Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 123 | Wednesday, September 2, 2020

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SWAB REQUIRED

VOL.13 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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Roxas Night Market suppliers to undergo swabbing STORY ON PAGE 2

Personnel commissioned to conduct census check their list near a community along Chavez Street in Davao City on Tuesday. The 2020 Census of Population and Housing administered by the Philippine Statistics Authority kicked off on Tuesday. Edge Davao

WORLDWIDE COVID-19 NUMBERS BOARD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PHILIPPINES

WORLDWIDE

CONFIRMED: 25,644,268 • DEATHS: 854,860 • RECOVERED: 17,945,056

CONFIRMED: 220,819 • DEATHS: 3,563 • RECOVERED: 157,559

As of September 1, 2020, here’s the Top 5 list of countries with most number of COVID-19 cases 1. U.S.A CONFIRMED: 6,211,796 DEATHS: 187,736 RECOVERED: 3,456,263

2. BRAZIL CONFIRMED: 3,910,901 DEATHS: 121,515 RECOVERED: 3,097,734

3. INDIA CONFIRMED: 3,694,878 DEATHS: 65,469 RECOVERED: 2,840,040

4. RUSSIA CONFIRMED: 995,319 DEATHS: 17,176 RECOVERED: 809,387

5. PERU CONFIRMED: 652,037 DEATHS: 28,944 RECOVERED: 462,329

SOURCE: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

PRRD: ‘RevGov’ talks should be in public

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio visits the UP-Faculty Isolation facilty and UP Mindanao Sports Complex Isolation facility. Mayor Sara checked on the welfare of both personnel and isolated individuals of the said facilities. CIO

resident Rodrigo Duterte said Monday that discussions about the revolutionary government being proposed by a group of his supporters should be in public, and not in secret.

“Sabi ko nga, ‘yung revolutionary government should not be discussed in sub rosa (in secrecy). It should be discussed publicly. Including the military, they should be able to say what (they want to say),” he said in a recorded public briefing aired late evening.

“If they do not want it...o kung may gusto silang pagbabago, let’s hear them out.”

Duterte earlier rejected talks of a revolutionary government, saying he does not know its advocates, who are members of the socalled Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Committee.

“Madami ngayon ang naglalabas na revolutionary government tapos ako ang sinasabi na... Wala akong pakialam niyan, wala akong kilala na mga tao na yan at hindi ko yan trabaho,” he earlier said in a speech.

Duterte however has previously met with its members.

On March 21, 2018, Duterte graced and delivered a speech at the group’s national convention. Malacañang even published photos of the said event.

Advocates of the revolutionary government initiative have drawn flak for pushing it as the country fights the COVID-19 pandemic.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Armed Forces, and the Philippine National Police have rejected the initiative in separate statements.

alacañang on Tuesday said President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a reshuffle of regional vice presidents of the embattled Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. (PhilHealth).

Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after the President directed new PhilHealth chief Dante Gierran to remove the regional vice presidents as part of government efforts to rid the state insurer of corruption.

“Malinaw po ang sabi ni Presidente, basta sa mga regional vice presidents, wala po siyang pinapasibak. Pinapa-reshuffle,” Roque said in an interview.

Gierran also confirmed that he will implement a

reorganization in the state insurer and examine its financial status.

Whistleblower Thorsson Montes Keith, former PhilHealth anti-fraud legal officer, has revealed that members of the PhilHealth executive committee pocketed some P15 billion in funds through several fraudulent schemes. PhilHealth denied the allegation.

Retired Army general Ricardo Morales resigned as PhilHealth president last week after Duterte said it would be best for him to go due to his unstable health condition.

Duterte announced the appointment of Gierran, a former director of the National Bureau of Investigation, as the new PhilHealth president on Monday.

SWAB REQUIRED M Roxas Night Market suppliers to undergo swabbing

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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o ensure that no Covid-19 positive individual can enter the Roxas Night Market when it opens on September 12, 2020, all vendors, masseuse and masseurs will undergo a baseline swabbing before entering.

“Nag-schedule nata ug baseline swabbing. Mao pud kini ang giingon sa mga doctors nga mag-baseline swab dinha sa Roxas Night Market. Ang baseline swab kay i-swab tanan suppliers vendors, masahista, tin-

dera, i- swab na sila tanan and then pati ang security na i-assign dinha and i-test sila tanan ug anha na sila pasudlon,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in a virtual presser on Tuesday.

The vendors will be

Good intention of Lacson’s designated survivor bill: Go

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enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Monday vowed to carefully study the “designated survivor” bill, saying Senator Panfilo Lacson has good intention when the latter pushed for its passage.

“Maganda ang layunin ng panukalang batas ni Sen. Lacson (The purpose of the proposed bill of Senator Lacson is good),” Go said in a statement. “Kaya gusto kong pag-aralan pa ng mabuti ang panukalang ito (That’s why I want to study it carefully).”

On Monday, Lacson called on his colleagues to start discussions on his bill authorizing the President to name a temporary successor among his Cabinet if officials in the line of presidential succession under the Constitution be unable to assume the presidency.

Under the Constitution, the line of presidential succession are the Vice President, Senate President and House Speaker.

Go agreed with the

purpose of Lacson’s Senate Bill No. 982 that seeks to guarantee the continuity and stability of operations in government to prevent a potential constitutional crisis and leadership vacuum.

“I am willing to actively participate in the discussions with my fellow senators regarding this bill.

At the end of the day, ang layunin naman natin ay hindi mapilay ang gobyerno at maipagpatuloy ang serbisyo sa tao kahit anumang krisis ang mangyari (our intention is we have a government that is not lame and services will continue whatever crisis that will happen),” Go said.

With terrorists becoming more creative and natural calamities more frequent and destructive, Go said continuity of government should be assured.

“And now we have an ongoing pandemic na walang pinipili. Hindi natin hawak ang buhay natin, tanging ang Panginoon lang

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swabbed every two weeks.

There are about 500 vendors in Roxas Night Market, however, Mayor Sara said only 25 percent will be allowed to return.

“Dili na sila mubalik tanan, 25 percent lang sa number kay mag-pulihay sila. Pero dili pa karon (swabbing) kay two weeks pa man ug ma-expose pa man na sila sa ilang mga uyab ug silingan so unya na sila i-test two days (before the opening) anha na sila i-test. Kung i-test nato sila

karon mag-lunghayaw pa sila, mag-violate pa sila ug liquor ban, violate pa ug mask, distancing so masayang ang atoang resources kung i-test nato daan. Ang musulod lang mao lang i-test. Everytime na naay musulod na bag-o mao na siya i-swab. Once lang before musulod. Ang intention sa baseline swab to make sure nga pag mag-sulod walay mag-positive dinha nga nasagol ug maka-infect nga mga tao nga

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Improper disposal of a disposable or non-reusable face mask such as this along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City on Sunday, 30 August 2020, will soon be prohibited once the City Council here passes the proposed ordi-

President ordered reshuffle of PhilHealth regional VPs

nance imposing penalties on violators to“avert possible COVID waste crisis,” according to the author, Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte, chair of the the Committee on Health. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

VOL.13 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

NEDA 11 cites tourism losses to Covid-19

By MAYA M. PADILLO he regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA 11) attributed the drastic decline of tourism performance in Davao Region to the cancellation of flights and the meetings incentives conference exhibition (MICE) events since March this year driven by the coronavirus pandemic.

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NEDA regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said in a virtual presser that the total tourist arrivals during the second quarter of 2020 declined by about 95 percent compared to the same period of last year.

According to Lim, there were about only 67,159 tourist arrivals in Davao Region during the second quarter of 2020 which was much lower than the 1.2 million tourists recorded a year ago over the same period.

Although, the Covid-19 pandemic is the main reason for the poor performance of the tourism sector during this quarter, however, other factors for the drastic decline in tourism performance were the cancellations of flights in Davao City that took effect on March 18, 2020 due to the pandemic. The assumption of the commercial flights only commenced on June 8, 2020.

“Lately in July when the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) was again imposed in the National Capital Region (NCR) there were no flights forthcoming, travel restriction and shutdown of borders have contributed to this decline including the closure of tourism related establishments and the cancellation of MICE among others beginning March 2020. These are our key indicators for the second quarter of this year,” Lim said.

Apart from the poor performance of the tourism sector due to Covid-19 pandemic, NEDA 11 also reported the performance of the other sectors in Davao Region in the first and second quarter of this year.

In terms of investment, Davao Region recorded a higher Board Of Investments (BOI) registered project commitments during the second quarter

of 2020 amounting to P2.4 billion or 385 percent higher than the P497 million worth of project commitments in the second quarter of 2019 despite the pandemic .

Lim cited two investment projects were registered during the second quarter of this year such as the new operator of a tourist accommodation facility, Acacia Hotel Davao; and an investment in the Cavendish banana production.

In terms of export and import, Lim reported that the region’s export for this quarter decreased by about 27 percent with the value of exports decreasing from $658.8 million in the second quarter of 2019 to $472.75 million in the second quarter of 2020.

Lim said the lower export performance in the region during the said quarter is due to the lower volume of banana, coconut oil, pineapple and rubber products exported.

“The decline of exports with the rest of the country was due to the Covid-19 pandemic which disrupted supply chains and shipments. We also had the experience of cancelled the air travel for several months as well as the quarantine measures throughout the globe that constraint internation-

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Two 30-minute power interruptions in Panabo areas on September 4

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avao Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct two 30-minute power interruptions on September 4, Friday, affecting customers in some parts of Panabo.

These service disruptions will be necessary to facilitate pole relocation along Lucutan Bridge 1.

To avoid longer duration of power interruptions, load from the affected lines will be transferred to nearby lines anytime between 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.. Normalization or

return of load back to its normal set-up will be anytime between 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m..

Specifically affected are customers from Racho Ville Subdivision in Panabo City going to TADECO Central via Tagum-Panabo Circumferential Road, including Nanyo, Tubod, Malitbog, Manay, Paquibato, Mabuhay, Dalisay, Parts of Alejal and neighboring areas.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience brought about by this

scheduled power interruption. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Please contact our 24/7 Customer Contact Service at 229-3572, 0917-864-2793 (Globe) or 0920-970-1357 (Smart) for any power interruption that will fall outside the given schedule.

Galvez said the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) are now closely coordinating with authorities who are conducting an investigation on the incident.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. May you have the strength and courage to cope with this painful loss. Our agency stands behind all of you during this most difficult time, and shall provide you the assistance you will need to recover from your loss,” Galvez said.

Despite the emotional trauma brought by the tragedy, Galvez called for

sobriety and restraint, saying the government will leave no stone unturned “to bring the perpetrators of these dastardly acts to justice”.

“During these difficult and uncertain times, we urge everyone to hold their judgment and allow the inquiry to take its due course.

We believe in the integrity of the institutions which are carrying out the investigation. We are confident they shall be able to ferret out the truth,” He said administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) leadership are

OPAPP condemns deadly armed attack in NorCot

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he Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has condemned in the strongest possible terms the armed attack that killed nine people and wounded scores of others in Kabacan, North Cotabato on Aug. 29.

“This barbaric attack shows the great lengths these lawless elements will go through to sow fear, anger and discord among the people. We believe that no person in the right frame of mind would carry out such a crime against humanity, more so, to take away precious, innocent lives,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement on Monday.

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NEWS 3

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Add’l $10.94-B funding for Covid-19 in 2020

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A mobile store selling vegetables and other items for cooking is parked near a department store along Gempesaw Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

Food-related online community flourishes during lockdown

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here is a saying that food connects people, and this is being greatly experienced now with Facebook groups registering exponential growth in membership during the lockdowns.

Chariza Salgado, a public relations practitioner and one of the administrators of Let’s Cook Pare?, a Facebook group, said they have around 10,000 members before the government declared the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in middle of March, but the numbers rose to over 60,000 after the end of the lockdown in end of April for Luzon and end of May for the National Capital Region (NCR).

To date, the group’s membership is almost 90,000, she said.

“At the time of the ECQ, our membership soared as people confined in

their homes tried to cope up with the new normal, most of whom are looking for an outlet that allows them to continue interacting with others outside of their homes,” she said.

Salgado said people also “take advantage of a platform that let them flex their ‘creations’ and enjoy their dreams of living a ‘chef-life’.”

The group was formed in August 2018 by food enthusiasts and businessmen-friends Jeff Chua and Archie Chua to provide a venue where people can share photos of their home-cooked meals and recipes, either “passed on from generations or in-

spired by others.”

They were later joined in by Jeff’s brother, Vince, who is also a businessman; Chariza Salgado; and Bobet Arandia, an executive of an insurance company.

Salgado said they believe that LCP is attractive to Facebook users because “we believe in sharing of knowledge and information.”

“We promote positivity and positive reinforcement. For the LCP family, sharing is caring/giving.

That’s why, everyone in our community works hard together,” she said.

Salgado said the group also serves as a venue for small business owners and over 25 big companies to promote their brands during the lockdown “by allowing the community to be an accessible online platform where they were able to sell food and oth-

er relevant kitchen/home cooking appliances, items, etc.”

“A number of members here and abroad likewise shared that recipes they got from the community inspired them to start their own food selling business that allow them to have an alternative source of income,” she added.

The group allows business owners to offer their products on Fridays.

Salgado said an average of 200 sellers normally join in.

“It’s more than double during the ECQ,” she said.

The group, however, recently suspended what it dubbed the “Market Friday” option due to sellers’ violation on the schedule.

Salgado said corporate brands that joined the group provided prizes for the group’s contests “that

their needs, you don't have to be scared.")

"Kahit na malaman pa ni BIR yan, kung malaman nila na kung gaano ka-sobrang liit niyan, hindi yan sapat para gawan ng imbestigasyon ng BIR," he further explained. "Kasi nga sabi naman ng TRAIN Law kung hindi naman lumagpas sa P250,000 exempted naman talaga 'yan sa income tax, malinaw sa batas 'yun." ("Even if the BIR knows that, once they discover that the transactions involved are small, it's not enough for the agency to mount an investigation. Because under the TRAIN Law, if the annual net income doesn't exceed P250,000, it's really ex-

empted from income tax, that's clear according to the law.")

Abrea said that while the law states that all businesses should be registered with the government, small online sellers can expect leniency, especially during the ongoing pandemic.

"Kasi ako naniniwala, siguro naman ang gobyerno merong hustisya para hindi panagutin 'yung mga maliliit na negosyo," he explained. ("Because I believe that government has a sense of justice to not penalize the small businesses.")

But it's a different story for those already earning millions of pesos through online means like

big retailers with digital channels and social media influencers. They should comply with the BIR rules or risk being slapped with tax evasion charges including a 25 percent surcharge and 12 percent interest on all tax liabilities assessed by the agency, Abrea said.

But Abrea also said that the BIR needs to digitalize its processes if it wants better compliance from online sellers and other players.

He said, digitalizing the tax collection agency could capacitate it to actually deal with the big online players like Facebook, Netflix, or Alibaba.

"Considering these are online transactions, it

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Small online sellers shouldn't worry about missing September 1 deadline: Tax expert

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mall online sellers need not worry about missing the Sept. 1 deadline to register set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, a tax expert said.

Mon Abrea, founding chairman of tax services and consultancy firm, Asian Consulting Group (ACG) said small online sellers whose incomes don’t exceed P250,000 per year can expect some leniency from the BIR. "Para doon sa maliliit at ginamit lang ang online selling bilang pantawid gutom o para lang sa kanilang mga pangangailangan, hindi kayo dapat matakot," Abrea said.

(For those who are using online selling just to make ends meet or for

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he country’s official development assistance (ODA) portfolio as of December 2019 stood at USD21.62 billion, while additional ODA funding of around USD10.94 billion was recorded for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic response as of August 5, 2020.

In the recently-released ODA Portfolio Review 2019 report of the National Economic and Development Authority, the portfolio consisted of 84 loans worth USD19.98 billion (92 percent of the total portfolio), and 268 grants worth USD1.64 billion (8 percent of the total portfolio).

Japan remained the top provider of ODA to the Philippines in 2019, with its loans and grants amounting to USD8.51 billion. This accounts for 39 percent of the active ODA portfolio.

The infrastructure development sector accounted for the largest share of the active ODA portfolio with 58 percent (USD12.54 billion), followed by the social reform and community development sector with 18 percent (USD3.81 billion).

Other sectors, such as governance and institutions development; agriculture, agrarian reform, and natural resources; and industry, trade, and tourism sectors account for the remaining 24 percent (USD5.26 billion).

The overall disbursement level of the loans portfolio increased by 21 percent from USD2.23 billion in 2018 to USD2.71 billion in 2019, while the disbursement rate of the project loans portfolio increased to 64 percent in 2019 from 58 percent in 2018.

Moreover, the availment rate of the project loans portfolio performed better with a 6-percentage-point increase from 67 percent in calendar year (CY) 2018 to 73 percent in CY 2019.

“The recent loans portfolio performance showed improvements for the past two years. For 2019, all indicators of absorptive capacity improved. We are grateful to our development partners for supporting us in our efforts to pursue much-needed reforms towards a higher growth trajectory and improving the quality of life of all Filipino people,” acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said.

Chua said the government needed to borrow more in 2020 to help fund emergency response, social protection programs, and other related expenditures that would provide immediate relief to Filipinos affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

As of August 5, 2020, 19 ODA loans and grants (16 loans and 3 grants) amounting to USD 10.94 billion have been added to the country’s total ODA portfolio in support of the government's efforts to address the Covid-19 pandemic and to mitigate its economic impact.

“These will enable us to provide more support to the people and will also help cover budget priorities in 2020 and 2021 to help address the health crisis,” Chua said.

NEDA conducts the annual ODA portfolio review pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 8182, also known as the ODA Act of 1996, as amended by RA 8555. (PR)

SEC attains ISO cert. for all core services

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has successfully attained ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system covering all core services across its main and extension offices.

Such certification attests to the Commission’s adherence to world-class standards in the provision of regulatory services over the corporate sector, the capital market participants and the securities and investment instruments market in the Philippines, and protection of the investing public.

The ISO 9001:2015 further covers the provision of registration of partnerships and corporations doing business in the Philippines in the SEC extension offices in Baguio, Tarlac, Legazpi, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga.

“When I received the first ISO 9001:2015 Certification of the Commission early last year, I committed that it was

but the start of the great transformation of the SEC under my leadership,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said, as he received the main certificate on behalf of the Commission.

Aquino and Commissioners Ephyro Luis Amatong, Javey Paul Francisco, Kelvin Lester Lee and Karlo Bello formally received the certificate from TÜV Rheinland Philippines, Inc., headed by Managing Director Tristan Arwen Loveres, in a virtual awarding ceremony on August 26.

“The transformation of the SEC as the gateway to doing business in the Philippines continues.

Soon, we will start our journey toward digital transformation to keep pace with, if not ahead of, the fast-changing needs of the business industry and the capital market,” Aquino said.

The Commission first obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2018 for its quality management system covering the reg-

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5 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Beat colon cancer before it beats you

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

lot of his fans were shocked to learn that Chadwick Boseman, the star of Marvel superhero hit Black Panther, died. In a post on his Twitter page, his camp announced the passing of the actor.

In 2016, he was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer but hid it from the world. He “battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV,” said the statement. During and between surgeries and treatment, Boseman delivered multiple powerhouse performances in such films as Marshall, 21 Bridges, and Da 5 Bloods.

Chris Evans, who portrayed Captain America in The Avengers series, wrote: “Chadwick was special. A true original.

He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create.”

Boseman was 43 when he died, the same age as Natalie Wood, John Candy, Cassandra Harris, Romy Schneider, Bessie Smith, and Judy Holliday when they perished. Other famous people who died at 43 include Catherine I of Russia, Edward II of England, Eric Liddell, and Nathaniel Greene.

In the United States, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women. The following also died of colon cancer: Charles M. Schulz, Audrey Hepburn, Ronald Reagan, Vince Lombardi, and Elizabeth Montgomery.

Colorectal cancer

(CRC) – which involves either the colon or rectum – is among the most common forms of cancer in the world. Only very few are aware that CRC is “an increasingly prevalent malignancy in the Philippines today,” to quote the words of Prof. Jose D. Sollano, a doctor who teaches medicine at the University of Santo Tomas.

“CRC is already the most common cancer of the gastrointestinal tract among Filipinos,” pointed out Prof. Sollano. Two famous Filipinas who died of it were President Corazon C. Aquino and Rio Diaz. Singer Roel Cortez also succumbed to it.

“It is a deadly disease – currently, the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths in the Philippines,” said Prof. Sollano, a member of the Asia-Pacific Working Group on Colorectal Cancer.

The Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates of 2005 placed colon as the third leading cancer site in males and the fourth in women in the country. In the United States, CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and third in women.

To be diagnosed with cancer seems to be a death sentence already.

Although CRC is deadly,

“it is a highly preventable cancer, and survival rates are high when tumors are detected and removed in its early stages,” assured Prof. Sollano.

In the past, no one has really pushed hard enough for increasing awareness about CRC. But thanks to the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, it has changed in recent years. “Majority of those we asked know very little about the disease,” said Dr. Ira I. Yu, the society’s press relation officer. “This is a bit worrisome considering that colon cancer ranks as one of the common cancers.”

Like most cancers, CRC shows some signs and symptoms. “It may be present as changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), rectal bleeding, vague abdominal pain and bloating, unintentional weight loss, abdominal distention, anemia on complete blood count,” says Dr. Judith D. Gapasin-Tongco, who had her fellowship training in gastroenterology at St. Luke’s Medical Center.

In some instances, a person may not experience any symptoms at all.

One of the risk factors for CRC is age. “Nine out of 10 people with colon cancer are at least 50 years old,” says Dr. Gapasin-Tongco, adding that younger adults may also develop the disease.

Family history is another risk factor.

“If you have a family history of colorectal cancer (although it can occur

among individuals without family history of colon cancer too), or if you have relatives who have had cancers that occur at a younger age than usual (these are inherited gene defects), then you may want to discuss this with your doctor,” Dr. Gapasin-Tongco says.

Other risk factors include: history of adenomatous polyps, history of inflammatory bowel disease, a diet high in

red meat and processed meats, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and heavy alcohol use.

“Despite knowing all these risk factors, we still encounter patients without any of the above developing colon cancer,” Dr. Gapasin-Tongco says.

“We still do not know the

Chadwick Boseman

exact cause of most colorectal cancers, what we do know is that it can be prevented and screening saves lives.”

Most colon cancers arise from benign colonic polyps, from which if they are allowed to grow (usually without symptoms) undergo malignant transformation.

“Screening refers to testing/examining individuals who have characteristics which may suggest polyps or early cancer,” Prof. Sollano explained. “Screening for, and subsequent removal of these pre-malignant polyps are key strategies toward colon cancer prevention.”

Among the tests available for CRC screening are fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and colonoscopy, which are now available in the Philippines.

“Detection of human blood in the stools with the stool FIT test is the simplest and most inexpensive test to detect colonic tumors,” Prof.

Sollano said. “Colonoscopy, which involves insertion of an endoscopic instrument to visualize the entire colon, has also the capacity to remove colonic polyps without an abdominal incision/operation.”

CRC screening has been shown to reduce

cancer risk by as high as 70%. “In the Philippines, the awareness for CRC has been increasing in the last few years,” said Dr. Atenodoro Ruiz, Jr., a gastroenterology consultant at The Medical City and a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and of the Philippine College of Physicians in Internal Medicine.

As a gastroenterologist who advocates colon and rectal cancer screening, Dr. Ruiz recommends a screening colonoscopy in persons between 50 to 75 years of age who are healthy and in whom the complications are low. “If the patient does not want to start with a colonoscopy, I suggest starting with FIT,” he said.

“After a discussion with his physician, the patient can choose his preferred screening test.”

As stated earlier, colon cancer is treatable when discovered early. But if the cancer has already invaded other tissues, it may be too late.

Emmy-winning American comedian and actor Milton Berle was told he had a cancerous colon tumor in 2001 but he refused surgery; he died in Los Angeles, California the following year. – ### (Photos from Wikipedia)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

On the education subsidy for dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were displaced, repatriated, or died due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19):

The education subsidy will be given to one college-level beneficiary from a qualified OFW enrolled or is intending to enroll in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, and CHED (Commission on Higher Education)- recognized private higher education institutions in this school year 2020.”

President Rodrigo Duterte

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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Cartoonist Correspondent Consultant Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA JASPER V. BACSAL OLIVIA D. VELASCO General ManagerPresident Advertising Specialist General Manager/Finance VP-Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

TERRORISM CAN ONLY BE SOLVED MILITARILY Our hearts grieve that innocent lives perished – for the nth time – in the recent bloody carnage of the Jolo, Sulu twin bombings.

Even as we execute our pained salute to all the AFP and military soldiers who died in the carnage, I cannot help but shed a tear.

I am a parent too and as I saw the young faces of the dead soldiers posted in the social media, I grieved more.

I thought of their families who suddenly became orphans.

The continuing bloody situations in Sulu, from just being a minute insurgency matter, has grown into a very threatening and alarming national concern.

When I was a growing kid in the fifties, I heard from the mouths of returning soldiers from Jolo about the legendary tales of Kamlon who was then the Muslim rebel most talked about.

I heard sordid stories of “huramentados,” Muslim suicidal attackers who did not

mind being riddled with bullets for as long as they inflict damage and death on their enemies as they die. Jihadists, they are called today.

As I put one plus one together, I am of the opinion that the insurgency in Sulu can no longer be solved politically and diplomatically.

Pardon me, but the ASG is already enlisted as an arm of the ISIS whose caliphate ideology has enveloped this once bandit group into a solid core in this part of Southeast Asia.

Thus, treating the ASG with kid gloves no longer applies.

The ASG is already a well-knit organization financially and militarily funded from sympathizers overseas and ominously infecting surrounding Muslim communities in Mindanao.

The AFP should learn from the historical beginnings of the Muslim activism world-wide. The ISIS containment in Iraq and Syria should be studied, reviewed and

applied if the government intends to solve the problem permanently.

I know the AFP leadership has in its archives a military solution but somehow the same has not been applied for fears the effort might be tagged a genocide against the Muslims.

So, whatever the AFP does today, people see it only as a reactive response to ASG terroristic activities for as long as these are contained in the Sulu area.

The ASG lives with Muslim communities within the thickly forested areas of Sulu near the coast, particularly in Patikul. They are able to receive smuggled assistance from abroad via this route.

Because there are innocent civilians that the AFP respects and avoids if a bloody skirmish arises, the ASG enjoys communal protection.

Did I hear right that the ASG doles out financial aids to Muslim families out of the ransom money they get from kidnap victims? This is also

one reason they get to recruit young Muslim boys into joining them. Money is a great motivator because poverty stalks the people out there in Sulu.

I admire PRRD’s remarkable continuing confidence that somehow someday peace will reign in Sulu because the protagonists are both Filipinos.

His hope is my hope.

However, I think the AFP must exert more and flex its military muscle to show these rebels that the government is in control.

The imposition of martial law in the Sulu area and its environs is one good step the government might deem appropriate.

Instead of merely making pursuit operations, the AFP might consider the same “hunting” techniques the US Navy Seals did when they collared Osama Bin Laden.

Meanwhile, because the ASG has been labeled a terror group by the US and by our government, may amnesty

be a way to peaceful negotiations?

I have no idea that is why I am asking the questions.

The gravity of criminal and terroristic activities inflicted by the ASG might not entitle them to such a grant as do their ISIS counterparts who are ferociously dying for their beliefs.

Besides, I heard reports saying ISIS fighters are composed of mercenaries.

So, how will peace be achieved? ASG rebels are not only ISIS members but have engaged long before in criminal and kidnapping activities.

I am at a loss for words.

Like you and other peace-loving citizens of this country – whether Muslim or Christian – I long for peace not only in Sulu, not only in Mindanao but also in the entire Philippines.

Let us move forward by putting the horse before the cart – always! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE

THE SAGA OF THE MISSING LOLA STATUE “GINAHASA AKO.” The words that Lola Rosa Henson writes every day in a piece of paper but she then crumples and throws away to hide her dark past.

The same lines that have been delivered by veteran actress Bibeth Orteza in “Nana Rosa” during its re-run last February 27 until mid-March at the UP Diliman, Quezon City.

Written by Rody Vera under the direction of José Estrella, Nana Rosa recounts on stage the life of Maria Rosa Henson, the first Filipino comfort woman to come forward with her story in public — starting from her early life, to her capture and eventually her becoming a comfort woman, liberation, and finally deciding to tell her story nearly fifty years later.

Sadly, I failed to see Orteza’s portrayal of Nana Rosa since the shows for the last two weeks were cancelled due to COVID19.

On September 18, 1992, Lola Rosa Henson decided to come out with her story, and to tell everyone what happened to her, with the hope that such an ordeal will never happen again to any woman.

She was the first such Filipi-

na to tell the world about this inhuman practice of the Japanese during the war.

“Binilang ko sila. Labing-dalawa, sa unang kalahating oras. Kaunting pahinga.

Tapos, labing-dalawa ulit. Saka lang nila ako pinag-almusal.

Umaga na. Sumisirit na ang liwanag sa maliit na butas sa dingding.” Part of the script, which Orteza says, is one of the most depressing part of the entire narrative wherein she doesn’t even have to act to feel the pain.

I had the opportunity to interview Lola Rosa personally while working as a reporter covering the comfort women in the 90s.

Lola Rosa surfaced a year after former Korean comfort woman Kim Hak-soon first [H1] publicly testified on August 14 , 1991 about Japan operating an organized military brothel program during the war.

August 14 was later declared in 2012 as the International Memorial Day for Comfort Women.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in described Japan’s wartime use of comfort women as “crimes against humanity.”

The girls who were abducted, trafficked or brought to the Japanese soldiers’ camps had their own dreams and visions for the future.

Their visions were shattered and their bodies were damaged in circumstances of utter injustice.

Due to their tender age then, it was a painful experience for them to be subjected to sexual slavery, rape and other forms of sexual violence during World War 2.

The victims have spent their lives in misery, having endured physical injuries, pain and disability, and mental and emotional suffering.

“Hindi mawawala ang sakit at ang pait sa ala-ala ng bayan, sa ngalan ng kababaihang tinampalasan ng dayuhang sundalo, kahit na pa giniba ang estatwang kumatawan sa kalunus-lunos na trahedya ng mga Ianfu, mga comfort women” says Orteza.

A year passed but there is no information yet on the whereabouts of the Lola statue that dubiously disappeared while in the custody of its artist, Jonas Roces.

Roces was commissioned

by Tulay Foundation Inc. to make the 2-meter-high “Lola”

statue, an unnamed woman wearing a traditional Filipino dress, blindfolded, with hands clutched to her chest.

“LOLA,” is the statue of Filipino comfort women and those forced into sexual violence by Japanese invasion and occupation troops during World War II that was installed on December 2017 at the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard.

Four months after its installation, the statue was dismantled under cover of darkness on April 27, 2018 by the DPWH, allegedly for a drainage improvement project, but seen as submission to protests from Japan.

Tulay Foundation again commissioned Roces to make the necessary repair, thus “Lola ” was placed under his custody for safekeeping until the Flowers-for-Lolas finds her “home.”

However, despite several follow-ups on the formal turnover of the LOLA statue back to Tulay for its reinstallation at the Baclaran Church initially on August 18 then August 25, 2019, Roces failed to do so.

Until he recently told Tulay that the Lola statue was taken by unidentified men from his

art studio in Cainta, Rizal.

The explanation given by Roces is dubious since it will not be that easy for the statue to be just taken out from his studio. It can not be carried by just one or two men given the fact that it is a heavy “more-than life-sized” seven feet bronze art work.

Roces did not even reported the incident to the police.

It has been 75 years since the war ended on August 15, 1945, and yet the Japanese government refuses to recognize its official accountability to the victims of sex slavery.

Justice has not been given to women such as Rosa Henson.

Their fight for unequivocal public apology, accurate historical inclusion, and just compensation continues up to this day.

Help us find the missing LOLA statue.

Kule is the monicker of Philippine Collegian, the official student publication of UP Diliman. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786

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EDGEDAVAO

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GMA ARTIST CENTER TAKES OVER YOUTUBE ELISSE RELEASES RACY NEW SINGLE ‘HALIKA NA’ GMA Artist Center recently proved its social media dominance when digital marketing company Socialbakers released its statistics for the first half of the year and named GMA Artist Center as the most engaging brand on Instagram and the fifth most engaging brand on Facebook in the country.

Now, GMA Artist Center aims to further strengthen its online presence with its recently launched YouTube channel.

Promising to connect netizens with the artists through meaningful virtual interaction, GMA Artist Center is continuously creating a wide range of fresh, original, and exciting content for their YouTube channel.

These include the new video series ‘In The Limelight,’ where viewers can get to know Kapuso stars better; ‘Hangout,’ which is a weekly live fan meet; and ‘Cool Hub’ -- hosted by Yasser Marta, Myrtle Sarrosa, Manolo Pedrosa, and Ayra Mariano -- which features the different collections of

the stars.

Already on their second season are the talk show Just In, hosted

by Paolo Contis and Vaness del Moral; game show Quiz Beh!, hosted by Betong Sumaya; and online dating show E-Date Mo Si

Idol, which will now be hosted by comedian Pekto Nacua.

Subscribe now to the GMA Artist Center YouTube channel and follow their official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.

GMA Artist Center recently proved its social media dominance when digital marketing company Socialbakers released its statistics for the first half of the year and named GMA Artist Center as the most engaging brand on Instagram and the fifth most engaging brand on Facebook in the country.

Now, GMA Artist Center aims to further strengthen its online presence with its recently launched YouTube channel.

Promising to connect netizens with the artists through meaningful virtual interaction, GMA Artist Center is continuously creating a wide range of fresh, original, and exciting content for their YouTube channel.

These include the new video series ‘In The Limelight,’ where viewers can get to know Kapuso stars better; ‘Hangout,’ which is a weekly live fan meet; and ‘Cool Hub’ -- hosted by Yasser Marta,

Myrtle Sarrosa, Manolo Pedrosa, and Ayra Mariano -- which features the different collections of the stars.

Already on their second season are the talk show Just In, hosted

by Paolo Contis and Vaness del Moral; game show Quiz Beh!, hosted by Betong Sumaya; and online dating show E-Date Mo Si Idol, which will now be hosted by comedian Pekto Nacua.

Subscribe now to the GMA Artist Center YouTube channel and follow their official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.

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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DR. BENITO J. ENRIQUEZ and ROSARIO L. ENRIQUEZ who died on January 19, 1994 and November 24, 1986 Davao City has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.914; PageNo.85; Book No.XII, Series of 1994, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ALFONSO L. DELA VICTORIA

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FERDINAND DE GUZMAN ENRIQUEZ has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT ESTATE leaving one third(1/3) of the one sixth (1/6) inheritance share of his deceased father ROGELIO LIM ENRIQUEZ as coowners to the property described as follows: TCT No. T-9836 executed among their Heirs per Doc. No 415; PageNo.84; Book No.lll Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FREDERIC VOLTAIRE Y. TAN

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPOUSES ROGELIO LIM ENRIQUEZ and AURORA DE GUZMANENRIQUEZ has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT ESTATE leaving ONE SIXTH (1/6) share as coowners to the property described as follows: TCT No. T-9836 executed among their Heirs per Doc. No 417; PageNo.85; Book No.lll Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FREDERIC VOLTAIRE Y. TAN

DTI backs lifting import ban on meat products from Brazil

T

BUTLER.. FROM11

he Department of Trade and Industry said it is backing calls to lift the import ban on meat products from Brazil as meat processors warned of a possible shortage of processed meat.

Trade Secretary Ra-

mon Lopez said he has written to Agriculture Secretary William Dar about lifting the ban as Brazil supplies mechanically deboned meat (MDM), which meat processors say is used in products like meatloaf and hotdogs.

An import ban on MDM from Brazil was imposed by the DA after Chinese authorities reported detecting traces of COVID-19 in meat shipped from Brazil.

Lopez said this has no scientific basis.

five minutes. Antetokounmpo scored for a 96-95 lead midway through the fourth, before Butler drove and got a baseline floater to fall on the next Miami possession to put Miami back on top.

Butler’s 3-pointer with 3:03 left pushed the lead to 102-96, and Herro — after Adebayo extended a possession with an offensive rebound — connected on a 3 with 1:34 left to make it 109-101.

Middleton had 21 at halftime, while Lopez added 19 by then for the Bucks and Dragic had 19 at the break for the Heat. Milwaukee led 40-29 after the opening quarter and 63-60 at the break.

gin of just a few points either way. The Thunder continued to misfire, hitting just 41.7% overall and going only 3 for 15 on 3-pointers.

But they defended well and the Rockets didn't crack 30 points until more

than 4 1/2 minutes into the second quarter. Harden scored six straight points late in the half and Eric Gordon hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 51-48 lead.

Westbrook scored five straight points to open the third and the Rock-

ets would get the lead as high as nine in the period.

But Gallinari kept it from getting any worse and then Dort had a layup and two 3s for an 8-0 run that ended the quarter and sent Oklahoma City to the fourth with a 77-75 lead.

Blackwater for premature training.

“Ang gusto sana namin at paulit-ulit na sinasabi (sa UAAP) ay self-regulation katulad ng nangyari sa pro league,” Mitra pointed out.

Still, as part of the group that crafted the health protocols for use by pro

leagues, Mitra is giving UST the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

“Ngayon everybody is already assuming na nag-practice sila, nag-violate sila. Pero teka muna, tingnan natin ano bang ginawa nila? Nag-violate ba sila? Nag-practice ba sila?,”

Mitra asked.

In the event UAAP tackles the issue and sanctions UST, the board has been split on the sentence it will impose on the 409-yearold learning institution, ranging from a stiff fine to as long as a two-year suspension.

THUNDER.. FROM11

GAB.. FROM11

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SWAB.. FROM2

musulod sa Roxas Night Market,” she said.

She said with the limited number of vendors, means bigger space and better income for them.

“Mas lapad na ang area sa matag vendor. Mugamay na pud ang atoang vendors which is better para sa ilang negosyo kay gamay lang ang ilang competition,” she said.

Mayor Sara said the reopening of the Roxas Night Market is being prioritized as a number of vendors are affected after its closure in April 2020. She said prepa-

rations for its reopening have been conducted starting mid of August this year led by lawyer Lawrence Bantiding, assistant city administrator for operations.

“The other week nag-cleanup and nag-taud na sila ug suga sa area,” Mayor Sara said.

The reopening of the Roxas Night Market is in line with the initial information she got that Davao City will remain under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status on September 1 to 30.

ang nakakaalam (which spares no one. We do not control our lives, only God knows),” Go said. “God forbid, when the worst thing happens, kailangang masiguro talaga ang continuity ng gobyerno (continuity of government should be assured).

Under Lacson’s bill, the

most senior senator, most senior House representative, and Cabinet member designated by the President shall act as the country’s chief executive in the following order in case of death or permanent disability of those in the line of presidential succession under the Constitution. (PNA)

al movement of goods,” she said.

For the inflation rate, Davao Region is still experiencing low and stable inflation rate with prices of the basic commodities posted an average inflation rate of two percent in the second quarter of 2020 which was 1.6 percent slower than the 3.6 percent inflation rate recorded in the same quarter in 2019.

Lim said this low and stable inflation rate during the second quarter of 2020 was attributed to the decrease in the inflation rates particularly for housing, water, electricity, and other utilities including transport and maintenance of a household.

On the other hand, for

labor and employment, Lim said the employment rate in the second quarter decreased based on the April 2020 round of Labor Force Survey. She said the employment rate of the region declined to 82.1 percent which was a 14.8 percentage points dropped than the employment rate recorded last year for the same second quarter period.

Consequently, she said the Davao Region's unemployment rate decreased to 17.9 percent approximately 18 percent.

“We are quite fortunate that our agriculture sector did not suffer that much for this period including our livestock, poultry and fishery,” Lim said.

GOOD.. FROM2

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Monday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

OPAPP.. FROM3

doing its best to sustain the gains of peace in the region, and create a brighter future for Moro people.

“As we mourn the loss of those who have perished, let us unite and work hand in hand so that we can help prevent such incidents from happening, and continue promoting the culture of peace, mutual understanding and solidarity across our nation,” he said.

The Government Peace

Implementing Panel for the Philippine Government-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) Peace Accord also denounced the shooting incident.

“The GPH Panel stands that such outright disregard of the rule of law is unacceptable in a democratic society that puts premium to human rights and peace and order. Such violence weakens human security especially during these

trying times as we grapple with the effects of the health crisis,” said GPH Implementing Panel chair Undersecretary David Diciano in a separate statement.

He said the GPH Panel is one with the Bangsamoro government, Moro people, and local governments of Kabacan and North Cotabato on voicing “our shared aim to exact due justice to this kind of violence which is an example of sheer disrespect of life and law and

order”.

Police Lt. Ernie John Saratao, Kabacan deputy police chief for operations, said the victims were resting beside the highway when gunmen on separate motorbikes arrived and opened fire on them.

Witnesses said one of the victims managed to return fire but was overpowered.

The armed attack may have been triggered by a “rido” or blood feud. (PNA)

helped sustain a continuing active engagement in our community.”

“In return, we provide our sponsors an opportunity to promote and sell their products with discounted prices,” she added.

During the group’s second year anniversary, two of the group’s members won in the grand raffle wherein they received more than PHP50,000 worth of prizes.

Salgado said LCP administrators are optimis-

tic the group will remain attractive to Facebook users even after the pandemic through “having brands and companies who trust our community by supporting us in various levels; having very active, engaging and re-

sponsive administrators who work so hard; and cooperative members.”

These factors are seen to “sustain our community’s active online presence, aside from Filipinos’ innate interest in food,” she added. (PNA)

istration of partnerships and corporations doing business in the Philippines, and the licensing of capital market institutions and professionals.

From the initial 59 documented procedures, the SEC successfully expanded the scope of its

ISO-certified quality management system to cover 122 documented procedures.

The audit also revealed that the Commission’s quality management system has zero nonconformity to the ISO 9001:2015 standards.

During the virtual awarding ceremony, Amatong said “As a customer-centric organization, we appreciate that it (certification) provides us with an external and objective assessment of the quality of our services based on international

standards. We take pride in the consistent assessment that we are compliant with ISO 9001:2015 standards. At the same time, we take steps to continuously improve the quality of our services as espoused by the standards.” (PR)

requires online interventions or administration," Abrea said.

"And hopefully we will see that in the budget because as far as I'm concerned, I don't think BIR was given a huge budget for their transformation."

Abrea added, the Digital Tax Bill is also still pending in Congress and should also be carefully studied "so that we will not be exposed to international conflicts or problems with other countries when it comes to enforcement."

As of the latest data, there are only over 3,500 online sellers that have registered at the BIR. Based on estimates of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) there

are at least 1 million entrepreneurs conducting business online.

Ninety seven percent of those who registered are sole proprietors which Abrea said, could be exempt from paying value-added taxes (VAT) and even income tax, if their income is below P3 million and P250,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, 3 percent of those who registered are corporations, which government could be expecting to collect a bulk of online-related taxes from.

Earlier, the Department of Finance (DOF) said, they expect to collect P17 billion in VAT from online businesses, which can help government fund its COVID-19 response and recovery programs.

FOOD-RELATED.. FROM4

SEC.. FROM4

SMALL ONLINE.. FROM4

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE DECEASED CASIANO C. AMOGUIS

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CASIANO C. AMOGUIS who died on August 10, 2018 at Whitehouse Toril, Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE DECEASED CASIANO C. AMOGUIS executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.241; PageNo.50; Book No.190 Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.DANIEL O. EVANGELIO, JR. 8/26,9/02,09,2020

NEDA.. FROM3

NOTICE OF AUCTION

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a public auction sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on Feb. 01, 2020 to March 31, 2020 on September 15, 2020 at VGM Pawnshop, Inc. Sasa Branch, VGM Bldg., km. 11 Sasa, Davao City at 9:00 o’clock in the morning.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga wala malukat sa bulan sa Pebrero 01, 2020 hangtud Marso 31, 2020 karong Setyembre 15, 2020 alas 9:00 sa buntag dinha sa VGM Pawnshop, Inc. Sasa Branch, VGM Bldg., Km. 11, Sasa, Davao City.

THE MANAGEMENT

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GAB says IATF will act on UST 'bubble' if UAAP won't

G

ames and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Abraham Mitra said if the UAAP will not act on the bubble training done by the UST men’s basketball team in Casuy, Sorsogon, the Inter Agency Task Force can lay down its sanction on the violators.

Mitra, who is part of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) Group that is conducting a hearing on the controversy hounding the Pontifical school, said the collegiate league appears to be leaning towards letting other bodies to decide the fate of the entire Tigers squad under coach Aldin Ayo. The UAAP, according to Mitra, is citing the fact that UST is not training in preparation for the 2020 college season, but for a different tournament.

Besides, Season 83 won’t be held at least until January, so there’s no way UST is preparing for the UAAP at this early stage.

“And because of that, mukhang UAAP is saying that we cannot be the one to investigate them only because they’re not just training and not just participating in UAAP tournaments but they are also participating in other tournaments,” said the GAB chief.

“Ayaw ng UAAP kasi hindi lang naman sila ang tournament na pinaglalaruan (ng UST).”

Mitra mentioned about the Tigers actually preparing for a pre-season meet, though he refused to name the tournament.

The JAO Group will have a new round of meeting with UAAP officials

including those from UST Tuesday afternoon, where the school will present the official findings of the internal probe it conducted on the so-called ‘Sorsogon Bubble.’

A representative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is also expected to attend the meeting.

Mitra said in the event the UAAP refused to touch the issue, it will be the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) that’s going to sanction one of the original founders of the country’s premier collegiate league.

“So to answer the question kung sino ang in-charge sa pag-sanction sa UST, ang sagot diyan ay IATF,” said the GAB chairman.

However, the JAO Group composed of GAB, Department of Health (DoH), and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), cannot impose a sanction since it is only a recommendatory body.

“Whatever ma-gather namin diyan, we will only forward it to the IATF. We’re just a study and recommendatory group,” Mitra clarified.

But should the IATF pass the bucket to the JAO Group, Mitra said the body will comply.

“If the IATF thinks we should be the one to sanction study it, ok lang sa amin,” he added.

Again, the group has repeteadly reminded the UAAP to police its own ranks, the same thing the PBA did when it sanctioned

FGAB, P9

Jimmy Butler has a playoff career- high 40 points as the Heat takes Game 1.

Butler explodes for 40 as Heat melt Bucks in Game 1

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Jimmy Butler scored a playoff career-high 40 points, Goran Dragic added 27 and the Miami Heat clamped down defensively in the final three quarters to beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 115-104, in Game One of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time).

Bam Adebayo had 12 points, 17 rebounds and six assists for the fifth-seeded Heat, who are 3-1 overall against the top-seeded Bucks this season. Tyler

Herro added 11 points for Miami, which improved to 5-0 in the postseason.

Khris Middleton scored 28 points for Milwaukee, which also dropped Game

Tuesday.

In a game that was close all the way — neither team led by double digits — the Thunder bounced back from a blowout in Game Five.

Gallinari added 25 points.

James Harden had 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Rockets, while Robert Covington had 18 and Westbrook

17 in his second game back from a right quadriceps strain.

Houston got its most dominant playoff victory in Game 5, winning 11480 after holding Oklahoma City to 31.5% shooting. But the Thunder shook that off, just as they did a 2-0 deficit in the series.

Most of the first half was played within a mar-

Thunder forces decider vs Rockets

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Chris Paul gave the Oklahoma City Thunder at least one more game in the bubble, scoring 15 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter for a 104-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time) in Game Six of a Western Conference firstround series.

Paul made two free

Chris Paul led OKC with 28 points.

throws with 13.1 seconds left and the game tied at 100, and Danilo Gallinari added two more after a turnover by Russell Westbrook to finish it off.

Game Seven will be Wednesday night, with the winner advancing to face the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers.

It gives the West two Game 7s, with Denver and Utah set to play theirs on

FTHUNDER, P9

1 of its first-round series against Orlando. Brook Lopez had 24 points on 8 for 10 shooting, and Giannis Antetokounmpo had 18 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for the Bucks.

But Antetokounmpo’s night will likely be best remembered by what he did at the foul line: The reigning MVP went 4 for 12 from the stripe, the worst performance by anyone with at least 12 free-throw attempts in a playoff game since Andre Roberson went 2 for 12 for Oklahoma City on April 23, 2017 against Houston.

Kyle Korver added 11 for the Bucks, who scored 40 points in the first quarter and managed 64 the rest of the way.

Miami led 92-86 after three quarters, after trailing for most of the game to that point -- then managed only three points in the first 6:30 of the fourth quarter.

The Bucks didn’t exactly exploit that slump.

Marvin Williams’ threepoint play with 7:40 left got Milwaukee within 9593, and it stayed a one-possession game for nearly

FBUTLER, P9

Phoenix suspends coach for violating health protocols

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hoenix coach Louie Alas has reportedly been suspended for violating health protocols crafted by the PBA. SPIN.ph reported on Tuesday that Alas was suspended by management for 15 days for what it deemed were violations of league health protocols during the Fuel Masters workout at the Upper Deck gym in Ortigas.

According to the report, Alas accepted the decision with a heavy heart, but nonetheless lauded management for its strict observance of league guidelines in an effort to avoid contacting the COVID-19 virus.

“Disappointed, but happy on the other hand.

(Kasi) kahit may 15-day suspension, alam ko na mai-implement ang protocols dito sa team namin, dahil walang pinipili, kahit sinong may violation, may sanction,” said the Phoenix mentor.

Management cited a total of three violations committed by Alas on the very first day of the Fuel Masters’ workout last week.

He was called out for having his fingers taped by the team’s physical

therapist, for entering the venue in the scheduled time of another batch of players, and for prematurely entering the court while decontamination was still ongoing.

He has not attended the last two workouts of Phoenix and merely gave instructions to players belonging under his group through text and viber messages.

Alas said he wasn’t aware about the violations until it was brought to his attention by management.

He stressed though, that all of these were unintentional. And proof that it was an honest mistake on his part, Alas was the one who suggested to management that they can fine him.

“Wala akong idea na nag-violate ako until sinabihan ako ng management,” Alas said. “Unintentional lahat yun, siguro dahil na rin sa excitement ko na finally makaka-balik na kami ulit sa court.”

“Sa sobrang frustration ko sa sarili ko nung nalaman ko na nag-violate ako (ng protocols), I even told management to fine me.”

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

PIERCING THE BUBBLE

NBA players now allowed guests inside the bubble

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Fred VanVleet hadn’t seen his family in more than two months.

With his Toronto Raptors coming off a bad playoff loss, their long-awaited reunion was a great way to cheer him up.

Players began reuniting with family members in the bubble on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time), giving them a feeling of home during a marathon road trip.

“I think last time I saw them was Father’s Day, so it’s been a while. But it will be good to see everybody and right on time after getting our butts kicked yesterday. So, that’ll kind of take my mind off it a little bit today and I’ll get prepared and get locked in for the game tomorrow,” VanVleet said after practice, before meeting up with his family.

NBA teams began arriving at Disney on July 7 but the Raptors have been on the road even longer. They came to Florida on June 22 to begin practicing at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort

Myers, rather than gather back in Toronto and have players who had been in the US forced to quarantine.

The Raptors had one of the low moments of the trip Sunday when the Boston Celtics beat them 112-94 in Game One of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Families began arriving in the Orlando area last week so they could quarantine before being permitted in the bubble.

Once inside, they will be subjected to the same daily coronavirus testing and mandatory wearing of masks as players and staff.

They’re experiencing firsthand what their loved ones have been enduring, so it’s not a typical Disney World vacation for family members. They won’t be permitted to leave campus, so that could make it tough on children, who may get bored inside the bubble.

The ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Florida where the NBA bubble playoffs are held.