‘WEST PHILIPPINE SEA OIL EXPLORATION OK, BUT NOT WITH CHINA’

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte’s move to lift the moratorium on oil

exploration in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) would be beneficial for the

country, but the government must bar China from any joint venture to exploit

mineral resources in the area until Beijing abides by the 2016 ruling of the

Permanent Court of Arbitration, senators said yesterday.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said she was cautiously optimistic about the

President’s move but asserted that joint oil exploration should only begin

after China acknowledges and abides by the ruling, which recognizes the

Philippines’ exclusive sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone

(EEZ) in the WPS.

“Until China recognizes our victory in The Hague ruling, no negotiation on

joint exploration would be productive. We must continue to assert that only

the Philippines can conduct exploration in our EEZ. The requirements of the

Constitution should be met and our sovereign ownership over the resources in

our continental shelf must be recognized,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

She noted that the WPS is rich in oil and gas reserves that this is why

China is snatching it from the country. She pointed out that the WPS, known

to be the “second Persian Gulf,” contains as much as 130 billion barrels of

oil, which experts say follows Saudi Arabia in terms of wealth of oil

reserves.

Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also said in his e-book

“South China Sea Dispute” that the WPS may be rich in methanol, a biofuel

that could “fuel China’s economy for 130 years.”

“We must not easily grant China access to our seas, not only because of her

rejection of the 2016 ruling but also because we need to safeguard money and

resources that can get us through this pandemic,” Hontiveros said.

HOUSE MINORITY DECIMATED

MANILA, Philippines — The ascent of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has further

strengthened the super majority in the House of Representatives, with 284 of

the 301-member chamber now belonging to the administration coalition led by

President Duterte’s PDP-Laban party.

This has decimated the formerly 28-member House minority bloc led by Manila

Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who himself has joined the Velasco-led majority.

Yesterday, House insiders told The STAR that Duterte’s ally, former speaker

Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte, “showed his true colors” by joining

the three independent minority blocs.

Alvarez was ousted as speaker in July 2018 and replaced by former

president-turned-Pampanga congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in what many

reports said was engineered by the President’s daughter, Davao City Mayor

Sara Duterte-Carpio. The President has since apologized to Alvarez over the

matter.

Speaking to The STAR, Alvarez denied a falling out with the Chief Executive,

despite reports he had repeatedly attacked Duterte in his local radio

station, earning the ire of the Duterte family – especially the mayor.

SENATE TO SPEED UP PASSAGE OF FIST BILL

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will speed up the passage of the proposed

Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act, which aims to ensure

stability in the banking system, extend a lifeline to distressed businesses

and save millions of jobs, Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday.

Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on banks and financial institutions,

issued the statement after President Duterte certified as urgent the bill

that allows banks and financial institutions to unload non-performing assets

and bad loans to FIST companies.

“Banks play a critical role as they could throw a lifeline to businesses and

their workers amid the pandemic,” Poe said. “Providing the local banking

system with the support it needs will insulate it from a buildup of bad

loans, which could impose costs on the poor.”

She added that the country must be better prepared for the economic impact

of the coronavirus pandemic “that has no end yet in sight.”

The senator earlier said the proposed FIST Act could extend a lifeline to

distressed businesses, help serve around 600,000 micro, small and medium

enterprises (MSMEs), and save over 3.5 million jobs as the country continues

to battle the pandemic.

PHILIPPINES AMONG TOP 10 IN WORLDWIDE TELCO INVESTMENTS

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is among the Top 10 countries in the

world when it comes to investments in telecommunications based on the IMD

World Digital Competitiveness Rankings of 2020.

With demand for connectivity and internet access becoming essential in the

new normal, spending to improve telecommunications infrastructure has

aggressively increased.

Globe has embarked on a wider and more inclusive builds and rollouts of its

cell towers and fiber modernization to close the gaps in areas of the

country where connectivity needs further improvement. At least P50.3

billion in capital expenditures has been allotted for Globe’s network

expansion and upgrades for 2020.

“It's been a number of years that the country has been over-indexing other

countries when it comes to capital expenditures. For 2019, our CAPEX to

revenue ratio is about 34%. We expect to continue with the investments

because of the increasing demand for our services,” said Ernest Cu,

president and chief executive officer of Globe.

POGO EXODUS SEEN BY YEAREND

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s property sector is bracing for the

continuing exodus of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and their

service providers as almost 300,000 square meters or 17 percent of total

office space will be vacant by yearend, said property analyst David Leechiu.

“POGO space vacancy is forecast to hit 17 percent this year and another

estimated 20 to 30 percent next year,” Leechiu said in a webinar hosted by

The STAR’s PropertyReportPH.

He said the POGO industry occupies 1.7 million square meters of office

space.

With the continuing POGO closures, this would leave a vacancy of 289,000

sqm. or roughly 17 percent of capacity by the end of this year, Leechiu

estimated.

The POGO industry’s contraction is largely due to new taxes imposed by the

government, the adverse impact of COVID-19, and China’s continuing assault

against the industry, Leechiu said.

Recent changes in POGO taxation under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or

Bayanihan 2 is deemed by industry analysts as a “POGO killer.”

FLOODS HIT 70 MINDANAO VILLAGES

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — More than 70 villages in central Mindanao have

been flooded since Friday after the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta

overflowed due to heavy rains.

The most affected barangays are in the interior areas of the adjoining towns

of Pagalungan and Montawal in Maguindanao, and in nearby Pikit and Kabacan

in North Cotabato.

The four towns are surrounded with swamps and rivers that connect to the

Liguasan Delta.

The delta is a catch basin for a dozen rivers that flow from the hinterlands

of Bukidnon, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Hundreds of families in Montawal, Pagalungan and Pikit fled to higher ground

with the help of volunteer organizations as well as the police and the

military.

Up to 27 barangays in Pikit have been inundated since Wednesday, local

disaster officials said.

The Bangsamoro government’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence or

READI distributed relief goods to flood victims.

MARAWI’S POWER, WATER SUPPLY BACK IN 2 WEEKS

MANILA, Philippines — Three years after the liberation of Marawi from Maute

bandits, power and water supply will soon be restored in areas in the city

that were hit hard by the siege in 2017, Task Force Bangon Marawi chairman

Eduardo del Rosario said over the weekend.

Del Rosario, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban

Development, said the restoration of power and water connections in Marawi

would start within the next two weeks.

This developed after the Local Water Utilities Administration received the

funds for the construction of a pumping station that will supply water in

areas that were devastated when the Mautes laid siege in the city.

The Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative also received funds for the

construction of a power sub-station.

Del Rosario did not mention how much funds were allocated for each project,

but he gave assurance that construction works “are expected to fully begin

within a couple of weeks.”

THE REST

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PHILPPINE COVID-19 CASES RISE TO 356,618

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 2,379 new infections reported yesterday

raised to 356,618 the nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases, the Department of

Health (DOH) said.

The DOH said 1,580 (66 percent) of the 2,379 new cases occurred within the

last 14 days.

It also reported 14,941 new recoveries, bringing to 310,158 the number of

patients who recuperated from the potentially deadly infection.

These latest figures brought the number of active cases down to 39,808, of

which 82.8 percent were classified as mild infections.

MAYON TOURISM ACTIVITY RESUMES

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — After months of ceasing operations due to the

COVID-19 pandemic, tourists can again enjoy the ATV or all-terrain vehicle

ride at the foot of Mayon Volcano.

This developed after the city government of Legazpi laid out safety and

health protocols that have to be observed by both the ATV operators and

visitors, Mayor Noel Rosal said over the weekend.

“Aside from wearing face masks and face shields, we are also requiring the

operators to limit the number of riders per group to ensure social

distancing,” Rosal told The STAR.

The resumption of the ATV ride is expected to draw visitors again to the

city.

The Bicolandia Outdoor Adventures (BOA) said it has complied with the safety

and health protocols that the city government required.

Aside from observing health protocols, only one person is allowed to ride

per ATV to avoid physical contact, BOA spokesman Erick Diaz said.

BARRIERS TO BE REQUIRED FOR MOTORCYCLE TAXIS

MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle taxis will be required to install barriers

to protect riders and commuters from COVID-19 transmission once they are

allowed to resume operations, the Department of the Interior and Local

Government (DILG) announced yesterday.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the measure would be implemented,

considering that the rider does not know his passengers personally and more

than one commuter would be riding a motorcycle taxi for a day.

“If it’s a motorcycle taxi, automatically a barrier is a requirement because

the rider and the passenger don’t know each other,” Año said in a radio

interview.

He said passengers would be encouraged to use their own helmet.

Motorcycle taxi companies need to make sure that their vehicles are

disinfected and safe, according to Año.

ALL RAIL LINES HIKE CAPACITY TODAY

MANILA, Philippines — All rail lines will increase capacity starting today

to serve more commuters.

Aside from the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), the Department of

Transportation (DOTr) said the Light Rail Transit Line 1, LRT-2 and the

Philippine National Railways (PNR) will also increase their respective

maximum passenger capacities to 30 percent beginning today.

This will then be gradually expanded up to 50 percent, according to the

DOTr.

Social distancing marks inside the trains will be adjusted for the

passengers.

With the increased capacity, LRT-1 trains will accommodate 370 passengers

per train set, while LRT-2 trains will be able to accommodate 486 passengers

per train set.

“We welcome this new development from the DOTr and we assure compliance.

This eased physical distancing rule and increase in train capacity will

benefit a greater number of our valued commuters while also supporting the

country’s journey toward economic growth and recovery,” Berroya said.

Meanwhile, the PNR will be able to serve 179 passengers per train set for

the DMU ROTEM model, 167 passengers per train set for the DMU 8000, 228

passengers per train set for the DMU 8100 and 302 passengers per train set

for the EMU model, starting today.

Last Saturday, the DOTr announced that starting today, the MRT-3 would serve

372 passengers per train set from the previous 153 passengers per train set

with its capacity hike.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION PEPITO THREATENS LUZON: PAGASA

MANILA - A low pressure area east of Catanduanes has strengthened into

tropical depression Pepito early Monday, the state weather bureau said.

The country's 16th storm this year was last estimated 820 kilometers east of

Virac, Catanduanes as of 4a.m., moving west northwest at 20 km per hour

while packing maximum winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 55 kph, PAGASA

said.

Pepito is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall

over Northern or Central Luzon between Tuesday evening or early Wednesday,

according to PAGASA weather forecaster Samuel Duran.

It may emerge over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday afternoon or

evening, PAGASA said in its weather bulletin.

On Monday, light to moderate with at times heavy rains may be experienced

over Bicol region, Eastern Visayas, and parts of Mindanao due to Pepito,

Duran said.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'I HAVE A GRATEFUL HEART': BEA ALONZO MARKS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND WITH OUTREACH

PROGRAM

MANILA – Bea Alonzo celebrated her birthday over the weekend and she made

sure to get everything on camera.

In her most recent vlog, the Kapamilya actress shared her realizations as

she turned a year older, and hopefully wiser.

“Definitely, this year brought me so many lessons, pains that I really

learned from,” she said.

“It left me anxious also and siguro worried about the future, about the

uncertainties of tomorrow. But siyempre lagi dapat nating hinahanap 'yung

silver lining in everything. May rason for everything. So ngayon, mas

pinipili ko na lang bilangin 'yung mga blessings ko,” she added.

With a grateful heart, Alonzo decided to share her blessings to her parish

of choice in Makati City.

“Na-realize ko, bakit hindi ko ishe-share ‘di ba? No man is an island. It’s

my way of inspiring people but also it’s my way of calling your attention na

there is an organization that can be the middle man from you to the people

that need help,” she said.

Alonzo was talking about her I Am Hope organization, which she initially

co-founded with her friend to help the COVID-19 frontliners.

Following her outreach program, her I Am Hope team surprised her with an

advanced birthday celebration.

“Ang galing nila kasi hindi ko naisip. Wala akong clue in my head, sana

nag-ayos ako ng konti,” she said laughing. “It was really special, you know

why? Because I met these people early this year lang. I feel like I’ve known

them forever.”

Alonzo also hosted an intimate birthday dinner for her glam team at home,

saying they deserve her gratitude because “they have been there through it

all and I just want to be able to make them feel special.”

SPORTS

PBA: JUST TOO MANY WEAPONS, AS GINEBRA EASES PAST MERALCO FOR 3-0 START

MANILA - Barangay Ginebra earned a share of the lead in the 2020 PBA

Philippine Cup, after a masterful 105-91 rout of the Meralco Bolts on Sunday

at the AUF Gym in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Four players scored in double-digits for the Gin Kings, led by Japeth

Aguilar who had 20 points on eight-of-11 shooting. Rookie Arvin Tolentino

started for Ginebra and put up 11 points, while Stanley Pringle had 16

points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Ginebra settled for a 20-all deadlock at the end of the first quarter, but

broke the game open in the second wherein they outscored the Bolts, 31-19.

Pringle and Jeff Chan combined for 12 points in the pivotal frame, while LA

Tenorio scored all six of his points in the second quarter as well.

"I just thought it was a really great defensive effort tonight," said

Ginebra coach Tim Cone, after his team limited Meralco to just 45.9%

shooting while turning their 16 turnovers into 19 points.

"We played great defense, and we did a really good job in their

pick-and-roll," he noted. "We were forcing a lot of tough shots and getting

rebounds. We were getting a lot of offense of our defense, and I just love

seeing our team play defense like that."

After Meralco rookie Aaron Black knotted the count at 28 with seven minutes

to go in the second frame, the Gin Kings unleashed a 14-3 run that put them

ahead by double-digits, 42-31, with under four minutes to play.

The Bolts were never able to recover from their poor second quarter, and

Ginebra went on to lead by 24 points, 92-68, off a Chan layup midway through

the fourth period.

The Gin Kings improved to 3-0, joining idle TNT and first-game winner Rain

or Shine at the top of the league standings.

Meanwhile, the Bolts dropped to 1-2.

Allein Maliksi had 18 points off the bench, while Reynel Hugnatan had 16

points and seven rebounds. Raymond Almazan played just under 13 minutes and

had six points as he continued to work his back into game shape after

recovering from a knee injury.

ROS SURVIVES UGLY OUTING

MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine outsteadied NorthPort in a grind-out

affair between misfiring teams, 70-68, to grab a share of the PBA Philippine

Cup lead with TNT yesterday at AUF Sports Arena Powered by Smart 5G.

Rey Nambatac sank two free throws with 1.3 seconds left as the E-Painters

survived a woeful 29.7 percent shooting (22-of-74) and picked up their third

consecutive win to tie the Tropang Giga at the top.

The luckless Batang Pier, who recovered from a record-tying two-point output

in the third quarter to close the gap in the dying seconds, slipped to 0-3.

“Today was really an ugly win for us. I wanted a better game, a better

production from everybody and I think we can do better than this,” said ROS

coach Caloy Garcia.

“Maybe playing our third consecutive game since Tuesday took its toll on the

players. Hopefully we get some rest and try to get everybody back to being

100 percent in our next game on Thursday,” he added.

ROS’ clip was the lowest for a winning team since Alaska’s 28.6 percent in a

66-63 victory over San Miguel in the 2015 Philippine Cup.

Garcia got the best production from unlikely sources against the 11-man

NorthPort side with rookie Adrian Wong and Sidney Onwubere leading the way

with 15 and 11, respectively.

The duo were at the forefront when the E-Painters launched a counterpunch en

route to a fresh 66-56 spread after NorthPort forced them to a 48-48

standoff.

The Batang Pier made one final stand in the last three minutes of play but

Nambatac was there to bail the E-Painters out of trouble.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative

pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls

into lazy habits of thinking. - Albert Einstein