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ADB approves food aid grant for Typhoon Odette victims

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THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $2-million grant to support Philippine recovery efforts from Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai).

The ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund will finance food vouchers for 15,000 households affected by the typhoon in the Visayas and Mindanao, the bank said in a statement on Wednesday.

Typhoon Odette struck Mindanao and the Visayas in December, causing P13.3 billion in agricultural damage and P17.19 billion in destroyed infrastructure.

“Typhoon Odette’s damage to housing, agriculture, and infrastructure amid the COVID-19 pandemic has made life more difficult for Filipinos in affected areas,” ADB Director General for Southeast Asia Ramesh Subramaniam said.

“This assistance will help finance the humanitarian needs of those residents, especially people living in remote areas.”

ADB partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme to distribute the food aid, along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Separately, South Korea offered $300,000 in relief aid to help rebuild shelters in some areas affected by the typhoon, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said.

Selected beneficiaries in the Dinagat Islands, off northeastern Mindanao, will be trained in home rebuilding using designs that can withstand strong winds and flood, the UNDP said in a statement on Wednesday.

The UNDP also invested $650,000 in recovery efforts for communities and local government units in areas hit by the typhoon, especially in Cebu, Siargao, and the Dinagat Islands.

The UNDP is also working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to help restore information and communications technology in the affected areas.

“UNDP focuses (its) support (on) corrective measures that will reduce the existing level of risk. We are working hand-in-hand with key government agencies and local government units to enhance their capacities in risk management to reduce vulnerability and exposure to threats and hazards,” UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran said.

“We also want to strengthen the aspect of digital governance to make social services more accessible to people, especially in the event of natural calamity.”

The Budget department as of the end of last year released P7.68 billion from 2021 unprogrammed appropriations, the calamity fund, and President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s contingent fund to assist local governments and national agencies responding to the typhoon.

Adding to the international aid, the Japanese embassy in the Philippines also said that its government’s $13 million in grant aid will support the work of several international organizations doing humanitarian work in areas devastated by the typhoon.

“These organizations shall focus on different areas of assistance such as food, shelter, non-food items, health, and water and sanitation,” the embassy said.

Separately, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) approved a ¥329-million (about P146 million) grant funding Filipino government officials’ training in Japan.

JICA last week signed the agreement for the Project for Human Resources Development Scholarship with the National Economic and Development Authority.

The program aims to help “develop young leaders in government and boost efforts in socioeconomic development,” JICA said in a statement on Wednesday. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Local governments urged to step up in averting water crisis

LOCAL GOVERNMENT units (LGUs) have been urged to play a greater role in heading off the periodic water shortages during the dry season, industry representatives said at a virtual forum on Wednesday.

“We invite LGUs to help solve the water crisis. LGUs can be an instrumental convenor or linkage for us to solve the water and sanitation problems across the country,” Water.org Regional Director Griselda G. Santos said.

“Water and sanitation are forever relevant issues. Public-private sector partnerships can also increase scale and reach,” Ms. Santos said. “Placing water at the core of the city’s urban planning and investment creates a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Innovation makes water more accessible and affordable,” she added.

Ms. Santos put forward her organization’s WaterCredit program, in which financial institutions support technical and financial assistance for water and sanitation improvements.

“Water scarcity affects more than 40% of the world’s population. By 2050, at least one in four people will suffer recurring water shortages,” said Anna M. Lu, Aboitiz InfraCapital vice-president for Project Development.

“This must be a concerted effort of LGUs, communities and industries. We should explore the conjunctive use of ground and surface water. To manage resources, before drawing water, we must understand availability and sustainability,” she said.

She cited the need to conduct hydrology and hydrogeology studies, which determines surface water and groundwater availability and sustainability in the target area.

Adrien Marsden, associate director for London-based design and engineering company Arup, said: “Rain and storm water is something we have to learn to live with. If we design with water, we open up opportunities. If it’s not managed, it will have flooding and negative impacts,” Mr. Marsden said.

“Urban spaces need a different approach (than) rural spaces. All of these solutions need integrated thinking. The opportunities are not about designing flood management systems, but about managing uncertainty, placemaking and driving towards sustainable and net zero targets,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rezatec Vice-President Michel Trudelle said that geospatial data analytics the key to enhancing water systems in a manner that will prevent flooding.

“Geospatial artificial intelligence (AI) can help utilities in the face of increasingly extreme weather,” Mr. Trudelle said.

“It can accurately predict the top at-risk sections of your network, implement upgrade programs more effectively, and gain savings in capital and operating expenditures,” he added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

A sigh of relief over SSS loan penalty condonation

Last call for member-borrowers of the Social Security System (SSS)!

As a pandemic relief measure for SSS members, those with qualified loans were allowed to avail of the Short-Term Member Loan Penalty Condonation Program between Nov. 15, 2021 and Feb. 14, 2022. Member-borrowers therefore have just a few days to meet the condonation deadline.

Under the guidelines laid down in SSS Circular No. 2021-14, a short-term loan qualifies for the program if the loan has been delinquent for at least six months, as of the first day of the condonation period, Nov. 15. Short-term loans include salary loans, calamity loans, those under the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program, emergency loans, and restructured loans under the Loan Restructuring Program implemented in 2016 and 2019.

The condonation program allows member-borrowers to settle their delinquent loans on much lighter payment terms. All outstanding principal and interest components of the loans are consolidated into one new Consolidated “Restructured Loan 1” or “Restructured Loan 2.” The payment can be at one time or in installments.

One-time payment is due in full within 30 days from receipt of the approval of the penalty condonation application. For those choosing to pay by installment, a 50% down payment is required within 30 days upon receipt of the application approval, with the remaining 50% payable in six equal monthly installments.

Like any other loan, installment payments are subject to an interest rate of 3% per annum computed on a diminishing principal balance over the six months. Late payments are subject to a penalty of 1% per month.

The balance of the restructured loan should be zero at the end of the term; otherwise, any unpaid balance, including the proportionate condonable penalty, will become part of a new principal under “Restructured Loan 2.” The modified loan terms require the balance settlement immediately because the “Restructured Loan 2” is due and demandable. If unpaid, the loan will be charged an interest of 10% per annum until fully paid.

Under the program, penalties are condoned 100% under the one-time payment option. For installment terms, 50% of the consolidated penalty is condoned upon receipt of the 50% down payment, with the remaining 50% penalty to be fully condoned after full payment of the restructured loan.

Before member-borrowers can avail of other short-term member loan programs, they should note that “Restructured Loan 1” and/or “Restructured Loan 2” should be fully settled first. Therefore, their payment schedule should be planned accordingly to manage cash flow, balancing cash usage for essential needs, loan payments, and emergencies.

One benefit of the application process is the ease of filing online via the member’s SSS electronic account. Loan payment can be through any SSS Branch or online payment channels, such as GCash and PayMaya. While assisting a client, I found my experience of applying online to be convenient and safe, without exposure to health risks. On the downside, digital filing requires reliable internet connectivity and access to computers, which many Filipinos may not have.

It is always prudent for the member-borrower to keep a copy of the proof of payment for future reference. In case of lapses, such as system glitches or unposted entries, the burden is on the member-borrower to show proof of payment. Should the SSS assess the member-borrower for unpaid loans, the claim can be refuted by presenting proof of payment.

The condonation program is a welcome measure at a time when things have not yet returned to normal.  Since the program’s objective is to provide relief to cash-strapped members, the SSS may want to consider giving member-borrowers more time to settle their loans. One such scheme could involve (a) making the full payment or the 50% down payment payable in 60 days instead of 30 days, and (b) make the installments payable in 12 equal monthly installments instead of just six months.

The SSS may also consider extending the program period up to May 14, or an additional six months from the start of the program, to give more time for the qualified member-borrower to avail of the relief on offer.

For now, a sigh of relief would be better than no relief at all. I hope that qualified members-borrowers will still take the opportunity to settle their loan obligations to avoid additional financial burdens in the form of penalties as a consequence of defaulting on loan payments. On the part of the SSS, the funds collected from the program will help the agency improve its services and provide much-needed benefits to SSS members.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Bernadette R. Fama-Absolor is a manager at the Client Accounting Services group of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

bernadette.r.fama@pwc.com

Virus cases fewer than 5,000 for 2nd straight day

THE PHILIPPINES reported 3,651 coronavirus infections on Wednesday, the second straight day the tally fell below 5,000.

The brought the total to 3.62 million, the Department of Health (DoH) said in a bulletin. The death toll hit 54,690 after 69 more patients died, while recoveries rose by 12,834 to 3.47 million.

It said 16.5% of 29,970 samples on Feb. 6 tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), still above the 5% threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

There were 96,326 active cases, 4,150 of which did not show symptoms, 87,385 were mild, 3,029 were moderate, 1,447 were severe and 315 were critical.

DoH said 95% of the latest cases occurred on Jan. 27 to Feb. 9. The top regions with new cases in the past two weeks were Western Visayas with 523, Metro Manila with 484 and Calabarzon with 414 infections. It added that 36% of new deaths occurred in February and 52% in January.

The agency said 105 duplicates had been removed from the tally, 86 of which were recoveries, while three patients tested negative and were removed from. It added that 49 recoveries were relisted as deaths. Three laboratories failed to submit data on Feb. 7.

The Health department said 40% of intensive care unit beds in the country had been used, while the rate for Metro Manila was 32%.

Meanwhile, the government would focus on economic recovery during the fifth phase of its action plan against the coronavirus pandemic, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles told state-run radio.

“The focus of the National Action Plan V would be on economic recovery, reviving the livelihood of our fellowmen in light of the Omicron variant, which is currently the predominant variant in our country,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

The fifth phase would also focus on investment and job promotions to speed up economic recovery, he added. He said the government aims to boost vaccination efforts, promote telemedicine programs and increase the purchase of medicines against the virus.

Mr. Nograles said the government might announce the capital region’s virus alert level as early as Feb. 13. “We want our decision to be closer to Feb. 16 so that it would be based on the latest COVID-19 numbers.”

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 2, the second most relaxed status in a five-tier system.

Various countries have started easing virus restrictions amid hopes that the Omicron variant, which was first detected in South Africa, might have peaked.

Denmark became the first country in the European Union to scrap all COVID-19 restrictions, including wearing of face masks, the BBC reported.

The continent could soon enter a long period of tranquility amid the pandemic due to high vaccination rates, the end of winter and the less harmful nature of the highly mutated Omicron variant, BBC said, citing World Health Organization Europe Director Hans Kluge.

Mr. Nograles earlier said the virus alert system would be kept to serve as a warning system for future pandemics.

The Philippines is set to allow the entry of fully vaccinated foreign tourists starting Feb. 10.

The Southeast Asian nation had fully vaccinated 59.87 million people as of Feb. 4, while nearly 60.66 million have received their first dose, data from the Health department showed. More than eight million booster shots have been given out. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Marcos widens lead in Laylo Research’s January opinion poll

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FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. continued to widen his lead in Laylo Research’s latest presidential opinion poll.

His voter preference rose by 6 points from November to 64% in the Jan. 17 to 23 poll, the son of the late dictator said in a statement, citing the poll, which had 3,000 respondents.

“Notwithstanding the seemingly endless barrage of mudslinging and negative campaigning against him, Filipino voters’ support for Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. remains solid,” according to the statement.

At a very distant second was Vice-President Maria Lenor “Leni” G. Robredo with 16%. Tied for third place were Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso and boxing champion and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao with 7% each. Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson was in fourth place with 4%.

Meanwhile, Ms. Robredo visited the provinces of Camariñes Norte and Sorsogon in the Bicol region to woo voters on the second day of the campaign period on Wednesday.

“The results of the 2022 polls will determine the kind of politics and governance Filipinos want,” she said at an event, according to an emailed statement from her office.

Ms. Robredo also visited Camariñes Norte’s Labo town, where she asked voters to support her running mate Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan and her Senate slate.

After Camariñes Norte, she went to Sorsogon’s Gubat town and Sorsogon City, where she was welcomed by senatorial bet Francis Joseph G. Escudero.

His father, Salvador Hatoc Escudero III, served as Agriculture Secretary under the administration of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Mr. Escudero is the main author of the law compensating martial law victims. He ran in the 2016 vice-presidential race but lost to Ms. Robredo.

Ms. Robredo held a proclamation rally in Naga City on Tuesday night, reiterating her plans to form an inclusive government.

During her stint as a representative of Camariñes Sur, she filed bills seeking to end political dynasties and mandating government offices to disclose financial transactions.

Also on Wednesday, Senator and presidential bet Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson vowed to run a “very disciplined campaign,” citing the potential spread of the coronavirus at political sorties.

“That is precisely the reason why we intend to run a very disciplined campaign,” he said in a Viber message. “Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III and I have agreed to abide by the alert level protocols being imposed by local governments that we will visit like the kick-off campaign rally that we held in Imus, Cavite yesterday.”

The presidential palace has said the 2022 campaign would not spur a fresh surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections as long as health protocols are enforced.

“We are also confident that the Commission on Elections will enforce the guidelines, rules and regulations when it comes to the campaign to ensure that we will not have superspreader events,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles said.

The Lacson-Sotto tandem on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte. Mr. Sotto’s son, Vice Mayor Gian Carlo G. Sotto, is the vice mayor.

Mr. Lacson and Mr. Sotto later went to the Quezon City Memorial Circle where their senatorial bets relayed their platforms. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

SC tells recruitment agencies to comply with labor laws as it rules in favor of dismissed worker

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THE SUPREME COURT (SC) “cautioned” accredited recruitment agencies on their role of safeguarding the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), citing an Oct. 2021 ruling in favor of a dismissed employee in Taiwan. 

In a Feb. 8 statement posted on the SC website, the High Court said recruitment agencies should serve as advocates of Filipino migrant workers by properly enforcing employment contracts and complying with labor laws.

The court said despite the enactment of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, which imposes penalties against negligent agencies, numerous incidents of mishandling and “inhuman” treatment of OFWs continue to be reported. 

In a 29-page decision dated Oct. 6, penned by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesumundo, the court ordered a recruitment agency and its foreign party to pay the family of a former OFW in Taiwan who was unlawfully fired after he was found to have been suffering from a disease.

“Overseas Filipino workers who are contractually and legally entitled to receive health insurance benefits may not be denied of their rights and privileges under the law,” Mr. Gesumundo said in the ruling.

“DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment)-accredited recruitment agencies must ensure that their foreign principals comply with this obligation, consistent with their responsibility to protect the interests of distressed migrant workers,” the decision states.

The Taiwanese company and the recruitment agency were ordered by the court to pay the family of the respondent NT$ 102,528 worth of unpaid salaries, and an additional P1 million as financial assistance.

The former OFW, who has since passed away, contracted a terminal illness during the term of employment as a machine operator with the Taiwanese firm.

The respondent filed a case against the Taiwanese company before the Labor Arbiter under the National Labor Relations Commission seeking proper compensation for his illness as he was unlawfully sent back to his country.

The Taiwanese company did not issue a written notice on the termination of employment and simply repatriated the Filipino worker. 

Taiwan was the fourth top destination for OFWs as of 2019 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, accounting for 6.7% of the 2.2 million migrant workers. 

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) announced on Monday that OFWs will again be allowed entry to Taiwan starting Feb. 15 after several months of ban imposed on all countries due to the coronavirus pandemic.

There are at least 35,000 OFWs awaiting employment in Taiwan with about 11,000 new hires and 24,000 replacements, MECO said in a statement on Monday. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Duterte thanks UAE for pandemic assistance

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PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has acknowledged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for supporting the Philippines’ pandemic response and protecting the welfare of Filipino migrants, according to his office. 

Mr. Duterte expressed his gratitude to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a telephone conversation on Tuesday, Malacañang said in a statement. 

The Palace said Mr. Duterte thanked the UAE for donating seven metric tons of medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and 100,000 doses of Hayat Vax vaccines that boosted the inoculation rate in the Muslim-majority Bangsamoro region in southern Philippines.

“We look forward to further working closely with the UAE as we continue addressing the challenges of the pandemic,” the President said.

Mr. Duterte also expressed appreciation to Abu Dhabi for looking after the welfare of almost 600,000 Filipinos residing in the UAE. 

Malacañang said Mr. Nahyan assured the Philippine leader that the UAE government will continue to take care of Filipino migrants in the best way it can, noting that the middle-eastern country benefits from their skills. 

The UAE was the second top destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), based on the 2019 survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority. 

Of the 2.2 million OFWs at that time, 13.2% were in the UAE.

Meanwhile, the two leaders renewed their commitment to further strengthen the Philippines-UAE bilateral relations and expressed solidarity in the face of threats posed by violent extremism. 

Mr. Duterte also emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to “international cooperation in combatting terrorism by all means in accordance with international law,” according to his office. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

TikTok user allegedly behind Marcos assassination plot denies posting threat

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THE OWNER of the TikTok social media account where a supposed assassination plot against presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. (BBM) was posted has denied uploading the video. 

The account user voluntarily went to the National Bureau of  

Investigation (NBI) office on Tuesday to deny the allegations and said his identity was illegally used to make the suspicious post, according to Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra.

“The owner of the BBM death threat account voluntarily turned himself into the NBI yesterday. He was advised to secure the assistance of counsel,” Mr. Guevarra said in a Viber message on Wednesday.

The NBI is still evaluating the severity of the threat, he added. 

“As of the moment, the man is only considered a person of interest, our investigation is still ongoing, he is not an accused yet,” NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand M. Lavin said in a press conference on Wednesday.

The Justice Department directed the NBI in late January to validate the anonymous tip on the alleged assassination plot. 

Mr. Guevarra said on Jan. 30 that NBI will prioritize any validated information on threats to the security of any presidential candidate. 

“The DoJ (Department of Justice) should investigate not just to protect the possible victim but it is also a way how government wanting the citizens, in general, to be responsible and accountable in the exercise of their freedom of expression amidst a politically critical period,” Marlon M. Villarin, a political science professor from the University of Santo Tomas, earlier said via Viber. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Senatorial bets Hontiveros, Ejercito highlight better healthcare services in platform

SENATOR Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel, who is seeking reelection in May, on Wednesday said better public health services will be among her main legislative agenda.

“I promise you, I will continue to propose laws to strengthen and support our health care system,” she said as she launched her campaign through a proclamation rally in Bacacay, Albay, the hometown of her late husband. 

Ms. Hontiveros said overall platform will revolve around fighting corruption and pushing for laws that promote healthy life and livelihood for Filipinos.

“We don’t want thieves. Imagine, in the middle of the pandemic, there are people who have no conscience and are mercilessly profiting from the suffering of many,” she said in a statement in Filipino. 

“We don’t like cheaters and swindlers so we fight that and of course, we will continue to do so,” she added, noting her past efforts in uncovering corruption in the Bureau of Immigration, and the alleged overpricing of pandemic supplies that was investigated by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

EJERCITO
Meanwhile, former senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito, who is seeking a comeback in the upper chamber, said in an interview with CNN Philippines that if he wins, he will push for improved delivery of the Universal Health Care law, a measure he previously sponsored. 

There needs to be proper implementation, he said, adding that the government’s current operations “could have been better.” 

He believes that as one of the lawmakers who studied and pushed for the bill’s passage, he would know the appropriate funding requirement that should be included in the government’s annual budget.

He also said financial experts should be hired to solve the issues surrounding the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

He also said that the state-owned insurer is not solely at fault for the delay in releasing payments to medical institutions as insurance claim scams are also prevalent.

Somebody has to be prosecuted, Mr. Ejercito said, to ensure that illegal practices are prevented and PhilHealth funds are used efficiently. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan 

Blazers trade CJ McCollum to Pelicans in seven-player deal

CJ MCCOLLUM — REUTERS

THE Portland Trail Blazers traded guard CJ McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday in a deal that included six other players and three draft selections.

Guards Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky and Didi Louzada will join the Trail Blazers. The Pelicans received McCollum, who was in his ninth season with Portland, plus forwards Larry Nance, Jr. and Tony Snell.

Portland will also receive a protected 2022 first-round pick and two second-round picks from New Orleans in the trade.

McCollum, 30, is averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 36 starts in 2021-22. He missed 18 games earlier this season with a collapsed right lung sustained in a Dec. 4 loss to the Boston Celtics.

McCollum, the 10th overall pick in 2013 and the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2015-16, owns career averages of 19.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 564 games (467 starts). He ranks second in Blazers history with 1,297 career 3-pointers, trailing longtime backcourt partner Damian Lillard (2,143), and is fifth with 10,710 career points.

Portland made the playoffs in each of McCollum’s first eight seasons but enters Tuesday night’s game against Orlando in 11th place in the West with a 21-33 record, a half-game behind the Pelicans (21-32) for a play-in spot.

Hart, 26, is in his third season with New Orleans after spending his first two National Basketball Association (NBA) campaigns with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 41 games (40 starts) this season.

Alexander-Walker, 23, is averaging 12.8 points, 3.3 boards and 2.8 assists through 50 games (19 starts) in his third season with the Pelicans.

Satoransky, 30, is contributing 2.8 points, 2.4 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 32 games (three starts) in his first season with New Orleans.

Louzada, 23, is sidelined with a torn meniscus in his left knee. He played in five games over the past two seasons, contributing a total of eight points, five assists and four rebounds.

Nance, 29, is averaging 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 37 games (11 starts) in his first season with Portland. The seven-year veteran has missed the past 17 games due to a knee injury.

Snell, 30, is also in his first season with the Blazers, averaging 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 38 games (10 starts). — Reuters

Wasteful Man United slips out of top four after draw at Burnley

BURNLEY, England — Manchester United dropped out of the Premier League’s top four after they were held to a 1-1 draw at bottom side Burnley on Tuesday.

United dominated right from the off and had an early effort ruled out by VAR for offside before Paul Pogba, on his first league start since mid-October, hammered home his first goal of the season to give the visitors a deserved lead.

United should have added to their advantage before the break but Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope kept them at bay with several fine saves, while the hosts did not have a single effort at goal in the opening period.

United were made to pay for their profligacy as, out of nowhere, Burnley leveled through Jay Rodriguez two minutes into the second half from their first meaningful attack of the game.

The visitors lost all of their first-half rhythm after that setback and could not find a winner despite plenty of late pressure, as they dropped to fifth in the standings on 39 points from 23 games, one behind West Ham United in fourth.

With Newcastle United beating Everton on Tuesday, Burnley fell even further behind in the race to beat the drop and now trail Eddie Howe’s side in 17th by four points, having played two games fewer. — Reuters

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