Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 136 |Thursday, September 17, 2020

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NCIP files raps against UCCPHaran Davao STORY ON PAGE 2

A ‘trisikad’ driver and his passenger brave the heavy downpour brought by Tropical Storm “Leon” in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he holds 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. The government’s decision to gradually reduce physical distancing among passengers in public transportation stays unless revoked by President Duterte. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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Duterte to decide on public transport distancing policy

NCIP files raps against UCCP-Haran Davao

By MAYA M. PADILLO he National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has filed cases against the management of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)- Haran in Davao City.

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Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, director for legal affairs of NCIP and spokesperson of the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), instituted the filing of cases of human trafficking, child abuse, violation of the international humanitarian law particularly on the conscription of child warriors and involuntary servitude against the administrators and Board of Directors of UCCP-Haran before the Office of the Prosecutor of Davao City and the Provincial Prosecutor in Davao del

Norte on Wednesday.

“This morning we filed cases of human trafficking, child abuse, pagkuha ng child soldiers, and involuntary servitude or yung tinatawag nilang form of slavery. Ang mga kaso na ito ay inilatag natin sa mga administrators, board of directors at mga taong nasa loob ng Haran sa pag-aabuso sa ating mga IPs particularly yung mga bata,” Bosantog said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Davao del Norte.

Bosantog said majority of the complainants are

minors who are allegedly recruited, abused, and exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

“Taon din ang nilakad para makagawa tayo ng magandang kaso at mahinto na ang ginagawang karahasan sa loob ng Haran. After a few years of suffering naiisipan nilang (complainants) magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan at tumulong para i-build up ang kaso,” he said.

Most of the complainants are from the Ata Manobo tribe in Davao Region who according to Bosantog were taught how to create and detonate bombs, and how to ambush soldiers.

He said they were also brought to Manila through

Manilakbayan, a combination of words Manila and Lakbayan, to protest against human rights violations, lack of self-determination, and exploitation of ancestral lands.

“Ginawa silang alila para sa Manilakbayan at pumunta sa Manila para mag-rally or sa may Surigao at Davao doon sila dinadala na walang consent at saka minors. Wala pa silang capacity to give consent noong sila ay ginamit.

During the interview sinasabi nila hindi nila alam kung saan sila dadalhin, basta dinadala sila doon at pinapahawak ng karatula ng Kabataan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela at sila ay pina-rally mula alas siyete ng umaga hanggang alas dos ng hapon at kung hindi

lic as he noted that the 75-year-old leader's first executive order upon assuming office deals with transparency.

"What I’m sure about is that it has been filed," Roque said during a Palace press briefing.

"I don’t think the President is keeping anything from the public," he added.

Roque said reporters can request a copy of the

President's SALN through Executive Order No. 1, his version of the proposed Freedom of Information Bill for the executive branch of government.

But despite the said order and requests made by reporters, the documents have yet to be made public.

Last year, then Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the public release of Duterte's

SALN depends on the Ombudsman.

Under the country's charter, all public officials and employees, whether regular or under temporary status, are required to file a SALN. Making public the SALN of top government officials is important in ensuring transparency and accountability as it helps in the lifestyle check of officials.

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Duterte filed SALN, denies efforts to conceal: Palace

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has filed his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for the years 2018 and 2019, Malacañang said Tuesday even though the said documents are not available publicly.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque brushed off suspicion that Duterte was trying to hide information from the pub-

he buck stops with President Rodrigo Duterte.

The President will decide on the country's physical distancing policy for public transport passengers after members of the government's pandemic response task force failed to reach a consensus on the policy, his spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday.

The task force will leave it to Duterte to decide on the matter after medical professionals highlighted risks that the easing of stringent physical distancing policies might pose to the public.

"Si Presidente na po ang magde-decide. Ang aking ulit-ulit na sinasabi, nakabase po ito sa siyensa at sa mga advice ng mga doctor, dahil ang mga doc-

tor, iba-iba rin po ang mga pananaw," Roque said in a virtual press briefing.

(The President will decide. Like what I always say, this is based on science and the opinion of doctors, who also have different views.)

"Wala pong isang opinyon pagdating dito sa pagbawas ng isang dangkal lang naman na social distancing sa pampublikong mga transportation," he added.

(There is no single opinion when it comes to the reduction of social distancing in public transport.)

Duterte will "most likely" address the public on the matter, Roque said.

For now, Roque said the reduced physical distancing policy of 0.75 meters from 1 meter remains in

he head of the Philippine National Police said Wednesday he was considering the chief of its Calabarzon unit to head the Metro Manila police.

Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. "has done good" in leading the Calabarzon police chief and is "very competent", said PNP chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan.

Danao, a former chief of the Manila police, might also be transferred to the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

"Whether it's CIDG or NCR, it's good. But I would

rather choose him for NCR because he's better in leading the NCRPO," Cascolan said.

Cascolan, in the same interview, said Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas "deserves" a promotion.

"I think he has to be up at the Directorial Staff or a certain position that is for most especially for him...

He is an expert most especially with regard to training of personnel and training of recruits," he said.

Both Sinas and Danao are "capable of leading men... [and] capable of giv-

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Danao eyed as next NCRPO chief

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Duterte's campaign socmed director is new Phividec head

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resident Rodrigo Duterte appointed his social media director in the 2016 elections, Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña, to head the Phividec Industrial Authority in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

In a phone interview with MindaNews on Tuesday, La Viña confirmed his appointment by President Duterte to head the 4,000-hectare industrial estate.

La Viña declined to comment further on his appointment pending his assumption of office this coming Thursday.

“After Thursday, I will be open for interviews.

Right now I am busy preparing for my assumption to office,” La Viña said.

La Viña will replace former Iligan City Mayor Franklin Quijano who served as administrator and chief executive officer of Phividec in the past two years.

President Duterte appointed Quijano as commissioner of the newly established National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) under the Office of the President.

Quijano said the NCSC still “has no office, no personnel, no budget and still has no implementing rules and regulations (IRR).”

“This is the major challenge for me. I have to set up all of that. I do not even know where to draw my salary,” Quijano told MindaNews.

During his two-year stint with Phividec, Quijano had a run-in with Rep. Juliette Uy (2nd District, Misamis Oriental) over the controversial dumping of South Korean garbage in the industrial complex.

La Viña too is a controversial political figure, especially during his campaign while running against Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno in last year’s elections. He lost by a wide margin.

Duterte also appointed La Viña as commissioner of the Social Security System and later as undersecretary of the Department of Tourism.

The President did not renew the appointment of La Viña as SSS commissioner amid allegations of corruption. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

House moves to impose minimum wage for nurses in private hospitals

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he House of Representatives is moving to pass a law that would establish a minimum wage for nurses in private hospitals.

Proposed House Bill No. 7569, authored by Representatives Paolo Duterte, Claudine Bautista and Eric Yap, directs the National Wages Productivity Commission of the Department of Labor and Employment to establish an increased minimum wage for nurses in private hospitals.

The following factors will be take into consideration in determining the minimum wage for nurses in private hospitals to wit: 1. cost of living 2. wage established for work in public sector or in other jurisdictions by em-

ployers who voluntarily maintain reasonable standards 3. location of the private hospital 4. private hospital’s bed capacity 5. fair return of the employer’s capital “A minimum wage to be established under this Act for nurses in private hospitals shall be that which is adequate as is economically feasible to maintain the minimum standard of living necessary for the health, efficiency, effectiveness and general well-being of nurses in private hospitals, and must also take into consideration the particular circumstances of private nurses’ government counterparts. Additionally,

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Davao City Young Entrepreneurs Association (DCYEA) president Nicole Hao-Bian interacts with members of media in this undated photo. DCYEA represented by Bian and the Fujian Electronic Commerce Association

signed via virtual meeting a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the promotion of e-commerce on Wednesday. Edge Davao

Davao’s young entrepreneurs ink MOA with Fujian Electronic

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Davao City Young Entrepreneurs Association and the Fujian Electronic Commerce Association inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the promotion of e-commerce via virtual meeting on Wednesday.

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“In today’s business environment, e-commerce offers a range of opportunities and it now becomes a necessity for a business to be successful,” said Nicole Hao-Bian, president of Davao City Young Entrepreneurs Association in an interview.

Bian said through this agreement, Davao young entrepreneurs will have access to vital resource sharing, business matching opportunities, international benchmarking and strategic partnership and

alliances.

She added that this will also greatly enhance investments in Information Technology (IT) in Davao City.

“This is timely since global e-commerce sales grew 13 percent in 2017, hitting an estimated $29 trillion, according to the latest numbers released today by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD),” Bian said expressing optimism that through this cooperation Davao City

The city government of Davao conducts a bomb drill along Roxas Avenue on Wednesday. The simulation exercise for an improvised explosive device (IED) blast was aimed at testing the preparedness of the responders and law enforcement units in Davao City. CIO

will be able to significantly create a surge in growth of e-commerce as younger generation are more technology driven.

“The Davao City YE Association is a supportive network of young entrepreneurs focused on business growth, personal and professional development and community empowerment. DCYEA will take an active role in empowering fellow entrepreneurs and contributing to the city’s economic development through this strategic partnership with the Fujian Electronic Commerce Association,” she said.

The agreement is in conformity on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and complementary advantages. The partnership also aims to realize

resource sharing and common development.

The signing is part of the many MOUs that were signed by other cities that participated in the online ASEAN Fujian Conference.

According to the primer shared to Edge Davao, Fujian is one of China’s major gateways to the Asia-Pacific and a maritime neighbor of ASEAN. With cultural affinity, frequent interactions and people-to-people exchanges, and close business ties, Fujian and ASEAN enjoy a sound foundation, great potential and broad space for cooperation in various areas. In recent years, thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides, we have seen closer high level exchanges, deeper cooper-

n yet another outright dismissal, the Supreme Court has rejected the plea of a group of health advocates urging the Philippine government to conduct free mass testing for the coronavirus.

In a resolution dated September 1 but received by petitioners only on Tuesday, the SC en banc denied the petition for mandamus filed by the Citizens Urgent Response to End COVID-19 (CURE COVID-19) led by its spokesperson, former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo “for failure of petitioners to show that they are entitled to the issuance of a writ of mandamus.”

A petition for mandamus seeks to order a tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person to perform an unlawfully neglected duty.

According to the court, this will only be the appropriate remedy where “the law prescribes and defines the duty to be performed

with such precision and certainty as to leave nothing to the exercise of discretion or judgment.

“The job of the Court is to say what the law is, not dictate how another branch of government should do its job,” the SC said in its resolution.

“Without a demonstration that an official in the executive branch failed to perform a mandatory, nondiscretionary duty, courts have no authority to issue a writ of mandamus, no matter how dire the emergency,” it added.

SC also said the petitioners failed to exhaust other remedies as they could have gone to other government agencies such the Health, Interior and other departments, even the Office of the President.

The magistrates voted 13-1-1, with Associate Justice Marvic Leonen dissenting and Associate Justice

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SC junks plea for free mass testing

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

The Office of the First District Representative Paolo Duterte in launches the ‘Kampanya Kontra Malnutrisyon’feeding program at Purok 27-Pandaman in Barangay Maa, Davao City on Tuesday. The program is in coordination with the City Health Office (CHO). Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Paolo Duterte

to cater Pinoys with more Converge ICT to deploy Nokia’s fiber LBP loans to address pandemic solutions for Mindanao expansion L onverge ICT would deploy Nokia’s

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In a statement, Nokia said it would deploy fiberto-the-home (FTTH) solution which would expand Converge ICT’s broadband network coverage to more than 300,000 homes and businesses in the region in the next 3 years.

The deployment uses fiber access nodes from

Nokia, it said. The project will help future developments in connectivity and lay the foundation for providing affordable broadband in far-flung areas in the country, the company said.

Nokia’s fiber solutions will enable the provider to deliver enhanced speed

and better quality and to choose the fiber technology and deployment density that best suits their techno-economics, local regulations and service offering, among others, it said.

“Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, people have started to increasingly use digital platforms to complete a number of day-today tasks for which they demand an agile broadband network. Our network infrastructure will allow us to provide best-inclass broadband network

and Bank of the Philippines said Tuesday it has released a total of P11.93 billion in loans, as of July 31, 2020, to support farming of high-value crops.

The loans extended were under Landbank’s “Sulong Saka Program or High-Value Crops Financing”—a part of the bank’s aggressive drive to deliver intensified support to the country’s agriculture sector.

The state lender said a significant portion or P3.45 billion of the total P11.93-billion loans were released to support projects in the production of oil palm, followed by projects financed in the production of banana and other fruits, with corresponding P1.88 billion and P1.35 billion loan releases, respectively.

Meanwhile, a total

of 992 borrowers from 72 provinces across the country have availed of the lending program.

Of the total borrowers; 421 are small farmers and fishers (SFFs); 302 are cooperatives; 183 are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and the remaining 86 are countryside financial institutions (CFIs), large agribusiness enterprises (LAEs)/corporations, associations, microfinance institutions (MFIs), local government units (LGUs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC), and financial institutions (FIs).

The “Sulong Saka Program,” which was launched in December last year, was designed to promote wider crop diversification, particularly for high-value crops such as banana, cacao, cassava,

coffee, oil palm, rubber, and vegetables, among others, according to Landbank.

“Crop diversity is essential to attain local food security, especially during this health crisis. Through the Landbank Sulong Saka Program, we see that more and more farmers are being encouraged to engage in the production of high-value commodities, helping the country attain food security,” Landbank president and CEO Cecilia Borromeo said.

Aside from promoting crop production, the program also supports projects that involve the processing and marketing of high-value crops.

Landbank said eligible borrowers can apply for the establishment of nursery, budwood or mother and plant or parent clone gardens; new plantation,

fiber solutions to bring ultra-broadband services to Mindanao, Nokia said Wednesday.

to our subscribers especially during unprecedented times like these,” said Converge ICT founder and CEO Dennis Anthony Uy. “We are confident that Nokia’s fiber solutions will enable us to enhance the overall quality of our services,” Uy added.

Converge ICT was one of the former contenders for the country’s third telecommunications spot before backing out citing that conditions for its participation are “commercially unviable.” replanting, rejuvenation, and rehabilitation of old trees; post-harvest activities, and processing or manufacturing; as well as trading and export activities.

Under the program, small farm holders may apply for loans with an affordable interest rate of 5% per annum.

For other eligible borrowers, however, interest is based on prevailing market benchmark rate, the state lender said.

“Production loans under the program are payable based on crop cycle or gestation and payback period of the project,” Landbank said.

“Meanwhile, tenor for fixed asset acquisition is based on project cash flow but not more than the economic useful life of fixed assets or remaining use-

LBP released P11.93B loans to high-value crops farmers as of end-July

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and Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) will continue to cater to Filipinos’ funding needs vis-à-vis the impact of the pandemic especially now that Bayanihan 2 has been signed into law.

“Landbank will continue to assist customers that meet the bank’s risk asset acceptance criteria,” Landbank president and chief executive officer Cecilia Borromeo told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Monday.

She said Landbank has adjusted its “risk appetite” taking into consideration the need to help customers sustain the viability of their businesses amid the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

“We will develop new programs/products as necessary,” she added.

Among the loan programs that the bank is now offering to help several sectors address the impact of the pandemic are the Restoration and Invigoration package for a Self-sufficient Economy toward UPgrowth for LGUs (RISE UP LGUs), the Countryside Financial Institutions Enhancement Program (CFIEP), and the Interim Students’ Loan for Tuitions towards Upliftment of Education for the Development of the Youth (I-STUDY) program.

Landbank has allocated PHP10 billion for the RISE UP LGUs lending program, which is to help finance innovative LGU projects.

Loan amount will not only depend on the proj-

ect’s funding requirements but total loan exposure should not be more than the LGU’s net borrowing capacity based on the Bureau of Local Government Finance’s (BLGF) computation or certification.

Annual interest rate for this lending program is 4.5 percent for the first year, and subject for annual repricing in the succeeding years.

Proceeds of loans under this program may be used for the acquisition of agricultural produce, equipment, construction of facilities for linking of products to the market like market infrastructure development and/or improvement, mobile market, collection and buying stations, and related facilities.

The CFIEP is a joint program with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).

It is to boost cooperative banks, rural banks, and thrift banks’ capital to address the impact of payment defaults by their own borrowers due to the pandemic, as well as calamities and disasters.

It is to provide countryside financial institutions the means to extend more loans to their clients to also lift the economy in rural areas.

On the other hand, the I-STUDY program is to help parents and guardians finance the education of their kids or benefactors for school years 2021-2022.

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ECONOMY 5

Loan facility with Japan boosts PH gov't's emergency budget

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he Philippine government’s emergency budget got further support Tuesday after the signing of a 50 billion yen or about PHP23.3-billion quick-disbursing loan facility with Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the loan agreement, which is the second phase of the Post-Disaster Stand-by Loan (PDSL), “exemplifies the arrangements we require to reinforce our financial resilience.”

“Of course, we hope we will never need to quickly disburse from this loan package. But its availability assures us that we will have ample ammunition to support our budgetary needs in the event a crisis happens. This facility is an important element of our overall resilience,” Dominguez said in his speech during the signing ceremony covered virtually by journalists.

Initially, PDSL funds may be released if there is a need to address the impact of an earthquake or other disasters but the Japanese government has expanded the trigger events to include health crises, such as the one caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Dominguez said the stand-by funds may be released in tranches within three years but may be extended up to four times.

The 40-year loan, which has a grace period of 10

years, has a fixed interest of 0.01 percent.

Dominguez said the pandemic underscores the need to further improve the country’s policy and institutional framework for disaster risk reduction and management.

“It likewise emphasizes the need to build our financial resilience against disasters and similar emergencies. The ability to mobilize financial resources without delay is essential to emergency preparedness,” he said.

In a virtual briefing after the signing ceremony, Dominguez said he has been assured by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda that the Philippines-Japan relations will remain the same despite the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who stepped down because of health problems.

“He also mentioned that the policies of the incoming Prime Minister (Yoshihide Suga) are going to be very consistent with the policies that have been enunciated and pursued by Prime Minister Abe,” he said.

Dominguez said Suga “is very experienced in government, having been the Chief of Cabinet for many years.”

“So we were assured that the policies that were enunciated and pursued

by Prime Minister Abe will continue. It bodes very well for our relationships with the Philippines and Japan,” he added. (PNA)

Study eyes PH niche markets in EFTA

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study aiming to find the Philippines’ niche market in European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, particularly Switzerland, is targeted to be completed by December 2020.

In a statement Tuesday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) launched the market study to boost trade between the Philippines and EFTA. The market study focuses on products such as processed food, natural ingredients, and natural fiber and textiles, DTI said.

"The results of this study will guide our exporters, especially the MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) in the sectors of processed food, natural ingredients, and natural fibers, on how to effectively promote their products in these markets, thus enabling them to maximize the benefits of our bilateral free trade agreement (FTA)

with EFTA," EMB director Senen Perlada said.

In 2018, the Philippines entered into a free trade deal with EFTA countries composed of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen earlier said the Philippines has huge potential in exporting sustainable products to Switzerland.

He cited coconut fiber as a potential market in the EFTA country as Bern-based University of Applied Science has developed a kind of organic plywood made from coconut husks.

Last year, bilateral trade between the Philippines and EFTA reached USD817.99 million.

Philippine exports to EFTA nations amounted to USD433.81 million and combined imports from the four countries were valued at USD384.91 million.

Among EFTA members, Switzerland is the country’s largest export market with outbound trade reaching USD417 million. (PNA)

A fruit vendor rushes to find a spot to sell his product as rain starts to pour along Chavez Street in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

Hotel staycation in GCQ areas eyed on October 1

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he government is targeting October 1 for the reopening of hotels for staycation and leisure guests, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Tuesday.

The official, however, clarified that the date is still tentative as the agency has yet to finalize the guidelines.

"Target lang but hindi pa firm ang guidelines (It's only a target since our guidelines are not yet firm)," she said in a text

message.

Romulo-Puyat said the DOT is also waiting for the release of protocols on antigen testing by the Department of Health.

The Department of Tourism, in the past, would initially issue a memorandum circular before any

tourism-related activity could resume under the new normal.

Last week, Romulo-Puyat told reporters that the guidelines on staycation shall include specific regulations on the maximum allowable number of persons in a guestroom as well as the use of ancillary services, such as restaurants and recreational areas.

To date, hotels under GCQ areas are only allowed to accept guests who have existing long-term book-

ings; distressed overseas Filipinos; healthcare workers; and other employees from exempted establishments.

Meanwhile, National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday said the NTF is making an arrangement with the DOT to use two-star and threestar hotels as isolation facilities leaving the four-star and five-star hotels for the resumption of staycation.

(PNA)

Canva.

Based in Australia, Perkins was included in the 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, after cofounding Canva with Cameron Adams and her now fiance Cliff Obrecht in 2013.

In June, she became the youngest billionaire in Australia and the 3rd richest woman in the country.

The graphic design software company has raised $300 million since, with the latest round of $60 million raised in June, bringing the company value to $6 billion.

Canva is now available in over 100 languages, and employs over 700 workers with over 30 million active monthly users in 190 counties.

"As the world battles with uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, it is more important than ever that Forbes Asia highlights these businesswomen who are rising to the occasion and excelling during these challenging times," said Rana Wehbe Watson, editor of the 2020 Asia's Power Businesswomen list.

Also included in this year's list are the following:

Maki Akaida - chief executive officer, Uniqlo Japan (Japan) Nabilah Alsagoff co-founder and chief operating officer, Nusa Satu Inti Artha (Indonesia) Carolyn Creswell founder and chief executive officer, Carman's Fine Foods (Australia) Nguyen Bach Diep chairwoman, FPT Retail (Vietnam) Samantha Du - founder, chair and chief executive officer, Zai Lab (China) Rachel Eng - founding partner and managing director, Eng and Co. (Singapore) Divya Gokulnath - coufounder, Byju's (India) Jang In-a - chief executive officer, Smilegate Entertainment (South Korea) Jareeporn Jarukornsakul - cofounder, chairman and group chief executive officer, WHA Group (Thailand) Aya Komaki - president and chief executive officer, Sanrio Entertainment (Japan) Truong Thi Le Khanh founder and chairwoman, Vinh Hoan (Vietnam) Lily Kong - president, Singapore Management University (Singapore)

Nualphan Lamsam president and chief executive officer, Muang Thai Insurance (Thailand) Lucy Yueting Liu co-founder and president, Airwallex (Hong Kong) Annabelle Long - managing partner, Bertelsmann Asia Investments (China) Roshni Nadar Malhorta - chairperson, HCL Technologies (India) Dewi Muliaty - president director, Prodio Widyahusada (Indonesia) Vinati Saraf Mutreja chief executive officer and managing director, Vinati Organics (India) Caroline Russell - executive chairman and chief executive officer, BOH Plantations (Malaysia) Ameera Shah - managing director, Metropolis Healthcare (India) Preeyanart Soontornwata - president and chief executive officer, B.Grimm Power (Thailand) Yang Yoon-sun - founder and chief executive officer, Medipost (South Korea) Zhao Yan - chairman and general manager, Bloomage BioTechnology (China)

2 Pinays are included in Forbes Asia's 2020 Power Businesswomen List

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wo Filipinas were included in the Forbes Asia's 2020 Power Businesswomen List, which features 25 outstanding female leaders in the Asia-Pacific region.

This year's unranked list features female leaders representing industries from biotechnology, financial technology, and education technology to traditional sectors such as retail, logistics, and law.

One of the Filipinas included is Olivia Limpe-Aw, chairman and chief executive officer of the Philippines' oldest distiller Destileria Limtuaco.

Limpe-Aw is the fifth-generation head of Destileria Limtuaco, which her great-great granduncle founded in 1852. She took the helm in 2004, adding new products to the company portfolio and expanding the business overseas.

At present, the company now sells over 40 spirits, wines and liquers, including tropical fruit blends, which are exported within Asia and the United States.

Also included in the list is Filipina-Australian Melanie Perkins, cofounder and chief executive officer of

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

On the action of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in filing cases against the management of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)- Haran in Davao City for human trafficking, child abuse, violation of the international humanitarian law particularly on the conscription of child warriors and involuntary servitude: Ang mga kaso na ito ay inilatag natin sa mga administrators, board of directors at mga taong nasa loob ng Haran sa pag-aabuso sa ating mga IPs particularly yung mga bata. Taon din ang nilakad para makagawa tayo ng magandang kaso at mahinto na ang ginagawang karahasan sa loob ng Haran. After a few years of suffering naiisipan nilang (complainants) magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan at tumulong para i-build up ang kaso...Ginawa silang alila para sa Manilakbayan at pumunta sa Manila para mag-rally or sa may Surigao at Davao doon sila dinadala na walang consent at saka minors.

Wala pa silang capacity to give consent noong sila ay ginamit. During the interview sinasabi nila hindi nila alam kung saan sila dadalhin, basta dinadala sila doon at pinapahawak ng karatula ng Kabataan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela at sila ay pina-rally mula alas siyete ng umaga hanggang alas dos ng hapon at kung hindi sila sasama sa rally hindi sila bibigyan ng pagkain.”

Atty. Marlon Bosantog

Director for legal affairs of NCIP and spokesperson of the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

THE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING SEAFARERS OF GULF LIVESTOCK 1 “Hana ni ta magawid ayu nga mapmaphod tapnu muntitiggawan tuu.”

It is the Ifugao translation of “We hope you come home safe so we could see each other again”, a message that my friend Maya Addug-Sanchez wants her brother, Captain Dante Addug, to receive and respond to.

I personally know the Addug siblings since I am a frequent visitor of Batad, Banaue in Ifugao where their family manages a travellers’ inn.

Dante is the captain of the Panama-flagged livestock carrier GULF LIVESTOCK 1 that capsized in southwest Japan on September 2, 2020 during the typhoon Maysak, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane with winds of at least 130 mph.

The 2002-built 133.6-meter-long (438 foot) ship had on board thirty nine (39) Filipinos, two New Zealanders and two Australians as crew as well as 5,800 cattle.

The vessel left Napier, New Zealand on August 14, 2020 and was sailing to to Tangshan, China when it experienced an engine issue and sent a distress signal before it went missing.

After eight days of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations,

the Japanese coast guard lowered down its massive operations to normal patrol schedules on September 10 after it found no trace of the ship since September 5. Both aerial searches and four coastguard vessels could not locate the vessel, and all communication has been lost. It is believed that the vessel has sunk.

Two crew have been found alive so far, and another was found unconscious and pronounced dead on arrival at a Japanese hospital.

One of the survivors narrated that the ship’s main engine failed before the vessel was struck by a big wave and capsized. He said the crew had put on their life jackets and they all jumped into the water.

Capt. Addug was scheduled to be repatriated this month as his contract was due to expire, and he was excited to meet his four-month old son for the first time once he is reunited with his family.

He is the youngest of a family of eight, two of them became seafarers, and he has five children.

He is also youngest to become a captain from Ifugao.

It was 8:30 p.m of September 1 that Dante spoke for the last time to his partner, Marielle

June Chunanon, saying that Typhoon Maysak was battering the ship, water was already flowing in, and that he will go to the bridge to check the situation.

The families of the missing seafarers want the search and rescue operations to still continue.

They are calling upon the Japanese government to invite Australia and New Zealand to share search and rescue resources.

Situations like the sinking of GULF LIVESTOCK 1 normally calls for the application of the “Good Samaritan vessel” doctrine.

For centuries, this maritime rescue doctrine encourages seafarers to go to the aid of life and property in distress.

Good Samaritan vessels are usually the first to arrive on scene, and are often critical in saving lives.

In most cases, a person reacts to save another person as result of compassion or instinct, or both.

Seafarers, on the other hand , also have a legislated obligation to render assistance.

This obligation comes from various legal sources, most notably international conventions

from the United Nations (UN) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) says that every signatory to the convention must require the master of a ship flying its flag to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost and to proceed to the rescue of persons in distress.

The exemption is when the assisting vessel, the crew or the passengers on board would be seriously endangered as a result of rendering assistance to those in distress.

The Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) says “the master of a ship at sea which is in a position to be able to provide assistance, on receiving a signal from any source that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance, if possible informing them or the search and rescue service that the ship is doing so.”

The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue 1979 (SAR) also mandates this principle “regardless of the nationality or status of such a person or the circumstances in which that person is found.”

It also adds an obligation for

all vessels’ masters to offer assistance to those in distress and controls the use of lifesaving signals with specific requirements regarding danger and distress messages The Salvage Convention of 1989, although primarily directed at addressing the salvage of property and the prevention of marine pollution, nonetheless repeats the SOLAS obligation on the master to render assistance to any person in danger of being lost at sea.

The duty to render assistance is a general reflection of customary international maritime law.

“Aji yu ahan isarding an anapon jija. Sibibyag ja pay” says Maya in Ifugao which means “Please don’t stop searching.

They are still alive.”

The hashtag #SavetheForty is keeping the hopes of the relatives that they will soon receive news that the 40 men are still alive at sea and will be reunited with them.

(Atty.

Dennis Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

POISONED AIR AIR pollution is one of the most serious environmental concerns in Metro Manila and other urban areas in the country.

An assessment released by the World Bank based in Washington, D.C. some years back states that in developing countries around the world about half to one million people die prematurely as a result of exposure to urban air pollution. The figure excludes the millions of cases of respiratory illness associated with air pollution in large cities.

“The economic damage from urban air pollution (including its effects on structures, crops and vegetation and forests) is estimated to amount to US$1 billion to US$4 billion annually in cities in Asia,” says the report entitled, “Urban Air Quality Management” (World Bank Technical Paper No. 508). “Air pollution also contributes to the accumulation of stratospheric greenhouse gases, with implications for global climate change.”

The primary air pollutants are lead, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and oxides of sulfur and nitrogen.

Motor emissions can contribute as much as 80-90 percent of atmospheric lead in cities where leaded gasoline is still used. Although the effect

of lead on children’s IQ is probably the most significant impact of using leaded gasoline, there are other health effects. There is qualitative evidence that lead may adversely affect the reproductive process in men and women. The effect of lead on the cardiovascular system has been studied extensively. There appears to be a weak but positive association between lead in blood and blood pressure.

In low-income countries, the vehicle emissions problem tends to be dominated by emissions from old and poorly maintained heavy-duty vehicles that contribute to high ambient concentrations of the fine particulate matter. In Asia, the particulate problem is exacerbated by the widespread use of twostroke-engine gasoline vehicles that use excessive amounts of poor-quality lubricant, which for these engines is blended directly into gasoline.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. In most cities, gasoline-fueled vehicles account for the bulk of CO emissions.

People with chronic heart disease may experience chest pains when CO levels are high. At very high levels, CO impairs vision, manual dexterity, and learning

ability and can cause death.

Sulfur oxides, products of the combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels, contribute to acid rain, which is a regional air pollution problem. On the other hand, nitrogen oxides are formed during combustion as nitrogen in the air reacts at high temperatures with oxygen.

Ozone is responsible for photochemical smog and has been associated with transient effects on the human respiratory system. Of the documented health effects, the most significant is decreased pulmonary function in individuals taking light to heavy exercise.

Until recently, air pollution meant outdoor air. Today, studies have found indoor pollution to be a serious problem (after all, we spend 90 percent of our time indoors). Sick-building syndrome and building-related illness are examples of how indoor pollution affects our health.

Sick-building syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms people get while in tightly closed buildings with poor ventilation due to inefficient heating, ventilation, and air-condition systems. The symptoms reportedly are similar to a cold or flu, including dry or burning sinuses

and runny eyes and noses.

Two factors play a major role in the increase in indoor pollution in recent years: the increased use of chemicals and synthetic materials in the construction of buildings and the move toward energy efficiency by building tightly sealed buildings.

Substances such as formaldehyde are released from building products into the air by the process of outgassing (a form of evaporation that occurs when unstable molecules are released into the air). Asbestos particles, along with numerous other harmful substances, are found in many buildings and furnishings.

Pesticides, heavy metals from road dust, naturally produced radon, and pathogenic microbes can accumulate indoors and thrive in heating, ventilation and air-condition systems.

The biggest indoor air problem, however, is smoke from cigarettes, including passive smoke breathed in by non-smokers.

On the other hand, two billion people still depend on biomass fuels, such as firewood, crop wastes and dung for cooking and warmth. Burning biomass fuels create the world’s dead-

liest air pollution: every year, more than two million people die from breathing the cocktail of chemicals given off when they burn.

Meanwhile, a recent study showed that breathing polluted air shortens people’s lives by an average of three years, reports Neela Banerjee of insideclimatenews.org. It has an impact greater than smoking, HIV/AIDS, vector-borne diseases such as malaria, and violence.

The findings point to a vast level of threat to human lives from air pollution, according to the study’s authors. “Since the impact of air pollution on public health overall is much larger than expected, and is a worldwide phenomenon, we believe our results show there is an ‘air pollution pandemic,’” said Dr. Thomas Münzel, a cardiologist at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, and an author on the study.

“Policymakers and the medical community should be paying much more attention to this.

Both air pollution and smoking are preventable, but over the past decades much less attention has been paid to air pollution than to smoking, especially among cardiologists,” he added.

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

CBTL AND STORIES OF GRATITUDE

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR when The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf wishes everyone Happy Coffee Bean Month.

As part of the month-long celebration, CBTL would like to show its gratitude to medical frontliners by inviting everyone to help raise funds in providing hearty meals to our medical frontliners.

In a press statement, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf says “We believe that as we learn and serve, we learn to care and we care to serve. With everything going on, we want to thank the people who have continued working and serving at the risk of their health and lives.”

The program aims to raise funds to provide meals for our medical frontliners by donating any amount on top of your in-store purchases at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

The donation goes to provide healthy meals for our medical heroes.

CBTL’s goal is to give a minimum of 100 packed meals per hospital with the Quezon

City General Hospital, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Heart Center, Ospital ng Makati, and Paranaque Community Hospital to benefit from the program.

“We were hoping you could

be a part of it too. We want to invite you to take part in the launch of Happy Coffee Bean Month by posting a memorable experience with various frontliners,” the statement added. CBTL also encourages

everyone to inspire others by sharing their own stories of gratitude and appreciation.

Aside from raising funds for meals, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is encouraging people on social media to spread stories of

gratitude by using their official hashtags #StoriesOfGratitude #CaringCup and #CBTLph and tagging @coffeebeanphilippines for Facebook and @ cbtlph for Instagram.

The donation period is from September 10 to October 31, 2020. Any amount will definitely go a long way to feed our frontliners.

ENTERTAINMENT

NEW ASIAN POP-CULTURE DIGITAL CHANNEL LAUNCHED GMA Network, in partnership with Jungo TV, rewards its audiences with a more exciting viewing experience as it launches Hallypop, the newest and first ever digital channel in the Philippines that’s set to be a one-stopshop for K-Pop, variety, and entertainment programs beginning September 20.

Hallypop is here to give digital TV viewers a front seat to Asian pop culture with a daily dose of hit shows across the continent.

Get ready for the best tunes in Korea and the most sensational music show on TV. Fantastic performances and awe-inspiring harmony by the nation’s top musicians await viewers on Music Bank. Follow the latest trend in the Korean music scene through the K-chart, a summary of the week’s hottest songs.

Know what the hype is all about on the airing of the toprating South Korean variety show Running Man, as it arrives in the country for the very first time.

Experience a mix of thrills with its games and series of missions that are entertaining and will keep viewers at the edge of their seats.

Showcasing the highly-requested concerts in the country and across Asia, HallyStage is set to

KYLE ECHARRI BRANCHES OUT AS SINGER-SONGWRITER

give the spotlight to the hottest singers in the concert stage.

GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon shared his excitement towards this partnership with international content distributor Jungo TV, “We are grateful to Jungo TV and Mr. Chung for entrusting us with their channel and content to be the first here in the Philippines to distribute their content.”

“Hallypop represents a new and exciting direction in the reimagined world of Asian entertainment,” said Jungo TV CEO and co-founder George Chung.

“We are excited to expand on Hallypop’s success in the United States and honored to be partnered with GMA, led by the vision and leadership of Mr. Gozon, that allows us to bring top-tier Korean and Asian pop culture

entertainment to the best and most loyal fans in the world.”

For GMA Affordabox users, be sure to rescan to get dibs on Hallypop’s test broadcast by clicking the SCAN button on the remote and wait for all the exclusive channels to appear. Easy as 1,2,3!

A full rundown of Hallypop’s programming is available on www.gmanetwork.com/gmahallypop Don’t miss the premiere of Hallypop and its exciting lineup only on GMA Affordabox, the Network’s digital TV receiver.

KYLE ECHARRI takes on a much more meaningful role both in the life of the girl that he loves and in his music career with his newest single titled “I’m Serious”.

The young artist wrote the words and music of the track and produced it under the Star POP label of ABS-CBN music, marking his first solo music project as a singer-songwriter and music producer. Label head Rox Santos served as the supervising producer of his upcoming album “Sayaw Ng Mga Tala,” which will include Kyle’s newest single.

“I’m Serious” is a straightforward love song in which a guy looks for a way to ease the girl’s worries by committing his faithful love only for her. It expresses deep affection for a special someone while also convincing her of his decent intentions.

Before the song’s official drop, 15 lucky fans who won Star POP’s contest on Twitter got first dibs on hearing the track via a virtual fan meet and listening party last September.

Kyle finished in the Top 6 of “The Voice Kids” season 2 in 2015.

His most recent collaboration is with 16-year-old Singaporean talent Haven for the dreamy track “Imagine.” In 2018, the “Kadenang Ginto” breakout star released his hit song “Pangako,” which climbed to the top spot of iTunes PH’s Top 100 Songs Chart upon its release.

Trust real love and listen to Kyle’s new song, “I’m Serious” on various digital streaming platforms.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 14th Regular Session Series of 2020 PRESENT:

Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Sebastian Z. Duterte - Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Nilo D. Abellera Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar

ABSENT:

-

Exempted pursuant to Executive Order No. 23-B Exempted pursuant to Executive Order No. 23-B On Sick Leave Exempted pursuant to Executive Order No. 23-B

ORDINANCE NO. 0257-20 Series of 2020 AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE INTEREST, PENALTIES, AND SURCHARGES, INCURRED FOR NON-PAYMENT OF ALL LOCAL TAXES, FEES, CHARGES, AND FINES WHICH FALL DUE DURING THE PERIOD OF COMMUNITY QUARANTINE AND ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE IN DAVAO CITY Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that:

SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known and cited as “AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE INTEREST, PENALTIES, AND SURCHARGES, INCURRED FOR NON-PAYMENT OF ALL LOCAL TAXES, FEES, CHARGES, AND FINES WHICH FALL DUE DURING THE PERIOD OF COMMUNITY QUARANTINE AND ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE IN DAVAO CITY”.

SECTION 2. AUTHORITY – Section 192, Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, provides that “Local Government Units may through ordinances duly approved, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such terms and conditions as they may deem necessary”.

SECTION 3. COVERAGE – This Ordinance shall apply to all local taxes, fees, charges, and fines which fall due within the period of Community Quarantine (CQ) and Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Davao City, such as, but not limited to the following: 1.

2.

3.

Amusement Taxes; Citation tickets issued for violations of Ordinance No. 0334-12, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City”; and All other local taxes, fees, charges, and fines.

SECTION 4. WAIVER OF INTEREST, PENALTIES, AND SURCHARGES – In the event that the local taxes, fees, charges, and fines shall fall due within the period of the CQ and ECQ in Davao City, no interest, penalties, and surcharges shall be imposed therein by reason of non-payment of such local taxes, fees, charges, and fines; Upon lifting of the CQ and ECQ, the taxpayer shall be given a fresh period to pay such taxes, fees, charges, and fines without interest, penalties, and surcharges; SECTION 5. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 6. REPEALING CLAUSE – The provisions of this Ordinance shall not, in any way, repeal or modify the provisions of Ordinance No. 0243-20, Series of 2020, known as “An Ordinance extending the deadline of the second quarterly installment for payment of business tax; first quarterly installment for real property tax and additional levy on real property for the special education fund; and rental fees from March to June for public markets, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), Sta. Ana Port, Magsaysay Park and Pasalubong Center to June 30, 2020 in view of the threat of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines”.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect retroactively from the date of commencement of Community Quarantine in Davao City.

ENACTED, on the 16th day of April, 2020, by a majority vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED: SEBASTIAN Z. DUTERTE Vice Mayor Presiding Officer cns/ray

For in the absence of the Secretary:

MA. THERESA A. REYES

Acting Secretary to the SangguniangPanlungsod (Local Legislative Staff Officer IV)

05 MAY APPROVED : ________________, 2020

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9

sila sasama sa rally hindi sila bibigyan ng pagkain,” Bosantog said.

In January this year, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib has called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate the alleged exploitation of the Indigenous People (IP) currently housed inside Haran. Jubahib ac-

cused the Haran Mission Center of exploiting the IPs for anti-government activities.

“Naririnig natin ang Haran for many years at naririnig natin ang abuses na nangyayari pero bakit wala pa ring nangyayaring kaso? Medyo mahirap mag-file ng kaso. Alam ninyo kung bakit? Kasi natata-

kot yung mag-file ng kaso para sa buhay nila, buhay ng pamilya nila. Nahihirapan tayong kumuha ng mga witnesses but through God’s grace nakahanap tayo ng naglakas loob para tumulong sa kampanya ng gobyerno at para tapusin ang ginagawa sa loob ng UCCP Haran,” Bosantong said.

effect for commuters.

The government implemented the policy even as the World Health Organization urged the public to keep a distance of 1 meter from others to dodge the virus.

Earlier, Department of

Transportation Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon Jr. said the move was prompted by supposed public clamor to ease physical distancing measures in public transport.

Nearly eight months since logging its first con-

firmed COVID-19 case, the Philippines has, so far, reported 269,407 coronavirus infections, as of Tuesday, Sept. 15. The active cases are 57,392, total recoveries are 207,352, while the death toll stood at 4,663.

ing accomplishments," the PNP chief added.

In May, Sinas drew public ire over a mañanita or pre-dawn birthday serenade at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City that allegedly violated the

10-people limit on gatherings to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

President Rodrigo Duterte refused to sack Sinas, even while Luzon was, at the time, still under strict lockdown.

Sinas in July also made headlines over his viral confrontation with the family of a retired officer that he and his men asked to leave from a government compound in Taguig City.

nurses who are receiving salaries higher than the minimum wage that will be set by the NWPC shall be adjusted and increased accordingly,” the proposed bill read.

The bill also stipulates that nurses working in private hospitals shall be provided all the benefits found under the Labor Code, Magna Carta of Public Health Workers or Republic Act No. 7305, and other relevant laws, government announcement, rules, or regulations, including, but not limited to, overtime pay, night-shift differential, on-call pay, hazard pay, subsistence allowance, housing allowance, free an-

nual physical examination, and free hospitalization.

The bill also provides fine of not less than P100,000 or not more than P1 million for hospitals for each violation once it becomes a law. Any nurse who becomes a victim of the violation shall also be entitled to back wages and full payment of unpaid benefits, as well as to the refund of attorney’s fees that may have been incurred as a consequence of any attempt by a nurse to enforce his right under this Act. In their explanatory note, House Rep. Duterte said that private nurses only receive an average of P9,757 per month

while government nurses receive anywhere from P19,845 to P30,531 per month. Abroad, Filipino nurses receive from as low as P114,000 to as high as P200,000 per month salary plus benefits.

“This Bill is not merely filed to increase the financial benefits of nurses, but to show that the State is supporting our nurses and valuing our healthcare workers as they battle the pandemic and other deadly diseases head-on. This measure is simply the least we can do to support our frontline health workers.

As such, earliest approval of this Bill is earnestly sought,” stated the authors.

Landbank has earmarked about PHP1.5 billion for this credit program and borrowers may avail as much as PHP300,000.

Annual interest rate of

this product is 5 percent, payable within one year if proceeds will be used to finance pre-school, primary, and secondary education; while three years, inclusive

of one year grace period, if the proceeds will be used to finance tuition fee and other school fees of those enrolled in the tertiary level. (PNA)

ful life for second hand or refurbished machines,” it said.

“For permanent working capital and working capital, tenor of up to

three years and one year, respectively, is provided,” it added.

DUTERTE... FROM2

DANAO... FROM2 HOUSE... FROM3

LBP TO CATER... FROM4

LBP RELEASED... FROM4

WE ARE HIRING!!!

Motormall Davao Corporation (HINO Davao), a leading Dealer of Brand new Trucks and Buses here in Mindanao needs a qualified candidate for HR and Admin Head position.

Minimum experience required: 1. Must be a graduate in Business Administration major in Human Resource Management.

2. At least three (3) years Supervisory experience.

3. With knowledge of Administrative practices and interpersonal relations techniques necessary in the discharge of functions; and 4. With knowledge on laws, rules and principles governing Human Resource and Administrative management.

Interested individuals should send their updated resumes to mncmalaki@hinodavao.ph

10 EDGEDAVAO

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ation in trade, investment and industrial capacity, and greater interactions in tourism, culture and education.

Fujian has established more than 20 sister relations with ASEAN countries, setting up an important platform for enhancing our friendly exchanges and practical cooperation.

In response to this major test brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, Fujian has championed the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and actively engaged in international cooperation against the virus. It offered help to ASEAN countries

and sister cities and provinces to the best of its ability, including donating medical supplies and sharing experience in fighting the disease through teleconferences.

During the conference officials from Fujian Provincial Health Commission Fujian Provincial Department of Education Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Professor Li Candong of the Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine gave their remarks.

There were also presentations from experts from the Philippines, Thailand, and Fujian.

"The list this year recognizes 25 women at the helm of companies and institutions across a wide range of industries such as biotech, education, lo-

gistics and law. Their track record of success and resilient leadership set inspiring examples for others to follow," said Forbes' Watson.

output by himself, and the Boston lead was 8371 going into the fourth.

Miami shot 6 for 22 in the

first quarter to get into trouble, then 6 for 20 in the third to get into a bigger mess.

opportunities so that when you get to the all-time marks you have the opportunity."

If Woods is to add to his major tally this week, and edge closer to Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 wins, he will do so without the emotional support of the galleries.

This week's tournament is being played without spectators.

"I miss the energy and just the positiveness that the fans bring and just that electricity," Woods said.

"What we're dealing with right now is not what we all want, but it's our reality."

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VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

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Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla on leave.

WHAT PETITIONERS WANTED Petitioners had anchored their petition on section 15 of Article II of the Constitution which requires the State to protect and promote the right to health of its people and section 11 of Article XII on the State’s duty to provide for people’s health.

In their petition filed on July 3, petitioners claimed the delayed and insufficient government response to the coronavirus pandemic has violated their right to health.

They questioned the Health department’s implementation of an “expanded targeted testing” that is supposed to cover suspect cases, individuals with relevant history of travel and exposure to COVID-19 cases and health care workers with possible exposure.

But the DOH’s “multi-level prioritization,” they said, left many suspect and probable cases, whether patient or healthcare workers, untested and untreated.

They also claimed contact tracing is delayed and insufficient and accused the government of providing “delayed, incomplete, and worse, dowright misleading” data.

LEONEN DISSENTS SC Associate Justice Marvic Leonen dissented, saying the constitutional provisions relied on by petitioners have been declared self-executory by the

Supreme Court in a 2014 ruling.

In declaring certain provisions of the Reproductive Health Law unconstitutional, the Supreme Court in Imbong vs. Ochoa said that provisions on right to health are self-executing, which means, they do not require a law before they can be implemented.

Leonen pointed out the Health department’s mandate as well as obligations under Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Concern Health Act and the Philippine government’s treaty obligations to follow World Health Organization protocols.

“The Department of Health’s obligations set by the law and the International Health Regulations are the same ones that petitioners raise in this case. Without the effective response system that complies with the World Health Organization’s recommendations, petitioners allege that respondents deny them their right to health,” he said.

He added that petitioners’s plea for “accurate and timely” information on the COVID-19 situation involves matters of public concern or public interest.

At the very least, Leonen said, the respondents should have been asked to comment on the petition, following their own internal rules that the SC should adjudicate cases through a decision if the ruling will have “significant doctrinal

values; resolve novel issues; or impact on the social, political, and economic life of the nation.”

“A ruling on these issues will have a significant impact on the social, political and economic life of the nation. That alone should have prompted this Court to at least require respondents to file a comment without necessarily giving due course to the Petition.

A comment would have given a fuller exposition of the constitutional issues raised, this time from respondents’ view,” he said.

Named as respondents to the petition were Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as head of the National Task Force on COVID-19, Sec. Carlito Galvez as chief implementer of the National Action Plan against COVID-19, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año as Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) vice chairperson and IATF members Sec. Arthur Tugade, Wendel Avisado, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. This is the 5th time in recent months that the SC has dismissed outright a petition filed before it, without requiring respondents to comment.

It previously junked pleas seeking to compel the Office of the President to disclose President Duterte’s health records as well as challenging the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act and quarantine measures the government put in place.

It also junked 2 petitions filed by lawyer Lorenzo Gadon – the first one seeking to stop the National Telecommunications Commission from issuing a provisional authority to ABSCBN and his latest bid to question the naming of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after Ninoy Aquino, 33 years after the law was enacted.

NUPL REACTS Reacting to the ruling, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers-NCR said: "The Resolution dashes hopes that our inept and negligent government will be compelled to do its constitutional duty to protect and respect the people’s rights to health and information. For the half year that we have been placed under quarantine, we have not seen significant improvements in mass testing, contract tracing and isolation.”

“Confirmed cases of COVID-19 are spiking once again while our medical frontliners and resources continue to be exhausted.

The government is counting not on itself and what it can do to arrest the health crisis once and for all, but on coronavirus vaccines from other countries that have yet to come,” it added.

The Palace had earlier downplayed the petition saying there is a COVID-19 testing program in place.

The Philippines as of Tuesday reported 269,407 cases of COVID-19, with 207,352 recoveries and 4,663 deaths.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

11

Lin eyes NBA return

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EIJING – Jeremy Lin announced on Tuesday that he will not play for the Beijing Ducks in the upcoming 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season.

"I want to tell you that I've decided not to return to the Beijing Ducks this year. It is the toughest decision that I've made in my life," Lin said in a video posted on Chinese social network Weibo.

In his 43 appearances for Beijing in the 201920 season, Lin averaged 22.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.9 steals, leading the team into the last four before they were eliminated by eventual champions the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

"Over the past two to three weeks, I found it pretty hard to fall asleep and woke up around four or five o'clock in the morning, thinking it over and over again," Lin admitted.

"Teammates, coaches and management in Beijing, they are quite nice to me, but I still have a dream of playing in the NBA." "As for the fans, no matter when I get injured, traded or defeated, you always support me, which gives me great belief," he added.

Lin said when he told his family members and friends on Monday he needed to leave China in order to play in the NBA again, "I cried."

"This year is a special year. Playing with the Beijing Ducks for one year, I will never forget that I see these supporters every day, which makes me so touched. Thank you all. I love you," Lin noted.

In a statement, the Beijing Ducks said the club had kept good communication with Lin and relevant parties, and had reached an agreement to extend Lin's contract before the California-born star's decision to leave.

"Pursuing dreams is where 'Linsanity' originates, also the focal point for cooperation between the club and Lin," the Beijing club said, while expressing its understanding and respect towards Lin's decision.

"Hopefully we will renew our cooperation someday in the future. We are family as always," the club added.

"My buddy, I always believe you, support you and love you," Beijing teammate and Chinese international Zhai Xiaochuan wrote.

Many Chinese netizens also showed understanding towards Lin's decision, while also speculating on his next move.

"We respect everything that you have decided on. Wherever you are, we will always back you up. Come on!" a netizen named "Fan Fan" wrote on Weibo. (Xinhua)

Bam Adebayo blocked Jayson Tatum's dunk attempt in the final seconds.

Heat steals Game 1 over Celtics in OT

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Jimmy Butler thought he won the game for Miami with a 3-pointer late in regulation.

He put the Heat ahead again in overtime — and then Bam Adebayo finished it off with the biggest block of his career.

Butler’s three-point play with 12 seconds left put Miami up for good, Adebayo blocked Jayson Tatum’s dunk attempt in the final seconds and the Heat rallied time and again to beat the Boston Celtics, 117-114, in Game One of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Kemba Walker’s basket with 23.2 seconds left in overtime put Boston up by one, before Butler muscled his way to the rim for a score while getting fouled

by Tatum. The Celtics went

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EW YORK -- Tiger Woods returns to the US Open at Winged Foot this week with a score to settle against a course he regards as one of the three toughest in the world.

During more than a decade of dom-

Tiger Woods plays a shot during a practice round prior to The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club on July 14, 2020 in Dublin, Ohio. Getty Images

inance between Woods' first major victory in 1997 and his 14th major at the 2008 US Open, the former world number one played in 46 consecutive majors.

That streak of 46 tournaments included only one missed cut -- at the 2006 US Open held at Winged Foot.

to Tatum on the ensuing possession, only to watch him get denied by Adebayo.

And the Heat — down by 13 in the first quarter, down by 14 in the fourth — struck first, ending Boston’s seven-game streak of Game 1 wins.

Tatum scored 30 points for the Celtics, Marcus Smart had 26 points, Walker had 19 and Jaylen Brown added 17. Goran Dragic had 29 points, Jae Crowder scored 22, Jimmy Butler scored 20 and Adebayo had 18 for the Heat.

Miami’s Tyler Herro was one assist shy of a triple-double — finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

Boston led 85-71 early

in the fourth and kept the lead for almost all of the final period — until Butler connected on a 3-pointer from the right corner with 22 seconds left for a 106105 Miami edge.

The Celtics tied it before the clock even started again. Derrick Jones Jr. was called for an away-fromthe-play foul while Miami defended the inbounds pass, a call where the Heat argued to no avail that he got shoved instead. Tatum went to the line, tied the game with the free throw, and Boston all of a sudden went from needing a score to being able to run out the clock.

Miami wanted a traveling call when Tatum got the ball with about 7 seconds left. His 3-pointer was short, and to overtime they went.

Boston started fast by run-

ning out to a 24-11 lead, only to see Miami slow the Celtics down by going to plenty of zone and getting enough stops to allow their offense to start clawing back. The Heat scored 37 points in a 10-minute span of the second quarter — and the teams went into halftime knotted a t 55.

The biggest Heat lead of the second half came early in the third, 6156, after Butler got a short hook to fall.

T h e n Boston got rolli n g again.

The Celtics outscored the Heat 27-10 over the final 8:17 of the third quarter, Smart scoring 10 in that stretch to match the entire Miami

Woods, who collected the 15th major of his career at last year's Masters, is preparing for another demanding assignment in New York this week.

The 44-yearold believes only Oakmont in Pennsylvania and Carnoustie Links in Scotland run Winged Foot close in terms of difficulty.

"It's right up there next to Oakmont and I think Carnoustie as far as just sheer difficulty without even doing anything to it," Woods said Tuesday.

"Those three golf courses, they can host major championships without ever doing anything to them. (Winged Foot) or

Oakmont is either one or two."

Woods scouted Winged Foot ahead of last month's Northern Trust in Boston, and came away convinced that the course remains as brutal as ever.

"This golf course is going to be one of the more difficult ones," Woods said.

"The winning scores here have never traditionally been very low. I don't see that changing this week.

- 'Give us a chance' "The golf course is going to be hard. It depends on how difficult they want to set up these pins, give us a chance at it. But with the forecast, it's going to be difficult no matter what."

Woods said he was ill-prepared for his previous US Open outing at Winged Foot in 2006, which came just over a

month after the death of his father Earl.

"When I didn't win the Masters that year, that was really tough to take because that was the last event my dad was ever going to watch me play," Woods said.

"He passed not too long after that, and quite frankly, when I got ready for this event, I didn't really put in the practice, and consequently missed the cut pretty easily."

Although Woods delivered one of the sporting stories of 2019 with his comeback victory at the Masters, he acknowledged that challenging for majors gets more difficult with the passage of time.

"It gets harder to win as we all age," he said. "When you're in your prime, in your peak years, you have to take advantage of those

FHEAT, P10

FTIGER, P10

12 SPORTS

ANOTHER SHOCKER EDGEDAVAO

Denver's Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic celebrate after getting the job done--a second straight 1-3 series come-from-behind win.

Nuggets oust Clippers in Game 7

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Denver's dynamic duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic led another stunning turnaround as the Nuggets advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2009.

Murray scored 40 points, Jokic had a triple-double by the third quarter and Denver again overcame a double-digit deficit to shock the Los Angeles Clippers 104-89 in Game Seven on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Denver became the first team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 series deficit twice in the same postseason.

Even more history: The Nuggets are the third team in the US major pro sports to rally from a pair of 3-1 deficits in the same playoffs, joining the 1985 Kansas City Royals and 2003 Minnesota Wild.

Denver will face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference finals.

The 7-foot Jokic had a monster game with 16 points, 13 assists and 22 rebounds, which were the most by a Nuggets player in an NBA playoff game. He broke his record of 19 that he set last season and shared with Marcus Camby.

In a familiar trend, the Nuggets found themselves down by 12 in the first half. They also trailed 61-54 with 10:50 let in the third when they caught fire. The Nuggets went on a 35-13 run to build up a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter.

They led by as many as 20.

Murray helped the Nuggets pour it on down the stretch to give coach Michael Malone a 49th birthday present.

The team also rallied back from double-digit margins in their last two games as well to stun the Clippers.

Despite the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers fell short of the conference finals, where they've never been.

They fell to 0-8 all-time in games where they could clinch a trip to the conference finals.

Leonard finished with 14 points on 6-of-22 shooting, while George had 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

It was Denver's talented twosome that stole the show.

Jokic insisted the third-seeded Nuggets weren't feeling any pressure. He said Game 7 was just another game. After all, this was Denver's fourth straight Game 7 dating to the playoffs last season.

After trailing by as many as 12 in the first half, the Nuggets worked their way back into the game behind the shooting of Murray. He scored 25 before intermission as the Clippers elected to double-team Jokic.

VOL.13 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020