Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 149 | Friday, October 2, 2020

ANCAJAS HOPES TO GET A FIGHT BEFORE YEAR ENDS SPORTS P11

VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

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A road worker uses a roller compactor to flatten the pavement in preparation for the road concreting and rehabilitation project along Chavez Street in Davao City on Thursday. Road widening and other projects in Davao City which were temporarily stopped due to the lockdowns have been resumed and now in full swing. Edge Davao

FORCED TO GOOD Rodriguez family to file Writ of Kalikasan if SIDC pushes through STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

PRRD: House leadership row ‘an internal matter’

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President Rodrigo Duterte says the feud between House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and his supposed successor Lord Allan Velasco is“an internal matter” that lawmakers should resolve. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

or President Rodrigo Duterte, the feud between House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and his supposed successor Lord Allan Velasco is “an internal matter” that lawmakers should resolve, Malacañang said Thursday.

Duterte met late Wednesday with the Speaker, his wife Taguig Rep. Lani, sister Sen. Pia Cayetano, and Deputy House Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva, said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.

“Inulit naman po ng Presidente na ang issue ng liderato sa Kamara de Representante ay isang internal matter ng Kamara de Representate,” Roque said in a press briefing.

(The President reiterated the the leadership issue of the House of Representatives is an internal matter.)

Duterte last year forged the term-sharing deal between Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.

Under their “gentleman’s agreement,” Cayetano is supposed to hand over the reins of the House to Velasco after 15 months or in October. Velasco will then serve for the remaining 21 months of the session.

But in weeks leading up to the scheduled change of leadership, Cayetano’s camp asserted that it was not the time for him to step down due to budget deliberations.

The President on Tuesday urged Cayetano and Velasco to uphold the term sharing deal, said several lawmakers.

Cayetano on Wednesday offered to resign as Speaker, a move that was quickly rejected by a majority of lawmakers.

Velasco meanwhile said Cayetano’s “political maneuverings and theatrics” cost the House 2 days that were “crucial in meeting our timeline” for the 2021 budget.

avao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) manager Aisa Usop said that the operation of bus trips from Metro Manila to Davao City has been approved and could resume once special permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Davao are issued.

In a phone interview, Usop said the bus terminal of the city has always been ready to receive passengers from other parts of the country, with the health protocols and security measures in place.

“The LTFRB asked for my opinion if it’s okay for buses to travel to Davao.

My stand was, the DCOTT terminal is always ready because we have amenities and facilities,” she said.

Usop added that LTFRB would coordinate with the offices of the City Tourism and City Health for the enforcement of more stringent health protocols at the bus terminal, which would adopt similar measures that have been enforced at the Davao International Airport in screening the arriving passengers.

“What is being implemented at the airport, the same will be done at our terminal. That’s for our own safety,” she said.

The city government requires swab testing for arriving passengers at the DIA if incoming passengers have no “negative” COVID-19 test result through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) issued within 72 hours before their scheduled departure from the airport of origin.

Once the bus trips are resumed, Usop added that buses would board passengers at a limited capacity to maintain a one-meter

physical distance between passengers – at most two passengers per row – and temperature check and foot baths would be put in place before boarding the buses, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among passengers.

She said passengers would be required to wear face masks and face shields.

At present, she said the city government allows bus travel to other provinces within Davao Region and some parts of Caraga Region. But travels to cities of Butuan, Surigao City, and Tandag in Caraga have been suspended recently due to the implementation of lockdowns amid the rising coronavirus disease cases there, Usop said.

Mayor Sara Duterte previously said in her radio program that the bus travels from Manila have been permitted because the local government wanted to return to “normal” despite the outbreak.

She maintained that disallowing bus travel from the National Capital Region (NCR) is “not a sustainable solution” to address COVID-19 pandemic.

“Because there are more cases in NCR, ideally, we should not allow it but it’s not a sustainable solution to the problem of COVID-19. What we will do at the terminal will be the same as the airport – test and wait – and home quarantine,” she said.

As of September 29, the Department of Health reported a total of 309,303 cases with 252,930 recoveries and 5,448 deaths.

Of this total, the NCR, which reported 162,902, has the highest in the country, while Davao Region reported 3,135, the highest in Mindanao. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

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Resumption of bus trips from Metro Manila to Davao City approved

Rodriguez family to file Writ of Kalikasan if SIDC pushes through

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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family will be constrained to go to court for a Writ, without prejudice to the filing of criminal and administrative cases against all concerned personalities.

Batacan cited the current processing of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) undertaken by the DPWH, which according to him bypass the mandate of Presidential Proclamation No. 2152 Series of 1981 declaring Samal Island as

Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

During the online public hearing last Monday, Galerio Environmental Consultancy, environmental consultant of DPWH, asserted that the Hong Kong-based consultant Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong Ltd-designed alignment did not encroach upon a protected area.

Batacan said given that the entire Samal Island was declared a protected area under the law, the implementation of the SIDC project without clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) is a serious criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and fine.

He also said that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by Arup and presented during

the public hearing, is wrongly premised that the entire Samal Island is not under NIPAS. He said the EIA cannot be the basis for the issuance by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of any valid ECC. “The ECC process should have included securing a clearance from PAMB of Davao del Norte and PAMB of Davao City. This requires a separate public hearing and amendment of the management plan. This mandate is indispensable and must be observed by the DPWH and Arup to say the least to ensure compliance with all environmental laws. I have to say this that the current EMB process undertaken

by DPWH and Arup is not enough and without PAMB in the picture the proceedings are null and void,” he said.

an encounter when they recovered the cadaver of the slain kidnap victim,” Guinolbay said in a statement.

He said the troops were scouring the enemy withdrawal route, about 300 meters from the encounter site along Barangay Maligay in Patikul, Sulu, when they recovered the cadaver of the slain hostage.

“Based on facial recognition, our intelligence officer identified the kidnap victim as one of the five Indonesian kidnap victims; however, the name is being withheld for further con-

firmation,” said Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

Gonzales added that the victim's remains will be transported to Zamboanga City for further confirmation.

Citing reports from the ground, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the victim tried to escape during the encounter.

He added that they have yet to "reconfirm" the victim's identity before revealing it.

The five Indonesian hostages were seized by the ASG bandits while they were fishing on January 16 this year, in the waters between Tambisan and Kuala Meruap, Lahad Datu, Sabah, close to the Philippine sea border.

In earlier reports, they were identified as Arsyad Dahlan, 41, the fishing boat skipper; Arizal Kastamiran, 29; La Baa, 32; Riswanto Hayano, 27; and, Edi Lawalopo, 53.

The troops are now tracking down the ASG bandits. (with reports from Ely E. Dumaboc/PNA)

awyer Ramon Edison Batacan disclosed that the Rodriguez family will be forced to file a Writ of Kalikasan and administrative cases if the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) pushes through with the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector without complying with all the requirements under the law.

“We will exhaust administrative remedies to the end, first in the hope that DPWH will take a second and closer look. We do not want to stall the implementation of the project,” Batacan said in a text message.

Batacan, a long-time professor of law and dean of the College of Law of Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC), said if DPWH will not comply the environmental requirements, the Rodriguez

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1 of 5 abducted Indonesian fishermen killed by ASG

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bu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have killed one of the five Indonesian fishermen they are holding hostage in Sulu, military officials said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Ruben Guinolbay, commander of the 45th Infantry Battalion, said they have recovered the cadaver of one of the five Indonesian hostages following a clash with ASG bandits on Tuesday afternoon.

“Our troops were in pursuit of the fleeing local terrorist group members (ASG bandits) following

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Declare Speaker seat vacant if you want to change leadership: Defensor

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hose who wish to change the leadership in the House of Representatives should declare the seat of the Speaker vacant and see who gets the vote, a lawmaker allied with Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday.

Anakalusugan Party-list Rep Mike Defensor said he would not advise Cayetano to resign "because we have already voted." Cayetano offered to resign Wednesday, but Defensor moved to reject this and was seconded by the plenary.

"I would advise those who want a change of leadership to declare the seat vacant," he said.

"I don’t think there will be a fight amongst us. It will be a question of vote and if in the end they do not get the numbers, then we should just continue our work and respect each other," he said.

Cayetano spoke before his colleagues on Wednesday after meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and Marinduque Rep.

Lord Allan Velasco, who was supposed to succeed him as House Speaker under a term-sharing deal.

Cayetano was supposed to lead the chamber for 15 months before turning over the seat to Velasco this month.

Sources from the Velasco camp said the agreement was supposed to be enforced on October 14.

The 184 votes to reject Cayetano's offer to resign "is a manifestation of continued support of an overwhelming majority of the House," said Defensor. "'Yung speakership, hindi naman ito entitlement. Hindi ito hari at may prinsipe at after bumaba ang hari, 'yung prinsipe na ang uupo," he said.

(The speakership is not entitlement. It's not as if there's a king and a prince, and when the king abdicates, the prince assumes the throne.)

He added, the Speaker is not appointed by the President, but is elected in a "collective decision"

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Edna J. Quilario, the City Human Resource and Management Officer, follows the protocol implemented by the LGU to subject herself to QR scanning before entering her office. She is a role model to every employee of the

city government to follow the health protocols set to combat the spread of COVID-19. JP Cordovero/CIO Tagum

DITO targets 237 towers in Davao D

By MAYA M. PADILLO abawenyo tycoon Dennis Uy’s DITO Telecommunity Corporation, the country’s third major telecommunications provider, is eyeing to install 237 towers in Davao City alone.

DITO is the third telco player next to Globe and Smart.

Retired Major General Rodolfo Santiago, chief technology officer of DITO, said in an email interview that part of the company’s push to meet its March 2021 commercial launch,

the company is targeting a total of 237 towers for Davao City alone and out of this number, 79 are already fully mobilized.

According to him, this is currently being done in partnership with the company’s vendors, Nokia – Huaxin and Udenna Infra-

structure.

DITO (formerly known as Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc., or Mislatel) is the newest major telecommunications provider in the Philippines.

It is a Joint Venture Company comprised of Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and China Telecommunications Corporation.

He added that for the entire Mindanao, DITO is looking at a total of 880 towers, including the 237 Davao towers for Phase

1 roll-out together with China Communication Services Philippines Corporation (CCSPC) and the two other mentioned DITO vendors for the area.

Presently, the company is into land acquisitions for the locations for the construction of DITO infrastructure such as towers, base stations and oher similar structures in time for its rollout and launch.

DITO has appointed four duly authorized representatives (vendors) to assist in site acquisition

tukan ang Pandemyang COVID-19 Luwas ang mga Laakenyo”. This initiative to contribute to the campaign of the LGU to fight pollution and combat the COVID-19 Pandemic was participated by their very active Community Radio Council, representatives from the AFP, PNP, MENRO, LGU, MRRD Youth Movement, and Good Neighbors Interna-

tional – Philippines, is an international, nonprofit humanitarian organization that plans, implements, and raises funds for the provision of services in advocacy, child sponsorship, disaster management, education, health, partnerships, network building, income generation, and water sanitation.

“This is just a start,

community engagement as part of Radyo Kahimunan’s campaign of reaching the people on the far-flung areas of Laak, we will conduct activities with our LGU and with our non-government partner, Good Neighbors International Philippines in a form of Bayanihan, and assist vulnerable people in the GIDA. GNIP will also be allotted with a twice a week radio program for them also to promote their campaign in response to COVID-19 health crisis” – Floriano Borlio, Program Manager, Radyo Kahimunan.

101.3 Radyo Kahimunan is one of Nutriskwela Phase 5 established stations in 2017.

It operates with 300 watts powered transmitter reaching 36 barangays with an overall total population of 29, 469. The station also contributes to the decrease of Stunting and Underweight in the data from 2015 to 2017.

namely Huawei for North Luzon and the National capital Region, ZTE for south Luzon and the Visayas, Nokia-Huaxin for Mindanao, and Udenna Infrastructure .

These vendors and their agents have been provided authorization letters and identification. A memorandum will be provided to the landowners and this memorandum contains specific details pertaining to rental fees, rental escalation, conditions and other contractual terms.

The DITO site acquisition team or the vendors or any of its representatives and agents check and validate documents provided by the landowners before they go into contract signing.

DITO is committed to providing Filipinos superior products and services of world-class quality, enabling customers to be connected, anytime, anywhere, any way they prefer. It also aims to begin commercial operations in March 2021.

continues assistance Radyo Kahimunan clean up drive on 3rd anniversary OWWA-11 to displaced overseas workers

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ast September 28, 2020 – The Nutriskwela Radio Station of NNC in partnership of the Municipality of Laak, Davao de Oro - DXNB 101.3 Radyo Kahimunan celebrated its 3rd Anniversary by doing a Clean Up Drive in Laak Public Market with the theme: “Hustong Pagkaon Ehersisyo ban sa Pagbakana, Pagpanglimpyo, ug Ba-

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he provision of financial assistance for the overseas Filipinos continues in the region, as almost 5,000 have already benefited from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s PhP10,000.00 onetime cash assistance.

Out the approved 6,446 applicants of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-AKAP program for the displaced land-based and sea-based OFs due to COVID-19, 4,890 have received the assistance as of last week.

OWWA-XI welfare officer Mialou Batican said there are still near to 300 pending applications online.

“On-going pa rin po yung release natin base sa ano yung pondong ibinigay sa atin, and then doon po sa mga approved na at hindi pa mare-releasan ngayong week na ito, maghihintay lang po sila ng mga ilang araw pa,” Batican assured saying that the assistance fund is on process.

She said the OWWA-XI

office is still accepting online applications, as she urged OFs in need of the assistance to visit their website at dole-akap.owwa. ph for the application forms and for the other details of the online application.

“So hindi po nila kailangang pumunta sa opisina para mag submit ng mga dokumento. And then, i-momonitor na po nila yung mga email, kasi doon po kami nagco-conduct if meron kaming mga verification,” Batican explained during the Philippine Information Agency Region XI’s One Davao on COVID-19 virtual presser on September 25, 2020.

She said that OWWA has not set a deadline for the submission of applications, and that their online system is still open to receive applications.

Meanwhile, Batican bared that they have assisted more than 13,000 returning OFs including those from other regions who made Davao City as their

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

PH exporting okra to Japan for 30 years: MinDA exec

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Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (leftmost), Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, leads the cutting of the ribbon during the blessing and inauguration of the P30-million COVID-19 testing laboratory using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the Old Kapatagan Provincial Hospital in Lanao del Norte Wednesday morning. He is with Lanao del Norte Provincial Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo,

Second District Representative Abdullah Dimaporo, Department of Health Region 10 Director Adriano Subaan, and Provincial Administrator Sittie Aminah Dimaporo. The testing laboratory is the only RT-PCR testing laboratory owned and operated by a local government unit in the entire Region 10. MindaNews photo by RICHEL V. UMEL

Hedcor reaffirms commitment vs. unmitigated plastics use

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boitiz-led Hedcor has further reiterated its reputation as a responsible renewable energy company by continuing to oppose the production and use of single-use plastics.

A subsidiary of AboitizPower, Hedcor is a hydropower firm that produces a total of 280 MW from 22 plants across the country.

This is its second year of campaigning for clean environment.

The advocacy calls on all its employees and officials to decrease if not altogether do away with the use of single-use plastics within company premises

and events.

The company bagan its campaign by discouraging the use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles within its premises.

“The use of single use plastic specifically PET bottles poses a danger to our health and the environment. Based on studies, the Philippines is generating about 45.2 million pieces of PET bottled per day and

PH manufacturing reaches stable condition in Sept.

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he IHS Markit reported on Thursday that the Philippines’ manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for September breached the 50-mark, signaling stability in the sector.

The country’s PMI last month was at 50.1 after recording below 50-level since the start of lockdown measures in March.

This improved from the manufacturing score in August at 47.3.

The 50-mark means a stable manufacturing sector; below 50 reflects contraction, while above 50 signals increased production activity.

In the Asean, only the Philippines and Vietnam registered stable manufacturing conditions while countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Singapore recorded contractions.

“The latest Philippines manufacturing data showed that operating conditions stabilized at the end

of the third quarter. New business expanded for the first time since February, albeit tentatively, while production levels dropped only slightly,” IHS Markit economist Shreeya Patel commented.

IHS Markit said new orders increased for the first time since February.

Businesses linked the higher sales to the reopening of the economy and firmer client demand.

Export sales likewise improved last month.

IHS Markit added that clients were buying in advance as they prepare for more stable market conditions in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the Department of Industry welcomed this development.

“Glad to hear that recovery for manufacturing has continued as we reopened more sectors of the economy. PMI is now back to over the benchmark 50.

We have to continue to reopen the other sectors that

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in one way or another we were once contributing to that number. This is why we decided to focus on this first,” said Cranep Udan of Hedcor in a statement to independent energy blog Power Philippines News (PPN).

As an energy company grounded in environmental commitment, the Aboitiz firm has been frowning upon the unbridled use of consumer items like “styro, juice packs, straw, plastic cups, plastic cutlery (forks, knives and spoons) and plastic food keepers in all company activities, celebrations, and events such as meetings, tree planting,

among others,” adds the PPN item.

In lieu of the above, Hedcor has also been offering katcha bags instead of plastic bags, while promoting waste segregation and recycling.

In his PPN statement, Udan continued that “if we do not minimize the use of single-use plastics, we will not have enough space to contain wastes. This, coupled with improper disposal, can lead to health problems.”

As a result of this campaign, some 2.1 million kilos of waste materials have been collected and properly disposed of by the company.

indanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Piñol on Wednesday said the Philippines has been exporting okra (lady finger) to Japan in bulks for 30 years.

“The export of okra from Tarlac [City] to Japan started 30 years ago with nary a help from the government. Almost daily, nililipad ng eroplano ang tone-toneladang okra (they send out tons of okra almost every day),” he said in a post on social media.

The former agriculture secretary made this comment as he corrected a report from a local news agency that announced on Tuesday that it was “the first time [that] the country exported okra to Japan due to its high demands, as Japan is known to include the flowering plant in their daily diet”.

On Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar accompanied farmer entrepreneurs Jeffrey Fernandez and Rap Pelayo of Jel Farms from Tarlac at the Pairpags Center, Airport Road in Pasay City before exporting their fresh okra to Japan.

A press statement said two tons of okra were harvested from different farms of Tarlac including 14 ba-

rangays in Victoria, Balayang, Palacpalac, Batang Batang, Lalapac, Mayang, San Pascual, Villa Bacolor, Matayumtayum, San Jose, San Manuel, Balingcanaway, Cutcut, and Lapaz.

Fernandez, in a YouTube video, said their okra farming business was established in 2010 by his parents Larry and Joy Fernandez.

“It was pretty much built on assisting farmers by helping them learn more or acquire new technology, new developments, and even new procedures to try,” he said in a video posted in June 2019.

In the video, Fernandez, who was a former chef based in the U.S. was recalled by his parents here to take over their business "some 30 years ago".

The family's farm in Barangay San Manuel in Tarlac City exports 13 to 15 tons of okra every day to Japan, he said.

Meanwhile, Dar said okra farmers’ profit could easily reach up to PHP120,000 per hectare for both okra and young soybean (edamame).

This, considering the farmers have access to cold storage, which he assured, would be DA's priority.

(PNA)

Gov’t requests BSP for P540-B funding support

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he national government has requested the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for a budget support amounting to PHP540 billion.

In a Viber message to journalists Wednesday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the financing will be “settled on or before 29 December 2020, at zero interest.”

Proceeds of the provisional advance will be

used for “deficit financing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

Diokno said the request will be submitted to the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) “soon.”

Asked if the request will be presented to the Board during its meeting Thursday, Diokno said he “can’t confirm.”

“Will fill you in on

code aims to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants by the protection and promotion of breast feeding and by ensuring the proper use of breastmilk substitutes and breastmilk supplements when these are necessary, on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution. These efforts result-

ed to the descension of milk donation cases in the region.

NEA Aguila Onse continues to commit in helping NNC in its campaign in scaling up nutrition in the Davao Region through Mass Media. “The media can “be an efficient resource for transmitting useful information about health to a large public” – Carole, 2000

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NEA Aguila Onse – soaring high since 2016

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he media are one of the powerful driving forces of modern society. They are not just a source of information for the general public, but also a potential vehicle for educating the public, a vital service especially when it comes to health issues.” - Carole Simpson, 1999 The National Nutrition Council, as mandated by law as the country's highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition, scale up good nutrition through Mass Media.

“We are very happy here in the region na meron tayong mga media partners na tumutulong sa atin sa baba sa pag-disseminate ng information about our campaign in Nutrition, lalo na ngayon na may pandemic” – Dr. Maria Teresa L. Ungson on Disaster Radio Fm Davao.

NEA Aguila Onse is the regional media group of NNC XI. NEA stands for News, Events, Activities.

Aguila Onse represents Davao Region as the region is known for being a habitat of the National Bird, Philippine Eagle.

The group is composed of various partners from different media entities in Davao Region which include partners from radio stations, TV, print, and even social media thru vlogging. They have been helping NNC in information dissemination since 2016 and been engaged in many projects especially in the Nutriskwela Stations’ refresher course and workshops. The said stations are broadcasting in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in the region: Laak, Davao de Oro and San Isidro, Davao Oriental.

In this time of pandemic, NEA Aguila Onse is also mobilized to be vigilant in the strict enforcement of EO 51 or the “Milk Code of the Philippines,” and its revised Implementing Rules and Regulations which the

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

Tuna fishing boats docked at the fish port complex in General Santos City. (MindaNews file photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO)

Back to export mode for T GenSan’s fresh tuna

SEC OKs SMC's P20-B preferred share offering

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raders and producers of fresh mature tuna species, which are caught using the traditional handline fishing method, are gradually getting back on their feet with orders from abroad, mainly the United States, making a comeback, industry players said.

John Heitz, an American expatriate who is engaged in international tuna trading for three decades here, said Wednesday he resumed the foreign shipment of fresh large tuna after six months of shutdown due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I’m back on business even if the tuna market in the United States is still on its knees with many restaurants forced to close

for bankruptcy due to the pandemic,” he told MindaNews on the phone.

The decision to supply again his clients with fresh tuna, a highly migratory species rich in Omega 3 fatty acid, comes with the availability of commercial flights from here to Manila, and on to international destinations, Heitz said.

On Wednesday, September 30, Heitz shipped 11 pieces of fresh tuna weighing less than a ton

(1,000 kilos) to the US via a commercial airline.

Some fresh tuna traders resumed shipping internationally about two months ago, he said.

Due to the lack of access to foreign and other domestic markets at the height of the pandemic, prices of good quality tuna went down to as low P100 per kilo in June, Heitz recalled.

Some tuna were just sprawled along the road to be butchered and sold that cheap due to lack of buyers from other areas and abroad, according to Heitz.

But nowadays, Heitz said the fresh tuna business is getting back on its feet, with prices currently fetching at P200 to P300 per kilo for first-class stocks.

Early in September, the fish port complex was partially shut down for a few days for decontamination and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the facility has been traced as the source of local transmission of the virus infecting fish traders from various parts of Soccsksargen.

Raul Gonzales, spokesperson of the Alliance of Tuna Handliners, said the buying price of tuna is getting good because of the resumption of domestic and international shipment.

“The main driver of the price of tuna is the Class A catches, or those for the foreign markets,” he told MindaNews in a separate interview.

Gonzales said he ex-

liable for multiple violations of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019 (SEC MC 18), which provides for the Prohibition on Unfair Debt Collection Practices of Financing Companies and Lending Companies.

FCash Global which operates online lending platforms has made multiple attempts to collect loan payments by contacting or threatening persons other than those that the borrower has identified as guarantors or co-makers.

According to the CGFD, the company has also sent messages threatening borrowers with estafa cases before the National Bureau of Investigation and service of writ of garnishment or writ of attachment.

The company also threatened to report borrowers to their respective employers and used abusive words when communicating to them over the phone.

FCash took advantage of borrowers’ lack of awareness of legal term

to force them to pay their loans.

In the first violation, the SEC on September 25, 2019 imposed a fine of P25,000 against the company, another fine was meted on September 26, 2019.

On December 12, 2019, FCash was formally charged for its third violation of SEC MC 18.

SEC Memorandum Circular 18, which took effect on September 8, 2019, was enforced in response to

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given the thumbs up to San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) preferred share sale to raise P20 billion to fund its businesses and flagship projects.

In a statement on Wednesday, the SEC said it authorized SMC to sell P20 billion worth of preferred shares to the public under a shelf registration.

The corporate regulator said its Commission En Banc resolved to render effective the company’s registration statement for up to 533,333,334 Series 2 preferred shares to be offered within a three-year period, subject to certain remaining requirements.

Initially, SMC will offer 133,333,400 Series 2 preferred shares, with an oversubscription option of 133,333,267, at a maximum price of P75 each.

“The initial tranche to

be issued in one subseries, Series 2-J, will be listed and traded on the Philippine Stock Exchange,” the SEC said.

It said SMC expects to net P19,885,949,641.74 from the offer, assuming the oversubscription option is fully exercised.

“The proceeds will be used for investments in the company’s existing businesses, including its Bulacan Airport Project and MRT7 Project, and for general corporate purposes,” the SEC said.

SMC tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, BPI Capital Corporation, China Bank Capital Corporation, Philippine Commercial Capital Inc., PNB Capital and Investment Corporation, RCBC Capital Corporation, and SB Capital Investment Corporation as the joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters, and bookrunners for the offer.

For unfair debt collection practices SEC revokes FCash Global license Bank exec bullish on lending

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he SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) has notified the public that it has canceled the certificate of authority or CA of FCash Global Lending Inc to operate as a lending company.

This stems for its unfair debt collection practices. FCash has had one of the most number of complaints for collection harassment since 2017, according to the SEC Corporate Governance and Finance Department (CGFD).

The CGFD found FCash

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activities recovery this year

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fficials of BPI Family Savings Bank are optimistic of their first variable amortization loan program called Step Up PayPlan after noting that lending activities have improved after the lockdown period.

In a virtual launch Wednesday, BPI Family Bank president Ma. Cristina Go said lending activities were affected by the government’s implementation of the enhanced com-

munity quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon from middle of March until end of April, which was extended until end of May for the National Capital Region (NCR).

She, however, said that “right after the ECQ, we saw a rise in lending activities as much as five times”.

“We are not yet back to pre-ECQ level. We are at around 60 percent of preECQ levels in terms of loan releases on regular housing

FBANK, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

On the Rodriguez family’s plan to file a Writ of Kalikasan and administrative cases if the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) pushes through with the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector without complying with all the requirements under the law:

We will exhaust administrative remedies to the end, first in the hope that DPWH will take a second and closer look. We do not want to stall the implementation of the project.”

Ramon Edison Batacan Lawyer, Rodriguez Family

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

FLOWERS AND THE 25TH NATIONAL SEAFARERS DAY IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC “Seafarers are keyworkers.

You are not alone. You are not forgotten”.

Despite the COVID19 pandemic, most of the holy masses held nationwide carried this theme in their homilies as part of the 25th National Seafarers Day (NSD) celebrated last Sunday, September 27, 2020, led by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS).

Wreathe and flower-throwing activities were also done for the deceased seafarers and fishers, as well as for those who have perished or missing at sea.

The flowers carry the message of love and gratitude as there is no distance of time or oceans but a mutual waiting for a reunion in peace.

A work of a seafarer is not exactly a walk in the park.

The job entails laborious manual tasks conducted in a moving ship, which makes for increased work-related stress aside from exposure to variant weather changes that may result in illnesses or injury to seafarers.

The shipping industry and seafaring profession are not without incident or peril where

some may go missing or die in maritime disasters.

The European Maritime Safety Agency declared in a report that, between 2011 and 2020, there were 745 work-related fatalities among maritime workers and nearly 9,000 persons injured, among other tragic statistics of this sector.

Former president Fidel V. Ramos earlier issued on July 9, 1996 Proclamation No. 828 declaring August 18 as NSD wherein the AoS was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in activities related to the celebration of the said event.

The purpose of the proclamation is to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country. Later, Proclamation No.1094 was issued in 1997 by President Ramos which moved NSD to every last Sunday of September every year.

The Philippines is considered as the major supplier of maritime labor globally as it is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to five complements on board a

vessel at any time.

The estimated 519,031 deployed Filipino seafarers in 2019 per POEA data remitted $6.539 billion or around P326.95 billion. The sea-based sector’s remittance comprise at least 22 percent of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The recent activities were attended by some family members of the 36 missing Filipino seafarers of the Panama-flagged livestock carrier GULF LIVESTOCK 1 that capsized in southwest Japan on September 2, 2020 during the typhoon Maysak.

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

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

The Japanese Coast Guard has found three crew members, two are alive while one was de-

clared dead-on-arrival at a hospital.

The AOS Philippines, through an open letter, made an urgent appeal to the Philippine Government to extend any assistance and/or to act on behalf of the heartbroken families to request the neighboring countries in conducting search and rescue within their scope of waters and islands.

“We have not lost hope and we hold on to God, relying on His mighty power for miracles.

Jesus said in the Bible, “Courage! Don’t be afraid. It’s me!”

(Matthew 14:27). We continue to pray that others may have somehow survived this tragic incident. Our thoughts and heartfelt empathy go out to all the family members and friends who are anticipating good news at home”, the AoS said.

Pope Francis earlier aired his concern on the challenges that are faced by maritime workers and their families in the midst of the pandemic adding that “without the people of the sea, many parts of the world would starve.”

People depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for

their sustenance as the fishing industry employs, directly or indirectly, more than 200 million people.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has urged governments to recognize seafarers as ‘key workers’ who ensure the flow of trade and the movement of vital medical supplies, safety equipment, food and other critical goods during the pandemic.

While delivering a key service to society, they face safety and health risks, and, increasingly physical and mental exhaustion.

“Hana ni ta magawid ayu nga mapmaphod tapnu muntitiggawan tuu” is the Ifugao translation of “We hope you come home safe so we could see each other again”, a message that Maya Addug-Sanchez wants her brother, Captain Dante Addug, along with the flowers, to receive and respond to.

(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!

STAYING IN HOTELS IN TIME OF COVID-19 In some parts of the country, staying at hotels and accommodation establishments have already been approved.

In this time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), what are some of the precautions should people observe should they opt to stay in such facilities?

As usual, the basic health precautions must be observed at all times, according to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). These are: · Wash all parts of your hands frequently (at least 20 seconds if using an alcohol-based hand rub, and at least 40 seconds with soap and water), including after exchanging objects such as money or credit cards. Before going into dining halls, restaurants or bars, look for hand sanitizer stations and use them. · Cover a cough or sneeze with a bent elbow or tissue, and throw away the tissue in a closed bin. · Maintain at least a meter distance from staff and other guests. This includes avoiding hugging, kissing, or shaking hands. If you can’t guarantee the distance, wear a mask. Be sure to check local and national guidelines on the use of masks.

What are some of the precautions you should observe while eating in a restaurant?

According to the United Na-

tions health agency, there is no evidence that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted by food, including fresh fruits and vegetables. The virus can be killed while cooking at a temperature of at least 70 degrees Centigrade.

Food buffets are highly discouraged, the WHO said, because of the risk of close physical contact with others, shared serving implements and multiple people touching the surface on the buffet.

“Indoor dining spaces should have a maximum of 4 people in 10 square meters,” the WHO suggests. “The distance from the back of one chair of another chair should be at least 1 meter apart for both indoor and outdoor dining, and guests that face each other should also be at least this distance.”

Another question: is it safe to use fans or air conditioning in an accommodation?

“Ventilation is an important factor in preventing the virus that causes COVID-19 from spreading,” the WHO points out. “Recirculated air from split air conditioning units, fan coils or any system that runs with a recirculation mode should be avoided where possible, unless in a single occupancy room with no one else present.”

If recirculation is unavoidable, increase outdoor air ex-

change by opening windows, if possible and safe to do so, and minimize air blowing from one person directly at another, the UN agency cautions.

“Floor and ceiling fans can provide ventilation when the people occupying the room are from the same household,” the WHO says, “but are not recommended when travellers from different households are together.”

There are people who are cautious of occupying a room that was occupied by other people fearing they would have the virus. Here’s what the WHO states: “Hotels and accommodations should have procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and ventilating the room properly between every guest’s stay.

These processes allow the accommodations to be used immediately afterward. If these procedures are followed, there is no need to leave the room empty between guests.”

Guests are advised to notify the facility manager if they develop symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, dry cough or tiredness. By doing so, the hotel can seek medical advice by contacting local health authorities.

“The guest should isolate themselves from others, including fellow travellers,” the WHO advises. “If the guest cannot be isolated or staff need to enter

the room, the ill person should put on a medical mask, and people nearby should also wear a mask. If the medical mask cannot be tolerated by the ill person, then he or she should cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or use tissues to cover the mouth, and discard the tissue immediately into a closed waste bag.”

The WHO advised staff at the accommodation establishment to contact the local health authorities and follow their instructions. “It is usually the relevant public health authority, not the management of the hotel and accommodation establishment, which has the authority to demand sick guests to temporarily remain in their room or to prevent them from receiving visits from other guests.”

Staff entering the room of an ill person are advised to maintain at least one-meter distance from the ill person and request that the ill person put on a medical mask. “If staff need to assist an ill guest within one-meter distance, they should clean their hands before putting on appropriate personal protective equipment (medical mask and eye protection, gloves and isolation gown), and clean their hands after providing assistance. Training should be provided on how to avoid contaminating themselves.”

Now, if staff develop symptoms while at home, they should stay at home and seek medical attention, “following instructions from a health worker that will include a period of time for self-isolation away from others, including family members.” The staff member should also inform the management accordingly.

If the hotel has a swimming pool, is it safe to use it? “Gym, beach, swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam bath facilities can be used safely with certain restrictions, as determined by national guidelines,” the WHO says.

In particular, guests should look for the following measures: · a maximum number of people allowed to ensure adequate physical distancing; · fabric mask policies required by local or national regulations; · hand washing stations, especially in the toilet and change room areas; · single use towels only; · a bin for guests to place their towel after use for laundering; · individual use drinking water; · tissues and waste containers with lids; and · high touch areas such as door handles disinfected regularly throughout the day.

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

PEOPLE

LEGACY LEISURE RESIDENCES BUILT BY DABAWENYOS FOR DABAWENYOS

THE SUCCESS of a business venture is knowing the sensitivities of its market. It’s a strength. To wear the same shoe and walk in it is an advantage.

Who else can relate to a Dabawenyo best than a fellow Dabawenyo.

Dabawenyos building homes for fellow Dabawenyos. Wesley Bangayan, VP for Marketing for Legacy Leisure Residences, and Clark Yap, VP of CrisRon Holiday Builders, Inc..

Behind Legacy Leisure Residence, the soon-to-rise vertical village along Ma-a, is CrisRon Holiday Builders, Inc. It’s a homegrown development company that merged two of Davao’s most respectable families in business. The joint venture, run by the next generation of entrepreneurs, may be new for two Davao families, but their individual achievements go decades back.

Their names are woven in the economic tapestry of Davao.

Between the two enterprising families is a list of successful undertakings in the fields of retail, food, entertainment, commercial trade, transportation, health, hospitality, to name a few.

What the market needed, they delivered, and always at an opportune time.

They are no strangers to real estate industry. Felcris Centrale, Holiday Oceanview Residences, Camp Holiday Resort, LinMar Apartelle and an ongoing project, Mt. Apo Tourist Inn, are some of the projects in their roster.

Operating the newest organization are two of the second generation businessmen— Clark Yap, who sits as the vice-president of CrisRon Holiday Builders, Inc., and Wesley Bangayan, taking charge as Legacy Leisure Clark Yap, Legacy Leisure Residences is a world-class Wesley Bangayan, Legacy Leisure is a unique and exciting community Residences’ vice-president for development, and we will guarantee the building of development that Davao will be proud of. marketing. more world-class communities in Davao.

Way before they earned their a unique undertaking—the shared Yap. At Legacy Leisure Residences business management degrees creation a wellness-focused, “Legacy Leisure Residences ‘breathing space’ will mean abroad, Clark Yap and Wesley will be built like it would be our roomy residences, vast amenity Bangayan started their training resort-like vertical village. The themed development will give own home. Being a local, we are areas and green expanse spread in the most unconventional the residents a life of comfort, aware what every Dabawenyo in almost 70% of the 2.8hectare way. Growing up, the sites of serenity and fun. It will be an wants when choosing a place to development. Resort-like will the operations were literally “everyday staycation” in the live in— privacy, a peaceful and mean having their very own their playground, shared center of the city. secure community, spacious Olympic size swimming pool, Yap. Unknowingly, tagging “The Bangayans have living environment, green spray park and zones for various along with their parents was constructed and run resorts and spaces to breath, essentials sports. sort of an apprenticeship. As while the Yaps have pioneered within easy reach. Ultimately, at “We are only utilizing 30% young men they were already the retail industry in Davao. best value, the future residents percent of the land area for exposed to the structures This new project will bring of the condominium project four residential towers. This and idiosyncrasies of the the island resort living to the will not just be investing on real means residents will be able companies. They grew up with center of the city and fuse it estate property and high-value to experience privacy when it and in it.

CrisRon Holiday Buidlers, with urban essentials to create amenities but on the quality of heading out to the vast outdoor Inc.’s maiden project will be an exciting living experience,” life, too,” he said. open space,” shared Wesley

Bangayan.

Having the developer and project contractor under one umbrella company extends an extra assurance for the investors. Quality of work will be guaranteed, each step of the construction will be closely monitored, all design details will be attended to and materials will be of the best quality. The attention to structural integrity will be unwavering.

“Our experience in the construction industry and the system involved in real estate development assure our buyers that Legacy Leisure Residences will be worth their trust,” stated Yap, adding, “As developers we will put the best foot forward because we want each and every project to be a showcase of what CrisRon Holiday Builder, Inc. can do. Legacy Leisure Residences is a worldclass development, and we will guarantee the building of more world-class communities in Davao where residents will be proud of their investment.”

Bangayan added, “We believe that building Legacy Leisure Residences is best done with having the heart and sensitivity of a local, of a soon-to-be resident. Trust us Dabawenyos to build better homes for fellow Dabawenyos to live in.”

VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

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pects tuna trading to return to normal operations or profits once the battle against the COVID-19 becomes triumphant and sustained by governments across the globe.

With domestic and international flights becoming available, Gonzales said that about five tuna exporters have so far resumed business operations at the fish port complex here.

But, he added, they are just half of the number of

exporters that operated before the pandemic that almost paralyzed the local economy.

Before the pandemic, the exporters shipped fresh tuna abroad almost every day, but now that is no longer the case due to the limited international flights in Manila, Gonzales said.

Aside from chilled shipment, fresh tuna stocks are also bought by manufacturers for processing into

frozen loins for the foreign and domestic markets.

The value of fresh, chilled and frozen tuna was pegged at $57.89 million annually prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, data from the Soccsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. showed.

The tuna industry employs at least 120,000 people in General Santos, touted as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” and

neighboring areas.

Of this number, some 71,000 are engaged in handline fishing, usually catching yellowfin tuna, according to the handline sector’s earlier estimates.

Handline fishing employs the traditional hook and line method to catch tuna.

Canned tuna production is the other major sector of the local tuna industry. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

and regular auto loans but we definitely have seen a very promising trajectory and we hope that we can continue on that growth trajectory such that by year end, we will not be as low during ECQ,” she added.

Go said this makes them confident for the strong uptake for their latest loan program, adding their partner brokers, car dealers, and property developers

are looking forward to some form of support from the banking industry to provide the needed assistance for people to still buy properties and vehicles.

“And so we are very confident that this product will help our developers, brokers, and dealers get needed clients so that these clients can afford their dreams,” she said.

The Step Up PayPlan

allows borrowers for varied payments annually, starting with the smallest value in the first year and increases as the loan matures.

For an auto loan, the minimum amount is PHP500,000 with a fiveyear term and payable via auto-debit.

Borrowers are required to cover at least 15 percent of their unit cost as down

payment to qualify for the loan.

For housing loans, the minimum amount is PHP1 million, payable in 10 years or more through auto-debit arrangement.

Borrowers can choose a lock-in period in their interest rate in three, five, or 10-year increments and they need to cover at least 10 percent of the property’s total cost. (PNA)

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-9-365 (2015-XI-00365) JENNIFER M. SIMBANAN, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-9-1375 (2001-XI-01375) JOENIE BURLAZA BAGUIO, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-UV-2020-9-826 (2015-XI-00826) TIMOTEO M. SINSANO, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-UV-2020-9-902 (2016-XI-00902) ALAN A. LADRA, Petitioner.

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: TALOMO and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on February 1, 2021. In the petition filed on September 16, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 13, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 17th day of September 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: PANABO CITY DAVAO CITY VIA BUHANGIN and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on October 10, 2021. In the petition filed on September 15, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 14, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 16th day of September 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY - LAAK (DAVAO DE ORO) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on November 12, 2020. In the petition filed on September 18, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 14, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 21st day of September 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY - CATEEL (DAVAO ORIENTAL) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on June 29, 2021. In the petition filed on September 11, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 13, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 14th day of September 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

BANK... FROM5

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL ORDINARY REGULAR Service.

x----------------------------------------------------x

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Jennifer M. Simbanan Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular Service.

x----------------------------------------------------x

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Joenie Burlaza Baguio Counsel, Atty. Alejandro A. Cobol

NEWS 9

EDGEDAVAO

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service.

x----------------------------------------------------x

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Timoteo M. Sinsano Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde, Jr.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service.

x----------------------------------------------------x

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Alan A. Ladra Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco

GCash, Paymaya waive bank transfer fees until Nov. 1

M

obile wallet services GCash and PayMaya will not be collecting bank transfer fees next month as they earlier announced.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the two e-money giants will instead resume collecting electronic bank transfer using Instapay on Nov. 1.

Other banks, meanwhile, said they will hold off on the transfer fees until the end of the year.

Banks waived these fees since the start of the COVID-19 lockdowns in March to encourage clients to use electronic banking channels instead of visiting bank branches. This was seen as a measure to help check the spread of COVID-19.

Mobile wallet service users have accused the two firms of taking advantage of the pandemic after BSP earlier said digital transactions grew exponentially during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

However, the managing director of BSP's financial technology sub-sector, Vicente de Villa III, said in an interview the e-money giants have been mulling to collect bank transfer fees even before the pandemic.

"But as time went on, mayroon silang mga operating costs na kailangan ma-maintain. Alam niyo ho, 'pag pumupunta tayo sa mga loading outlets, 'di ba ang e-wallet nilo-load sa mga outlets, sa mga ibaibang tindahan? Whether convenience store or saan man. Sinisingil 'yun e. Sinisingil sila ng mga outlets na 'to. Sinisingil 'yung mga e-wallet providers," De Villa said.

(But as time went on, they amassed operating costs which they need to maintain. You know, when we go to loading outlets, we load up our e-wallets in outlets, different stores right? Whether convenience store or wherever. That's being charged.

That's being charged by these outlets. They are charging e-wallet providers.)

De Villa said operating fees have gone up since e-wallets since outlets and different stores increased their charges for online transfer providers.

He said e-wallet firms postponed collecting transfer fees when the pandemic struck the Philippines in January, when they were supposed to start collecting them.

remained partially closed to bring back more jobs and income opportunities that will re-stimulate demand and consumer confidence,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez told the Philippine News Agency in a text message.

Lopez added that it is crucial to keep the aggressive programs to enforce health protocols in workplaces for the country to continue the reopening of the economy.

On the other hand, HIS Markit reported that employment was still down in September, extending the trend of declining workforce numbers to seven months.

It attributed this to voluntary resignations, sufficient capacity levels, and cost-saving measures.

Higher production

cost was also registered in September due to higher transportation costs, material shortages, and Covid-19-related surcharges from suppliers.

“Manufacturers had some difficulty passing on higher costs to clients due to tough market competition, however, with factory gate charges rising only marginally,” IHS Markit said.

Manufacturers’ outlook for the next 12 months was the highest since February.

“On a more hopeful note, stronger business sentiment and efforts to rebuild stocks suggest panelists are preparing for improvement in demand over the coming months, although optimism continues to rest on the development of the pandemic,” Patel said. (PNA)

PH... FROM4

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF STATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late QUERINO E. EMPIS who died on August 12, 2006 at Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.178; PageNo.37; Book No.2 Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.ROLAND A. REYES 9/2,7,14/20

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VOL.13 ISSUE 149 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

Batacan also cited the earlier comprehensive study by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) where the bridge alignment has already been identified.

“At a shorter distance and at a lesser cost,” he said.

The same JICA study was also the basis of the Metro Davao Urban Masterplan undertaken and completed last year by the founder and principal architect of Palafox Associates in partnership with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and several local government units (LGUs).

“While the government spent money on the fore-

going study and plan, Arup and ADPWH sadly arbitrarily chose Paradise Island because the land according to them is vacant without really taking into consideration the environmental cost,” he said.

The Rodriguez family, who owns Paradise Island and Beach Resort and the Costa Marina Beach Resort in Samal, has requested DPWH for the re-alignment in view of its adverse environmental impacts. They even offered the land adjacent to the old shipyard, now Bridgeport-a JICA recommended landing site to DPWH as it is the cheapest,

shortest, and least environmentally burdensome alignment.

“I’d like to emphasize for fear of being misunderstood that the Rodriguez and Lucas families are not oppose to the implementation of the SIDC project. They are supportive of the project it being part of the Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration. But rather they want to ensure a successful implementation by taking into full consideration the compliance with all the mandatory legal, ecological and environmental requirements of the law.

As a show of support, they

are even willing to donate a piece of property near the old shipyard in Samal at less cost to the government and this alone is one factor to consider to take a second look at the proposed alignment,” Batacan said.

Batacan also emphasized that it is not just a matter of constructing the bridge but doing it right too.

“Why is there seeming haste here? DPWH is relentless in its PR campaign, left and right together with Arup and both are not giving the correct and bigger picture. Mukhang nagmamadali silang lahat but at whose expense?” he added.

entry point from May 4 to September 15.

“Ito po sila ay hindi lang yan siya para sa mga dokumentadong OF’s, meron din pong nakasama na mga undocumented, pero binigyan din po natin sila ng assistance. Kasama na po yung ating sweepers flight na ina-arrange mula sa central office doon po sa OWWA,”

she elaborated.

Batican said that they have also been receiving requests for assistance from stranded OFs abroad due to lockdowns, end of contracts and loss of jobs.

She mentioned that a lot of cases involved the domestic helpers whose contracts have ended but can’t go home yet because of the

lockdowns and because their employers will not allow them to go without replacement.

She said that those who requested facilitation of their return have been endorsed to their respective embassy to negotiate with their employers and to remind the employers of their responsibilities.

“Sa ngayon, ito po yung ating protocols,” Batican stated.

OWWA-XI’s continued assistance and support to the OFs and their families in the midst of the pandemic has been a timely contribution to celebrate the 28th National Family Week from September 21-30. (PIA-XI/ Carina Cayon)

several complaints for unreasonable, abusive, and unfair practices that lending and financing companies used in order to collect debt from borrowers.

FCash in its defense said it should not be charged with violation of SEC MC 18 as loan transactions were consummated before the circular became

effective.

However SEC CGFD said that FCash was bound to follow the SEC MC 18 at the time of its effect with respect to new and existing loan accounts, insofar as the latter remain pending and demandable.

“In any case, even before the effectivity of SEC MC 18, there was neither

right nor obligation on the respondent’s part to harass or employ abusive tactics in conducting its collection. It is basic that in the exercise of rights and performance of duties, one must act with justice, give everyone his due and observe honesty and good faith.” Read the decision of the SEC CGFD.

The SEC has remained steadfast in stamping out abusive and predatory lending and financing companies, while enjoining the public to be cautious and mindful of their transactions with entities representing themselves as lending or financing companies. (PIA RG Alama with reports from SEC)

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FOR UNFAIR... FROM5

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by the House lawmakers.

"So the person who would want to lead the House, the person who would like to be the primus inter pares, should also assert himself and lead Congress. In this case, a simple motion to declare the office vacant would pave the way if indeed they have the votes to transfer the leadership of the House," he said.

DEFIANCE OF DUTERTE ORDER? Defensor said as a matter of principle, "Congress is really independent of the executive," but he acknowledged that Cayetano, Velasco, and Martin Romualdez--an erstwhile candidate for the speakership and now Majority Floor Leader-sought Duterte's "open support" on who should lead the chamber.

"Ang unang tanong ko is do we talk about the country based on a gentleman’s agreement...Hindi ba dapat pag-usapan

ngayong pinag-uusapan ang budget, what are the things that have to be implemented, amended in the budget?" he said.

He added, whoever will replace Cayetano should be able to lead the House "through this turmoil."

"If we agree that Speaker Alan is the best in this situation, then let’s vote on that. If we say Lord Velasco is capable of doing that and I’m sure his supporters are saying that, then let’s debate on it," he said.

Asked if he thinks Velasco is not competent enough for the position, Defensor said he has not worked with Velasco and has only seen him once where they exchanged greetings.

"There should have been a working relationship, Cong. Lord should have been working with us, talking with us. Those who are part of the active committees," he said.

the terms when finally approved by the MB,” he added.

The BSP Charter authorizes the central bank to lend to the national government an amount that is equivalent to 20 percent of the latter’s average revenues in the past three years, which to date is about PHP540 billion.

Last March, the BSP

extended PHP300-billion financing to the national government through a repurchase agreement.

The fund was used to purchase government securities from the Bureau of the Treasury and proceeds were used to boost the government’s budget for programs aimed to address the impact of the pandemic. (PNA)

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11

De Los Santos captures 12th gold in online kata

J

ames De Los Santos of the Philippines scored another gold medal after ruling the online Venice Cup. The former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist defeated Nejc Sternisa of Slovenia, 25.2-23.7, in the final to clinch his 12th gold medal for the year.

The result brings De Los Santos closer to the top spot in the world rankings especially that the current number one online karateka right now, Portugal's Eduardo Garcia, exited early into

the competition.

Garcia dropped a slim 23.7-23.9 decision in the Round of 16 to Hugh Connolly of Ireland, who lost to Sternisa in the quarterfinals by a small margin as well.

De Los Santos, on the other hand, had a free ride to the final after his supposed semifinal opponent, Matias Moreno of Switzerland, begged off due to an illness.

De Los Santos earlier beat Canada's Scott Taylor and Luxembourg's Kevin Petry. (PNA)

Dragic suffers foot injury

Dabawenyo boxing champ Jerwin Ancajas with trainer Joven JImenez.

Ancajas hopes to get a fight before year ends

D

abawenyo world champion Jerwin Ancajas is now in Los Angeles after flying in on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).

Hopes are high the Panabo City native will finally be able to fight before the year ends.

Ancajas and trainer Joven Jimenez were met at the Tom Bradley International Airport by MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons, sports portal SPIN.ph re-

ported on its website.

According to the report, Ancajas had a standby fight against Jonathan Rodriguez of Mexico in defense of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-flyweight crown.

But plans fell through with the outbreak of COVID-19.

Top Rank Promotions Chairman Bob Arum told the Ancajas camp he wants to see the champion in the flesh first before he rolls the dice.

Gibbons said Ancajas is ready to fight any time.

“A lot of boxers have a dinosaur mentality of waiting for that phone call when they’re fighting. Jerwin everyday life is boxing,” said the MP Promotions executive. “So I don’t foresee any ring rust because the guy is working every single

day. I think he’s gonna be great, I think he’s gonna be sharp. We just want to really get a date this year, that’s the key.”

Ancajas has already been doing eight-round sparring prior to departure, according to Jimenez.

The Filipino world champion hopes he’ll be able to fight once before the year ends. He hasn’t fought since December of 2019 following a sixth round demolition of Miguel Gonzalez in Mexico.

T

he Miami Heat absorbed multiple blows in the opener of the title series, with Goran Dragic suffering a foot injury.

The Miami guard has a torn plantar fascia in his left foot, according to reports. The Slovenian guard had six points and three assists in 14 minutes before leaving the game.

Miami was overpowered by the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One of the NBA Finals, 116-98, on Wednesday in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (Thursday, Manila time).

Injuries made the night worse, with Bam Adebayo also leaving the game in the third quarter after aggravating a left shoulder injury.

Jimmy Butler grimaces in pain after rolling his ankle in Game 1.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

RONDO LIKELY ONLY PLAYER TO WIN NBA RINGS AS CELTIC AND LAKER One nil in LA’s favor.

Drawing first blood in a hohum of a championship opener (116-98), what gives the seven-game finals series some kind of significance is the thought that Rajon Rondo could likely be the first NBA player to wear another ring as a Laker and as an ex-Celtic should Los Angeles romp away with the 2020 trophy.

Traditionally, it is the practice or the pride of each of this rival camps not to hire or pirate a player that has worn the archrival’s uniform.

The jersey of each ball club is a “hated” basketball item. Or any accessory for that matter.

Nobody in his right mind proudly suits in a Celtic uniform in Los Angeles during a heated championship series in the same fashion no one dresses in a Laker jacket during a cold playing day

in Boston. “Beat LA! Beat LA!” is the chorus they yell in Boston.

But Rondo, turned into a journeyman after long ago waved by the Celtics, got favorable notices from Laker management as the point guard likely to give Lebron James a sound working partnership in the run up to a championship opportunity after missing the glory days for some ten years.

The Lakers realized that they needed to give up young talented point guard Lonzo Ball to make adequate leeway for a JamesRondo-AD triumvirate because experience was “THE” integral ingredient to win back the NBA crown.

Although hounded by injuries including a fractured thumb that sidelined him for 6 weeks, Rondo swung back into disciplined, spartan action to reward

Los Angeles with another favorable championship stint.

Davis hit 34, James put in 23 and a triple double and Rondo provided leadership in the backcourt with Alex Caruso and Danny Green to turn the game around for this unlikely rout.

As for Miami, it is unfortunate that high-scoring Goran Dragic won’t see any further action in the East-West duel vs the Lakers because of a torn ligament. Dragic usually contributes in double figures, averaging 21 pts in playoff matches.

Which means, the rest of the Heat must have to step up to ease the coaching worries of Eric Spoelstra, erstwhile mentor of James.

Jimmy Butler is the only reliable that Miami relies on offensively speaking.

I think Laker bench strategist

Frank Vogel would want to finish the series in four.

Well, I predicted a 4-1 triumph for LA but as things are settling down, maybe a four game sweep – if not inevitable – could be achieved.

Spoelstra, a Fil-Am, must be terribly disappointed with his boys in stark contrast to the quiet but luminous confidence of Vogel.

Of course, we will not ignore a comeback for the Heat as the NBA finals have become as unpredictable as the contemporary weather.

Spoelstra, the protégé of former Laker mentor Pat Riley (my fave NBA debonair coach), will likely bamboozle his wards to get more aggressive – turn them into “war-freaks,” if necessary – to avoid getting into a grim 2-0 hole.

Defense – “D” – is the key against James and company.

As a Laker fan, I have personally seen Riley coach in action, his fiery and positive enthusiasm and energy rubbing on his boys during the era of AKJ, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Kurt Rambis, Cooper, et al at the Forum.

Truth to tell, I am not as excited as I should be because the shouting, the taunting and trash talking from the thousands of fanatic fans are not present. The matches appear very dull and dry, looking more like exhibition matches.

Hopefully, next season should be different - the ambiance and environment included.

No more Covid virus, no more fears. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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TWO-HEADED MONSTER. The Lakers got 34 points from Anthony Davis and 25 from Lebron James in their Game 1 rout.

RUNAWAY TRAIN

Lakers turn tight game into a blowout to win Game 1 AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — LeBron James finally

L

got an easy Game One in the NBA Finals.

A very easy one, at that.

Anthony Davis scored 34 points in his finals debut, James had 25 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled past the Miami Heat, 116-98, on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

The Heat left beaten and battered.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13 points, Danny Green had 11 and Alex Caruso finished with 10 for the Lakers.

They returned to the finals for the first time in a decade and sent a very clear message. James’ teams had been 1-8 in Game One of past finals, with losses in each of the last seven openers.

Not this one.

“We kind of picked it up on both ends of the floor,” Davis said.

Jimmy Butler fought through a twisted left ankle to score 23 points for Miami. The Heat lost point guard Goran Dragic at halftime to a left foot injury and saw All-Star center Bam Adebayo leave in the third quarter after apparently aggravating a left shoulder problem.

Kendrick Nunn scored 18 points for the Heat, Tyler Herro had 14 and Jae Crowder 12. Adebayo was held to eight points in 21 minutes, and Miami went with subs for a fourth-quarter burst that turned a total rout into something only slightly more palatable in terms of final margin.

Game Two is Friday night.

The Lakers did whatever they wanted. They outrebounded Miami 54-36, led by as many as 32 points, and made 15 3-pointers — a big number for a team that doesn’t necessarily count on piling up that many points from beyond

the arc. They’re 21-3 this season when making at least 14 3-pointers.

The only stretch that provided hope for Miami came in the first six minutes.

The Heat scored on six consecutive possessions in what became a 13-0 run to take a 23-10 lead midway through the opening period.

So, the first six minutes were fine for Miami.

Everything else was all Lakers.

The simplest way to sum up what happened over the rest of the opening half is this: Lakers 55, Heat 25. The Lakers came into Game One ranked 21st out of the 22 teams that spent time in the bubble from 3-point range, making only 33.6% of their tries from deep at Disney. They were the only team in the postseason to have two games shooting less than 25% on 3s.

Perhaps they were due. The Lakers went 9-for-11 on 3’s in the final 16 minutes of the first half. Of the nine Lakers who played in the first two quarters, eight tried a 3-pointer — and all eight made at least one.

They closed the first quarter on a 19-3 run. Herro banked in a 3-pointer from a sharp angle for a 43-41 Miami lead with 7:33 left in the half, and then the Lakers took off again, this time on a 24-5 burst to go into the break with a 65-48 lead.

And if things weren’t already bad enough for Miami, the Heat determined at the half that Dragic — playing in his first finals game — couldn’t keep going in Game One because of a left foot injury.

The Lakers started the third on another run, this one 18-3, and the rout was officially underway.