates and registered political parties for a national elective position are allowed not more than a total of 120 minutes of television advertising, on a per station basis, whether appearing on national, regional, or local, free or cable television, and 180 minutes of radio advertising, on a per station basis, whether airing on national, regional, or local radio, whether by purchase or donation. The Comelec on Monday also said the delay in the release of the certified list of voters would not affect the upcoming polls. David said the poll body was removing voters who have multiple registrations and those who already died, causing some delay in the release of the voters’ list. The expenses of candidates prior to the start of the campaign period are not covered by the guidelines of the 90-day campaign for national aspirants, the Comelec said Monday. “We have no premature campaigning. So, any expense spent prior to the campaign period is not included. Even if there (seems to be) a violation of the guidelines, violations have not been considered because the campaign period has not yet started,” David said. David said they have no data yet on advertising expenditures on various platforms. Reports said among the presidential aspirants, Lacson was recorded the highest spender last year with over P900 million in television, radio, print and billboard ads. He is followed by Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso with more than P700 million spent on ads from January to December 2021. Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, spent some P500 million on ads last year.

Another presidential bet Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has spent more than P300 million while Senator Manny Pacquiao only spent some P1.7 million in 2021. Last Friday, the Comelec conducted its first coordination meeting with deputized agencies for the implementation of the guidelines on in-person election campaign activities under the new normal. The National Comelec Campaign Committee, headed by Commissioner Rey Bulay as the Commissioner-in-Charge, met in a virtual session with representatives of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to discuss details of the implementationwhich will start next week. "As we approach the start of the campaign period on February 8, the Comelec, through the NCCC, wishes to assure the public that the duly constituted campaign committees nationwide stand ready to implement the guidelines institutionalizing the new normal in the conduct of in-person campaigns, rallies, caucuses, miting de avance, motorcades and caravans for the 2022 National and Local Elections," he said in a statement. Under Resolution No. 10732, the NCCC is authorized to classify the category level of each region, province city, and municipality, in conformity with the alert Level classification issued by the IATF. The guidelines fully outline the appeals process in case the designated category level is reclassified, the application process prior to the conduct of any election campaign activity and the corresponding documentary requirements. During the meeting, the agencies also gave their pledge of support to carry out their mandated duty as the general public and all electoral stakeholders will witness, for the first time, a nationwide automated election that is in full compliance with strict public health and safety protocols. "In the enforcement of these guidelines and prosecution of violations thereof, we are likewise assured by the commitment of the deputized agencies who have been our valued partners through the years in ensuring not just a free, honest, peaceful, and credible electoral exercise but a safe one," the poll body official added.

AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino, PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos, and PCG deputy commandant for operations Vice Adm. Eduardo Fabricante signed the Joint Letter Directive 01-2022 during the second command conference with the Commission on Elections in Camp Crame, Quezon City. The meeting was presided by Comelec acting chairperson Socorro Inting. Also present were field unit commanders from the AFP, PNP, and PCG. In his message, Centino emphasized the AFP’s marching orders from President Rodrigo Duterte—finish off the communist insurgency before the Chief Executive's term ends, and ensure the conduct of safe elections. "We came up with a plan to have

sufficient forces to perform these two tasks. We have designated units to go after the armed groups. We want these units' operations to go unhampered," he added. Centino also said those who will not be joining these operations will be deployed on election duty. "We look forward to having a secure election. We would like to ensure that the process will be safeguarded, and that's the best thing that the AFP, PNP, and PCG can give to our country," Centino said. The JLD aims to enhance coordination among signatory agencies in building up cases, investigation of crimes perpetrated by, and successful prosecution of leaders, members, and supporters of threat groups and their financiers.

It also intends to guide the identification and disposition of surrendered, recovered, and confiscated firearms following the chain of custody. It will be implemented under the tripartite mechanism of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center. Presentations on the gun ban implementation, threat assessment and evaluation of election hotspots, and other matters were also discussed at the conference. Meanwhile, Inting commended all the uniformed personnel for their roles during the election. "I am confident that, in the performance of your functions concerning the coming elections, our uniformed personnel shall always remain professional and nonpartisan,” she said.

from the United States government for the possible extradition of Quiboloy. “Extradition cannot be done motu proprio, especially if the subject is our own citizen. Any communication will be coursed through diplomatic channels,” he said. “The process is governed by the Philippines-US extradition treaty. The US State Department makes the extradition request. Our DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) checks the sufficiency of the request; if sufficient, the DFA endorses it to the DOJ (Department of Justice). We (DOJ) then file a petition for extradition with the proper RTC (regional trial court) on behalf of the US government,” the secretary explained. “The rest of our judicial process, including appeals, follows. In case the issuance of a warrant of arrest becomes necessary, the subject may post bail for his provisional liberty. Extradition is supposed to be a summary proceeding; we’re not supposed to be trying the US criminal charges here. But we have had cases where the process reached the Supreme Court, but were ultimately implemented,” he said. On the issuance of ILBO, PHDO or HDO, Guevarra said: “We’ll study the legal basis for such an action in the absence of any official request or communication from the US side.” Quiboloy’s lawyers had said the pastor would abide by the decision of the Philippine court if and when an extradition request is made by the US government.

PH...

Monday warned that it was "too early" and "too drastic" for Metro Manila to shift to the lowest of five COVID-19 alert levels. Dr. Rontgene Solante, head of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine unit of the San Lazaro Hospital, said authorities should instead monitor if cases will further decline "in the next two weeks.” "In my opinion, we still need to stay in Alert Level 2. It’s too early and I think it’s too drastic to change to a lower alert level like 1," Solante said in a televised public briefing. “Remember, the cases we are seeing are still high, the infection rate is still high. And we need to be vigilant about these numbers," Solante said. Metro Manila shifted to Alert 2 from Alert 3 from Feb. 1 until 15. This allowed businesses to raise their operating capacity by 20 percent, said Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo. Also on Monday, Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano shot down a proposal from presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion that areas with high vaccination rates should require people to present COVID-19 booster cards in Metro Manila establishments. Ano said that while the government is already administering booster shots, the priority is still to inoculate the unvaccinated.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

HE country's oil firms raised pump prices for the sixth consecutive week effective 6am Tuesday by as much as P1.25 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world market.

From A1

In a briefing Monday, Comelec’ Education and Information Department (EID) Director Elaiza David said the campaign guidelines for this year are different from the usual campaign rules, as every activity must obtain the approval of the newly created National Comelec Campaign Committee, whose main function is to regulate the election campaign under the shadow of the pandemic. David said candidates are no longer allowed to enter houses, or kiss and hug members of the public. Even handshakes and taking selfies are also being discouraged. Also, the giving of food, water, or anything of value is prohibited, and crowding and large gatherings are banned. David said the live-streaming of the rallies of national candidates will also start on Tuesday. Candidates were briefed Monday about the livestreaming. Every day starting Feb. 8, there will be three sets of candidates per night who will be given the chance to livestream their campaign rallies on the poll body’s e-channel via https://www.facebook.com/ COMELECeRallyChannel. For the first night, Group 1 will be composed of presidential bets former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Faisal Mangondato. Group 2, composed of Jose Montemayor, former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, and labor leader Leody de Guzman, will start on Feb. 9. The third group, composed of Vice President Leni Robredo, former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, will air their erallies on Feb. 10. Each candidate will have 10 minutes during the e-rallies. For vice-presidential bets, the airing of e-rallies for Group 1 composed of Manny Lopez, Dr. Willie Ong, and Rizalito David will start on Feb. 8. The airing of the first e-rallies of VP bets Carlos Serapio, presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, and Representative

Comelec... From A1

David also said since there was no premature campaigning, any expense spent by an aspirant for ads before the campaign period will not be counted as they are not yet considered as candidates. “There is no premature campaigning. Any expenses spent prior to the campaign period are not included,” she added. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard adopted Monday a joint legal cooperation against lawless groups as part of efforts to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

Watch... From A1

conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.” In the Philippines, a complaint for alleged rape and child abuse against Quiboloy in 2020 had been dismissed by the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office. However, the complainant elevated the prosecutor’s resolution of dismissal before the Department of Justice, which is now pending resolution. “The DOJ, upon application by the complainant-appellant, may issue an ILBO (against Quiboloy) in the meantime,” Guevarra stressed. “Until the DOJ finds sufficient reason to reverse the finding of the city prosecutor, it has no basis to apply for a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO),” he said. An ILBO is different from a hold departure order (HDO) and PHDO that are issued by the courts to prevent a person from leaving the country. An HDO is only issued when charges have been filed against a person in court, while a PHDO is issued at the request of prosecutors due to ongoing preliminary investigation of a complaint against a person. Guevarra earlier said the DOJ had not yet received any official communication

From A1

percent, based on test results of samples from 36,773 people on Feb. 5, Saturday. The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, reported that areas under granular lockdown increased from 590 to 605. As of Sunday, 384 of these areas were in Cordillera, 130 in Ilocos, 77 in Cagayan, eight in Mimaropa, and six in the National Capital Region, the PNP said. A total of 1,233 people were affected by the restrictions. There were 116,720 active cases, 7,806 of which were asymptomatic; 103,900 were mild; 3,184 were moderate; 1,495were severe; and 335 were critical. There were 12 new deaths reported, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 54,538. The DOH said 16,330 people recovered on Monday, bringing total recoveries to 3,445,129. Nationwide, 41 percent of intensive care unit beds nationwide were in use while 21 percent of mechanical ventilators were being used. In Metro Manila, 33 percent of ICU beds were in use while 19 percent of ventilators were in use. An infectious disease expert on

Analysts are predicting global oil prices to reach as high of $100 per barrel due to strong demand, as economies try to go back to normal amid the pandemic. On February 1, the oil companies implemented a price increase in domestic oil products. Both gasoline and diesel increased by P0.75 per liter while kerosene increased by P0.45 per liter. These resulted in the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P5.70 per liter for gasoline, P7.95 per liter for diesel, and P7.20 per liter for kerosene.

Singapore firm to put up $700m MNL1 data center By Othel V. Campos SPACEDC, a Singapore-based visionary data center provider, is working with global real estate services firm JLL to build a $700-million (about P35 billion), network-rich, data center called MNL1, which will be situated in Cainta, part of Greater Manila. “The Philippines ranks second in terms of data center growth in Southeast Asia. With only 47MW of available capacity in the country it is a dramatically underserved market. We are excited to be a first mover in a new market where we see our customers are investing heavily in,” said SpaceDC CEO Darren Hawkins. The green data center which will be fully powered with renewable energy – wind and geothermal - is slated to open this year. At 43,000 square meters, MNL1 will be the largest hyperscale data center campus in the Philippines and will deliver 72 megawatts (MW) of critical power, the company said in a statement. With an outstanding PUE of 1.3, MNL1 will also lead in terms of energy efficiency and design to minimize its carbon footprint. “SpaceDC is in the right place at the right time to take advantage of the strong customer interest we are seeing in the Philippines. MNL1’s design is setting new standards in terms of technology, quality and operational excellence in the Philippines,” JLL executive director for data center services Ralph Davidson, who is also the appointed project construction manager, said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Good... From A1

many times I have to say the statement, of course, with a warning, that you, our current situation, we are not over the hump. We cannot say that it is finished," the President added. Duterte said he does not understand how those who refuse to be vaccinated think. "I don't understand why there are people who resist. They just don't want it. They know, and I really do not understand how they think. They see those who died, experts, people in the government and the private sector have been talking about the importance of vaccination, but until people realize that once they get sick, once they are in the hospital, those that are in the hospital, they are unvaccinated," he said. The President said he won't feel bad for those who are unvaccinated if they die. "'If you die unvaccinated, I'll tell you, good riddance. You want to die, so be it. Walk around, and if you get contaminated, you will be very sorry for yourself and your family. Especially those who refuse to get vaccinated," Duterte said. The Department of Health, in an earlier separate statement, said 77.4 percent of COVID-19 deaths in the country were individuals who were not fully vaccinated.

Pedia... From A1

Only children with preexisting medical conditions need to present a medical certificate from their doctors, while others will be assessed before vaccination, the DOH said. The government will administer 10 micrograms of Pfizer's reformulated vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, which has an orange cap to differentiate it from the ones used on adults. “Our vaccine for 5 to 11 years old is safe. They need it because they haven't been vaccinated yet. And if cases continue to rise especially in other areas, they need to be protected,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in Filipino. After vaccination, children will be monitored for 30 minutes if they have previously experienced allergic reactions, and 15 minutes if they have not experienced any, the DOH said. The most common minor adverse reactions that children experience are dizziness, injection site pain, pyrexia, headache, and increased blood pressure, according to Dr. Mary Ann Bunyi, president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines. The country has recorded two cases of myocarditis and one case of pericarditis after inoculation, from which the children have recovered, Bunyi said. "These patients have all recovered from these conditions. The causality of these medical illnesses is still being investigated and still needs to be established," she earlier said. The Philippines has so far fully vaccinated 6.28 million children aged 12 to 17 as of Jan. 23, according to DOH data that Bunyi presented. As of 9 a.m. Monday, more than 40 children out of a registered 300 have been vaccinated at the National Children's Hospital. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

News

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

IN BRIEF

VACCINATION OF KIDS. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora accompanies his sons Noah, 8, and Nicolas, 11 as they receive their first dose of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 during the start of the city’s pediatric vaccination. Friends Roshell 10 years old, and Sam, 8 years old hold their vaccine cards on the first day of the “Resbakuna” kids for children ages 5-11 yrs old at the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor, Cavite. Chayeli Revilla, the 5-year old daughter of 2nd District Representative Strike Revilla and Chaye Revilla is accompanied by her parents while being vaccinated. Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso and Vice mayor Honey Lacuna lead the vaccination of minors against COVID-19 at the Manila Zoo. Manny Palmero, JR Josue, and Norman Cruz.

‘Rody’s support of Cusi is still unacceptable’ SENATOR Risa Hontiveros.said President Rodrigo Duterte’s support for Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi and other Department of Energy (DOE) officials over the alleged questionable approval of the Udenna-Chevron deal on the sale of a majority stake in the Malampaya gas field was not surprising but still “unacceptable.” The Senate resolution which sought to file administrative and criminal charges against Cusi and 11 other energy officials was transmitted Friday to the Office of the Ombudsman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate committee on energy. The resolution showed that the charges were in relation to the sale of the 45 percent stake of Chevron Malampaya LLC in the Malampaya gas field worth $565-million to UC Malampaya. Macon Ramos- Araneta

Solon seeks guidelines on cancer fund program QUEZON City Rep. Alfred Vargas on Monday called for the immediate issuance of guidelines governing the Cancer Assistance Fund, a program to support cancer patients’ medicine and treatment under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA). “Cancer is a financially catastrophic disease, so this delay is already unconscionable. Despite efforts to aid our fellow Filipinos through the NICCA, this delay denies cancer patients and their families much-needed help and comfort. Halos isang taon na pero hindi pa rin natatapos ang guidelines? The Department of Health (DOH) needs to resolve this issue now,” Vargas said. Maricel V. Cruz

Group seeks probe on NOW exec for fraud

Suspects cleared in Dacera case By Rey E. Requejo

HE Makati City Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed the consolidated criminal complaints filed against the companions of flight attendant Christine Dacera when she was found dead in a bathtub of their rented room at the City Garden Hotel in Makati City after celebrating the New Year’s eve in 2021. Absolved of criminal liability were Mark Anthony Rosales, Rommel Galido, John Pascual dela Serna III, Gregorio Angelo Rafael de Guzman, Jezreel Rapinan, Alain D. Chen, Reyman Englis, Darwin Joseph Macalla, Louis de Lima, and lawyer Neptali Maroto.

The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office also dismissed the administering of illegal drug charges under Section 5 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Dangerous against Rosales for lack of evidence that could establish the alleged

administration of any illegal drugs into the body of Dacera. “The fact that the drug test on Dacera yielded negative result for presence of dangerous drugs…coupled by her urine sample examination results (showing she was negative for methamphetamine and amphetamine), supported the findings of dismissal,” the resolution said. The OCP Makati City also dismissed the complaint for attempt to deliver illegal drugs under the same law filed against Rosales and Galida due to the absence of the corpus delicti (body of the crime), that is, the dangerous drugs itself. It noted that the alleged drugs were not

By Rey E. Requejo CIVIL society group Infrawatch PH has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate NOW Corporation and its president and chief executive officer Mel V. Velarde for allegedly committing security fraud for non-disclosure of P2.5 billion relating to the accrual of supervision and regulation fees (SRF) imposed by the National Telecommunications Commission. In a complaint filed with the SEC last week, the Infrawatch PH through its co-convenor Victor Morillo, filed a complaint for securities fraud against NOW Corp. and Velarde for non-disclosure of so-called “material information” in its financial documents and disclosures, in connection with the accrual of SRF imposed by the NTC amounting to P2.5 billion, including the pendency of litigation between NOW Tel and NTC in the Supreme Court. “Based on NOW Tel’s 2018 and 2019 financial statements, NTC’s SRF Assessment Report relating to unpaid fees and penalties for the years 2006 to 2017 have not been considered in these financial documents. It is our position that these non-disclosures are substantial enough to affect investor behavior in dealing with NOW and NOW Tel. Had the NTC obligations been considered, NOW Tel’s equity would have been wiped out in 2018 and 2019. Correspondingly, as NOW Tel is a significant subsidiary of NOW Corp., this also significantly impacts the financial position of NOW Corp,” said Terry Ridon, Infrawatch PH convenor and former House informations and communications technology committee member.

submitted to the prosecutors as evidence. The OCP also absolved Rosales, Galido, Dela Serna, De Guzman, Rapinan, Chen, Englis, Macalla, and Maroto from obstruction of justice as “they were simply protecting their rights within the bounds of law” which would not qualify as obstruction of justice. The prosecutor also dismissed the perjury charges filed against Galido, Dela Serna III and Macalla based on the absence of showing that the alleged false statements pertaining to the use of party drugs at the hotel are material to the investigation of Dacera’s death and alleged rape.

‘Makabayan bloc members top CPP officials’

GROUNDBREAKING.

Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman leads the groundbreaking ceremony of Barangay Mariroc’s multipurpose hall. Norman Cruz

Cayetano says his campaign will be ‘eco-friendly’ By Maricel V. Cruz

SENATORIAL aspirant and Taguig City Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday launched an “eco-friendly, lead-by-example” campaign in his comeback trail to the Senate in the May 2022 elections. “Don’t expect posters, flyers, and other traditional materials from me,” Cayetano, former Speaker, said.

“What image comes to mind when we talk of elections in the Philippines? It’s the wasteful use of paper, ink, and other printing materials. How many trees are sacrificed for the few months of the campaign period?” he added. According to Cayetano, “they are not only wasteful, but they also add to the garbage problem that is huge enough as it is.”

Cayetano instead asked the public to show their support by planting trees and mangroves and, for those in the cities, doing urban farming like making backyard gardens or even green walls. He also encouraged supporters to grow flowering plants and engage in other sustainable practices, saying the future generations are depending on us to leave a better world for them.

FOUR members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) said on Monday that the Makabayan Bloc or “KABAG” (Kabataan, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, ACT, Gabriela) lawmakers are also officials of the CPP-NPA-NDF. At the weekly virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC), former CPP official Jeffrey Celis alias “Ka Eric” certified that partylist lawmakers Neri Colmenares, Satur Ocampo, Liza Masa, and Teddy Casiño of the Makabayan Bloc are real operatives of the CPP-NPA-NDF, explaining that they all have personal knowledge and frequently met with the KABAG lawmakers during the Regional Committee meetings of the CPP-NPA-NDF. “We can look them directly to their eyes,” Celiz said, referring to the KABAG lawmakers whom they can point as CPP-NPA-NDF officials too. He also said that there are three levels in the CPP-NPA-NDF meetings. “We have what we call L1, L2 at L3 meetings. L1, Level 1 means an open meeting, with the public invited.If its L2 o Level 2, that would be an underground meeting, and if its Level 3, it is a (CPP) party meeting,” Celiz said. He also said he met the Makabayan Bloc members during those meetings.

Manila health workers undergo annual physical By Willie Casas MORE than a thousand employees of the Manila Health Department (MHD) started undergoing their Annual Physical Examination (APE) in the city. The City Government of Manila, led by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, has prioritized health programs, not only for the city residents,

MEET THE PRESS IN LAGUNA.

Members of the Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps held a “Meet the Press “event for local candidates in Sta. Maria, Laguna. The event aims to give candidates running for local posts the chance to inform residents of their platforms and programs if they win in the upcoming elections in May.

but its employees as well. City Health Officer Dr. Arnold M. Pangan, MD, RSW, issued a memorandum directing all MHD employees to undergo the first APE in the city to ensure that the health workers are healthy and fit to work in handling their daily responsibilities. “It is said that the physical well-being of our employees plays a significant bearing on the effectiveness and effi-

ciency in the delivery of our basic health services. This is the fundamental basis emphasized on the mandate of Administrative Order No. 402 S. 1998 issued by Malacanang and DOLE Department Order No. 154 Series of 2016 on Occupational Safety and Health Standards of the Philippines in the establishment of health programs for government personnel,” Pangan said.

Laguna journalists hold ‘meet the press’ event THE Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps (CVLPC) recently conducted a Meet the Press event led by Roy Tomandao on February 4 in Sta. Maria, Laguna. The event aims to give candidates running for local posts the chance to inform

residents of their platforms and programs if they win in the upcoming elections in May. Members of the press club also had the chance to filed their questions especially on issues of peace and order, health and sanitation, senior citizens

concerns, disasters preparedness, infrastructures, and tourism among others. Mayorial aspirant Jayson Cuento said if he succeeds in becoming the mayor of their town, he will allocate funds to ensure the welfare of all citizens.

Leni’s campaign adopts rose as official symbol

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

By Rio Araja

TAKING ON A NEW ROLE.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos reads his resignation letter addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday. Abalos has stepped down from his post to help the campaign of presidential aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. Norman Cruz

News

Lacson-Sotto proclamation in ‘The Land of the Brave’ By Macon Ramos-Araneta PARTIDO Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III are scheduled to face thousands of their supporters Tuesday afternoon for their highly anticipated proclamation rally at the Imus Grandstand in Imus City, Cavite. Lacson and Sotto are running for president and vice president respectively in the May 9 elections. Cavite is the second vote-rich province in the Philippines with over 2.15 million registered voters and is considered a bailiwick of Lacson, who was born and raised in Imus City. Both he and Sotto were widely successful in securing support from the Caviteños during their previous senatorial runs. Before taking the Imus Grandstand stage to deliver their political speeches, Lacson and Sotto are set to attend a mass at the Imus Cathedral. Both lawmakers have recently wrapped up their Senate duties upon the adjournment of the third regular session of 18th Congress for the election period. Also expected to appear at the Lacson-Sotto proclamation rally are the members of their senatorial slate, including Partido Reporma stalwarts retired police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, public health advocate Dr. Minguita Padilla, and former Makati Rep. Monsour del Rosario.

Abalos quits MMDA, joins Marcos’ UniTeam

By Rey E. Requejo

ETRO Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos has quit his Cabinet post to join the UniTeam of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio. Abalos will serve as the tandem’s national campaign manager. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Filipino people as MMDA chairman. The past year was filled with intense challenges … Thus, with utmost gratitude, I respectfully tender my resignation,” Abalos said. “The campaign period is fast approaching, and I am duty-bound to devote my time and energy to Sen. Bongbong Marcos’ campaign as his national

campaign manager,” he added in his resignation letter submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte. The UniTeam, for its part, said Abalos is a huge addition to the campaign, and his role as a national campaign manager is crucial in leading the tandem to victory. “His sensible and wise leadership experience would play a big factor in leading the UniTeam to its desired victory, which consequently would be a win for

the Filipino people,” the tandem said in a statement. “I decided to join the BBM-Sara UniTeam because I genuinely believe in the unifying leadership espoused by our presidential aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and his running-mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. It’s what we really need, especially that we are emerging from a pandemic,” Abalos said. “I have known Bongbong for a long time, and I know that he has the experience and the capability to make things better for our country. Among the presidential aspirants, I find his unifying message as sincere and necessary in leading the country towards the road to progress and sustainable development,” Abalos added.

WARM BICOL WELCOME.

Lakas-CMD vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (center) delivers her message to government workers led by Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo Tallado (inset) and Rep. Josie Tallado during her visit to the provincial capitol on the 7th day of her ‘Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas Ride’ campaign. Ver Noveno

THE presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo has adopted the rose as its symbol in the three-month campaign that officially begins today (February 8). “The rose is the symbol of our campaign because in our country, the rose also stands for love, hope, and a better life,” said Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesperson. “This mirrors aptly what is at the center of our fight – the heart of every Filipino that gives life to our People’s Campaign. ‘Rosas ang kulay ng bukas’ [Rose is the color of the future] is our dream that is carried by our ‘Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat’ [Honest Government, A Better Life for All] commitment,” Gutierrez added. Flowers have been part of key political moments all over the world, with the rose standing for movements for democracy and freedom. The rose symbol complements Robredo’s campaign color – pink – that was spontaneously adopted by her supporters. Robredo spent the eve of the kickoff of the 2022 presidential campaign among fellow Nagueños, highlighted by a homecoming to her alma mater, Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI). For Robredo, it was a touching reunion with her batchmates from Class 1982, particularly after she had earlier said that her hometown, Naga City, always brought her comfort and solace amid the political challenges she has faced. Robredo, the only female presidential candidate, said she seeks to bring back good governance to the country, believing that an honest government is key to making the Filipinos’ lives better.

China ‘not an enemy’ despite WPS row—Isko By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENTIAL candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said he does not consider Beijing as an “enemy” on the issue of the West Philippine Sea, but he maintained that the Chinese government should also respect our maritime claim. “No. I do not consider them as enemies. I cannot blame (Chinese President) Xi Jinping for thinking that the West Philippine Sea is theirs,” Domagoso said in a television interview. “But in the same manner, that kind of thinking, that kind of respect must be given to us. No, it’s also ours,” he added. The WPS accounts roughly one third of Philippine water and hosts a wealth of the country’s coastal and marine resources from coral reefs, to fisheries resources, to energy and mineral resources, among others. “In the meantime, we won in the Hague ruling and rules must be observed. Contracts and agreements must be recognized,” the 47-year-old presidential aspirant said. China, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea, seized control of Panatag Shoal in 2012, prompting the Philippines to seek UN arbitration. In July 2016, the Philippines won the arbitration case it lodged against China after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line claim that covers nearly the entire South China Sea.

Give e-sabong regulation a Pacquiao named global ‘Ambassador for Homeless, Vulnerable’ chance–solon By Maricel V. Cruz A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has appealed to critics of e-sabong to give it a chance as he highlighted the sectors that benefit from the proposal to regulate online cockfighting. “I remain in favor of online cockfighting for the simple reason that it helps a lot of people. When properly regulated, it is not the work of the devil; rather it is a usual source of livelihood for poor Filipinos,” Ako Bisaya party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon said as he dispelled the common notion that e-sabong is “evil.” According to Lagon, the pandemic has severely affected the cockfighting industry, with health restrictions causing the closure of over 3,000 cockfighting arenas nationwide. This has led to loss of jobs for thousands of Filipinos connected to game fowl activities, he said. Lagon, vice chairman of the House Committee on Games and Amusements, said giving e-sabong franchisees the license to operate would be welcomed by several sectors that benefit from the industry by extension.

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao was formally named as the world’s “Ambassador for the Homeless and Vulnerable” by the international philanthropic organization Spring Rain Global. The standard bearer of PROMDI was conferred the title for championing the cause of the homeless.

Should he win the presidency, Pacquiao said he plans to build at least 10 million houses which will be distributed for free to the country’s 1.6 million informal settlers and more than nine million families who are renting apartments or are sharing spaces with their extended families. Pacquiao earlier led the groundbreak-

ing of a community center of a housing development project at the reclamation area in Brgy. Subangdako, Mandaue City, Cebu. Spring Rain Global, known globally as one of the leading international organizations that raises and facilitates funding for various humanitarian projects especially in Third World

countries, has been working with the country’s Vincentian Missionaries, the Malibu Matimco Village Home Owners Association Inc., the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association and the Mandaue City government for the construction of 3,000 housing units at the reclamation area in Sitio Malibu and Matimco in Mandaue.

RCBC ready to face House probe

HOMELESS NO MORE. Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso wipes his tears after getting emotional during the turnover of the Tondominium units to beneficiaries in Vitas, Tondo on February 7, 2022. Norman Cruz

THE Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) said it is ready to face any legislative inquiry aimed at protecting the public from bank or electronic scams. This as Bagong Henerasyon partylist Rep. Bernadette Herrera said she is seeking a probe in aid of legislation as to the extent and limits of a bank’s liability during scamming incidents. She cited a scam involving a dismissed RCBC branch manager who allegedly defrauded millions of pesos from multiple clients. RCBC general counsel George dela Cuesta said one of the victims being cited by Herrera, the non-profit organization Inang Nag-Aaruga, dealt with its former employee, Liza Arzaga.

Arzaga was suspended in 2018 after the bank found out she allowed the organization to allegedly transact using fake names. Dela Cuesta said while Arzaga was suspended, the organization still transacted with her. “The funds that were used to buy the fake debt notes did not enter the bank’s system and therefore cannot be refunded,” Dela Cuesta said. “The bank stands on solid legal ground and is ready to protect its interest in any venue and forum,” Dela Cuesta added. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas issued two resolutions clearing RCBC’s executives of any liability, but the case was escalated to the Court of Appeals.

Opinion Better late than never, Senator Cynthia ONE of the most important of the decisions that the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have to make is the appointment of the chairperson of the committee on agriculture and food of their respective chambers. The reason for this is that despite the progress that has been made in other sectors of its economy, the Philippines remains an essentially agricultural country, needs to feed a rapidly growing population - the latest unofficial estimate of this is 112 million - and has an external trade that is largely agricultural in character. The nation cannot afford a bad choice of agriculture and food committee chairperson by the Senate President or the Speaker. If the choice of chairperson is bad, Philippine society will suffer because rural-agricultural experience forms a very large part of this country’s culture and psyche. And the Philippine economy will be hurt by the neglect and mismanagement of one of its key sectors. An incompetent or indifferent agriculture and food committee chairperson will placae the nation’s food security in jeopardy, disturb its socio-economic balance and impair its capacity to earn the financial resources needed for the Philippine economy’s sustenance. A well-chosen agriculture and food committee chairperson will assiduously address the needs - financial, agronomic, tenurial and commercial - of this country’s farmers; a badly chosen chairperson will not. Perhaps the most important need of Filipino farmers is access to credit. The parcelization of this country’s farms by CARP (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program) and the severance of the paternalistic landlord-tenant relationship left millions of Filipino farmers in a little-access-to-credit situation. The banking entities created by the Rural Banks Act were supposed to fill the rural credit gap, but the authors of that law paid scant attention to the fact that banks require applicants to offer good credit records and adequate collaterals. Tenants-turnedlandowners typically had no credit records - all the borrowing having been done by their landlords- and their CARP-awarded farms generally were insufficient to secure economic-size production loans. All too often the ARBs (agrarian reform beneficiaries) and other farmers ended up obtaining credit

from non-bank lenders at exorbitant interest rates. As a result, Filipino farmers either sank deeper into debt or operated on a subsistence basis. To provide a remedy, Congress, encouraged by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), enacted the Agri(culture)-Agra(rian reform) Credit Act, which was amended by the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2008. The proponents of the Act could see that banks were disinclined to grant credit to ARBs and other farmers; therefore, lending to the agricultural sector had to be made mandatory. The Agri-Agra Act mandated that henceforth 25 percent of total banking-system credit be extended to the agricultural sector: 10 percent to ARBs and 15 percent to other farmerborrowers. The banks were given the option of lending to the farm sector indirectly, i.e., through the purchase of agriculture-intended government securities; they had to pay penalties if they failed to comply with the 25 percent requirement.

You’re very late, but the nation is happy that you have come to life. The Agri-Agra Credit Act has failed to achieve its landatory objective. And blame for this must be laid at the door of the indirect-compliance option. BSP data show this clearly. Rather than grant loans directly to farmers, the banks have preferred to pay penalties averaging P2 billion annually. Of the 15 percent requirement for lending to agriculture, the banking system’s compliance rate has been only 9 percent; of the 10 percent ARB-lending requirement the banks’ compliance rate has been a miniscule 1 percent. Senator Cynthia Villar was appointed chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture and food in 2016, at the start of the 17th Congress. Up until now, Senator Villar has had nothing about the credit problem of Filipino farmers. Now, almost six years later, the good senator has come to life where agricultural credit is concerned. Senator Villar wants changes made to the Agri-Agra Credit Reform Act. She wants to make it more effective. She has proposed a law that will “allow a wider mode of compliance for banks to achieve a holistic approach to countryside development.” Late is always better than never, Senator Cynthia. You’re very late, but the nation is happy that you have come to life. The nation’s farmers are waiting; Please don’t let them down. Give them an effective AgriAgra Credit Act.

these issues, as February is National Cancer Awareness Month as provided for in NICCA Sec. 16, and its observance shall be led by the “DOH in collaboration with LGUs, cancer-focused professional societies, [and] academic institutions.” I don’t see any of this happening, do you? This is perhaps because the National Integrated Cancer Control Council, again provided for under the NICCA, seems to not have met yet to fulfill their mandate of formulating the country’s policy response to cancer.

The government must not neglect the people who are ill with other diseases, and who need help, too. Also, although the implementing rules and regulations for the Act were signed on Valentine’s Day, 2019, they don’t seem to have been fully implemented. What a pity, because the NICCA itself seems quite comprehensive. As Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas asked the DOH last April, “What’s with the delay? Habang pira-piraso ang implementasyon natin ng NICCA, hindi nabibigyan ng benepisyo ang mga kababayan natin na may kanser…” He also said that more than P700 million had been allocated for the country’s cancer control program under the 2021 budget. Vargas added, “The law is there, and it is already funded, yet we cannot fully implement it because the body that should get the ball rolling has not yet been formed.” Meanwhile, going back to the PWD ID for those with cancer, NCDA’s Rojas said

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EDITORIAL

Cancer patients, survivors are considered PWDs

CANCER patients and survivors are deemed persons with disability (PWDs) under the law and may claim the corresponding rights and privileges as such, said the top official of the country’s disability affairs agency. Speaking at an online presser last Feb. 2, National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Engr. Emerito L. Rojas explained that under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11215), cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and cancer survivors are considered PWDs in accordance with RA 11228 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. Therefore, they have the same rights and privileges as PWDs, and according to Rojas, may apply for a PWD identity card in order to claim the benefits they are entitled to. “Once you are diagnosed with cancer, you are considered a PWD,” Rojas said. This is something that not all cancer patients are aware of. Many do not even know that there is a NICCA. This, despite Sec. 15 of RA 11215 mandating the Department of Health (DOH) to “intensify its cancer awareness campaign” and “provide the latest and evidence-based information for the prevention and treatment of cancer.” The DOH is tasked to do this in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), “making full use of the latest technology to disseminate information to reach every Filipino.” This is an opportune time to discuss

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Rewriting history

ROM the outside looking in, it beggars belief that one of the two dominant political parties in the United States can look back on the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the US Capitol as an exercise in “legitimate political discourse.” Yet, there it was for all to see: the Republican National Committee last week overwhelmingly approved a resolution to censure two of its own members, Reps. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, for being part of a congressional committee to investigate the riot that then President Donald Trump incited after suffering a humiliating defeat at the polls. Trump, who never conceded, has since spread the lie that he was cheated—even though he has been unable to provide a shred of evidence of the massive election fraud that he constantly whines about. Remarkably, in the year since voters booted him from office, Trump and his enablers have managed to convince their gullible compatriots that fair is foul and foul is fair. They were such effective liars that a poll in September 2020 showed

that 70 percent of Republicans believed Joe Biden was not legitimately elected President of the United States, while only 22 percent conceded that he was.

It is even more dangerous when we allow politicians to do this. Last week’s RNC resolution was the logical extension of this blatant disregard for facts that most Republicans now embrace. “Representatives Cheney and Kinzinger are participating in a Democratled persecution of ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate political discourse,”

part of the resolution reads—suggesting that the violent attack on the US Capitol—which was captured in hours of dramatic video footage that the entire world could see—well, that was just “ordinary citizens” making their voices heard. Never mind that at least seven people lost their lives in connection with the Jan. 6 attack, and that about 150 police officers were injured and hundreds of workers were traumatized by the mob. The gallows the rioters brought with them and the chants of “Hang Mike Pence”? Surely, that was just a mere political disagreement over then Vice President Pence’s refusal to declare Trump the winner when he presided over the counting of electoral votes in Congress. The same RNC has also threatened to bar Republican candidates from participating in official presidential debates—a sure sign they are really not interested in a free exchange of ideas or honest political discourse. It is dangerous when politicians disrespect the facts, avoid honest debate and rewrite history. It is even more dangerous when we let them.

Certainly, the best Bar exams ever SINCE its inaugural examinations in 19O1 with 13 takers, the yearly Bar examinations have undergone a lot of changes. The Bar examinations are arguably one of the hardest licensure exams with an average passing average of 2O percent to 3O percent, the lowest number of passers being in 1999 with 16.59% passing rate and the highest passing rate in 2O16 with 59.O6%. After having been postponed a few times due to COVID-19 surge, the 2020-2021 bar exams finally pushed through last February 4 and 6 under extraordinary circumstances. Only during the Second World War was the Bar exams ever postponed. And the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused similar social and economic disruption that would justify its postponement. With the pandemic, the Supreme Court had to adapt the Bar exams to address challenges the health crisis brought. Thankfully, this year’s Bar Chair is Associate Justice Marvic Leonen- known for his digital savvy and innovative thinking as a lawyer, educator, and leader. The most important innovation that the Supreme Court, based on Justice Leonen’s recommendation, implemented was to go for localized examinations held in key cities and regional centers nationwide. This has been a long-standing demand of deans, professors, and law students of provincial schools and finally the pandemic made a compelling case for localized testing in order to protect the safety of the examinees, proctors and everyone involved. This arrangement should have been institutionalized years ago and should be made permanent. Centralizing the venue in a select university in Manila means added cost to examinees from the provinces, especially the poor aspirants from far-flung areas outside metro manila. Travelling and staying in Manila for the review and

the whole duration of the bar exams entail considerable cost and no small amount of effort even during the best of times, not to mention the demands and pressures from the current pandemic. This arrangement considerably enhanced accessibility to the testing sites which means lesser expense to the examinees.

It will produce competent lawyers for the needs of all our people. Bar Bulletin No. 3O 2O22 also introduced modifications to traditional modality like reducing the coverage of the exams and limiting the number of days to two. Day One would cover the Law Pertaining to the State and its Relationship with its Citizens (formerly political law, labor law and taxation) and criminal law. Day 2 will be The Law Pertaining to Private Personal and Commercial Relations (formerly civil and commercial law) and Procedure and Professional Ethics (formerly remedial and Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises). Reducing the subjects to four the more manageable four, a stroke of genius to address specific pandemic related issues, is also a good development and be made permanent although once it is safe, it would be good to have a one-week interval between the first two and last two exams. Asking basic questions gave premium to measure rudimentary but adequate legal knowledge. The Bar exams should not be testing people who will argue in the Supreme Court or represent the Philippines in the International Court of Justice nor the International Criminal Court. The Bar exams should not be examining whether people have the research skills to publish in the Philippine Law Journal or the Ateneo Law Jour-

the cards are issued by local government units, and are used to avail of benefits and privileges, like a senior citizens’ card. In the case of those who have both, he said only one may be used at a time. Among the benefits of a PWD ID are: • 20% discount and VAT exemption on the purchase of certain goods and services from all establishments • 5% discount on the purchase of basic and prime commodities • Philhealth benefits and special packages • Tertiary education subsidy for students with disability (UNIFAST) • Use of accessible polling places • Use of express lanes Rojas also said that LGUs may not insist that an applicant for a PWD ID should have a voter’s ID before being issued a PWD card. A voter’s ID is only one of the forms of ID that an applicant may show. They may provide another government ID, their barangay

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

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

certificate, or even their utility bills! Rojas also said that PWDs do not need to pay Philhealth contributions, because under RA 11228, all PWDs are “automatically covered under [Philhealth]” (Sec. 20A). The premium contributions of PWDs in the formal economy shall be shared equally by their employers and the national government. “However,” Rojas said, “despite the law, Philhealth has not rolled this out.” It may be that the government’s frantic covid response pushed all other concerns out the window. But may we know what happened to the P700 million Vargas mentioned? Was it reallocated to covid response? If not, and it’s still intact, we should use it this year to finally implement the NICCA properly, in addition to any allocation for such under the 2022 budget. Cancer prevention, care, treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts are crucial for the many Filipinos who suffer from this disease. According to the DOH, “cancer is the

nal. But the bar exams should however test the ability of a person to give legal advice to a client on a criminal or civil case and to draft basic legal documents. Leonen’s bar exams did just that. It will produce competent lawyers for the needs of all our people. Those lawyers, if they want to become human rights or environmental justice lawyers, or corporate lawyers and top litigators, judges and justices, etc. will need to specialize and study more as well as practice in their chosen fields to get there. Doing away with the topnotcher list is a good thing as the previous system (disclosure: I benefited from that old system, having placed third in the 1989 exams) as the new system that honors more individuals and their schools is better for society. This way, schools would shift focus away from individual excellence to school performance. This will encourage law schools to introduce deep-seated reforms and wideranging improvements in legal education. After all, topping the bar cannot always be equated with competence and ethical legal practice. As a law professor for 32 years, and as someone who did well under the old system, I can say that this has certainly been the best Bar exams ever. It is unfortunate of course that it took the pandemic to get these long needed reforms in place. It is unfortunate that the 11,000 plus examinees had to deal with so many unprecedented challenges to get to the finish line. But here we are. The marathon is over and soon many of them hopefully will know the sweet taste of victory. Congratulations bar takers of the best bar ever! Congratulations Justice Leonen, Chief Justice Alex Gesmundo, and the whole Supreme Court! Congratulations to all those who assisted the Bar Chair in getting the job done! Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs third leading cause of morbidity in the country” after heart and vascular system diseases. Per the 2018 Global Data on Cancer, some 80,000 cancer deaths and 140,000 new cases — some 4,000 of those pediatric patients — are expected each year in the Philippines. The leading cause of cancer death is lung cancer, followed by liver, breast, colon, and leukemia. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Filipinos. So while the government is prioritizing covid response because of the urgency of the situation, they must not neglect the people who are ill with other diseases, and who need help too. The work on implementing the NICCA must go forward, and the government should require the Council to meet this year at the soonest time possible. Otherwise, they will have wasted the time and effort poured into creating and passing the NICCA, and put the health of many of our kababayans at further risk. *** FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

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World

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Diplomatic flurry to avert Russia-NATO Ukraine war

MOSCOW—With war clouds gathering over Ukraine, international diplomacy goes into overdrive on Monday with the French and Russian presidents to talk in Moscow and the German chancellor heading to the White House to meet with US leader Joe Biden. Also on Monday, the German, Czech, Slovak and Austrian foreign ministers were expected in Kyiv, which has played down dire US warnings that Moscow had stepped up preparations for a major incursion into Ukraine. US ofﬁcials have said the Kremlin has assembled 110,000 troops along the border with its pro-Western neighbor but intelligence assessments have not determined whether President Vladimir Putin has actually decided to invade. They said Russia is on track to amass a large enough force—some 150,000 soldiers—for a full-scale invasion by mid-February. Such a force would be capable of takManila Standard ing the capital Kyiv in a matter of 48 TODAY hours in an onslaught that would kill up to 50,000 civilians, 25,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 10,000 Russian troops and

trigger a refugee flood of up to five million people, mainly into Poland, the officials added. On top of the potential human cost, Ukraine fears further damage to its already struggling economy. And if Moscow attacks Ukraine, it could face retaliation over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline -- set to double natural gas supplies from Russia to Germany -with Berlin threatening to block it. Russia is seeking a guarantee from NATO that Ukraine will not enter the alliance and wants the bloc to withdraw forces from member states in eastern Europe. ‘Apocalyptic predictions’ Moscow denies that it is planning to invade Ukraine, and Kyiv’s presidency advisor said the chances of a diplomatic solution to the crisis remained “substantially higher than the threat of further escalation”. On Twitter, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba sought to calm tensions, saying: “Do not believe the apocalyptic predictions. Different capitals have different scenarios, but Ukraine is ready for any development.” AFP

Cyclone Batsirai kills 10, displaces nearly 48,000 M AHANORO, Madagascar—Cyclone Batsirai killed at least 10 people and displaced nearly 48,000 when it struck Madagascar overnight, the national disaster management agency said on Sunday. The cyclone later weakened but not before wreaking havoc in the poor Indian Ocean island nation, which is still reeling from a deadly tropical storm earlier this year. Parts of the country were lashed with heavy rains and wind before the cyclone made landfall in Mananjary. It uprooted trees, destroyed buildings and forced residents to weigh down flimsy corrugated iron roofs along its path, AFP correspondents saw. The rain will cause flooding across parts of the country, Madagascar’s meteorological office said on Sunday. Batsirai made landfall late Saturday as an “intense tropical cyclone”, packing winds of 165 kilometres (102 miles) per hour, Faly Aritiana Fabien of the country’s disaster management

sandy hill which was part of a graveyard. Several graves were ripped open, exposing their bodies and some others. “A few days ago, the sea was far away, but this morning I was told the waves had washed away part of the cemetery,” said agency told AFP. the 54-year-old widow. His colleague responsible for risk man“Daily life is already very hard,” she said, agement, Paolo Emilio Raholinarivo, listed adding the family would be forced to rebury 10 dead, but gave no further details. the remains in a temporary grave until they However, the national meteorological raise enough money for a “proper burial”. ofﬁce—which had warned of “signiﬁ‘City almost 95% destroyed’ cant and widespread damage”—said on “Mananjary is completely destroyed, Sunday that Batsirai had weakened. no matter where you go everything is deThe cyclone’s average wind speed had stroyed,” said one resident named Faby. almost halved to 80 kph, while the stron- Another man, Fana, was certain “almost gest gusts had scaled back to 110 kmh 95 percent of the city has been destroyed” from the 235 kmh recorded when it made Inland in Antsirabe, 365 km northwest landfall, Meteo Madagascar said. of Mananjary,YELLOW the stormBLACK uprooted large CYAN MAGENTA Bodies exposed at cemetery trees in the town’s public park. At a cemetery in the eastern town of The Meteo-France weather service Mahanoro, overlooking the sea, Marie had earlier predicted Batsirai would Viviane Rasoanandrasana sat on the pose a “very serious threat” to Madagasground watching over the bodies of her car, after passing Mauritius and drenchhusband, father-in-law and daughter. ing the French island of La Reunion The waves of the rising sea eroded the with torrential rain. AFP

Australia set to welcome tourists 2/21

DUG UP BY A CYCLONE. Relatives sit next to bodies exhumated from graves destroyed by Cyclone Batsirai at the local cemetery in Mahanoro, Madagascar on February 6. The cyclone weakened overnight but floods were still expected due to heavy rain after it hit eastern Madagascar with strong winds, the island’s meteorological office said Sunday. AFP

Ottawa mayor: Truckers ‘out of control’

(MS-FEB. 8, 2022)

MONTREAL—The ongoing truckers’ protest in the Canadian capital is “out of control,” the Ottawa mayor said Sunday, announcing a state of emergency as the city center remained blocked by opponents of anti-Covid measures. The protesters, who first reached the capital on January 29, have parked their big rigs on city streets and put up tents and temporary shacks —paralyzing the capital to the consternation of officials and the mounting frustration of many residents. Mayor Jim Watson announced a state of emergency that “reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government,” a statement from the city said. Earlier in the day, Watson had described the situation as “completely out of control,” adding that the protesters “have far more people than we have police officers.” “Clearly, we are outnumbered and we are los-

ing this battle,” he told CFRA radio. “This has to be reversed; we have to get our city back.” Watson called the truckers “insensitive,” as they have continued “blaring horns and sirens and ﬁreworks, and turning it into a party.” The demonstrations began as protests by truckers angry with vaccine requirements when crossing the US-Canadian border, but have morphed into broader protests against Covid-19 health restrictions and the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Locals have complained of the ceaseless sound of air horns and of being harassed, insulted or blocked by the protesters. The truckers and their supporters have dug in, however, saying the protests will continue until the Covid-related restrictions are lifted. Police on Sunday announced new measures to stop people from helping the protesters keep up their sit-in. “Anyone attempting to bring material supports (gas, etc.) to the demonstrators could be subject to arrest,” the force tweeted, adding Sunday night that several arrests had been made. AFP

SYDNEY—Australia will reopen its borders to tourists from February 21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Monday, ending some of the world’s strictest and longest-running pandemic travel restrictions. “It’s almost two years since we took the decision to close the borders to Australia,” Morrison said after a meeting of the national security cabinet. He announced the borders will reopen to all visa holders “on the 21st of February of this year,” adding, “if you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia.” Australia’s borders slammed shut in March 2020 in the hope of protecting the island continent against a surging global pandemic. For most of the time since then, Australians have been barred from leaving and only a handful of visitors have been granted exemptions to enter. The rules have stranded nationals overseas, split families, hammered the country’s multi-billion-dollar tourist industry, and prompted often bitter debates about Australia’s status as a modern, open and outwardlooking nation. Every month of border closures has cost businesses an estimated US$2.6 billion, according to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In recent months, rules have been gradually relaxed for Australians, long-term residents and students. The latest decision will see almost all remaining caps lifted. It comes after the country’s longstanding “Covid-zero” policy was abandoned, vaccination rates rose and the once stellar track-and-trace system collapsed under a wave of Omicron cases. Only a handful of countries remain closed to tourists—among them Japan, China, New Zealand and several Paciﬁc Island nations. AFP

Indonesia bus crash kills 13, injures dozens

(MS-FEB. 8, 2022)

SOLO, Indonesia—At least 13 people were killed and dozens more injured after a tour bus carrying factory workers to a beach holiday crashed on Indonesia’s Java Island, according to police. The bus and its 47 passengers were headed from Sukoharjo in Central Java to a family gathering in neighboring Yogyakarta province when the driver lost control going downhill, officers said late Sunday. “Witnesses we questioned said they saw the driver panicking as he tried to manage the gear stick, so there’s an indication the brake was not functioning or faulty,” Bantul district police chief Ihsan, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, told a media briefing. Deadly traffic accidents are common in the archipelago nation of 270 million, where vehicles are often old and poorly maintained and road rules are

routinely ignored. “Thirteen people died. Some died on the scene and others died while being treated in the hospital, while 34 others were injured,” Ihsan said, adding the injured had been taken to three nearby hospitals. The driver was among those who died when the bus tipped over and slammed into the side of the road, destroying the front of the vehicle and badly damaging its right side. Multiple passengers sustained head injuries and three toddlers were also hurt, according to the police chief. Shortly before the crash, passengers had been asked to temporarily disembark, as the bus was having difﬁculty going uphill, Ihsan said. In March last year, a bus carrying dozens of pilgrims plunged into a deep ravine in Sumedang, West Java province, killing 29 people.

In late 2019, at least 35 plunged into a ravine on the ispeople were killed when a bus land of Sumatra. AFP

QUEEN’S 70TH. A couple take a selfie photograph as a red London bus passes while images of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II are displayed on the big digital screens at Piccadilly Circus in central London on February 6, to mark the start of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Year. Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday becomes the first British monarch to reign for seven decades, in a bittersweet landmark as she also marked the 70th anniversary of her father King George VI’s death. AFP

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Indonesian economy grew 3.69% in ‘21 on higher commodity prices JAKARTA, Indonesia—Indonesia’s economy returned to growth last year as surging commodity prices helped drive a recovery from a coronavirus-triggered recession, data showed Monday, though officials warned the outlook depended on how well the fast-spreading Omicron variant is managed. Southeast Asia’s biggest economy expanded 3.69 percent on-year, the country’s statistics agency said, having contracted in 2020 for the first time since 1998 during the region’s financial crisis. The healthy rebound came largely on the back of declining coronavirus cases and robust exports, as prices for key commodities such as palm oil, coal and nickel rose significantly, Central Statistics Bureau head Margo Yuwono told a news conference. And in an optimistic sign, the economy grew a forecast-beating 5.02 percent onyear in the final three months.

People trade at a traditional market in Jakarta on February 7, 2022. Indonesia’s economy returned to growth last year as surging commodity prices helped drive a recovery from a coronavirus-triggered recession. AFP

Profit taking drags stock market lower; SPNEC climbs

TOCKS retreated Monday on profit taking, while the rest of Asian markets fluctuated as a forecast-busting US jobs report reinforced optimism that the world’s top economy was well on the recovery track, but also ramped up expectations of an interest rate hike. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 76.05 points, or 1 percent, to 7,380.30 on a value turnover of P9.2 billion. Losers beat gainers, 105 to 84, with 51 issues unchanged. Noodles maker Monde Nissin Corp. fell 2.9 percent to P15.60, while SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group declined 2.7 percent to P950. Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp., which is building the the biggest solar farm in Southeast Asia, however, rose 6.8 percent to P2.20, while Security Bank Corp., the eighth-largest lender in terms of assets, climbed 2.7 percent to P117.80. Asia, meanwhile, was mixed. Shanghai led the gainers as investors returned from their week-long Lunar New Year break to play catch-up with a broadly strong week across world markets, while Singapore, Taipei, Bangkok and Jakarta were also in positive territory. Hong Kong finished marginally higher thanks to a late-afternoon rally from negative territory, following a three-percent surge Friday. Tokyo, Seoul and Mumbai closed down. Sydney was also in the red de-

spite news that Australia will open its borders to tourists this month, ending almost two years of tough restrictions. The announcement helped Qantas surge more than four percent. The much-anticipated US non-farm payrolls data on Friday, meanwhile, saw the Labor Department sharply revise up the previous three months’ readings, while also revealing a wage growth surge. With all-important reports this week tipped to show inflation rising at a pace not seen for four decades, traders are becoming increasingly anguished about the US central bank’s plans to bring prices under control while being careful not to jeopardize the recovery. There is mounting talk that officials will have to hike borrowing costs at least four times this year—with some predicting as many as seven rises could be on the cards. The move to tighter policies, which is likely to start in March, will bring an end to the era of ultra-cheap cash that has helped fuel a near two-year markets rally. And that has been acting as a hefty weight on stocks at the start of the year. With AFP

Toshiba unveils new plan to split into two companies TOKYO, Japan—Japan’s Toshiba on Monday announced plans to split into two companies, revising a controversial proposal to divide into three following a tumultuous period for the storied industrial conglomerate. The group said it plans to spin off its device segment, including its semiconductor business, in a bid to speed up decision-making and boost stock performance. Shareholders, who have clashed with management on the best way forward for the troubled company, must still approve the proposal in a vote expected in March. The original spin-off plan faced stiff opposition from some key investors. The firm also said it will unload its stake in air-conditioning business Toshiba Carrier and seek to sell its elevator and lighting units. “We believe a spin-off is optimal,” president and CEO Satoshi Tsunakawa told investors, promising it would “enable more agile and flexible operations.” He said the sprawling business “struggled with the conglomerate discount and slowness in decision-making” in the past, and streamlining operations would allow investors to choose the portion of the business that interested them. Toshiba initially unveiled a plan to split into three last November, in what analysts called a test case for other Japanese giants. But it said Monday that “since this is the first large-scale spin-off transaction in Japan... it turned out there were obstacles which were not initially expected”. Among those were higher-than-expected costs, and an extensive process to list the two new entities. A two-way split instead “can significantly reduce separation costs, secure financial soundness for each company, and significantly reduce spin-off uncertainty,” the company said. The spin-off is expected to cost 20 billion yen ($173 million) over two years, with running costs also increasing by 13 billion yen a year. But Tsunakawa said that would be offset by plans to reduce operating costs by 30 billion yen annually. The Japanese giant wants the split finalized by the second half of the 2022-23 financial year, but it could yet face shareholder opposition. AFP

Manila

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TODAY

Republic of the Philippines

ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Energy Generation Output

Pasig City

15. In the past five (5) years, Applicant INEC’s AGMMHPP has an average output of about 5,227,519 kwh and a plant capacity factor of 32% in the last five years as presented under Table 2.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE GENERATION RATE RECOVERY FOR THE ILOCOS NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE’S 2.000MW AGUA GRANDE/ MABOGABOG MINI-HYDRO POWER PLANT (AGMMHPP)

Total Project Cost 16. The electro-mechanical components of AGMMHPP (historical cost) and the cost of civil structures and other assets was loaned from NEA but was condoned and assumed by PSALM Corporation. However, the rehabilitation/development cost was loaned from NEA, of which, INEC started its amortization this 2020. A breakdown of the cost of the project together with the sources of funding is hereto attached as Annex “L” and made an integral part hereof.

ERC CASE NO. 2021-102 RC ILOCOS NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (INEC), Applicant. x------------------------------------------------------------------x

Total Operations and Maintenance Cost

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING

17. In the past five years (5) years, Applicant INEC’s annual average operation and maintenance cost of its AGMMHPP amounted to PhP22,349,600.82. A breakdown of AGMMHPP five year historical total operation and maintenance cost is attached hereto as Annex “M” to form an integral part hereof.

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 06 December 2021, Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) filed an Application dated 29 October 2021, seeking for the Commission’s approval of the generation rate recovery for its 2.000 MW Agua Grande/Mabogabog Mini-Hydro Power Plant (AGMMHPP).

Operations and Maintenance (“O&M”) Fee 18. The O&M fee consists of the fixed and variable operating and maintenance expenses associated with the operation of the plant.

The pertinent allegations of the Application are hereunder quoted as follows: 1.

Applicant is an electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office at Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte, represented herein by its General Manager, Engr. Felino Herbert P. Agdigos, duly authorized pursuant to Board Resolution No. 2021-11-122 dated 02 November 2021, of the Board of Directors, a copy of which is hereto attached and marked as Annex “A-1”;

It holds an exclusive franchise issued by the National Electrification Commission (NEC), to operate an electric light and power distribution service in the municipalities of Adams, Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Banna, Burgos, Carasi, Currimao, Dingras, Dumalneg, Marcos, Nueva Era, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Pinili, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Solsona and Vintar and the cities of Laoag and Batac, all in the Province of Ilocos Norte;

19. The five year average Fixed O&M cost for the operation of AGMMHPP amounting to PhP19,143,919.26 accounts for expenses for salaries and wages, office supplies, professional services, insurance and registration, taxes and licenses, depreciation, administrative expenses, finance cost and generation tolerance due to climate change among others. Please see Annex “M”. 20. On the other hand, the five year average Variable O&M cost for the operation of AGMMHEPP amounting to PhP3,205,681.57 which accounts for repairs and maintenance and the benefit to the host communities (ER-194) among others. Please see Annex “M”. Determination of Generation Rate 21. Based on the foregoing, the resulting generation rate shall be Php 6.0445/kWh broken down as follows:

By and pursuant to Section 25 of Republic Act No; (sic) 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), and by suppletory application of Rule 20 (B) of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, and of Article VI, Sections 1 and 2 of the ERC Guidelines for the Recovery of Costs for the Generation Component of the Distribution Utilities’ (DUs) Rates, and other pertinent laws, Applicant INEC, in its capacity as the owner and operator of the 2.000MW Agua Grande/Mabogabog Mini-Hydro Power Plant (AGMMHPP), submits this Application for the approval of the proposed generation rate recovery for its 2.000MW AGMMHPP to this Honorable Commission for its due consideration; THE APPLICATION AND ITS PURPOSE

Table 4: Proposed Generation Rate Recovery

Applicant INEC has furnished the legislative bodies of the local government units where it principally operates with copies of the Application with all its annexes and accompanying documents. Copies of the proof of service to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte, and Sangguniang Bayan of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte are attached as Annexes “B- 1” and “C-1”, respectively;

Applicant has also published the Application sans annexes in its entirety in a newspaper of general circulation within its franchise area. Copies of the Affidavit of Publication and the Newspaper where the Application was published are hereto attached as Annexes “D-1” and “E-1”, respectively;

22. The power rate is fixed for the next fifteen (15) years, wherein it is computed as the levelized rate over a 15-year period after considering the inflation driven cost increase over the same period of time indexed to the Philippine CPI; ADVANTAGES ON THE SUPPLY OF POWER FROM AGMHEPP 23. The Board and Management of Applicant INEC developed, constructed and operated the AGMMHPP to augment the power requirement in the nearby areas as it is the load demand of the distribution feeder. Further, it will compensate for the required reactive power to improve the under voltage problem in the northern part of the franchise area; and

STATEMENT OF FACTS 6.

In 2020, applicant INEC sourced about ninety nine percent (99%) of its energy requirements from its power suppliers with an approved Power Supply Agreement and WESM as shown in Table 1 below. A copy of the Applicant INEC’s Supply and Demand Scenario is attached and made an integral part hereof as Annex “F”:

24. The generated power from AGMMHPP can reduce the pass- on VAT on generation considering that it is a renewable source which subject to zero percent (0%) VAT pursuant to Section 4 (108-5) of the BIR Revenue Regulation No. 16-2005. Likewise, the transmission cost will be reduced considering that it is directly connected to the distribution system/line of INEC.

(This space is intentionally left blank.)

Month

INEC MQ (MWH)

MPPCL (MWH)

Exposure (MWH)

MHPP (MWH)

January

24,711.36

23,582.85

February

23,074.67

22,366.54

708.13

March

24,900.99

24,581.90

319.09

April

26,786.25

26,554.99

231.26

May

28,743.38

28,356.97

45.39

341.02

June

31,082.17

30,784.82

68.62

228.73

July

28,976.85

28,771.82

26.21

178.82

28,348.19

28,177.10

4.60

166.49 132.44

September

29,991.26

29,845.10

13.72

October

27,918.76

27,916.10

2.66

November

25,608.04

December

23,548.65

323,690.58

320,094.87

161.21

3,434.51

100.00%

98.89%

0.05%

1.06%

COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 25. Applicant INEC hereby manifests compliance with the pre- filing requirements mandated under Rule 4, Section 2 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EPIRA and Rule 6 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, as stated above;

1,128.52

August

Total

26. Moreover, in support of the instant Application for the approval of the generation rate for the 2.000MW AGMMHPP, other pertinent documents were submitted in compliance with the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) Checklist as a requirement of the Pre-filing. PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that after due notice and hearing, a decision be rendered APPROVING the generation rate of Php 6.0445/kWh for the 2.000MW Agua Grande/ Mabogabog Mini- Hydro Power Plant of INEC. Other just and equitable reliefs are likewise prayed for. The Commission has set the instant Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on the following dates and online platform for the conduct thereof, pursuant to Resolution No. 09, Series 0f 20201 dated 24 September 2020 and Resolution No. 01, Series of 2021 dated 17 December 2020 (ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure):2

Date

Table 1: INEC Power Supply Mix Details for CY2020 7.

“We hope the momentum of the economic recovery will be maintained in 2022 as long as we all agree that health protocols are critical so daily cases will decline and mobility will get better,” Yuwono said. The country’s trade surplus for 2021 reached $35.34 billion, its highest in 15 years, the statistics agency reported earlier. Indonesia was hit hard in July as the Delta variant swept the country, forcing the government to impose tighter social-distancing restrictions that hobbled businesses. A subsequent easing of those restrictions as cases declined in the fourth quarter allowed for a bounce-back in some sectors, including transportation. But daily caseloads are once again surging owing to Omicron, with the country reporting 30,000 cases a day compared with fewer than 1,000 in December, forcing officials to reimpose containment measures in Jakarta, Bandung and Bali. AFP

In the last five years, applicant INEC’s Agua Grande/Mabogabog Mini-Hydro Power Plant (AGMMHPP) has an actual average plant capacity factor of 32% only as shown in Table 2 hereunder:

Platform

2 March 2022 (Wednesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 PM)

Microsoft Teams

9 March 2022 (Wednesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 PM)

Microsoft Teams

Activity Determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements and expository presentation Pre-trial Conference and presentation of evidence

Accordingly, INEC is hereby directed to host the virtual hearing at INEC’s Principal Office at Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte, as the designated venue for the conduct thereof, and ensure that the same is open to the public and the community quarantine guidelines are observed at all times. Moreover, INEC shall guarantee that, during the conduct of the expository presentation, the participation of the public shall not be impaired.

Table 2: 5-Year Historical Generation of AGMMHPP 8.

In INEC’s latest Power Supply Procurement Plan (PSPP) submitted to NEA and DOE, the generation of AGMMHPP is primarily considered under Self-Generation as shown in Table 3 hereunder:

Table 3: INEC PSPP Summary 9.

Applicant INEC’s forecasted demand increases by an average rate of 4% per annum over the next 5 years. With the generation of AGMMHPP, the capacity to be withdrawn by INEC from its power suppliers including WESM will be 5.6MW lower;

10. Due to the foregoing impacts of AGMMHPP to INEC’s overall power supply, Applicant INEC urgently needed to apply for generation Rate Recovery for AGMMHPP. Hence, on 18 May 2021, the Board of Directors of Applicant INEC passed Board Resolution No. 2021-05-63 approving the application for approval of the GRR for AGMMHEPP before the Energy Regulatory Commission, hereto attached and marked as Annex “G”; 11. Copies of AGMMHPP’s Certificate of Compliance issued by ERC which is subject of renewal, Certificate of Endorsement from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the 2021 Business Permit of INEC, evidencing the latter’s due registration and permit to operate the embedded 2.000MW Agua Grande/Mabogabog Minihydro Power Plant are hereto attached and marked as Annexes “H-1”, “I-1” and “J-1”, respectively; 12. In 1983, Applicant INEC commenced the operation of the AGMMHPP with a 4.55MW capacity (5 turbines with 910MW capacity each). However, sometime in 10 June 1985, AGMMHPP was attacked by NPAs and put the plant in fire reason thereof that the facility was destroyed. When it was restored, only 2 turbines were fixed and for the longest time, it was operating under a 1.8MW capacity. It supplied its consumers through the INEC’s 13.2kV distribution line. Subsequently, it was rehabilitated in 2019 and its capacity was upgraded to 2.000MW and is now connected to the 23kV distribution line of INEC. Copy of the Single Line Diagram of INEC’s distribution line is hereto attached and made an integral part hereof as Annex “K”;

Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled initial virtual hearing, via electronic mail (e-mail) at docket@ erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation. Moreover, any persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitioner’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address;

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file through e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of such person;

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

The grounds relied upon.

Any of the persons mentioned in the preceding paragraphs may access the copy of the Application on the Commission’s official website at www.erc.gov.ph. Finally, all interested persons may be allowed to join the scheduled initial virtual hearings by providing the Commission, thru legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, with their respective e-mail addresses and indicating therein the case number of the instant Application. The Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearings. WITNESS, the Honorable Commissioners CATHERINE P. MACEDA, FLORESINDA th G. BALDO-DIGAL and MARKO ROMEO L. FUENTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 25 day of January 2022 in Pasig City.

AGNES VST DEV DEVANADERA Chairperson and CEO

COMPUTATION OF PROPOSED RATE 13. As mandated by Section 25 of the EPIRA “retail rates charged by distribution utilities for the supply of electricity in their captive market shall be subject to regulation by the ERC based on the principle of full recovery of prudent and reasonable economics costs incurred, or such other principles that will promote efficiency as may be determined by the ERC”; 14. Accordingly, Applicant INEC hereby submits for the due consideration and approval of this Honorable Commission herein proposed Php 6.0445/kWh computed using the following cost components and determinants to wit:

LS: MVM/LSP/MCCG Regulatory Commission. 1

A Resolution Adopting the Guidelines Governing Electronic Applications, Filings and Virtual Hearings Before the Energy Regulatory Commission; A Resolution Adopting the Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Energy Regulatory Commission. (MS-FEB. 8 & 16, 2022)

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

LRMC completes viaduct of Cavite phase 1 extension By Darwin G. Amojelar LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. said Monday it completed the construction of the LRT1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 viaduct. LRMC, along with contractor Bouygues Travaux Publics, started the civil works in September 2019 and installed pi-girders or chief horizontal support in a structure covering the entire stretch of Dr. A. Santos Station until Redemptorist Station in Paranaque City. It said with the completion of the viaduct, electromechanical works involving the laying of the rails and the installation of the electrical system and the construction of the stations would begin. “LRMC is glad to welcome 2022 with this LRT-1 Cavite Extension accomplishment. With the support from our various partners in the public and private sectors, this project was able to achieve significant progress despite the limitations of the pandemic. Through our work in upgrading and extending the LRT-1 system, we hope to make a difference and improve the lives of future generations,” said LRMC president and chief executive Juan Alfonso. LRMC which took over the operations of LRT-1 in 2015, invested almost P25 billion for the rehabilitation of the existing system and construction of the Cavite extension project. It also upgraded the line’s signaling system to facilitate the commercial use of 4th heneration train sets and the connection of LRT-1 existing line to the future system. Phase 1 of the 11.7-kilometer LRT1 Cavite Extension project covers five stations at Dr. A Santos, Ninoy Aquino, Asiaworld, MIA and Redemptorist. Completion rate for Phase 1 reached 67.5 percent as of end-2021. Civil works for the viaduct used a special engineering method, a first for the Philippines, which allowed for faster execution, causing minimal effect on the ground-level traffic. The first pi-girder was installed using the above-ground launcher in September 2020. Since then, pigirders continued to be installed every one to two days. A total of 203 pi-girders were installed using the above-ground launcher and onground equipment such as straddle carriers and cranes.

Business PH expected to reach upper middle-income status in 2022 By Julito G. Rada

conomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said Monday higher productivity will pave the way for the country to achieve an upper middle income status by the end of the year.

Chua urged the National Innovation Council to work together to promote innovative solutions and raise the country’s overall productivity. “Higher productivity will allow us to graduate from our current low middleincome country status to upper-middle income country status by the end of 2022, and high-income country status in one generation,” Chua said during the council’s meeting Friday. Upper middle-income countries have gross national income per capita of more than $4,000. “For the Filipino people, it means living without poverty and having equal opportunities to succeed,” Chua said.

He said recent economic indicators showed the Philippines was on track to achieve the upper-middle income country status this year. He said sustaining this level of development rests on the country’s ability to innovate in an increasingly competitive and resourceconstrained world. The National Innovation Council is developing the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document to be launched within the year. The document will establish the country’s 10-year vision, long-term goals, agenda and strategies related to innovation. The NIASD will be formulated through a series of co-creation workshops with the NIC member agencies and other stakeholders, and be guided by the Philippine Innovation Toolkit. To enhance the innovation capacity of the Philippines, all government agencies are mandated by Republic Act No. 11293 to comply with the NIASD and pursue its attainment through a collective national effort. “A strong economic foundation built on inclusive innovation will be crucial in raising overall productivity and bringing prosperity to the people. The Philip-

pine Innovation Act provides us with a window of opportunity to achieve this objective by creating a culture of futures planning and funding innovative solutions,” Chua said. The NIC is tasked to develop the country’s strategic vision, goals, and strategies for innovation. It has 25 members, with the President of the Philippines as the chairperson; the Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority as the vice-chairperson; heads of 16 other member agencies; and seven executive members from the private sector. As vice-chairperson of the NIC, Chua was authorized by the President to chair the first council meeting. Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno told Japanese investors the Philippines remains an attractive investment destination given its strong macroeconomic fundamentals and sustained economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are optimistic that there is sufficient support for the country’s recovery this year and in the near term,” Diokno said during the recent Philippine Economic Briefing 2022 for Japanese investors.

TALLEST SKYSCRAPER. Top executives of listed property developer Primex Corp., led by chairman and president Ernesto Ang (third from left) and executive vice president and corporate secretary Karlvin Ernest Ang (fourth from left), lead the topping off ceremony for Primex Tower, a 50-story Grade A and LEED-certified building that is now the tallest skyscraper at the corner of EDSA and Connecticut Street in Greenhills, San Juan. The mixed-use building with 41,000 square meters of leasable space will house Pullman Manila Hotel to be managed by the Accor hospitality management group and other commercial and office tenants. Also attending the ceremony are other executives of the Primex Group and representatives from New Golden City Builders, JSLA and RM Cabanela Construction Management. Roderick T. dela Cruz

SM Investments prices P15-b retail bond sale to pay maturing debt By Jenniffer B. Austria SM INVESTMENTS Corp. on Monday pegged the price of its P15-billion retail bond offering, whose proceeds will refinance long-term debt and maturing bonds and fund general corporate activities. SMIC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the three-year series I retail bond will carry an interest rate of 3.5915 percent due 2025, while the Series J, five-year retail bond will have an interest rate of 4.7713 percent due 2027.

The bonds will be offered to investors through underwriters from Feb. 7 to 11 and will be listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. The conglomerate will issue an aggregate principal amount of P10 billion, with an oversubscription option for another P5 billion. The bonds will be issued from the company’s P30-billion debt securities program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2020. BDO Capital and Investments Corp., China Bank Capital, BPI Capital Corp., East West Banking Corp., First Metro

ARTA, DTI sign agreement to release ease of doing business report in June By Othel V. Campos THE Anti-Red Tape Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry on Monday signed a joint memorandum circular to release the results of the first Philippine Ease of Doing Business report by June 2022. The Philippine EODB Reporting System aims to measure the quality of regulatory practices that impact business climate and EODB in the Philippines across the life cycle of a business. “We stress the importance of our own tracking of our EODB efforts even outside the World Bank Reporting System because improvement in this area is critical and it redounds to a more comfortable life for our people. With this initiative, ARTA has clearly connected regulatory environment with economic outcomes,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. He said the EODB reporting would pick up from where the World Bank left off, after it discontinued the WB EODB Reporting in September 2021 over alleged irregularities in reporting in 2018

and 2020 reports. “Through this initiative, we can expect better business regulations unriddled with red tape in a sound regulatory environment. More than that, it will inspire in us a mindset for continuous reforms to spur business activity—reforms that keep in step with advances in technology and innovation,” Lopez said. The agencies said that for the pilot implementation, the Philippine EODB Reporting System would initially generate a baseline measurement based on ARTA’s estimates of the indicators measured by DB report using the World Bank DB scoring system, methodology and assumptions refocused to Philippine setting. The target stakeholders of the Philippine EODB system ate the national government agencies and local government units. ARTA, as the implementing agency of the Philippine EODB Reporting System, will oversee the development of the pilot and the succeeding phases of the Philippine EODB Reporting.

Investments Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and SB Capital are the joint lead underwriters for the offering. The bond offering was assigned the highest credit rating of PRS Aaa, with a stable outlook by Philippine Rating Services Corp. Obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. It means the company’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. Meanwhile, a stable outlook indicates that the ratings are likely to be main-

tained or to remain unchanged in the next twelve months. SMIC is one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, with core businesses in retail, property and banking. It also invests in ventures with high-growth opportunities in the domestic economy. The conglomerate reported a net income of P27.2 billion in the first three quarters of 2021, up 72 percent from the same period in 2020. Nine-month consolidated revenues grew 5 percent to P289.4 billion from a year earlier.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, February 7, 2022

-76.05 PTS. 7,380.30

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

1,132,774,896 110,584

TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES

9,208,202,193.64 84 105

UNCHANGED

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.0290

Japan

Yen

0.008680

0.4429

Pound

1.354600

69.1239

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128401

6.5522

Switzerland

Franc

1.080847

55.1545

Canada

Dollar

0.784498

40.0321

Singapore

Dollar

0.743384

37.9341

Australia

Dollar

0.707400

36.0979

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

135.3626

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266574

13.6030

Brunei

Dollar

0.740631

37.7937

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030349

1.5487

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.8945

Euro

1.146700

58.5150

Korea

Won

0.000835

0.0426

China

Yuan

0.157208

8.0222

India

Rupee

0.013398

0.6837

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239349

12.2137

New Zealand

Dollar

0.660900

33.7251

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035960

1.8350 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

AyalaLand Logistics buys Batangas facility

AYALALAND Logistics Holdings Corp. (ALLHC) said a unit is acquiring a ready-built facility and the land in Sto. Tomas, Batangas for P1.23 billion. ALLHC said subsidiary Ecozone Power Management Inc. has signed a deal to purchase the facility and the land on which it stands from Shen Long Property Management Inc. and Aibis Land Management Inc. EPMI under the deal will assume ownership of the ready-built facility and continue its operation under the ALLHC’s warehouse leasing brand, ALogis. The ready-built facility with a gross leasable area of 64,000 square meters (sq. m.) sits on a 96,980 sq. m. land within the Light Industry & Science Park (LISP) III in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The ready-built facility, which is accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, serves lessee-companies in the manufacturing and logistics industries. Jenniffer B. Austria

PNOC-EC seeking Calamian oil partners

STATE-RUN PNOC Exploration Corp. (PNOC EC) is seeking joint venture partners to explore for oil and gas in service contract 57 (Calamian) following the government’s decision to reject the entry of China National Offshore Oil Co. International Ltd. (CNOOC) and Mitra Energy/Jadesone Energy into the block. CNOOC and Mitra Energy/Jadesone Energy’s farm-in in SC 57 was mothballed for 15 years after it entered into an agreement with PNOC EC in 2006. Full ownership of SC 57 has reverted back to PNOC EC, the oil and gas arm of Philippine National Oil Co. , which is now looking at farming out 70 percent of the block to two investors. “Pursuant to Executive Order 80 s. 2019 and its implementing rules and regulations under DOE department circular no. DC 2020-02-0006, PNOC now calls for the submission of letter of intent from interested parties to participate in the selection of the following: joint venture operator for the 40 percent participating interest in SC 57 and joint venture partner for the 30 percent participating interest in SC 57,” the company said in its invitation. E.O. 80 repealed former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s E.O. 556, requiring the company to conduct public bidding on oil and gas exploration contracts. Alena Mae S. Flores

Ceres Transport bullish on operations this year

CERES Transport Inc. one of the companies owned and managed by the Yanson Group of Bus Companies, said Monday it is optimistic about its operations this year despite the pandemic. Leo Rey V. Yanson, who was re-elected director of CTI, said the company was committed to provide the riding public with the most reliable means of public transportation amid the challenges of the pandemic. Other re-elected directors were Olivia V. Yanson, Ginnette Y. Dumancas, Charles M. Dumancas, Rey C. Ardo, Daniel Nicolas P. Golez, Arvin John V. Villaruel, Anita G. Chua, Joseph Ellery L. Villanueva, Hernan B. Omecillo and Alfredo O. Ligo. “Stockholders Roy V. Yanson and Ricardo V. Yanson Jr. were absent despite due notices sent to them,” CTI said in a statement. A Bacolod City court, in an October 2021 decision, granted Olivia the mandate to oversee and administer the estate of her late husband Ricardo Yanson, who co-founded the Yanson Group of Bus Companies with Olivia in 1968. Darwin G. Amojelar

SITEL’S AWARD.

Rahul Dewan, general manager of Sitel Group, accepts The Innovator Award on behalf of Sitel Group at the recentlyconcluded Centrical Select Awards 2021. Sitel’s commitment to pushing boundaries and finding innovative ways to utilize employee engagement and performance platforms was acknowledged during the awarding ceremony.

Consumer groups predict vape bill to end smoking epidemic in PH THE vape bill is expected to lead to a dramatic decrease in smoking prevalence in the Philippines, by giving 16 million smokers less harmful options such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products and leading them away from serious illnesses and even death. Several consumer groups said the overwhelming approval of the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation bill in the Senate and the House of Representative would translate into a major public health gain for 16 million smok-

ers in the country. More than a million former smokers have already switched to less harmful alternatives, including politicians and celebrities, according to Vaper AKO and Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines. Vaper AKO and NCUP made this statement to highlight how less harmful options enabled the President’s son, Davao Vice Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, Manila Mayor and presidential candidate Manila Mayor Francisco

‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso and actor Vic Sotto to stop smoking and return to healthier and normal lives. “The science supporting vaping and heated tobacco as less harmful alternatives to cigarettes can’t be denied anymore. Progressive countries including the US, the UK, New Zealand and many more have embraced these noncombustible alternatives, following extensive scrutiny by their respective public health institutions,” said Joaqui Gallardo, spokesman of Vaper AKO.

Sports

TUESDAY, FEBUARY 8, 2022

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

Russian star 1st to land quad jump at Olympics

Russia’s Kamila Valieva competes in the women’s single skating free skating of the figure skating team event during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing. AFP

SMC to build P50-M sports center in Balayan, Batangas A

S PART of its commitment to help develop homegrown athletes for international sports competitions, as well as promote health and wellness in Batangas, San Miguel Corporation will build a P50-million sports center in Balayan.

This was announced recently by SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang, during the formal opening of the new Balayan municipal building and government complex, where he was also declared an adopted son of Balayan. Ang said that the commitment to build a sports facility lines up with the local government’s post-pandemic recovery plans, which includes promoting health and wellness through a public sports facility within its sprawling government complex. “With a growing majority of Filipinos getting protected against COVID-19 through vaccination, there should be greater emphasis on health and fitness for the public in the com-

ing years. Through this sports center, which will be part of our company’s overall support for sports development, we hope to get more Balayan residents involved in sports,” Ang said. Ang pointed out that a number of the country’s more prominent athletes are from the province. Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ LA Tenorio and former Ateneo volleyball star Alyssa Valdez are from Nasugbu and San Juan in Batangas, respectively. Throughout the pandemic, the company invested significantly to put up its own RT-PCR testing laboratory to provide free testing for its employees. The company also launched a nationwide employee vaccination program, dubbed Ligtas Lahat, to protect it 70,000-strong

nationwide workforce. Balayan Mayor Emmanuel Salvador Fronda II declared Ang an adopted son of Balayan, highlighting the businessmanphilathropist’s significant role in the socioeconomic growth and progress of the town. “Mr. Ang has been extending enormous support to the various socio-economic development projects of the local government, which address social challenges and champion environmental stewardship, community and enterprise development, education, health, disaster management, and volunteerism, for the benefit and wellbeing of Balayenos,” Fronda said. He added: “Drawing inspiration from his acts of generosity--which bring great impact to the community at large by uplifting the lives of the people and raising their standard of living--we deem it proper to issue the order to declare Mr. Ang as an adopted son of Balayan.” “Balayan has always been my second home. A lot of people here are like family to me. That is why I will always try to do my part to help the town develop and progress,“ he said.

BEIJING—Russian teenage star Kamila Valieva made figure skating history Monday, becoming the first woman to land a quadruple jump at the Olympics—and not content with one, she landed two. The 15-year-old landed the quadruple jumps—when a skater rotates four times in the air—as she once again demolished the competition in the freestyle programme team event in Beijing. Despite finishing 30 points ahead of second-placed Kaori Sakamoto, Valieva looked distraught at the end of her performance—she had fallen attempting a third quad jump. She is part of a team trained by coach Eteri Tutberidze expected to take the podium in the women’s individual event in Beijing, and Valieva is favourite for gold. All three skaters have comfortably landed quad jumps in competition before—but it has never been done at an Olympics. A quad jump has been attempted at the Games before, according to the Olympics news site—Surya Bonaly tried it in 1992 but it was considered not fully rotated on landing and so was downgraded. AFP

PSA Forum to discuss basketball, horse racing

SMC COO Ramon S. Ang

Pacatiw eyes career-defining tiff with Andrade

JEREMY “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw didn’t waste time showcasing his Circle on February 25 at the Singapore Indoor worth in ONE Championship, and he intends to maintain his momentum Stadium as he looks to remain unbeaten in ONE at ONE: FULL CIRCLE. The Filipino bantamweight returns to the when he faces Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade. Ecstatic as he may be for this bout, Pacatiw understands the threats that the Brazilian fighter presents against him. “I’d say that my upcoming fight with Fabricio Andrade will be the most ambitious pursuit I have in my career as I get a chance to face a ranked fighter,” Pacatiw said. Andrade, indeed, has proven himself in the bantamweight division as he sits at no. 4 in the official rankings thanks to his five-fight win streak. “Wonder Boy” has been clinical in his approach and, showing his lethal fists in his most recent outing, where he scored a first round technical knockout win over “The Underdog” Li Jeremy Kai Wen at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II last Pacatiw December. But Pacatiw has also proven that he can hold a candle against the best in the division and deserves to be treated with more respect. The Team Lakay stalwart turned in a

dominant performance in his unanimous decision victory over Chen “The Ghost” Rui at ONE: BATTLEGROUND back in July -- a proper introduction for “The Juggernaut” in ONE Championship. Team Lakay head coach and founder Mark Sangiao understands that his ward is coming in as a massive underdog against Andrade, but he knows that fights are won on the canvas and not on paper. “Fabricio Andrade is carrying five wins in a row to his name and we’re not glossing this over. But we’re also not selling Jeremy Pacatiw short. Our Team Lakay athlete will take great strides to the cage with only one goal, to put his name into that top-flight rankings,” Sangiao said. Pacatiw also knows that, and looks at this bout as a chance for him to indeed show that he’s arrived in the bantamweight scene and that he’s ready to become the latest contender from Baguio to stake his case for a title shot — ]in the same breath of his peers Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon and Stephen “The Sniper” Loman.

IT’S a loaded virtual Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday as topics on basketball and horse racing will be up for discussion. Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes along with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Sonny Barrios and his deputy Butch Antonio will talk about the preparations and plans of both the national men’s team and the country’s basketball federation regarding the country’s hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers later this month at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.= The weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Uniliver, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation starts at 10 a.m. The second part of the Forum meanwhile, will have Philippine Racing Commission chairman Reli De Leon discussing about the horseracing calendar for 2022, and officials of the VisMin Cup talking about their upcoming season. The public sports program is being livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and officially shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

Miller revisits Olympic goal as competition nears YANQING, China—Asa Miller didn’t put his skis on as he and dad Kelly opted to view the opposition in men’s alpine skiing on Monday at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. But it wasn’t totally a day off for the Millers. It was a day to revisit goals and strategies now that the younger Miller has gotten the feel of snow at the National Alpine Skiing Centre on Xiaohaituo Mountain after having been here for a week and training diligently for five days on skis. His first event, the men’s giant slalom, is set this Saturday and the slalom three days later. With almost everything in perspective, Miller, on his second consecutive Win-

ter Games at 21, wanted to finish beyond 42nd place to set a standard as the bestplaced Filipino in Olympic alpine skiing. Ben Nanasca, along with Juan Cipriano, were the first Filipino Winter Olympians in the 1972 Sapporo Games. They were also the first from Southeast Asia and from a tropical country to compete in the Winter Olympics. Nanasca, then 18, finished No. 42 among 48 finishers—Cipriano didn’t finish—in giant slalom, thus setting the benchmark for Filipino alpine skiers in the Games. Miller, on the other hand, was 17 years old in his Olympic debut in Pyeongchang four years ago and wound up 70th among 110 competitors. He will be up against

150 rivals in Beijing. “I want to be better, improve my previous performance and give a proud representation of the Philippines,” said Miller, whose participation in the two Winter Olympic are supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, headed by William “Butch” Ramirez. “My training is very solid and I am looking forward to spending more time skiing before my competitions,” he added. Kelly Miller, an employee at Microsoft, agreed with his son. “Keeping the feel of the snow and being aggressive each run and attacking the hill,” said Kelly, a former ski patroller at Mount Hood Meadows in Oregon.

Asa Miller carries the Philippine flag during the Beijing Winter Olympics’ parade of nations.

Sports

TUESDAY, FEBUARY 8, 2022

Indiana trades LeVert to Cleveland LOS ANGELES—The Cleveland Cavaliers traded for guard Caris LeVert from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for injured guard Ricky Rubio and three draft picks on Sunday. The Cavaliers also received a 2022 second round draft pick in the deal, while the Pacers upcoming picks are a lottery-protected firstround pick in 2022, a second-round pick in 2022 and a second-round choice in 2027. The deal was confirmed by Indiana coach Rick Carlisle just prior to Sunday’s NBA contest between the two teams. “First class human being, first class professional, tremendous player and a guy that I’m going to miss working with every day,” Indiana’s Carlisle said of LeVert. LeVert was ruled out for Sunday’s game while the final details were worked out. LeVert is averaging 18.7 points and 4.4 assists in 39 games this season. He scored a season-best 42 points on Friday in a 122-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Meanwhile, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic delivered his season-best 14th triple double with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on Sunday to lead Denver over Brooklyn 124-104. Joel Embiid scored 40 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to power the Philadelphia 76ers over the host Chicago Bulls 119-108. It was the seventh time this season Embiid had reached the 40-point mark. As a result of Chicago’s loss, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra was named the coach of Team Durant in the N BA All-St ar Game on Febr uar y 20 in Cleveland. AFP

AN FRANCISCO —Tom Hoge outdueled former world number one Jordan Spieth down the stretch to win the Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Sunday, capturing his ﬁrst US PGA Tour title with a ﬁnal-round 68. Hoge trailed Spieth by one stroke through 15 holes. He hit his second shot from the fairway at 16 within inches and tapped in for birdie as Spieth made bogey from a greenside bunker at the 17th, leaving Hoge one shot up. The 32-year-old pushed his lead to two strokes with a 22-foot birdie putt at the 17th and closed with a par for a 19-under total of 268. Spieth, a three-time major winner whose 12 tour titles include the 2017 Pebble Beach crown, finished with a threeunder 69 for 270. American Beau Hossler was alone in third after a 71 for 271. “Feels pretty good,” the 68thranked Hoge said of the victory in his 203rd career start. Hoge, r unner-up at La Quinta t wo weeks ago, said that i n the past he’s fou nd himself u ncomfor t able af ter playi ng himself i nto contention, but not on Su nday. “It’s awesome,” he said. “You work through so many hard times, to finally pull one off feels incredible.” Hoge had held the first-round lead and shared the overnight lead with Hossler and Andrew Putnam. But it took most of 18 holes to separate himself on a day when five players shared the lead as the final group approached the turn. After a birdie at the third, Hoge had a double-bogey at the fifth, rebounding with birdies at the sixth and seventh before a bogey at the eighth. He regained some momentum with a birdie at 11, then rolled in a

Hoge holds off Spieth st with 68 for 1 PGA title 17-foot birdie at the 14th. “It was a weird day because I felt like I made a few too many mistakes early on, so I was kind of out if it,” he said. “And I looked up and I was still in the game making the turn. “Luckily I made a few putts finally on the back nine.” Solid Spieth Spieth had three birdies and a bogey on the front nine, but moved into the lead with back-toback birdies at 12 and 13. His 15foot birdie effort at 14 burned the edge and at 15 his shot out of the rough clipped a tree and finished short of the green and he settled for par. Down by one after missing a five-footer to save par at 17, he was in the long fairway bunker at the 18. “Solid week,” Spieth said. “Obviously anytime I’m tied for the lead or in the lead the back nine on Sunday it’s very disappointing if you don’t win. “Today I felt a little off with my driver, but I felt like I hit a lot of shots exactly where I wanted to.” “A couple of yards here or there, or a couple of inches here or there on the greens,” was the difference, added Spieth, whose week will be remembered more for his daredevil second shot at the eighth hole on Saturday, where his drive landed inches from a 70-foot cliff and he stepped up to the edge to take the shot rather than take a drop. Spieth said he hadn’t felt he was in “real true danger of losing my life” but admitted that when he saw the aerial video of the shot—which his caddie urged him not to take— it “really bothered me.”

Tom Hoge of the United States hoists the trophy after winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. AFP

Lakers tell embattled Westbrook to ‘just play’ LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles Lakers fans may have come down hard on Russell Westbrook, but his teammates had his back after another disappointing outing for the NBA’s triple-double king. Westbrook was roundly booed by home fans at Crypto.com arena on Saturday night when he missed a shot off the side of the backboard as the Lakers struggled early against the New York Knicks. The Lakers would turn things around in the second half to claim a thrilling 122-115 overtime victory—but Westbrook featured little in the rally as he was benched for the first half of the fourth quarter and in overtime. Lakers coach Frank Vogel said he was “playing the guys that I thought were going to win the game. “Russ was having a tough night, on both sides of the ball,” added Vogel, who had also benched Westbrook late in a game in January against the Indiana Pacers. Westbrook said the team’s victory took the sting out of the latest benching. “Guys competed. We won the game and that’s all that matters,” said Westbrook, who scored five points on 1-for10 shooting with six assists and four turnovers. While fans at one point in the fourth quarter were urging Westbrook not to take a shot, Lakers star Anthony Davis said it was important that Westbrook maintain his confidence. “It can be frustrating,” Davis said. “The fans, obviously, want to see him play better. But one thing you can’t do is put too much pressure on yourself. “You have to go out there and play freely. There were some shots tonight that he usually takes in rhythm that he kind of passed up or hesitated. Me and (LeBron James) were telling him, ‘We don’t care if you miss every one. Just play.’”

Superstar James, who had a 29-point triple-double in his return from a five-game injury absence, had a similar message of support when they spoke after the game. Instinctive player “I told him to keep going, to stop second-guessing himself during the game,” James said. “There were a couple of times where he had good looks, secondguessed himself and a couple times where he had some drives and he had them and second-guessed himself. “He’s an instinctive player and he should never, what he’s done in this league, he should never second-guess himself if he has put the work in -- and he has put the work in.” Westbrook’s aggressive instincts and versatility saw him earn NBA Most Valuable Player honors with Oklahoma City in 2017. He was the NBA scoring champion in 2015 and 2017 and last May while with the Washington Wizards surpassed the great Oscar Robertson for the all-time lead in NBA triple-doubles. The Lakers landed him in a blockbuster deal in July, when the addition of Westbrook to a lineup featuring James and Davis was expected to make the Lakers a title threat in 2022. Instead, Westbrook’s struggles have mirrored those of an erratic Lakers team, but he said that was part of the game. “It happens,” he said. “I missed some shots that I normally make.” He also noted that his chemistry with James and Davis could improve if they can all stay healthy and on the floor together. They have played just 17 games together. AFP

Russell Westbrook is shown here during LA’s game against Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lakers’ fans may have come down hard on Russell Westbrook, but his teammates had his back after another disappointing outing for the NBA’s triple-double king. AFP

Let’s go, Brandon: NASCAR hits California LOS ANGELES—Red state America descended on liberal Los Angeles Sunday as NASCAR roared into town. Tens of thousands of petrolheads gathered in the LA Memorial Coliseum to watch the sport’s top drivers thunder Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. AFP

around a temporary track. For 150 laps of the quarter-mile course, the two dozen competitors jostled for position; acrid fumes from their machines thickening the yellow-brown haze that hangs permanently over the city.

The stadium—home of the 1984 Olympic Games—acted as a funnel for engine noise, amplifying the already-deafening sound into something physical. Fans were thrilled. “I think the race was awesome,” said Oscar Gonzalez. “Especially being here in the historic Coliseum, the first time NASCAR came out to Los Angeles.” The sport’s spiritual home is the south of the United States, where it enjoys an avid following among mainly white, Republican-leaning Americans. Last year as a crude anti-Joe Biden phrase swept through some sporting events, a NASCAR crowd in Alabama took it up. The chant was audible as race winner Brandon Brown was being interviewed on television, but the reporter inaccurately described it as being “Let’s Go Brandon,” and a meme was born.

The minced oath became a popular rallying cry among conservatives, and has been printed on t-shirts, bumper stickers, hats and posters. It has also been taken up by mainstream Republican politicians, including the governor of Texas. While NASCAR as an organization has distanced itself, insisting it is politically neutral, the phrase remains popular among fans. The occasional cry of “Let’s go Brandon” erupted at the Coliseum on Sunday and there were some t-shirts with the phrase. There was antipathy towards mainstream outlets among some in the crowd, with one man seen wearing a tshirt emblazoned with the slogan “The Deadliest Virus in America is the Media”, and some fans declined to speak to reporters. But others were too busy enjoying the rare sights and sounds of their favorite sport in the heart of California. AFP

Controversial Peng Shuai meets IOC chief Bach

BEIJING—Peng Shuai has met Olympic chief Thomas Bach at the Beijing Winter Games, the IOC said Monday, while US ski star Mikaela Shiffrin suffered bitter disappointment in her first attempt at gold in China. The International Olympic Committee said tennis player Peng, who sparked global concern in November when she fell silent after alleging that a top Chinese politician had forced her into sex, dined with Bach on Saturday and watched curling. Peng reappeared in public nearly three weeks after her allegation, and later withdrew it, insisting her online comments had been taken out of context. But fears for her safety and well-being remained. Separately, in an interview published Monday with French sports daily L’Equipe, Peng repeated her denial. “I never said anyone had sexually assaulted me in any way,” said the former world number one doubles player. Asked why she deleted the social media post containing the allegation, Peng said: “Because I wanted to.” “There was a huge misunderstanding in the outside world following this post,” she said. “I don’t want the meaning of this post to be twisted anymore. And I don’t want any further media hype around it.” ‘Finished before it started’ Defending champion Shiffrin was among the favourites to retain the women’s giant slalom title and win a third Olympic gold medal of her career, but in bright morning sunshine she made an error near the top of her first run and slid out. “There’s a huge disappointment, not even counting medals,” she said. “The day was finished basically before it even started.” The American vowed to move on and quickly concentrate on Wednesday’s shorter technical event in which she is a four-time world champion. “I’m not going to cry about this because that’s just wasting energy. My best chance for the next races is to move forward, to refocus, and I feel like I’m in a good place to do that.” AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Maris Racal, Carlo Aquino star in YouTube-ABS-CBN original series

Carlo Aquino and Maris Racal.

FOR the first time in the Philippines, ABS-CBN, the country’s leading content provider, announced its partnership with YouTube to develop and produce a new original series that will stream exclusively on the video streaming platform. How to Move On in 30 Days, a romantic comedy featuring the fresh team-up of Maris Racal and Carlo Aquino, will premiere on YouTube this 2022. The co-production deal is the latest initiative of ABS-CBN to expand its digital content offerings and reach more audiences on YouTube with the goal of serving more Filipinos on various

platforms. ABS-CBN has been streaming its live and on-demand shows via Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube. It also offers “Made for YouTube” entertainment, lifestyle, and music shows, and ABS-CBN Superview, which offers free streaming of hit movies. The digital shows are all viewed on ABS-CBN Entertainment, the most subscribed (38 million subscribers) and most viewed (45 billion views) YouTube channel in Southeast Asia. In How to Move On in 30 Days, Maris is unceremoniously dumped by her ex-

boyfriend and promises to move on from him within 30 days. She chronicles her journey on her own vlog and later hires Carlo as her fictitious boyfriend with the intention of fully healing from heartbreak. After 30 days of trying so hard to bury the past, will she have completely moved on, or will her efforts prove to be futile? The series, directed by Benedict Mique and Dick Lindayag, also stars Albie Casiño, John Lapus, Jai Agpangan, Sachzna Laparan, Kyo Quijano, Sherry Lara, Poppert Bernadas, Hanie Harrar, Elyson De Dios, and James Bello.

WILBERT ROSS

gets first title role in kinky coming-of-age film Wilbert Ross (left) and Rose Van Ginkel in ‘Boy Bastos’ Sanya Lopez (left) with Gabby Concepcion

‘First Yaya’ sequel hits the small screen with all-new yet familiar vibe Valdez, John Feir, and Divine Aucina who will either be allies or enemies for THE long wait is over for fans of the hit the first couple. Fans will also see more of romantic comedy series First Yaya as the Pancho Magno, Cassy Legaspi, Kakai Bautista, Maxine Medina, and series’ sequel, First Lady, is set to premiere other names from the previous on the small screen with the cast that series to make the story more people came to know and love, but this interesting. time, with new twists to keep viewers Working with the cast, on the edge of their seats. according to Sanya, left no Actress Sanya Lopez reprises her dull moment during shooting role as Melody Reyes-Acosta, a former because they would all nanny who became the fictional first find the time to hang out lady of the Philippines after marrying even though their scenes Glenn Acosta, played by Gabby became intense. Their Concepcion, in the first part of the bond off-screen makes them series. feel at ease with each other, However, as with every love thus helping their character’s story, there will always be trouble. relationship on-screen. In the sequel, it comes in the form Directed by LA of the NGO Representative of Madridejo, the sequel to the Anti-Poverty Volunteers, Ingrid public’s favorite promised Domingo. The role is played by to be more compelling with Alice Dixson. the help of the story writers. This will be the first time that And despite the hardships Sanya will work with Alice. that Melody will face The former admitted to being throughout the show, the starstruck when they were hit rom-com will continue taping a scene for First Lady. to make audiences laugh and Sanya shared that during the feel the romance between the first time she met Alice, she president and his first lady. thought her to be captivating Alice Dixson as Ingrid First Lady premieres and a skilled actress to boot, Domingo on GMA Telebabad on adding to her excitement upon learning that the senior star will be Valentines’s Day. joining the cast. Alice’s character is only one of many who will be part of the series’ sequel and add to the story’s development. As Melody navigates the world of the first lady, she will face new challenges and struggle to fit in Gabby’s world as the leader of a country. Luckily, she won’t be alone as she’ll be trained by three of her predecessors, the first ladies who came before her. Viewers can expect to see Francine Prieto as Soledad, Samantha Lopez as Ambrosia, and Isabel Rivas as Allegra. But even though the trio was supposed to offer help, they make things harder for Melody as they meanly suggest that the life of a first lady is not a perfect match for a yaya. Other stars joining the cast of the beloved series are Shyr The cast also spends time with each other in

By Patricia Taculao

between shoots

Award-winning actress Maricel Laxa

‘Boy Bastos’ is Wilbert’s first title role in a film

By Nickie Wang

ASHTAGS member Wilbert Ross subscribes to the idea that “All good things come to those who wait.” And he can attest to this mantra as a walking example of it. It took five years for Wilbert, 24, to get his first title role in a film. Thanks to Vivamax’s latest offering Boy Bastos. “I have no reason not to accept the project. My character is interesting and the script is good. Those were my considerations when I accepted the project,” Wilbert, who’s known for playing bit roles, said during the virtual conference for the film. In Boy Bastos, Wilbert plays a virgin

teenage student who likes to draw porn images in his notebooks. He has a pretty girlfriend named Cathy (Jela Cuenca), who is about to give her virginity to Felix. He doesn’t really like Cathy, that’s why he’s having a hard time getting aroused when they try to have sex. As the story progresses, Felix meets Katey (Rose Van Ginkel), their substitute teacher in Biology. Under some strange circumstances, Katey will live in Felix’s house, but Katey insists on not letting the people in their school know their weird connection. Soon Felix finds himself falling for her as she becomes his personal teacher in life and in bed. “I’m satisfied sa mga ginawa ko. I don’t have any regrets because I know they are crucial to the story. The daring scenes, merong purpose kung bakit ko ginawa, so I don’t have any reason not to accept this role,” the young actor reiterated. Joining Wilbert in the film is his horny

crew Garfield (Andrew Muhlach) and Layno (Bob Jbeili). Directed by Victor Villanueva, the young director behind the award-winning and cult-favorite movie Patay na si Hesus, Boy Bastos streams on Vivamax on Feb. 18.

Wilbert Ross (left) with Jela Cuenca

(From left) Bob Jbeili, Wilbert Ross, and Andrew Muhlach

Maricel Laxa reflects on her colorful character in ‘Mano Po’ ACTRESS Maricel Laxa is grateful that her character Valerie Lim in the currently airing soap opera Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune is a hit among television viewers. She is simply thankful that the audiences like the storyline and her performance “Based on the feedback we receive, the viewers really like the character. I’m pleased that they enjoy watching me in my ostentatious style of dressing and hairstyle,” she said of her colorful role in the primetime show. The seasoned actress considers the project as a good comeback vehicle for her on the small screen.

“This is the first time that I was able to play this kind of character. Definitely, it’s a wonderful thing to realize that at this point in my life, I still have lots of discoveries about my craft, my talent and it’s such a blessing to be able to be given the chance. “Of course, I cannot take credit for everything in the process into making the character of Valerie who she is because it’s all teamwork. Like when it comes to make-up, we have very good make-up artists on the set. The costume I wear also undergoes meticulous studies. Really, it’s just a combination of everybody’s efforts

to come up with good and interesting material.” Maricel has only good words for her director and co-stars noting that they have a well-written script and a competent director. “With Ian Loreños as director, it’s impossible for you not to deliver. All of us are geared towards one vision. I’m also glad to bond with my fellow cast members. We would fight in the scenes but off-cam, we just laugh it off.” Many find her portrayal of her character amusing. “Some hate her but some like her.

In fact, even my children imitate my delivery of the dialogue then they laugh. People are really involved and it’s just amazing,” she shares. The award-winning actress cites her senior co-star Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo as an inspiration for her to consider staying longer in the ‘biz. “Just being with her, just experiencing her at this time of my life is a wonderful experience. I’ve known her for so many years. Just being in her presence has really allowed me to believe that I want to grow old in this business. For one, she’s very positive and bubbly. Her professionalism is tops and it’s such a joy to be around her all the time with her positivity,” ends Maricel.

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Life

Home pieces from Pottery Barn, Tea Scented Candles from TWG Tea

Heart’s curated picks of Trunc At Home maintains a productive yet stylish space

Take it from

Heart

Fashion icon Heart Evangelista takes over a multi-branded e-commerce luxury site on her birthday month

IVEN the moniker “Queen of Creative Collaboration,” it’s not a surprise that Heart Evangelista-Escudero can successfully dabble from one project to another whether it’s an onscreen assignment, a creative pursuit, or simply representing the country as we have seen in her recent stint at the Paris Fashion Week.

Needless to say, Heart just elevated Philippine fashion with her signature style and unmistakable elegance – a great way to celebrate her month (she was born on Feb. 14). And that is what SSI Group’s online shopping destination, Trunc.ph, is celebrating as well. “I’m amazed at how elegant these shots turned out! Special mention to @trunc.ph for my lovely looks. Explore timeless luxury pieces on Trunc Show by #TruncPH and see some of my favorite iconic brands for yourself,” Heart said in a social media post alluding to a set of photos curated by the e-commerce luxury site. Swoon over Heart’s iconic style and effortless elegance as the fashion icon is taking over the multi-branded e-commerce luxury site featuring her favorite products from Trunc, Trunc Show, Trunc at Home, and PowderRoom. Cop her OOTDs, home hacks, make-up must-haves, and more by tuning in on Trunc.ph while taking advantage of exclusive promos and discounts for the whole month of February. Tune in to Heart’s Instagram account to catch her V-Day OOTD featuring her top fashion picks from Trunc. Boasting over 100 of the world’s most coveted brands, you can find all your must-haves for a romantic evening in just one online shopping destination. With designer brands coming out with so many new ideas and styles for their latest collections, it’s best to consult a style guru with a taste for luxury. Catch Heart’s This or That Instagram video highlighting her

personal picks from Trunc Show, the site’s home for the world’s mostcoveted labels like Saint Laurent, Loewe, Burberry, Tod’s, Hogan, and more. How about Heart’s advice for the home? The first lady of Sorsogon surely has a knack for tips and tricks to update your living space. With her curated picks of Trunc At Home items, she shares her top products for maintaining a productive yet stylish space perfect for work and play. Sometimes looking and feeling fab takes a bit of your favorite eyeliner, blush, or the most striking falsies. Beauty is fun and Heart is taking it up to the next level by accepting a challenge featuring only four products from the PowderRoom, Trunc’s treasure trove for haircare, skincare, makeup, and more. Indulge yourself in a day of beauty and self-pampering. More content is brewing over at trunc.ph with digital activities including Heart’s Trunc Haul on Feb. 11, 12, and 19. What’s more, the style icon is dominating Trunc and SSI’s social accounts with fresh new photos for your level-up fashion inspo.

Shop to your Heart’s content

Trunc shoppers can get 10 percent off using the voucher code LOVETRUNC until March 3. The promo can be used multiple times with no minimum spend required. Meanwhile, customers can take advantage of free shipping for purchases with a minimum spend of P7,500. This discount is auto-applied upon checkout and can be used multiple times. These promos may be used with other voucher codes for bigger discounts on regular, sale, and markdown items of select brands. Get ready for a stylish February with the ever-iconic Heart Evangelista-Escudero in collaboration with Trunc, the go-to multi-brand site for the world’s top fashion, home, and beauty brands. Learn more at www. Trunc.ph or @Trunc.ph on Instagram and Facebook.

Freshen the air in your home naturally with aromas of pure essential oils dōTERRA’s Aroma Essentials Kit

IS IT possible to freshen the air in air. Saying goodbye to the synthetyour home and make it smell good ic fragrances of candles, air freshbased on your taste at the same time? eners, and room sprays doesn’t It is, according to dōTERRA, a USmean our home can’t still smell based company that specializes in amazing and even better. We can pure essential oils. freshen the air in our homes natuWe’re exposed to toxins every day rally with the powerful aromas of with everything we do, from sources pure essential oils. that we may not even be aware of. A The purity of essential oil is its toxin is any substance that places un- Wake up to clean most important characteristic, as due stress on the body. A toxic load is air at home with that affects safety, effectiveness, the sum of these substances, accumu- dōTERRA’s pure and potency. Every single batch of essential oils lated within your body, and the burdōTERRA essential oil undergoes den they place on vital organs at any rigorous third-party and internal given time. Toxins can cause imbalances, lead testing every step of the way to ensure that to negative effects on wellness, and influence your oil is free of contamination and adulterayour daily and long-term health. tion of any kind. Although our bodies have built-in protecdōTERRA essential oils are absolutely, tion and filters to help us manage the toxins completely 100 percent pure, which means we encounter. But if your toxic load gets too you can have perfect peace of mind when you heavy for our body to handle, things can go choose to bring them into your home and into downhill fast. your body. The good news is that we control what you dōTERRA’s Aroma Essentials Kit is an easy bring into our own homes. The goal is to mini- way to start eliminating toxins in your home by mize the exposure to toxins we have control changing what you put in the air. The collection over, making our toxic load lighter. You can’t includes 5 mL bottles of ten popular dōTERRA control every toxin you come in contact with, oils and blends: Wild Orange, Peppermint, Lavbut you do get to choose what comes into your ender, Lemon, Frankincense, Copaiba, Oregahomes. no, and three proprietary blends: Aromatouch, One of the simplest first steps to reducing Breathe and On Guard plus a stylish and wellthe toxic load in our home is by taking a look made Laluz diffuser. With these essential oils at what we put into the air we breathe. We and powerful diffuser, you’ll be on your way to all want our homes to smell welcoming. We a home that smells amazing and inviting---free might be used to lighting a candle or plugging of toxins. in an air freshener. However, these products For more information, visit www.doterraactually release synthetic chemicals into the PHalive.com.

Heart in a Burberry coat, shirt, and bag

The first lady of Sorsogon wearing a Burberry top and skirt, Salvatore Ferragamo Trifolio Shoulder bag, and Montblanc watch

China’s trusted vacuum cleaner brand now in PH ROIDMI, the leader of the cordfor full visibility. less vacuum cleaner industry in Also introduced was ROIDMI China, is now in the Philippines. S2, a lightweight model with the The brand is a part of the Xiaomain unit weighing only 1.5kg mi ecosystem and has over 400 with a 270 0 handle design for technical patents and 10 design easier and comfortable use. The awards including iF, Red Dot, and S2 incorporates a 110,000 rpm Good Design awards. digital brushless motor and a 130W Sold in over 80 countries, strong suction power. It has a soft ROIDMI offers quality hi-tech roller brush suitable for vacuuming consumer products perfect for floors and carpets. It has a magnetdifferent home needs. ic water tank module that can be In a recent virtual event, the attached when mopping. This vacROIDMI X20 is a 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner that can company introduced ROIDMI uum cleaner has a runtime of 60 simultaneously function as a vacuum and a mop X30 VX, which has a 2-in-1 vacminutes on eco mode, 40 minutes The ROIDMI X30 Pro, which has a uum and wipes cleaning function. on standard mode and, 10 minutes The wipe function serves two pur- runtime of 70 minutes, also has a LED on boost mode. poses—dry mopping and wet wiping light that illuminates when you’re Wrapping up the list of cordless of floors. It has a 120,000 rpm digital cleaning dark areas and corners for vacuum cleaners was ROIDMI Z1 Air, brushless motor with a suction power full visibility. which integrates a 100,000 rpm digital Another in the lineup was ROIDMI brushless motor that provides 110W of 150W while the mops rotate at 200 rpm with a wiping speed of 10m2/min. X20, an aesthetically-pleasing 2-in-1 suction power. At 1.55kg, is lightThe cleaning appliance is powered function vacuum cleaner that can si- weight so it is convenient for singleby high-capacity power lithium batter- multaneously vacuum and mop. It has hand use. The Z1 Air has a runtime of ies and it can run for 80 minutes on eco a 120,000 rpm digital brushless motor 60 minutes on a single charge. mode, 35 minutes on standard mode, and a runtime of 65 minutes. It comes All the ROIDMI models mentioned and 10 minutes on boost mode. It also with a NEX-V roller brush suitable for above have a multi-layer air filtration comes with a one-button press self- vacuuming floors and carpets. It also system that traps the previously vacucleaning station for a hands-free mop has a magnetic water tank module umed dust and prevents it from being that can be attached when mopping. It released back into the air. It also comes cleaning and drying experience. Another product introduced was also has an LED light that illuminates with a wall-mount dock which can be ROIDMI X30 Pro, which synchroniz- when cleaning dark areas and corners used for charging and storage pures vacuuming, mopping, poses. and sterilizing, because Also comes with supportof the ZiWei Sterilization ing accessories such as the System. It has a NEX-V crevice tool, wide nozzle, exroller brush perfect for tension hose, mattress brush vacuuming floors and among other tools to meet carpets and a magnetic most home cleaning needs. water tank module that All ROIDMI vacuum can be attached when cleaners can be purchased at mopping. The ZiWei the brand’s Flagship Store in Sterilization System sterLazada and the Official Store ilizes the floor so your in Shopee Mall. For more inhome stays clean and free formation, you may visit their The event speakers and brand executives at ROIDMI Philippine launch FB page - RoidmiPH. from viruses.