Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 232 | Saturday, January 16, 2021

MARINE TURTLES ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION

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NO LET UP

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A worker washes one of the newly delivered bicycles at an establishment selling used bikes from Japan along Dacudao Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

With or without new strain, Sara orders consistent strict enforcement of the health protocols STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 232 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021

NO LET UP

President Rodrigo Duterte says he again cautioned his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio not to follow in his footsteps, noting this time that being a president is not a woman’s job. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

With or without new strain, Sara orders consistent strict enforcement of the health protocols

By MAYA M. PADILLO

W

hether the new strain of Covid-19 is already in the Philippines or not, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio stressed that Dabawenyos will follow the same standard health protocols being implemented by the city government of Davao.

The mayor also stressed that consistent strict enforcement of the said protocols is important with or without the threat of the new strain of Covid-19.

“We do not know kung naa na dinhi or wala pa ang new variant because genome sequencing is not regularly done before. Whatever the variant, protocols would be the same. More important ang consistent strict enforcement of the protocols,” she said in a text message.

She added that the strict implementation of the pro-

tocols does not depend on the presence of the new variant.

"It should be strict everyday whether or not naay bag-ong variant o wala because sa variant that we have before is dangerous enough for us to be strict everyday," she said.

The Department of Health (DOH) issued a statement on January 13, 2021, confirming the detection of the B.1.1.7. SARS-CoV-2 variant (UK variant) in the country after samples from a Filipino who arrived from the United Arab Emirates

(UAE) on January 7 yielded positive genome sequencing results.

Meanwhile, Davao City Health Covid-19 focal person Dr. Ashley Lopez specimens of patients tested positive of Covid-19 this January were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to check if the new variant is already present in the said samples through genomic test and to ensure that these patients are not carriers of the new variant.

Lopez said this is in anticipation of the possible entry of new variant in Davao City, “We have to submit specimens to RITM to perform genomic test para mahibal-an kung ang strain sa virus is a new variant or an original virus. We are submitting specimens tested this January to undergo the genomic test,” said Lopez.

On the other hand, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reported on January 15, 2021 that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has approved the recommendation to extend until January 31, 2021 the entry travel restrictions and the rules applicable to all travelers coming from or transiting through the following countries/jurisdictions: The United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Israel, The Netherlands, The People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Switzerland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, South Africa, Canada, Spain, United States of America, Portugal, India, Finland, Norway, Jordan, Brazil, Austria, Pakistan, Jamaica, Luxembourg, and Oman.

Baste urges barangays to submit FM pass masterlist

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ice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte urged barangays to submit a masterlist for the distribution of the new Food and Medicine (FM) pass before the end of January this year in the hope.

The vice mayor said from 182 barangays, there are 132 barangays that have submitted their masterlists. The target is to finish the distribution before the end of the month as well.

“Mas maayo kung makapasa na sila ug masterlist before mahuman ang January. Hopefully mahuman ang January mahuman na ang distribution,” he said.

The office of the Vice Mayor already started the distribution of FM pass first week of December last year.

Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta authored FM Pass ordinance for accessing essential goods.

Section 2 of the ordinance provides that each FM pass must contain names of two individuals but only either person can use it at any given time to buy food and/or medicines, and must be accompanied with a valid ID to verify the name indicated.

“Bag-o ni karon in terms sa kadako sa iyang control number kay para

kung ipakita nimo pareho sauna kung ipakita nimo sa mga pulis kinahanglan muduol karon mas dako na. Visible bisan unsa ka layo ang naka-rehistrado na control number. Ang data ani naa sa barangay.

Kinahanglan mahibaw-an sa mga tao na kung natahatagan sila ug control number sa FM pass kinahanglan taguan ni nila kay kining control number kay mao na gyud ni ang control number sa duha ka members sa household. Kung mawala ang FM pass dili muhatag ang barangay ug VMO,” Duterte said.

Among provisions of the said ordinance is a fine of P5,000 against any person who will be caught changing any important information in the FM pass such as the names of the holder or the control number, producing fake FM pass, and using any tampered or forged FM pass.

“Ngano naay bag-ong FM pass? Ang unang mga FM pass daghan na nangawala ug daghan FM pass na wala na account ang mga control numbers ug matagak useless ang control number. Ang uban gina-peke ang karaan na FM pass mao na nag print ta ug bag-ong FM pass. Karon controlled and monitored na ang FM pass,” he said.

Maya Padillo

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 232 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021

Davao Oriental youth group strategizes peace initiatives

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ati-based youth organization called Lumon Community has undergone planning workshop to map out strategic activities in year 2021 to sustain its initiatives of helping disadvantaged communities in far-flung areas.

Its Roadmap Strategic Planning and ELCAC Capacity Building was held on January 9-10, 2021 at the 701st Infantry Brigade, Sitio Magay, Brgy. Don Martin Marandan, City of Mati, Davao Oriental.

The activity was conducted to further hone the leadership capacities of its volunteers and enable them to create “systematic blueprints” for its whole year peace-related activities.

The planning and capacity-building activity was

also aimed at strengthening the foundation towards achieving and realizing the Vision, Mission, and Goals of Lumon Community picking up “brilliant ideas” from youth participants.

Tackled on the first day was the Agribusiness for the Young Entrepreneurs discussed by the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) “to guide the volunteers in building sustainable enterprise to sustain the operation of the youth organization.

Afterwhich, Balay Mindanaw‘s representative Jonard Albopera motivated volunteers thru his story-telling on how his organization has grown in its decade of extending com-

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NEWS 3

New LTFRB 11 RD to meet with bus firms for city’s HBPS project

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ewly-installed regional director of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 11 (LTFRB 11) Nonito “Dondon” Llanos III said the planned interim bus project, the early phase of the Davao City’s High Priority Bus System (HPBS), will be his immediate priority.

Llanos said he will be focusing on the existing programs of the department specifically on the collaboration with the city government of Davao such as the HBPS. In fact, he will be meeting with the management of the two bus companies, Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation and the Bach-

elor Express Inc, a Mindanao-based bus company, for the said project on Tuesday.

The two bus firms are bidding for Davao City’s interim bus service.

“It was mentioned to me by my technical head na sila daw ang takers, so I presume pasada na but I still need to check the specifics

so that I will be able to give verified information,” Llanos said in a text message.

The project aims to replace all jeepneys along major roads. The Metro Shuttle Corp. is applying for one of the initial three routes up for bidding covering Catalunan Grande-downtown, while the Bachelor Express bid to serve the Toril-Downtown route.

Llanos, who was also the concurrent regional director of LTFRB- Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office (LTFRB-RFRO 11), was installed early this month with the installation ceremony held at the new LTFRB 11 Building in Libby

to certain groups of beneficiaries.

Furthermore, NHA Regional Manager Engr.

Cabiles said that this partnership aims to foster urban development in the province which the NHA has committed to build a “culture of quality” in these projects.

As such, Governor Dayanghirang expressed his gratitude and showed enthusiasm for the new housing project set to be given to the former rebels.

The completed and on-going housing projects amounting to P1.73B include the Pablo Calamity Housing, Siyudad in Dahi-

can, Congress-Heights, Indigenous People’s Dormitory, and homes for former rebels.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was also attended by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict

Road, Puan, Davao City. The ceremony was graced by LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III, LTO Regional Director Neil Caňedo and HPG Regional Director Police Colonel Bobby Abao.

The new building, which has an area of 7,024 square meters, features a 4-storey office building, PUV Drivers Academy Hall, sealing/resealing area, inspection and impounding area.

The new office building is set to be operational by January 18, 2021.

With these new facility, LTFRB 11 looks forward to provide a better and more convenient public service to its transport stakeholders.

DavOr, NHA to strengthen social housing projects

T

he Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the National Housing Authority (NHA) Region XI have agreed to strengthen the social housing projects in the province.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between NHA-XI Region-

al Manager, Engr. Zenaida M. Cabiles, and Provincial Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang at the Provincial Capitol yesterday, January 12, 2021.

According to the Provincial Information Office, this was done in support of the government’s endeavors to provide homes

(PTF-ELCAC) Vice Chairman and the Provincial Housing Focal Person Mr. Ednar Dayanghirang and NHA provincial officers serving as witnesses of the said understanding. (Shaye Dacles/PIO PIO Davao Oriental and Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)

Duterte tells daughter Sara: President not a woman’s job

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he again cautioned his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio not to follow in his footsteps, noting this time that being a president is not a woman's job.

"Sabi ko (I said), 'My daughter is not running'. I have told Inday not to run kasi naawa ako sa dadaanan niya na dinaanan ko (I told Inday not to run because I feel bad for her that she would have the same experience that I had). Hindi ito pambabae (This is not meant for women)," Duterte said during the inauguration of the Skyway Stage 3.

Duterte made the state-

ment while expressing his frustration over corruption in the government.

"The emotional setup of a woman and a man is totally different. Maging g*go ka dito (You will be foolish here). That's the sad story," he added.

The presidential daughter recently topped a survey for possible presidential bets in 2022. However, Duterte-Carpio herself said in an interview that she would want to have her name removed from similar surveys in the future.

Duterte also said during the event that he is hoping his successor would be "forceful and resolute" to address corruption in the

government.

In 2019, Duterte said he regretted running for the highest position in the country due to the problems he was facing.

This is not the first time Duterte discouraged his daughter from gunning for the presidency. He told Sara last year that she should let go any plans of running unless she believes she can improve everyone's lives.

Duterte also said back then that her daughter won't get rich from being president.

The Philippines only had two female presidents in history: Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

tation in Sitio Bong Sbang, Barangay Danlag at around 6:30 a.m., Siason said.

He identified the alleged cultivator of the marijuana plantation as Jimben Sinaya, who managed to elude the arresting team.

The team brought down some marijuana plants that will be used as evidence to file violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the official said.

This was not the first time that authorities busted a marijuana plantation in

Tampakan town.

In October 2019, authorities uprooted some 38,500 mature marijuana plants with an estimated street value of P7.7 million.

The latest and the 2019 marijuana busts are both within the mines tenement site of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), operator of the largest known undeveloped copper and gold minefield in Southeast Asia.

SMI has been cooperating with authorities to flush out illegal activities within its mining tenement. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

P2.6-M worth of marijuana plants busted in SoCot

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National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. says the government, alongside local government

units (LGUs) and the private sector, are working together to ramp up efforts in vaccine procurement.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

uthorities busted another big marijuana plantation in Tampakan, South Cotabato Thursday morning, a top police official said.

Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police director, said the joint operatives uprooted 13,000 fully-grown marijuana plants with an estimated street value of P2.6 million.

The team composed of the police, military and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency raided the marijuana plan-

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

An empty environmentally sustainable Business for Environmentally Sustainable Transformation (BEST) Bus traverses along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Friday. A month after the BEST Bus was launched, although it offers

VOL.13 ISSUE 232 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021

free ride, it has not yet gain popularity among Dabawenyos due to a requirement that passengers need to register to the BEST Pass QR Code. Edge Davao

AirAsia Group expands S e-com platform into PH

Car sales down 39.5% in 2020

T

he AirAsia Group on Thursday announced the expansion of its e-commerce platform, AirAsia Shop, into the Philippines.

In a virtual presser, Group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said he does not intend to compete with e-commerce giants Shopee and Lazada, as the AirAsia Shop is focused on beauty, health and wellness, and fashion products, as well as exclusive merchandise.

To date, there are two local retail groups in the shop --AirAsia Philippines

and Regent Asia.

Airasia.com head of Ancillary Commercial Rose Lam said the Philippines is the first country of expansion for the AirAsia Shop platform after Malaysia.

"The Philippines has a bigger market potential.

Metro Manila alone has 12 million population, compared to Kuala Lumpur's population of about 7 million," she said.

The Group envisions the AirAsia Shop to be an "Asean travel and retail shopping platform that redefines duty free products," she added.

Customers may choose in-flight delivery, pick up at the airport, or have the products delivered to their doorsteps.

Lam said they are offering unlimited free delivery within Metro Manila, with no minimum purchase.

She also bared plans for the Group to launch the AirAsia Shop in Thailand and Indonesia in the first and second quarter of 2021.

Meanwhile, Karen Chan,

airasia.com chief executive officer, said they will welcome local merchants who would like to partner with them.

"We are now onboarding different merchants. We welcome any distributor or merchants who would like to open their doors for us," she said.

Chan added the AirAsia Shop in Malaysia where the Group is headquartered has 60 merchants.

Locals may access the AirAsia Shop via the AirAsia app, or website, airasia. com/shop-ph. (PNA)

ward trend in oil prices, the Federal Reserve's Beige Book that gauges economic conditions dashed hopes brought by the arrival of the vaccines and increased uncertainties.

“Although the prospect of Covid-19 vaccines has bolstered business optimism for 2021 growth, this has been tempered by concern over the recent virus resurgence and the implications for near-term business conditions,” the report said.

However, a large draw-

further price declines.

Commercial crude oil inventories in the US dropped by 3.2 million barrels last week, relative to the market expectation of a 2.7 million-barrel draw.

Investors are now focusing on expectations of greater economic support in the US coronavirus relief package later on Thursday, when President-elect Joe Biden is expected to announce details of his pledge to give “trillions of dollars” after he takes office on Jan. 20. (Anadolu)

ales of local vehicle assemblers declined by 39.5 percent for the full year of 2020, the joint report of Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed.

Vehicle sales of CAMPI and TMA last year dropped to 223,793 units from 369,941 units in 2019.

The volume of passenger cars sold in 2020 decreased by 36.2 percent to 69,638 units from 109,197 units sold in 2019. This segment comprised 32 percent of vehicle sales in the previous year.

Commercial vehicles, comprising 68 percent of the total sales in 2020, recorded a larger decline in sales.

This segment sold 154,155 units in 2020, down by 40.9 percent from

2019’s sales volume of 260,744 units.

All sub-segments of commercial vehicles also recorded double-digit decrements.

Light commercial vehicle sales dropped by 43.2 percent to 116,858 units in 2020 from 205,805 units in the past 12 months.

Asian utility vehicles sold 29,085 units last year, 28.8 lower than the 40,838 units sold in 2019.

Sales of light trucks likewise declined by 43.5 percent to 4,469 units from 7,915 units.

Trucks and buses category four decreased its sales by 40.8 percent to 2,831 units from 4,779 units sold a year ago, while category five also dropped by 35.2 percent to 912 units from 1, 407 units in 2019.

The industry associa-

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Oil prices slightly down over lingering demand concerns Economist forecasts 25 bps il prices were slight- after it ended the previous percent effective. down in US crude oil inly down on Thurs- session at USD52.91 a barAdding to the down- ventories last week capped cut in BSP rates this quarter

O

day over lingering demand concerns, as hopes for an economic recovery boosted by the vast vaccine campaigns were put on hold after confusing results about the efficacy of the vaccines.

International benchmark Brent crude was trading at USD56.02 per barrel at 06 GMT for a 0.07-percent rise after closing Wednesday at USD56.06 a barrel.

American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at USD52.90 per barrel at the same time for a 0.02-percent increase

rel.

Oil prices recorded a limited decline after countries reported different rates on the efficacy of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech.

Several countries, including Indonesia, Turkey and Singapore, have placed orders for the vaccine.

While Brazil said the Chinese vaccine CoronaVac has an efficacy rate of just over 50 percent, the results in Turkey showed that the vaccine is 91.25

A

n economist forecasts another 25 basis points cut in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key rates either in February or March as part of the central bank’s bid to help in the economy’s recovery.

“As soon as the fourth-quarter GDP (gross domestic product) comes out, which is expected to be negative, there will be a reason to ease up further,” Dr. Victor Abola, UA&P economist, said during the First Metro Investment Corporation’s (FMIC) annual economic and capital markets briefing Thursday.

Abola said the possible cut will also depend on the inflation figure, which he forecasts to decline below 2 percent next month.

He said a cut in the central bank’s key rates is more likely than a reduction in banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR).

Last year, BSP’s key rates were slashed by a total of 200 basis points in a bid to encourage banks to lend more and ensure that economic activities remain robust amidst the pandemic.

To date, the central bank’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is at

FECONOMIST, P10

EDGEDAVAO

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ECONOMY 5

Motorized boats are docked at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City waiting for passengers in a quiet Friday morning. Edge Davao

Cash remittances hit $2.38 billion in Nov.

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ash remittances from overseas Filipinos rose 0.3 percent to $2.379 billion in November last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Thursday.

From January to November 2020, cash remittances totaled $27.013 billion, representing a decrease of 0.8 percent from the $27.231 billion registered in the same period last year, the BSP said.

Cash remittances from Saudi Arabia, Japan, the UK, the UAE, Germany, and Kuwait declined. Remittances from US, Singapore, Qatar, Oman, Hong Kong, and Taiwan meanwhile increased.

"The US posted the highest share of the total remittances at 40.1 percent, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the UK, the UAE, Canada, Hong Kong, Qatar, and Korea," the cen-

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Jollibee supplier eyes meat-free market share

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argill Philippines said it plans to bring plantbased meat alternatives to the country soon, as people are becoming more health-conscious.

Cargill, which supplies chicken to fast-food giant Jollibee, said it is aiming for a piece of the meat-free market as local poultry producers such as Century Pacific Food are already offering plant-based meats for Philippine restaurants such as Shakeys.

"We have a participation in plant-based protein somewhere in the world, but not yet in the Philippines.

But yes, definitely this is an interesting space...that's still in the works," said Cargill Philippines President Sonny Catacutan said in an interview with Thursday.

Cargill is also looking to expand its retail footprint and into digital commerce, seeing "a lot of promise and success" especially with the advent of the stay-at-home lifestyle.

"For our poultry biz, we're not in digital commerce, but the lockdown has forced us to go there...

This is something we want to continue building. We launched our retail brand which is going through digital commerce as well," Catacutan said.

He added that the company recently launched a new biosecurity program called Cargill 360 Protection to fight the African Swine Fever among hogs.

Since the third quarter of last year, Cargill said it

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Economic recovery, vaccine rollout to fuel PH remittances

T

he continuous demand for Filipino medical workers along with the eventual roll-out of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines are projected as among the drivers of remittance inflows to the Philippines this year.

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said economic recoveries of

countries where there are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is also a plus since this will allow retrenched workers to regain their jobs.

“An offsetting factor is the fact that some OFWs work as front-liners especially in the health/medical sector and other essential industries, enabling some of them to continue working and sending remittances to the Philippines,” he said.

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Thursday showed a 0.3 percent year-on-year increase of cash remittances

last November to USD2.379 billion.

As of end-November 2020, cash remittances posted a 0.8 percent yearon-year contraction to USD27.013 billion, which authorities attribute to the impact of the pandemic.

BSP forecasts 2020 remittances to contract by 2 percent but to recover by around 4 percent this year.

Riders from rival food delivery companies take a break at a gasoline station on a warm Friday afternoon. Edge Davao

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On how the emerging new strain of Covid-19 will impact the current health protocols in Davao City:

“We do not know kung naa na dinhi or wala pa ang new variant because genome sequencing is not regularly done before. Whatever the variant, protocols would be the same. More important ang consistent strict enforcement of the protocols ... It should be strict everyday whether or not naay bag-ong variant o wala because sa variant that we have before is dangerous enough for us to be strict everyday.”

Davao City Mayor

Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.13 I SSUE 232 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021

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EDGEDAVAO TECHNOLOGY

The Value of Lifelong Learning: Professional Social Marketer from Davao City Collects Over 1,000 Certificates and Badges

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s the world is urged into isolation due to a global health crisis, technology plays a key role in education with the rise of digital learning.

Various platforms for microcredentialing, upskilling, and more, have become more accessible to everyone. Among many of those who took advantage of the available online training programs and

certifications is Ms. Edwina Astrid Cuezon from Davao City, who is a Certified Professional Social Marketer and a school administrator.

Cuezon has received 1,045 online course certifications, certificates with professional development units, verified digital badges, and continuing professional education certificates, excluding

certificates of attendance and certificates of participation.

Among these certificates are from LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Hootsuite, Amazon, Udemy, and other renowned international schools.

“I have received these certificates when the lockdown and community quarantine started around March 2020,” Cuezon stated in an interview. “Even before, I used to participate in training programs both online and face-to-face, because of my profession and my nature of work.”

As a social marketer, part of her job is to handle and strategize digital campaigns by monitoring the latest trends.

From an institution that prides itself in technological education excellence, Cuezon strives to pursue continuous learning for professional development and personal growth.

“Social media and the digital world keeps changing and evolving rapidly,” Cuezon shared. “That’s why if the digital campaigns of a particular business are assigned to you, you

really have to update yourself or somebody else will lead digitally.”

Although during the community quarantine, travel and physical restrictions seemed to limit opportunities at first, her passion for learning and excellence drove her for continuous upgrades and updates.

On the other hand, she also faces the “Fear of Missing Out” or FOMO phenomenon where millennials are constantly searching for new experiences to share, often because of how the younger generation posts on social media. More than that, however, Cuezon believes that she needs to be a good model for the academic community and impart value to the younger generation.

“If you have the passion to learn and upskill no matter how busy you are with your present roles and responsibilities, you will really make and give time to learn more,” Cuezon shared. “On my case, I spend my break time and weekends in learning instead of doing unproductive stuff. I know that whenever I learn something new today, I will become a better person tomorrow.”

Contrary to common misconceptions, these digital certificates and badges are not just a collection to display, but

they also maximize the value of your certification or training program. With the help of technology, there are no travel and accommodation worries to attend

international seminars hosted by world-renowned speakers.

In return, the certificates received are internationally recognized.

“This is something that we have to look forward to during the pandemic,” she stated.

“Before, technology seemed to detach us from those closest to us. But now, technology allows us to explore the world easier and faster—as international opportunities for learning becomes reachable.”

Digital certificates received through online courses are also more convenient.

Some are sent via email or ready to download after the course is finished, to which each certificate has a unique barcode and a unique credential ID where a thirdparty verifier may verify the certification.

“You don’t need to print your certificates because they are sharable on LinkedIn,” Cuezon stated. “All of my certifications are on my LinkedIn profile, easy to access, and easy to see. Everything is handy and convenient.”

In addition, these certificates are handy and sharable on social media or any professional social network.

These can also be stored in digital drives or cloud storage where it can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Online programs and certifications are accessible even on different devices, and even on smartphones.

She also shared that before, a lot of money would be shelled out to pay for the expenses of international certifications. She mentioned that as she embodies the core values of her present institution, she grabs the opportunity presented to her in order to better herself through continuous learning.

In the new normal, communication is done virtually. It is not a surprise that lifelong learning has also transitioned to the digital landscape where it is faster and more convenient. For Ms. Edwina Astrid Cuezon, valuing personal and professional growth stems from having a passion for learning, as well as sharing and imparting the learnings and experiences for the next generation.

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (2nd from left) and LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo (3rd from left) lead the launching of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Online Payment System (POPS) at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on January 12, 2021. They are joined by (from L-R) Armed

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Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Erick I. Kagaoan and PAF Chief Lieutenant General Allen T. Paredes.

PAF launches online payment system powered by LANDBANK I Sony PH’s New Year bundles n responding to the growing demand for safe and contactless payment services, the Philippine Air Force (PAF), in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), officially launched the PAF Online Payment System (POPS) at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on January 12, 2021.

Powered by LANDBANK’s Link.BizPortal Facility, the POPS will facilitate the efficient online payment of light and water utility dues, bidding document fees, and trust receipts for the Air Force General Hospital.

Through the POPS, PAF clients which include creditors, suppliers, and PAF personnel family members, will be able to settle their financial commitments in a faster, secure, and convenient manner.

“With the Land Bank of the Philippines serving as our formidable partner in this project, and with everyone’s cooperation, I am sure that we will be able to experience more of the comfort, convenience, and benefits of a safe, fast, efficient, and reliable payment system,” said Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana.

The launching ceremony was led by Defense Secretary Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Erick I. Kagaoan, PAF Chief Lieutenant General Allen T. Paredes, and LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

They were joined by LANDBANK officials namely Branch Banking Sector Head, Executive Vice President Julio D. Climaco, Jr., South

NCR Branches Group Head, Senior Vice President Ramon R. Monteloyola, South NCR Branches Group-Cluster C Relationship Officer, Assistant Vice President Mary Lilian M. Cruz, and Villamor Air Base Branch Head Ritzel S. Pagaduan.

“We congratulate the Philippine Air Force for taking the lead, and being the first among the Major Services of the AFP to implement this online payment system. The launching of POPS is even more timely and relevant as we continue to leverage on digital channels to meet the growing demand for contactless financial solutions in the new normal,” LANDBANK President and CEO Borromeo said.

The PAF is among the 767 LANDBANK Link.

BizPortal partner-merchants nationwide.

As of December 2020, the Link.Biz has successfully facilitated a total of 2.12 million transactions amounting to P7.95 billion, representing increases of 35% and 71%, respectively, over the same period in 2019.

For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).

to celebrate better beginnings

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This is the perfect time with Sony’s special deals on select G Master models. One of Sony’s in demand portrait lenses, the SEL24F14GM is on a discounted price of P86,480 when you purchase it together with select Alpha cameras. You may opt to purchase the lens alone and pay up to 24 months at 0%

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For full promo details, visit https://www.sony. com.ph/microsite/ jancampromo/index.html Don’t miss on any promos and discounts, follow Sony Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

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ENVIRONMENT

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Marine turtles crawling to safety.

MARINE TURTLES ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO ost Filipinos think that by supporting ecotourism, they are helping save the ecosystems where endangered species thrive. Unknowingly, tourism contributes to the decimation of these species to the extent of being driven into extinction. Take the case of marine turtles, locally known as pawikan.

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“Tourism in natural places that does not take into account the effect they have to the environment is the threat,” explained the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP), a non-government organization advocating for the conservation and protection of marine wildlife and their habitats.

“In the Philippines, where it seems that every inch of our beaches will soon be developed for tourism, this will become a big threat for marine turtles,” deplored Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay, MWWWP founder and director.

According to Dr. Yaptinchay, development of the coast where buildings are to be constructed will displace marine turtles from one of their most important life cycle habitats, referring to the nesting beach.

“Lights, infrastructure, noise, domestic animals, and pollution will not only disturb those nesting females but also their hatchlings,” he said. “Marine turtles will not nest when disturbed.”

Studies have shown that marine turtles spend most of their life in the sea and get all the things they need there. They even mate in the sea. But when the time

comes to lay their eggs, the females return to shore, usually in the same place where they were hatched.

“If you imagine a firsttime nester approaching its place of birth, how much do you think of its birth place or nesting beach remains over the last 35-50 years?” asked Dr. Yaptinchay. “I would guess there would be very little space left for it to nest and enough disturbance developed to shoo it away.

We are preventing them from fulfilling their life purpose. For me this is very tragic.”

In some instances, some tourism facilities view marine turtles as attractions. “This is fine if you view marine turtles from a distance, but most (beach owners) are greedy and would take a turtle and put it in a tank for secured viewing for their guests,” he said.

But what Dr. Yaptinchay considered as worrisome is when beach owners would tie the marine turtle to a coconut tree or some shrub.

“This has happened and is still happening,” he pointed out.

Some resorts located in some islands sometimes think they are helping marine turtles by keeping hatchlings in containers and

allow them to grow for a few months before releasing them into the open sea.

“What they do not realize is that they have just disrupted the whole life cycle of the turtles,” Dr. Yaptinchay said. “Hatchlings are supposed to be in open pelagic waters for the first decade of their lives. Again, an important phase in their lives is affected.”

However, Dr. Yaptinchay believes there are ways to develop tourism without compromising the integrity of the environment.

“Technology and knowledge already exist,” he said. “We just need to learn to give the environment more importance than the money we earn.”

Marine turtles, which belong to a group of reptiles that have existed and flourished since prehistory with very little change in their basic structure, are one of the longest-lived creatures Earth has ever known and even outlived dinosaurs.

Of the seven marine turtle species known to man, five of them are found in the Philippines and all of them are considered “threatened species,” according to the Switzerland-based International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means they are vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

IUCN, the leading organization in determining if a species can be considered threatened or not, uses the following criteria for a threatened species: population size decline, number of mature individuals, geographic

range, and statistical analysis.

The identified five species found in the country are green sea turtle (known in the science world as Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback turtle (Dermocheyls coriacea), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

Most of the marine turtles in the Philippines are found in Baguan, Taganak, Lihiman, Boan, Langaan, and the Great Bakkungan, which are part of the socalled Turtle Islands. In the olden times, these islands used to be a favorite weekend destination of British excursionists and other nationals from North Borneo (now Sabah).

But marine turtles can also be found in other parts of the country. The green sea turtles have been sighted as far north as the

Fuga Islands in Cagayan and in the Southwest in Bancuran, Palawan.

The hawksbill turtles inhabit the Celebes Sea, the Cuyo island group of Palawan, neighboring towns of Jolo, Cotabato, and Sitangkai in Tawi-Tawi, as well as in Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro and the open waters of Sulu Sea. The olive ridley turtles have been seen by fishermen in the shallow coastal waters of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.

The five species mentioned earlier are listed under the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which means the trade of these marine turtles and its and subspecies is strictly “prohibited except for educational, scientific or research and study purposes.”

“All of the species found in our country are

endangered except for the hawksbill turtle, which is critically endangered,” said Dr. Yaptinchay. “The only sure thing is that marine turtle populations are under tremendous threats. If these are not stopped, extinction is imminent.”

Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources, a pioneer of the environmental movement in the country, believes so, too. “Unless Filipinos seriously take on the task of protecting the muchendangered marine turtles, these ancient creatures will soon be gone (from our waters),” it said in a statement.

According to MWWP, threats – whether manmade or not – impact marine turtles at all life-stages from eggs to adults. “It is impossible to prevent natural predation, mortalities due to natural causes, or changes to the

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HUGGING A TURTLE. In most parts of the country, where marine turtles thrive, they are all fast disappearing and if nothing is done soon they may completely disappear from our waters. (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

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wants to be coached by Guiao, even admitting that during the 2012 Philippine Basketball Association Draft, he wished to be drafted by Guiao's former team, Rain Or Shine.

"Noong nagpa-draft ako, parang gusto ko mapunta dati sa Rain Or Shine talaga eh kasi gusto ko kay (When I declared for the draft, I felt that I want to go before to Rain Or Shine because I like) Coach Yeng," Manuel said.

The Elasto Painters, who had the seventh overall pick that time, skipped Manuel and chose Chris Tiu instead.

Manuel ended up with the Magnolia Hotshots, then known as the B-Meg Llamados, as the ninth overall pick only to be traded to the GlobalPort, now NorthPort, Batang Pier after the draft.

After a journeyman rookie campaign, he found a home with Alaska when he was traded there during the middle of the 2013-14 season, helping the team enter the finals five times.

However, after what seemed

anga in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Other notable players declaring for the draft recently are Dhon Reverente, Ben Adamos, RR de Leon, Med Salim, and Reymark Acuno.

Aspirants have until Jan. 27 to apply for the draft. (PNA)

saw demand pick up across its agri-businesses.

Cargill's other ventures include importing grains, production of copra, and feeds or animal nutrition.

When restaurants shut in March and some branches permanently closed, Cargill saw lower demand and oversupply in poultry, which led to a drop in prices.

"We're seeing a lot of recovery especially during the fourth of the year, and we are optimistic that will continue towards the first half of the year," Sonny Catacutan, president of Cargill Philippines, Catacutan said.

People's food consumption is now increasing, he said, due to the reopening of businesses and jobs and incomes pouring in.

The government said more than 300,000 OFWs have been repatriated since the start of the pandemic due to job losses.

However, with more countries re-opening their economies, Ricafort said this will allow workers to regain their jobs or opens opportunities for others.

This, especially since OFW deployment continues to diversify to areas that are not traditional host

countries.

Ricafort said the Philippines is the biggest supplier of seafarers, at about 20-25 percent globally.

The country is also among the biggest suppliers of nurses worldwide, at around 20 percent, he said.

“Ageing population in some developed countries also structurally increased the demand for OFWs in recent years,” he added. (PNA)

environment brought about by climate change,” it said. “But reducing or even eliminating human-caused threats is possible.”

In the past and even until today, the biggest threat comes from harvesting of eggs, juveniles and adults. “Marine turtles are hunted for meat and leather; their eggs are taken for food and aphrodisiacs,” Haribon said.

In Davao City, it is common sight in barangay Daliao in Toril to see pawikan, as marine turtles are locally known, being sold in the public market. That’s according to Truman Phillip Calipes, then a journalism student at the Ateneo de Davao University who conducted an investigative report for a magazine his group was producing.

“Although local fishermen are very much aware that selling the endangered marine creatures is illegal and prohibited by the government, they are still doing it,” Calipes wrote. “They would walk around, selling the pawikan they caught from one house to another.”

According to the report, most of these fishermen caught the marine turtles by accident.

When they are pulling out their fishnets out of the water, there are instances where the endangered species are included together with the fishes.

“But instead of returning these marine turtles back into the water,” Calipes wrote, “the fishermen would just put them in a different barrel and hide them in their fishing boats to elude detection from the local authorities when they arrive at the fish port for inspection.”

As for egg collection, MWWP says it is particularly prevalent in unmanaged turtle nesting beaches. “Even in areas where there are conservation programs, poaching still persists in the community,” it says.

It is even happening in Turtle Islands, a group of seven islets between the Philippines and Malaysia’s Sandakan, in TawiTawi. In an article published

by Vera Files, Vincent Go wrote: “Endangered sea turtle eggs are being harvested in Tawi-Tawi seas. Sea turtle eggs are harvested mostly by the Bajdaos or Samals.”

Some years back, there was a news report stating that diners flocked to a makeshift eatery

The overseas training will last for another two months.

The national karate team will join the Olympic qualifiers in Paris in June along with an estimated 100 more, and Lim is expecting a tough grind there.

"Everyone wants to be part of

somewhere in Pasil, Cebu City to eat the stewed pawikan. A bowl, served with corn grits, costs P70.

Customers said the pawikan meat tastes like beef. “Once you get a taste of this, you’ll surely come back here frequently,” one of the vendors was quoted as saying by Cebu Daily News.

Aside from its distinct taste, most customers believe the exotic dish – just like the pawikan eggs – is an aphrodisiac.

But Filipinos are not the only perpetrators. In an article published in Reptile Magazine, John B. Virata wrote: “China’s demand for sea turtle soup, turtle eggs, shells, and turtle bones ground up for use in medicine has caused Chinese fishermen to travel up to 700 miles off mainland China to hunt sea turtles in Philippine waters.”

The degradation of their habitat has also contributed to the decimation of marine turtles in the country. The ruin of the territories results from increased effluent and contamination from coastal development, construction of marinas, increased boat traffic, and harvest of near-shore marine algae resources.

Marine turtles are also affected by plastics. About 20% – or half a million tons – of the 2.7 million tons of plastic waste the Philippines generates annually leaks into the oceans, according to the 2015 report on plastic pollution by the Ocean Conservancy.

“Plastics endanger marine life and other animals, because they can mistake a piece of plastic for food when it isn’t,” a study pointed out. After eating plastic, they starve and die. Another study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggests that ingesting even a single piece of plastic can be deadly for these marine animals.

Four years ago, on October 23, some fishermen found off the coast of barangay 78 in Davao City a dying green sea turtle, which was brought to a non-government organization for treatment. Hours later, it died and American marine biologist Darrell Blatchley found plastic bags which were extracted from the turtle’s stomach.

A report from the Ocean Conservancy ranked the Philippines third (after China and Indonesia) among the countries with the highest source of plastic ocean pollution, generating 1.88

the Olympics, and this is really the last shot," she said.

But Lim vowed, "I'm gonna do everything I can. I'll do my best and hope for the best."

Only three karatekas from each division will qualify for the main tournament in Tokyo. (PNA)

a like a fallout in early contract negotiations, Manuel eventually decided to want out from the Aces.

Meanwhile, Guiao's remark somehow echoed what Manuel's handler, Danny Espiritu, said upon analyzing a potential NLEX-Alaska swap.

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munity services and outreach activities.

On the second day, Rotchie Ravelo, Davao Oriental Provincial Cooperative officer and acting provincial agriculturist taught and encouraged the volunteers to become “dreamers with actions”, encouraging them to persevere and innovate with end goals of realizing and sustaining carried programs and projects.

On the other hand, the 701st Infantry Division shared its Governance Performance System and Army Transformation Roadmap which was discussed by Brigade executive officer, Lt Col Enrique Rafael.

In discussing the “Roadmap Strategic Planning”, 701st Inf Brigade aimed to help the volunteers enhance their understanding how to craft efficient plans and longterm programs for the organization.

The Lumon Community foresees that its self- sufficiency will strengthen its capacity as one of the program partners for peace in Davao Oriental. (News Release/ Lumon Community/701st Inf Bde)

tion has yet to give its targets for this year.

For December 2020 sales alone, month-on-month sales increased by 19.1 percent to 27,596 units from 23,162 units sold in November of the same year.

Commercial vehicle sales went up by 22.4 percent while passenger cars increased by 12.7 percent.

“It is noteworthy that the holiday season has contributed to the uptick in demand for auto sales

in December amid the improving business and consumer confidence,” CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Philippine market leaders in 2020 were Toyota, with 43.79 percent share of the market; Mitsubishi, with 18.32 percent market share; Nissan, with 11.54 percent market share; Suzuki, with 6.47 percent market share; and Ford, with 5.92 percent market share. (PNA)

record low of 2 percent, the overnight repurchase at 2.5 percent, and the overnight deposit rate at 1.5 percent.

Last year, BSP reduced banks’ RRR by as much as 200 basis points to further increase liquidity that banks can lend to their clients.

This cut is half of the 400 basis points that the policy-making Monetary Board (MB) authorized BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno to implement.

Abola projects domestic rate of price increases to average at 2.7 percent this year, within the government’s 2-4 percent target band until 2024.

Inflation averaged at 2.6 percent last year, although upticks were registered in the last quarter due partly to the impact of typhoons on agriculture products.

He said the domestic economy likely registered a -9 to -10 percent output last year, slightly deeper than the government’s -8.5 to -9.5 percent target band.

As of the third quarter last year, the GDP contracted by 10 percent due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Abola forecasts domestic growth to recover to between 5.56.5 percent this year, lower than the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent

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tral bank said.

Meanwhile, personal Remittances rose 0.1 Percent in November to $2.643 billion.

For the first eleven months of 2020, personal remittances reached $29.988 billion, representing a cumulative contraction of 0.9 percent compared to the same month last year.

Remittances have so far defied the bleak forecasts of some economists who warned of massive contraction due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the host countries of millions of overseas Filipinos.

Money sent home by overseas Filipinos power domestic consumption which helps drive the Philippines' economic growth.

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metric tons of mismanaged plastic garbage annually.

The journal Endangered Species Research also reported that marine turtles “being tangled up in lost fishing nets, plastic twine and nylon fishing line, as well as six-pack rings from canned drinks, plastic packaging straps, plastic balloon string, kite string, plastic packaging and discarded anchor line and seismic cable.”

Dr. Brendan Godley, professor of Conservation Science at the University of Exeter and leader of the study, commented: “Plastic rubbish in the oceans… is a major threat to marine turtles. We found, based on beach strandings, that more than 1,000 turtles are dying a year after becoming entangled up, but this is almost certainly a gross underestimate.

Young turtles and hatchlings are particularly vulnerable to entanglement.”

Marine turtles are also being threatened by climate change.

“Potential impacts of global warming, such as projected sea level rise, can lead to shoreline erosion of small, low-lying tropical islands,” MWWP says. “Waves running up the shore during storms will wet the nests and increase egg mortalities at rookeries in these small islands, possibly decreasing the overall reproductive success of the marine turtle population.”

The Philippines, a CITES signatory, implemented the Pawikan Conservation Project nationwide through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (now known as Biodiversity Management Bureau) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 1982. Since 2001, hunting, sale and killing of marine turtles have been banned in the country.

But despite sincere efforts made by the local and national government and some environmentalist groups to save marine turtles from disappearing in Philippine waters, the decimation of the endangered species continues unabated.

“All of the species found in our country are endangered except for the Hawksbill which is critically endangered,” Dr. Yaptinchay said. “The only sure thing is that marine turtle populations are under tremendous threats and if these are not stopped, extinction is imminent.”

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Samboy Lim’s daughter eyes karatedo Olympic slot

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or PBA legend Samboy Lim’s daughter Jamie Lim, five months is good enough.

The country's giggest karatedo hope in the Tokyo Olympics believes the Philippine team still has enough time to prepare for the Olympic qualifying events lined up for early 2021 despite the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic halting physical training for quite some time.

"Five months is great enough," the country’s rising star karateka said on Saturday.

The 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist said, the online training she is getting keeps her in

shape for the rest of 2020 amid the pandemic.

"Since March naman na nag-lockdown (Ever since March when the lockdown was imposed), we've been continuing our training. We have Zoom training and training on our own," said Lim, the daughter of the legendary "Skywalker", a former national team player himself.

Lim will be among the 46 athletes from three different sports to enter the national team training bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba next weekend.

Philippine Sports Institute national training director Marc Velasco said Lim and the rest of the national karate team will enter the so-called "Calambubble" on Jan. 17.

The Nationals will spend the next three months training for their Olympic qualifiers.

But for Lim, the job does not stop at the Calambubble.

"We'll also be abroad joining training camps and watching and joining tournaments," she further said.

FSAMBOY, P10

Jamie Lim won a gold medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. (File photo)

NLEX-Alaska trade for Manuel less likely: Guiao

C

oach Yeng Guiao admitted on Thursday that at the moment, the chance that NLEX will acquire Vic Manuel from Alaska through a trade is small.

"Baka 'yung gusto nila sa amin 'di naman namin kayang ibigay, di wala ring mangyayari (Maybe we cannot give to them what they want from us, so it is for naught)," Guiao said.

Manuel recently requested to Aces coach Jeffrey Cariaso that he wants to be traded.

The six-foot-four forward then confirmed that he listed the Road Warriors among his preferred trade destinations along with the San Miguel Beermen and the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

Manuel said he desires to join NLEX because he

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PBA Draft now with 40 applicants

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he number of players applying for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft continues to increase over time.

The league said as of Thursday, 40 people officially threw their hats to the March 14 event.

Highlighting the latest batch of applicants are Alab Pilipinas players Andrei Caracut and Tzaddy Rangel.

Alab co-founder Charlie Dy, who is also Caracut and Rangel's agent, joined them

in going to the PBA office in Quezon City to submit their draft application alongside another of Dy's clients, JunJun Bonsubre.

Following a stellar National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) juniors career at San Beda-Taytay, Caracut went to La Salle to play college ball, eventually forming an explosive guard combo with Aljun Melecio later into his University Athletic Association of the Philippines career.

Rangel, on the other hand, was one of National University's inside operators.

Both Caracut and Rangel deferred from the 2019 draft to polish their game with Alab for the now-canceled 2019-2020 Asean Basketball League season.

Meanwhile, primarily a defensive bruiser during his college career, Bonsubre became known as part of the San Beda squad that stunned Arellano despite

being heavily undermanned in their NCAA clash on June 24, 2012.

With most of their key players suspended due to a preseason brawl, the Red Lions' "Super 6", which also included now PBA champ Arth Dela Cruz, defied the odds and beat a fullstrength Chiefs squad.

Eventually, Bonsubre showcased his offensive game during his stints with Mandaluyong and Zambo-

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FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

SPECULATIONS RE PACQUIAO FOES Speculative.

Everything is speculative.

I’m talking about possible opponents the Pacquiao camp has been talking about and written in the sports pages and social media portals.

It is already middle of January 2021 and nothing specific has been penciled out whom the Sarangani senator will trade jabs with in the squared arena.

His handlers say the Pacman will take two assignments before plunging in the political frenzy of the 2022 national polls.

They say Manny prefers to fight in April and September.

Training period for the Pinoy icon is usually eight weeks or two months, no less.

So if it’s April, an opponent should already be named to make way for publicity and promotions.

Conor McGregor is not yet available because he is preparing for a Jan. 23 tiff which might serve as his tune-up before agreeing to meet Pacquiao. He needs to win this one in impressive fashion to merit a date with the former Boxer of the Century awardee.

I am suggesting that our boxing idol take on Amir Khan if the venue is in Saudi or anywhere in a Middle East Muslim or Arab country.

Khan, with a Muslim descent, will naturally identify with boxing fans in the area and will surely pack them in. The guy’s not a pushover, being a two-time world

champion himself and with great following in UK and the Middle East Muslim population.

If Pacquiao’s handlers enlist Mikey Garcia or Errol Spence, Jr., the match should be held in the US, notably in the boxing mecca of Las Vegas where hordes of adoring Pacman fans in California, Nevada, Texas and Arizona enjoy accessibility as well as those in the East Coast.

PPV will be at higher costs if the pandemic virus continues to threateningly flail away because spectators will be limited per health protocols.

Then, If the 8-weight division world champ successfully hurdles Khan, Pacquiao can immediately call on Spence Jr or Mikey or

McGregor for the final assignment in September.

Has Terence Crawford been de-listed? His name is no longer cropping up.

Sean Gibbons, head of MP Promotions, has been reported to be doing the rounds to see who is appropriately available. Add Freddie Roach’s comments in the mix.

It must be someone who can bring in the crowd and the PPV because it will be the farewell fight of the Philippines’ most loved athlete and sportsman.

I keep on hearing from my media friends in GenSan that Manny indeed is serious in his presidential aspirations. (I will

write about this separately in my Specks of Life column some other day.)

Right now, time is seemingly of the essence.

McGregor is a flamboyant hard fighting gladiator just as the rest of those whom Manny convincingly subdued and dethroned – Barrera, Morales, Marquez, Dela Hoya, Bradley, Margarito, Mosely, Broner, Thurman, and a slew of Latino pugs.

I guess Pacquiao, the Mexican executioner, is already itching to throw those jabs and straights and uppercuts. Cheers! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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VOL.13 ISSUE 232 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021

PSC case vs payroll cheats go to RTC

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he Department of Justice found probable cause on the complaint filed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation against former employees involved in a payroll padding scheme.

In a 23-page resolution signed by Assistant State Prosecutor Moises Acayan, Sr. Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon and Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento, the filing of several counts of qualified theft, attempted qualified theft, cyber-related forgery and computer-related fraud have been recommended against Paul Ignacio, Michaelle Jones Velarde and Lymuel Seguilla.

PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez have been resolutely following the case.

Ramirez, after the fraud was discovered, immediately

ordered a shake-up and reorganization of the sports agency. “It is a regrettable incident but it compelled us to fast-track upgrades and consider a second-look at existing processes,” he explained.

Aside from the National Bureau of Investigation which has been helping the PSC from the onset, the sports chief also disclosed that they sought the help of the Office of the Solicitor General and the Anti-Money Laundering Council in ensuring that the funds are returned to the government.

As recommended in the DOJ resolution, cases will

PSC Chairman William Ramirez with Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey and Deputy Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. be filed in the Regional Trial Court of Imus, Cavite.

In July last year, Ignacio

was discovered redirecting funds to his own bank account. He used to handle

payroll preparation for the agency.

During the investigation, two more

employees were discovered working in connivance with Ignacio.

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