Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 56 | Tuesday, June 16, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

GINGER: GROWING THAT SPICY RHIZOME

Serving a seamless society

BETTER THAN NONE

VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

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Restaurant owners welcome 30% dine-in capacity STORY ON PAGE 2

A worker trims the plants at the compound of Abreeza Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City in preparation for the city’s implementation of Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) where temporary measures are relaxed. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

BETTER THAN NONE Restaurant owners welcome 30% dine-in capacity

By MAYA M. PADILLO estaurants in Davao City can now open their in-dining services to a maximum of 30 percent seating of their dining area capacity starting June 15, 2020, based on the latest provision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) of the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases.

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“Well its better than zero dine-in. Kasi bagong amendment iyan sa General Community Quarantine (GCQ). I understand that cautious approach of the government,” said Benjamin Lizada, president of the Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City (RestoDC) Inc. Last week, restaurateurs in Davao City lamented their "zero sales" status but still spending the same expenses that include

rental fees and income taxes amid the COVID-19, the new coronavirus 2019, pandemic.

Majority of these restaurants consider commercial space rental as the biggest item in their cost structure and because people are still afraid to go to restaurants due to COVID-19, it is impossible for these restaurateurs to generate income.

Prior to the new provision, restaurant owners

resorted to take-out services, however, according to Lizada, income is not enough and adding to the problem is the presence of unlicensed and unregistered home-based food providers that started to thrive amid the pandemic.

“RestoDC is not against unlicensed/unregistered home-based food providers per se. Times are difficult. Nangita ra pud na sila og panginabuhi. As far as RestoDC is concerned, they can very well sell in their neighborhoods. But only in their neighborhoods and sell to family and friends,” Lizada said.

Lizada emphasized that these home-based food providers should not be allowed to sell in the entire Davao City market via legitimate food delivery outfits like Grab, Food Panda, Cinderbel, etc. as

the restaurant sector is already suffering huge losses with take-out only operations and the 30 percent dine-in.

He explained that these unlicensed and unregistered food providers don’t pay taxes, rent and employees’ salaries to pay such as taxes for garbage collection, street lights, barangay health centers, city hall employees' salaries, and many more.

“That’s why they can sell lower. A lot lower.

If government allows it, what is the message? The legitimate restos can now go underground, invent a new name, tweak their menus/products and sell online as well. We are equipped to do that with our commissaries and our cooks/chefs. We will decimate these unlicensed/ unregistered providers if

we also stop paying rent, taxes and huge salaries.

We will win but government will lose in the process, which means, we will all lose. That’s just for the restos. Imagine if everyone is allowed to sell other products unregulated like groceries, medicines, apparel, etc. The list is endless. Unsaon na lang ang fair competition and consumer protection?” Lizada said.

Proposal Lizada said RestoDC sent a proposal to a senior national government official for the guidelines to be dynamic and continuously responsive to the demands of the market and the safety and general welfare of the dining public.

The group proposed for the creation of a specialized economic recovery teams in regulatory of-

fices to work closely with private sector and explore WHAT IF scenarios to craft guidelines for re-opening.

The group also emphasized that the composition of the team should be carefully chosen.

“We just need to be creative and very patient.

This will spell the speed of our recovery compared to other countries. We should not assign the crafting of guidelines to regular government office staff. One or two templates for all will not hack it - e.g. barriers for face-to-face dining. This attitude should change!

Entrepreneurs are a resilient lot and we are willing to experiment and spend. LET US,” the proposal read.

“Hindi lang para sa resto, kundi sa lahat ng pwedeng buksan they should

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DTI reminds dine-in resto owners to be cautious as reopening starts

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s the partial reopening of dine-in services starts on Monday, the Department of Trade and Industry reminded restaurant and food establishment owners to be careful in operating their businesses in light of the COVID-19 threat.

Undersecretary Boy Vizmonte advised the business owners to observe the protocols set by the government to avoid possible transmission of the virus.

“Doon naman sa mga merong restaurant, sana ibayong pag-iingat. Sundin natin 'yung mga al-

ituntunin na inilabas ng DTI at ng gobyerno upang maiwasan natin ang contamination ng COVID,” he said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force has ordered the DTI, Department of Tourism, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to monitor the dine-in services.

Vizmonte added that these agencies will work with the health officers of local governments who will inspect the food business establishments.

“Magkakaroon sila ng

avao Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct a series of 15-minute power interruptions on June 18 and 19 affecting customers in the downtown area of Davao City and some parts of the Davao del Norte area.

These service disruptions will be necessary to facilitate maintenance works at Davao Light Don Ramon Aboitiz Substation Transformer 1 and line works on Sto. Tomas Feeder 2.

The first short power interruption will be conducted on June 18, Thursday, anytime between 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. affecting customers from Mamay Road to N. Arroyo Street via J.P. Laurel Avenue and nearby areas.

Also affected are customers from DPWH Panacan Office up to Km. 9 Sasa near Bangoy Bridge, in-

cluding neighboring areas of Sasa Public Market, Legaspi Oil and PLDT office in Sasa.

Customers in N. Torres to Sta. Ana Avenue via F. Bangoy, Soliman, and Gempesaw Streets, including parts of Obrero and neighboring areas are also affected. Villamor Street to Cabaguio Avenue and R. Castillo Street to Leon Garcia Street and neighboring areas will also be affected by this short interruption.

Meanwhile, another two 15-minute power interruptions will be conducted on June 19, Friday, anytime between 5:45 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. and anytime between 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m..

Specifically affected are customers from Sto. Tomas National High School to Luna, Lungaog, San Jose and Pantaron, including Kimamon, Talong-

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Short power interruptions on June 18, 19

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A diner eats lunch at a restaurant along Doña Pilar Road in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City on Monday. The Department of Tourism on Sunday has allowed restaurants in areas under the general community quarantine

operate at 30-percent seating capacity for dine-in customers starting Monday. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

A cyclist crosses the hanging bridge that connects barangays of Mandug and New Carmen in Davao City on Sunday (14 June 2020). MINDANEWS Photo

convicts Rappler's PRRD to decide on quarantines Court Maria Ressa of cyber libel as cases rise with econ restart R

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resident Rodrigo Duterte will decide on the Philippines' virus restrictions, as current restrictions that allow limited economic activity are set to expire on Monday.

The 75-year-old leader will face the nation as early as Monday, after meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on pandemic response, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque earlier told reporters.

Up to 75 percent of the economy was reopened after Metro Manila and some urban centers were downgraded to a general community quarantine,

after enduring an 11-week lockdown or enhanced community quarantine, said acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua.

Except for the capital region, Pangasinan province, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Davao City, and Zamboanga City, which are under general community quarantine, all areas in the

country are under modified GCQ until June 15.

A modified GCQ or MGCQ is the lowest quarantine classification, and a step above the "new normal" with minimum health standards.

The lockdown caused the first GDP contraction in 22 years. Unemployment which soared to a record 17.7 percent in April, padding the number of jobless Filipinos to 7.3 million.

Malacañang on Sunday said restrictions would likely be limited to either GCQ, MGCQ, or elevated again to the stricter modified enhanced community

quarantine.

"Bahala po ang Presidente kasi binabalanse naman po natin iyong ekonomiya at sapat naman po iyong kakayahan nating magbigay ng medical care doon sa mga magkakasakit nang critical, iyong critical care capacity natin," Roque said on Sunday.

(It's up to the President because we are balancing the economy. We have the capacity to provide critical medical care to those who will get sick.)

As of June 14, the Philippines has confirmed 25,930 COVID-19 cases.

This includes 1,088 deaths and 5,954 recoveries.

Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“This will define and direct the PNP personnel’s role in assisting the DSWD in the management and distribution of cash assistance to qualified beneficiaries as well as the waitlisted families,” Banac said.

The second tranche of SAP will be given to the entitled beneficiaries in the following areas -National Capital Region, Central Luzon (except Aurora), Calabarzon, Benguet, Pangasinan, Iloilo Province, Cebu Province, Bacolod, Davao City, Albay Province, and Zamboanga City.

Duterte earlier tapped the PNP and Armed Forc-

es of the Philippines (AFP) to distribute the SAP after several complaints were filed about the supposed misuse of SAP funds by local executives and the slow distribution of aid in some areas.

He also ordered the inclusion of an additional five million qualified recipients in the government’s emergency subsidy program.

SAP, the national government’s PHP200-billion program, grants monthly emergency subsidy ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 to poor families affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) for April and May. Around PHP100 billion have already been re-

leased for the implementation of the first phase of SAP. Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act also known as Republic Act 11469, some 18 million poor families were targeted in the first tranche of the cash aid.

For the second tranche of emergency subsidies, only 12 million of 18 million families who are living in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will get the assistance.

An additional five million indigent families will join the 12 million under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, one of the 13 so-

PNP to assist DSWD in 2nd SAP Tranche distribution

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he Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has sent a team that will undergo a two-day orientation on the distribution of the second tranche of the government's social amelioration program (SAP).

In a statement late Sunday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the team will attend the webinar set on June 15 and 16 to be led by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to help in the distribution of the second tranche SAP, together with the Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social

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appler CEO Maria Ressa and a former researcher were convicted of cyber libel charges in the first court decision on a string of criminal cases filed against the online news site and its leader.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 found Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. guilty of cyber libel on Monday and sentenced them to six months and one day to up to six years in jail.

The two remain free after being granted post-conviction bail.

The court likewise ordered Ressa and Santos "jointly and severally" to pay businessman Wilfredo Keng, the private complainant, P200,000 in moral damages and P200,000 in exemplary damages.

Meanwhile, Rappler, as company, was declared to have no liability by the court.

Failure of justice, democracy Later at a press conference, Ressa said her conviction of cyber libel is a "pivotal moment" for democracy and a free press.

"This is a pivotal moment for the Philippines, and a pivotal moment not just for our democracy but for the idea of what a free press means," the veteran journalist said shortly after a judge in Manila handed down the verdict.

"I think we're redefining what the new world is gonna look like, what journalism is going to become.

Are we going to lose freedom of the press, will it be death by a thousand cuts,

or are we going to hold the line so that we protect the rights that are enshrined in the Constitution even if power attacks you directly," Ressa said.

In a statement issued moments after the promulgation, Rappler described the guilty verdict on Ressa and Santos as a "failure of justice and democracy" that "sets a dangerous precedent not only for journalists but for everyone online."

"Today marks diminished freedom and more threats to democratic rights supposedly guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution, especially in the context of looming anti-terrorism law," it said on Twitter.

Ruling Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa handed down the ruling after less than a year of trial. The promulgation of judgment was initially scheduled for April.

"There is no curtailment of the right to freedom of speech and of the press," the judge said in the ruling.

Government prosecutors indicted Ressa, Santos, and Rappler for cyber libel in January 2019 over an article published by the news site in 2012 that cites an "intelligence report" linking Keng, a businessman and the private complainant, to human trafficking and drug smuggling.

The Philippines' anti-cyber crime law would not be enacted until months after the article was published, but prosecutors alleged that a supposedly

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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PCSO loses P13B due to COVID-19: Garma

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he Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has lost around P13 billion in earnings amid the implementation of the community quarantine due to COVID-19.

“Medyo malaki, ang estimate po namin is P32 billion per quarter, so most likely mga P13 billion ang nawala po na maaaring kinita ng aming ahensiya mula noong nag-lockdown,” PCSO general manager Royina Garma said at the Laging Handa press briefing on Saturday.

Due to the threat of COVID-19, the gaming operation of PCSO has been suspended since March.

Garma said they have already written to the Office of the President regarding the resumption of their lotto outlet opera-

tions.

“Doon po sa pagre-resume ng operations namin, kami po ay sumulat na po sa office ng ating Presidente. Hinihintay na lang po namin ‘yung approval,” she said.

The PCSO will implement health protocols, including requiring the gaming public to wear face masks, as well as social distancing.

It will also require betting booths to have a screen or protection between agents and bettors.

Garma said the agency has also proposed a digital system for betting.

“Ine-encourage na po namin. Nasa Implementing Rules and Regulations namin, hindi lang sa lotto, but also sa STL na laro,” she said.

of Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and China Telecommunications Corporation.

Aside from the Davao City lot acquisition, Cañete said the local government of Nabunturan is currently conducting hearing for the constructions of DITO’s three towers in the said municipality.

“Didto sa Nabunturan nag-hearing na ang LGU para sa ilang three towers,” he said.

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.

The entry of DITO is expected to lift the country’s very slow internet speed.

“Dili ko sure nga maokey na internet service kay wala pa man nato natry ang ilang service pero at least, naa nay mapilian ang tawo. Hope lang ta nga okey ang services sa DITO,” Cañete said.

their bank account numbers or cellphone numbers (for those who chose to receive their subsidy through PayMaya or MLhuillier).

For the second tranche, 2.96 million, or 97.4 percent of beneficiaries, have their SBWS ready for withdrawal or pickup,” he added.

Lambino said more than PHP44 billion worth of subsidies for two months have been credited directly to the SBWS program’s intended beneficiaries in less than two months.

“What has allowed the government to quickly distribute the aid relatively smoothly was the use of automated processing and digital technologies in running the program,” he added.

Lambino further said that by design, the SBWS program is largely automated and digital, with manual processing kept to a minimum.

"Taking advantage of available technologies,

cloud computing, and the electronic databases of SSS and BIR, the implementing agencies have been able to accurately target intended beneficiaries and quickly distribute the subsidy to millions of employees with zero face-to-face contact between the beneficiaries and government," he said.

Each qualified worker is entitled to receive PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 monthly for two months under this SBWS program, which is jointly implemented by the Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Social Security System (SSS).

The SBWS supports qualified employees of small businesses who did not get paid for at least two months due to the work stoppages resulting from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and other containment measures imposed by the national and local governments since mid-March to

prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

SBWS subsidies are either credited directly to the beneficiaries' chosen banks or PayMaya e-wallet accounts or sent through cash remittance via MLhuillier Kwarta Padala.

The SBWS interagency task force is chaired by the DOF, represented by Lambino, and with SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio and BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa as members.

This SBWS is among a set of initiatives that comprise the largest social protection program in the history of the Philippines that the Duterte administration has rolled out in support of poor and low-income families, workers of small businesses, and other vulnerable sectors hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic's economic fallout.

These aid programs

Diners order food for lunch at an eatery in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

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DITO yet to acquire lot in Davao, conducts hearing in Nabunturan

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ational Telecommunication 11 (NTC 11) Director Nelson Cañete said the Philippines’ new telecommunications provider DITO Telecommunity Corporation (formerly known as Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc., or Mislatel) is currently on lot acquisition stage for its tower construction in Davao City.

Gokongwei group goes ‘head on’ digital to keep up with pandemic

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he Gokongwei group is accelerating the digitization of its businesses as the coronavirus requires consumers to keep apart physically and spend carefully, its CEO said Monday.

During the 11-week lockdown of Metro Manila and urban areas, JG Summit worked out a “contactless” experience at Cebu Pacific and ramped up online delivery services for Robinsons Supermarket and Southstar Drug, said CEO Lance Gokongwei.

“The COVID crisis has merely accelerated and reinforced what we have to do. We just have to move in a quicker manner and dive head on. There’s no other way about it,” Gokongwei told Market Edge on ANC. Shares of JG Summit have recovered in recent weeks. Gokongwei said he was “fundamentally optimistic” about a rebound.

There will be a “strong recovery” in 2021 and by the latter part of 2022, the conglomerate could be back to early 2020 levels, he said.

As the Philippines eased an 11-week lock-

down of the capital last June 1, JG Summit’s Cebu Pacific gradually resumed flights and Robinsons Malls reopened at limited capacity and with strict health protocols.

The conglomerate founded by the late industrialist John Gokongwei also includes snack food maker Universal Robina Corp, Robinsons Land and Robinsons Bank. It also has stakes in PLDT Inc and Manila Electric Co. Uncertainty over jobs and the pandemic forced consumers to be thrifty and spend mostly on essentials. They are also flocking to larger stores, less frequently and with bigger shopping carts, he said.

“Business has been extremely challenging at this time,” he said. “We’re seeing, clearly, the effects of the necessary measures on a lot of our businesses.”

“People are more careful about their spending,” he said.

While there’s “inherent demand,” airlines and travel will take “a long time” to recover,” he said.

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“Diri sa Davao City, lot acquisition pa. Naa sila’y lot acquisition karon, sila man gud nagapili ug asa sila mobutang og tower,” Cañete said in a Facebook messenger message.

Dito Telecommunity Corporation is the third major telecommunications provider in the Philippines after Globe and Smart. It is a joint venture

Release of small biz workers' subsidies nearing completion

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ayouts are at more than 97-percent completion for both tranches of the two-month Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program for workers of small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a ranking official of the Department of Finance (DOF).

DOF Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Antonio Joselito Lambino II said payouts for both tranches of the program are at a combined 97.4-percent completion rate as of June 11, around a month after the application deadline.

For the first tranche, Lambino said 3.05 million, or 98.8 percent of the 3.09 million qualified beneficiaries, have their SBWS ready for withdrawal from their bank or PayMaya accounts or for pickup from MLhuillier Kwarta Padala outlets.

"The remaining employees -- around 40,000 -are awaiting confirmation or requiring correction of

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

ECONOMY 5

Tour operators gear up for reopening, recovery

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he coronavirus crisis has brought the tourism industry to a halt, and businesses have been turning this into an opportunity to prepare for when the time does come for reopening and recovery. “‘Di naman kami tumitigil. Marami kaming ginagawang pag-pa-plano saka-sakaling magsisimula nanaman ang ating tourism,” Cesar Cruz, who leads the Philippine Tour Operators Association, told CNN Philippines on Saturday.

[Translation: We are not stopping. We are crafting plans in case our tourism restarts.]

Cruz said the tourism players have been working with the Department of Tourism to come up with safety protocols that should be followed once leisure activities are allowed to resume.

“Tapos na ang ating mga [We are done with our] safety protocols na established for the accommodation sector,” said the PHILTOA president, adding that the new guidelines for the air and land transportation services have been issued.

“At sa ngayon ay tinatapos na ang [We are finishing up the] safety protocols in conducting the tours,” Cruz announced.

As a general rule, establishment owners and staff must enforce and comply with wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and other infection control measures. “Violation of these guidelines may subject the tourism enterprise to the appropriate fines and penalties, including revocation of its DOT Accreditation, in

mga ibang restaurants na magbubukas. Kasi ‘yong aming experience with the take out and delivery, maraming mga nagbago along the way. Maraming mga guidelines na in-improve at chinange,” Miguel Moreno, owner of Palm Grill Restaurant, said.

Based on the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging In-

fectious Diseases, restaurants that will resume dine-in operations should have a foot bath, thermal scanners, alcohol, distance between tables, and dividers.

“Walang accreditation pero ang requirement po ay compliance nitong protocol,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“Sana ‘di nila ipilit kung half-baked ‘yong compli-

ance doon sa protocol kasi ‘pag nakita natin ‘yan, we’ll order temporary closure under the IATF resolution until they comply,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo added.

While buffet remains prohibited, samgyeopsal restaurants are allowed to accept dine-in customers, as long as they follow protocols and bar face-to-face seating.

price per liter of diesel is seen to increase by P1.00.

Meanwhile, gasoline price is projected to go up between P1.00 and P1.10 per liter.

Latest available data from the Department of Energy showed the prevailing pump prices of gasoline range between P38.92 to P48.80 per liter, while diesel prices

range from P28.85 to P35.08 per liter.

Year-to-date adjustments stood at a net decrease of P7.97 per liter for gasoline and P11.09 per liter for diesel.

tor,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement Sunday.

The eCommerce Act was signed on June 14 2000.

Lopez said there was an accelerated adoption of e-commerce during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) amid the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“To strengthen e-commerce in the country, DTI is supporting the various bills related to e-commerce, particularly House Bill 6122 or the ‘Internet Transactions Act’ authored by Trade Committee Chair Representative Wes Gatchalian,” he said.

HB 6122 seeks to es-

tablish an eCommerce Bureau that will, among others, focus on promoting the development of e-commerce in the country by building trust between sellers and consumers, stronger online consumer protection, safer e-payment gateways, easier online business registration, and formulating other policies and programs to increase the number of online merchants and consumers.

Aside from the Internet Transactions Bill, various related bills are being tackled in Congress that aim to promote the digital economy. These include HB 6927 on e-Government Act principally authored by Deputy Speaker

Lray Villafuerte; HB 6926 and Senate (SB) 1469 on the national digital careers act; and SB 1470 on the National Digital Transformation policy.

Lopez said the country needs to update its 20-year-old eCommerce Act of 2000, the DTI is also bringing our eCommerce Philippines 2022 Roadmap up to date.

“With a strategy that focuses on ‘Security, Speed, and Structure’ to increase Sales, DTI is moving to further bolster e-commerce in the country. But we also need to strengthen protection of online consumers and online merchants, particularly our micro, small,

A pump boy refills a motorcycle with gasoline. Prices of petroleum products are expected to increase today. Edge Davao

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Partial dine-in services of restos in GCQ areas starting June 15 T he regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT 11) said it will be extending financial capital through loans to the tourism businesses in Davao Region affected by the health crisis.

Partial dine-in operations in hotel restaurants in GCQ areas have been allowed, provided the establishments strictly ob-

serve safety measures and health protocols.

A later report by Mav Gonzales’ report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday

Decline in poultry imports means sufficient local production: DA

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) said the decline in imports of poultry meat and products means that the country has sufficient local production.

The department cited data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) that showed poultry imports declined by 27 percent, from about 42,645 metric tons in January to about 33,553 metric tons in May. About 70% of the total imports is composed of mechanically deboned meat, fats, offals, and rinds which are used by industrial processors.

Government data showed that in the first quarter of 2020, poultry production grew 3.9 percent, and accounted for 14.9 percent of total agricultural production. Chicken production grew 3.3 percent, while duck production grew 0.8%.

Given this, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a statement on Saturday that these imports do not compete with the supply in the local market since these are used for processing.

This is amid calls from poultry industry stakeholders to suspend importation as oversupply has caused

decline in farmgate prices.

They also said that the BAI recommended for them to "self-regulate" given the situation.

BAI Director Ronnie Domingo said the oversupply of poultry meat was caused by the lower demand for the commodity after the government imposed community quarantine nationwide starting mid-March.

To solve this, Domingo said that the DA is already looking for ways to address the excess supply of poultry.

“The DA’s National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) reported that aside from accredited cold storage facilities, excess meat is being stored in plug-in refrigerated vans which can be considered as food safety risk,” he said.

Dar added that the department and other relevant agencies are “strengthening the system to secure the cold storage facilities and to prevent excess meat being stored in un-accredited systems.”

The secretary also pushed the industry to work with the government in coming up with ways to

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indicated that restaurants in GCQ areas, not just hotel restaurants, have been given the go-signal to offer dine-in at 30-percent capacity provided they follow the official guidelines.

Several restaurants in Tomas Morato in Quezon City will still not open their dine-in services despite the loosened protocols.

“We wanted to see and test the waters muna sa

Oil companies implement big-time fuel price hike

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ump prices of petroleum products are expected to go up on Tuesday.

In its weekly fuel price forecast for June 16 to 22, Unioil said the

DTI supports legislation to boost e-commerce act of 2020 in PH T he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in commemoration of the 20th year of Republic Act 8792 or the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, has committed to implement policies to strengthen and grow e-commerce in the country while supporting current legislative measures

by Congress.

“Twenty years after this pioneering legislation was passed, we need to revisit the law to make it more relevant to the times and future-proofing it. We need to take into account the substantial developments in technology, the widespread use of (the) internet, and the growing e-commerce sec-

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

On the decision to convict Rappler executive editor and chief executive officer Maria Angelita Ressa and writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. for cyber libel:

The exercise of freedom should and must be used with due regard to the freedom of others. As Nelson Mandela said ‘for to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others’.

Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa, after sentencing the two to imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years

EDGEDAVAO

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

BAGOBO FAMILY MONUMENT Before the new Davao international airport was moved to Buhangin district on December 1, 2003, Sasa Airport was then the region’s primary airline hub. Eight months earlier, though, it became the site of one of the most gruesome attacks to hit the city. On March 4, 2003, the airport was violently assaulted, which led to the death of 22 persons and the injury of 143.

Lost from public consciousness following the transfer of the airport to its new location was the iconic Bagobo Family Monument, a sculpture that greeted flyers entering Airport Drive. The project was created to enhance the aesthetic appearance of Davao and to attract more tourists to the city.

The initiative was an offshoot of the challenge posed by tourism secretary Jose Antonio U. Gonzales in June 1987 while gracing as guest of honor and speaker the joint meeting of the ten Rotary clubs in the region.

Central to his speech was the national government’s plan to

develop and improve tourist facilities and attractions, especially the need to upgrade the aesthetics in the city.

During his discourse, Gonzales challenged the clubs to come out with projects along his concept and assured the organizations he would make available a million pesos to the chosen proposal. The timetable for the submission was within one year.

Upon hearing the offer, the board of Davao Beautiful, Inc. (DBI), a tourism-oriented group, promptly inquired about the Gonzales project. A meeting was set with the Rotary, then headed by Dr. Nicanor del Rosario, which led to giving DBI the task to pursue the challenge.

Without losing time, DBI immediately drew up a plan, which fit the perspective of Gonzales’ idea. To ensure it reached the tourism secretary, Miguel Iñigo, a DBI board member, hand-carried the papers to Gonzales in his Manila office in November 1988. But before the undertaking was funded, the

secretary required the DBI to transform into a foundation so it could qualify as beneficiary of state funds.

After complying with the prerequisites, DBI proceeded to put on track the beautification project. Funding for the proposed monument amounted to P130,000, which was released on January 23, 1989.

Seven months later, the Bagobo Family Monument was turned over by tourism secretary Peter Garrucho to the city government on August 16, 1989, during the Araw ng Kadayawan. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, in a ceremony held at Sasa Airport, accepted the donation.

On December 14, 1989, Catalina Santos-Dakudao, then regional director of the tourism department in southern Mindanao, received a call from her main office turning down the request to reprogram the still unreleased money that was part of the Gonzales promise.

The frozen fund was later transferred to the Philippine Tourism Authority (now Tourism Infra-

structure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA) which disbursed the money according to the budgetary requirements of the proposed projects.

The Gonzales challenge, whichstarted with the Bagobo monument, later spawned other Bagobo-centric creations.

One of the most popular was the sculpture of a Bagobo holding a durian fruit. It was created by Augusto Suazo, a Davao painter, and executed by Ruperto Solon. The statue shows a man standing and wearing an indigenous attire while holding durian with both hands. A similar work but without a pedestal, stands at the junction of Bajada flyover.

Another variation is the statue of a Bagobo in lotus position with durian between his palms. Also, a Bagobo-inspired landmark is the huge steel statue of a Bagobo in Epol, Marilog district, Another tourist monument is the contentious Carabao Monument in Toril District.

The brainchild of city councilor

Renato Bangoy, then chair of the local legislature’s committee on parks and playground beautification, the project cost P182,000 and was built on a lot donated by his family.

According to Bangoy, the project was a reminder for the people of Toril that once upon a time the monument’s location was pastureland and the nearby Lipadas area was where water buffalos washed and drank.

The monument, which drew controversy, was inaugurated on August 1, 1991 with Fr. Pedro Lamata, parish priest of Toril, officiating the Mass. Soledad Duterte, mother of the city mayor, graced the event. The memorial was later turned over to the barangay hosting it.

Another iconic tourist landmark is the Golden Kris son its hilt, a Moro weapon proudly standing at the junction of Lanang and Agdao. The attraction was built on April 9, 1991, under the auspices of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines and the Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. of Davao City.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

WHEN YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE GOES UP Blood pressure is the force that your blood exerts against the walls of your blood vessels.

This pressure depends on the resistance of the blood vessels and how the heart has to work.

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure.

One in four Filipino adults has hypertension, according to a national survey. By the time they reach the age of 60, almost half will have elevated blood pressure.

Blood pressure (BP) is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.

A few years back, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and nine other health organizations released new guidelines for lowering the numbers of the diagnosis of hypertension to 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and higher for all adults. The previous guidelines set the threshold at 140/90 mm Hg for people younger than age 65 and 150/80 for those ages 65 and older.

On why the change, Dr. Rafael Castillo, member of United Kingdom-based Executive Council of the International So-

ciety of Hypertension, reported: “Because they have shown based on studies that although the previous BP levels were achieved, there are already signs of high BP on the heart, kidneys, brains, and arteries.

They therefore determined the threshold at which these target-organ damage starts to occur. And based on their analysis, it starts from a BP of 130/90 mm Hg.” A person whose BP readings are 120 to 129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic has elevated pressure. He has Stage 1 hypertension if the readings are 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 90 diastolic. A reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered Stage 2 hypertension, and anything higher than 180/120 mm is hypertensive crisis.

Health experts consider hypertension as a “silent killer.”

“Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms,” states the World Health Organization (WHO). “For this reason, it is essential that blood pressure is measured regularly.”

In some instances, symptoms do occur. They can include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. Severe hypertension can cause fatigue,

nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.

“The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure,” the United Nations health agency says. “Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless. Individuals can also measure their own blood pressure using automated devices, however, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions.”

Actually, there are two types of hypertension. In primary or essential hypertension, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown and this happens to 95 percent of patients.

“In these patients, we can still treat and control the hypertension by addressing some of the risk factors involved,” says Dr. Willie T. Ong, a well-known book author and cardiologist.

It is called secondary hypertension when it is due to a specific disease, like kidney disease, illegal drug use, hyperactive thyroid or a tumor. This happens in 5 percent of patients, according to Dr. Ong. “Doctors need to differentiate between primary from secondary hypertension,” Dr. Ong explains, “because some secondary causes can be completely cured if we address the

main culprit.”

Generally, hypertension is treated with medicines. “The choice of medication depends on the individual and any underlying medical conditions they may experience,” wrote Adam Felman for Medical News Today. Medications for hypertension include: diuretics, beta-blockers and alpha-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, central agonists, peripheral adrenergic inhibitor, vasodilators, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers.

But there are other ways of lowering your blood pressure.

In fact, those who experienced it have been trying some other methods. Allow me to share some of those techniques but just a warning: the tricks may do wonder for them but not for you. So, you better stick with what your doctor says.

Rain Rivera Ramas, from General Santos City, advised to take the medicines prescribed by your doctor. “If immediate, soaking feet and hands in very warm water has proven to work, personally as it draws the blood from the core to the extremities,” he says.

For long-term, he suggests a diet that would reduce visceral fats. “In fact, my blood pressure has been very stable since I started losing weight,”

he points out.

Julian Gonsalves, a former colleague when I worked at the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, revealed the secret of his parents’ living until 90 years old. “Two cloves of fresh garlic chopped fine, once a day, works wonders on blood pressure and cholesterol,” he disclosed. “I follow the same practice religiously.”

Fitness enthusiast Johnna Villaviray Giolagon has this suggestion: “Apart from following what your doctor said, you can also pause your day, find a quiet/private corner where you can just sit and not be disturbed.

“While seated or reclined, just pay attention to how you’re breathing. Trace your breath from the nostrils down to the chest down to the belly and the reverse path. Breath normally or if you slow down your breathing then better.

“Breathing like this for as short as a few minutes will do wonders for your blood pressure.”

Meanwhile, those with secondary hypertension must manage what causes their blood pressure to go up.

Among the medical conditions that cause it are kidney problems, sleep apnea, thyroid or adrenal gland problems, and some medicines.

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

Ginger: Growing that spicy rhizome

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

hen coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the Philippines in March this year, the Department of Health recommended hand washing, social distancing, and staying at home as possible ways to control the virus from spreading.

The Department of Agriculture, on the other hand, urged Filipinos to boost their body’s immune system to fight the virus attacks and reduce the risks of disease infections. “We have long been taught that the immune system helps the body fight off infections caused by viruses and speed up the recovery process after an infection,” explained Agriculture Secretary William Dar. The body’s immune systems serve as the “soldiers” against intruders.

“The vast network of cells and tissues is constantly on the lookout for invaders, and once an enemy is spotted, a complex attack is mounted,” wrote Tim Newman in the website of Medical News Today.

Incorporating specific foods into the diet may strengthen a person’s immune response. One of those that most Filipinos try to integrate in their diet during the COVID-19 pandemic is ginger (scientific name: Zingiber officinale), locally known as luya. It’s no wonder why the price went from P60 to P250 per kilo.

Ginger is derived from the Middle English gingivere, but ginger dates back over 3,000 years to the Sanskrit srngaveram, which means “horn root” with reference to its appearance. In Greek it was ziggiberis, and in Latin, zinziberi.

The main active ingre-

dients in ginger are gingerols, which are responsible for its distinct fragrance and flavor. Aside from having powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, ginger also has elements that help boost the immune system, some studies show.

“Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ginger may boost immune health,” wrote Jillian Kubala for the website, healthline.com. “Many test-tube and animal studies suggest that ginger can enhance immune response.

What’s more, ginger has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties.”

This must be one of the reasons why people use ginger to help recover from a cold or the flu. In 2013, researchers studied the effects of fresh ginger on one respiratory virus in human cells. The result indicated that fresh finger may help protect the respiratory system.

Since ancient times, people have used ginger in cooking and medicine.

In the Philippines, the traditional health drink is called salabat, which is made from boiled fresh or powdered ginger. In cooking, ginger is used to add flavor to some common dishes like tinola, goto, arroz caldo, paksiw, batchoy, and pinakbet.

In China, a drink made with sliced ginger cooked in sweetened water or a cola is used as a folk med-

icine for common cold. In India, ginger is applied as a paste to the temples to relieve headache.

The ancient Greeks welcomed the arrival of ginger and quickly put it to good use as a digestive aid. To lighten the load of a big meal placed on the digestive system, the Greeks would end an evening of fabulous fasting by eating some ginger wrapped in bread. Eventually, this practice evolved into the world's first cookie – gingerbread.

In the United States, ginger is “generally recognized safe” by the Food and Drug Administration, though it is not approved for the treatment or cure of any disease and is sold as an unregulated dietary supplement.

The Minnesota-based Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research recommends ginger for nausea and vomiting.

“To prevent nausea after surgery,” it states, “ginger has been given as one gram by mouth one hour before surgery. For chemotherapy-induced nausea, capsules of ginger root powder have been given orally one gram per day for 5 days, starting on the first day of chemotherapy.”

Ginger does not prevent morning sickness but it may help ease some of the nausea experienced by pregnant women, Australian researchers reported in the April 2004 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Researchers from the University of South Australia in Adelaide gave nearly 300 women either 350 milligrams of ginger or 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 three times per day for 3 weeks. The researchers found that both ginger

and vitamin B6, which is sometimes taken to counteract morning sickness, worked equally well at alleviating nausea symptoms.

Motion sickness can make even the most enthusiastic traveler miserable. A 1982 study revealed that people prone to motion sickness who took ginger lasted 57 percent longer in a computerized rocking chair than people who took overthe-counter remedies.

Another study showed that taking two to four capsules of dried ginger before traveling in a car, boat, plane, or trains prevented motion sickness in 90 percent of the people who participated in the study.

"To combat travel sickness, take a quarter of a teaspoon of powdered ginger or a centimeter slice of fresh root ginger at least 20 minutes before you get in the car or board a ferry," suggests an article which appeared in Reader’s Digest.

In recent years, ginger has been investigated as a potential weapon in the battle of the bulge, according to the International Journal of Obesity.

Preliminary test-tube research shows that ginger boosts thermogenesis, or calorie burning. By measuring a complicated series of reactions in the tissue of rats, researchers found that ginger made the tissues use more energy than they would have normally.

Although it is much too early to tell if this will benefit those with heart disease, a few preliminary studies suggest that ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent the blood from clotting. A 1994 study conducted in India revealed that 5 grams of ginger a day significantly inhibits platelets' ability to clump, which in turn reduces the risk of clogged arteries in people with heart disease. Less blood clotting means less risk of a heart attack.

Now, here’s a word of warning: Though generally recognized as safe, ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, particularly if taken in powdered form. Allergic reactions to ginger generally result in a rash.

Individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines may react badly to large quantities of fresh ginger. Ginger should not be used by children under 2 years of age.

So, if there’s a crop that Filipino farmers

should get engaged in, it’s planting ginger. It can be planted throughout the year and just like two other spices – onion and garlic – ginger doesn’t succumb to deterioration.

But in spite of its suitability to Philippine conditions, ginger is still a “neglected” crop. Few farmers plant it and their produce is not enough to meet domestic consumption. There is a big demand for ginger in special powdered form in Japan and Germany. In the domestic market, food factories engaged in meat canning and meat processing desperately need high-quality ginger. Sadly, local sources cannot meet the demand.

However, farmers who want to grow ginger should consult first the Department of Agriculture to determine the feasibility of the venture in their respective areas.

Those intending to tap the export market may inquire the Department of Trade and Industry about the requirements and standards to be met.

Ginger can be grown in flat to slightly rolling areas with well-drained, light to medium textured soil high in organic matter and pH of 6.8-7.0. It can grow in elevations of up to 1,500 meters above sea level with about 200300 centimeters annual rainfall every distributed throughout the year.

A farmer needs about 800 to 1,500 kilograms of seed pieces to plant a hectare. Ginger roots are stored under shade and covered with banana or coconut leaves. Only healthy rhizomes with sprouts or eyes are selected for planting.

Here are some valuable tips in growing ginger as shared by the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Research and Development (PCAARRD): Land preparation. The field is cleared of bushes

or stubbles of previous crop to facilitate land preparation. These can be used in compost piles and should not be burned.

After doing so, the field is plowed twice and then harrowed to pulverize the soil. Furrows one meter apart are made. For one hectare, three to five tons of fully decomposed chicken manures are incorporated into the soil.

Planting. This is done at the start of the rainy season. Pre-germinated seed pieces are distributed in furrows 30 centimeters apart and covered lightly with soil. In smallscale plantings, the newly-planted seed pieces are mulched with rice straw or coconut leaves.

Generally, ginger is intercropped with perennial crops such as coconut and coffee. In Cavite, it is a common practice to plant ginger (0.3 meter by 3 meters) with papaya (3 meters by 3 meters), pineapple (0.3 meter by 0.75 meter), and tomato (1 meter by 3 meters).

Fertilization. As ginger takes up large amounts of nutrients, it is necessary to fertilize the crop.

Per hectare, the general fertilizer requirement of NPK is 180 kilograms, 180 kilograms, and 255 kilograms, respectively. A hectare of ginger requires 11.5 bags 14-14-14 and 4 bags of 0-0-60 in addition to five tons of chicken or animal manure. The manure is incorporated during furrow preparation. Inorganic fertilizers are applied as sidedress at 30 and 60 days after planting.

Irrigation. Ginger requires light but frequent irrigation during the vegetative stage, if rainfall is not evenly distributed.

Depending on soil type and seasonal rainfall, irrigation varies from four to seven days.

Weeding. Generally, ginger requires regular hand weeding during its growth period. One month after planting,

FGINGER, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

9

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These tasks will be delivered in either synchronous or asynchronous learning sessions to allow for participants to get a feel for the different modalities of remote learning provid-

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10 EDGEDAVAO BETTER... FROM 2

coordinate with the sector regularly kasi nga bumabago ang situation. Very

fluid and no one template must be made to stay for so long,” Lizada said.

random inspection, hindi naman para hulihin. Gusto po nating itama kasi ang hangad natin ngayong panahong ‘to ay hindi lamang pag-iingat kundi makapagbukas ulit ng mga hanapbuhay,” he said.

The IATF approved the resumption of dine-in services in GCQ areas starting on Monday, provided that only 30% of the restaurant's capacity will be allowed inside.

A 30% capacity means

that if a restaurant or food establishment can accommodate 100 persons before the pandemic, they can now only allow 30 persons to dine-in, according to DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Vizmonte reminded that even family members staying at the same house should observe social distancing, saying that the public should see that protocols are being followed in the establishment.

cial amelioration packages under SAP that grants outright cash of either PHP3,000 or PHP5,000 and PHP25,000 burial aid for those whose family member dies due to Covid-19.

On May 14, the DSWD launched the web application “ReliefAgad” to speed up the distribution

of emergency subsidies to low-income Filipino households affected by the health crisis.

ReliefAgad, a quick-relief system, would allow DSWD to quickly get the details of SAP beneficiaries and distribute the cash aid through an electronic payment using their smartphones. (PNA)

“Kasama rin po sa aming proposal ang paggamit na po ng mobile application at pag-allow na gumamit ng automated betting machine kung saan hindi lang po kailangan ng faceto-face betting,” Garma added.

The PCSO official also announced that as soon as

they resume operations, the agency will conduct a special drawfor bettors who purchased their tickets before the community quarantine.

Garma also said recently that the price of lotto tickets will go down from P24 to P20 once the gaming operation resumes.

Key to restoring consumer confidence in travel is assuring them of safety. At Cebu Pacific, air in-

side its jets is replaced 20 times an hour and filters screen 99.9 percent of microbes, he said.

for Filipinos who have lost their income or means of livelihood due to the Covid-triggered containment measures are aligned

with President Rodrigo Duterte's priorities of saving lives and protecting communities amid this global health crisis. (PR)

accordance with relevant law and regulations,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat previously warned.

This follows the announcement that Boracay Island will reopen on June 16 to tourists from Western Visayas.

solve the problems caused by the community quarantine.

Moreover, Dar said that the industry will continu-

ously be assisted through the National Livestock Program to ensure adequate and safe production of supply.

and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he added.

The 2019 Google Temasek study indicated that e-commerce in the Philippines is expected to grow from USD2.5 billion in 2019 to USD12 billion in 2025.

Likewise, according to statistics from EuroMonitor, there is a huge potential for growth of online commerce given that it accounts for only 3.78 percent of total retail in the Philippines valued at

USD63.2 billion.

“With e-commerce growing and evolving, we need to tackle structural and legal impediments to e-commerce and digital marketplace growth. The upshot is that this is expected to boost our economy in terms of opening markets to facilitate sales and consumption, upgrading traditional manufacturing and service, and developing new industries for business opportunities,” Lopez said. (PR)

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PNP... FROM 3

PCSO... FROM 4

GOKONGWEI... FROM 4 RELEASE... FROM 4 TOUR... FROM 5

DECLINE... FROM 5 DTI... FROM 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

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go, Sampao and neighboring areas.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience brought about by these scheduled power inter-

ruptions. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend

beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Please contact our 24/7 Customer Contact Service at 229-3572,

0917-864-2793 (Globe) or 0920-970-1357 (Smart) for any power interruption that will fall outside the given schedule.

"republished" version of the story in February 2014 is covered by the law.

Rappler's lawyers, the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), argued before the court that the "multiple republication" principle does not apply to online media. They also said the change made to the story in 2014 was merely a "spelling correction."

FLAG said both Ressa and Santos had "no participation" in the alleged republishing. The lawyers further argued that no evidence was shown to indicate that Rappler, Inc., a corporate entity, could be made liable under the charge.

In the 37-page ruling, however, the judge said the prosecution was able to establish the presence of all elements of cyber libel, including "actual malice," as she found that the article was "republished with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not."

The court said Keng did not immediately file a complaint against Rappler but instead initially reached out to demand the news site to

publish his side of the story. The court said Rappler ended up not publishing a clarificatory article.

"Here, Rappler and both accused did not offer a scintilla of proof that they verified the imputations of various crimes in the disputed Article upon the person of Keng apart from a sweeping and unexplained reference to a purported 'intelligence report' and a '2002 Philippine Star report,'" it said.

The court said the defendants did not verify the veracity of the reports. It also pointed out that neither Ressa nor Santos took the witness stand.

In addition, the court found Ressa, who is Rappler's "executive editor," liable despite claims by the defense that she does not edit stories.

The court said it was a "clever ruse" for Rappler not to call Ressa its "editor-in-chief" "to avoid liability of the officers of a news organization" for libel.

"It is not a matter of whether she was actually involved in preparing or

editing the subject article because the law simply states that she, as editor and business manager, is liable 'as if' she was the author, in accordance with Article 360 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to RA 10175," the court said.

Meanwhile, the court said the prescriptive period for cyber libel is 12 years, which means one could file a case within 12 years from publication of the allegedly libelous article. Rappler had claimed the prescriptive period was just one year.

Press freedom Journalists' groups and advocates in the Philippines and abroad have condemned the criminal cases against Ressa and Rappler as attacks on press freedom.

In a final note on the decision, Judge Montesa said "there is no curtailment of the right to freedom of speech and of the press."

"Each person, journalist or not has that constitutionally guaranteed right to freely express, write and make known his opinion.

But with the highest ideals

in mind what society expects is a responsible free press. It is in acting responsibly that freedom is given its true meaning," she added.

The judge said free speech and press freedom "cannot and should not be used as a shield against accountability."

"If a private individual, a so-called 'netizen,' can be held accountable for any defamatory posts or comments in the internet, so too must accountability and journalistic responsibility be brought to bear upon online news organizations since the extent of its influence, as powered by the internet, goes beyond the physical limitation of printed publications," she wrote.

Rappler lawyer Theodore Te said they will decide their next legal step in the next 15 days.

Rappler and Ressa also face separate charges for alleged tax evasion and violation of the anti-dummy law, cases that the veteran journalist has called acts of harassment against the news site.

hand weed is recommended. The frequency of subsequent weeding depends on weed density. To suppress weed growth, the plants may be mulched with coconut leaves or rice straw.

Harvesting. Harvest time depends on the requirements of consumers. For the local market, after 10 to 11 months; for pickling and salting, 5 to 7 months; for dehydration, 6 to 8 months; and for

fresh ginger export, after 7 to 10 months. However, harvesting should be done before the rhizomes become fibrous or when the leaves or stalks are yellow and withering.

Three men can har-

vest the crop. One digs up every hill with a spading fork; another pulls out the plants, shakes off the soil and lays them on the bed in wind rows; the third cuts off stems without breaking ginger bulbs.

Colonial.

He hit into the water on the 15th from a fairway bunker, hit a poor chip after the penalty shot and then made a 30-footer to escape with a bogey. He followed with a 25-foot birdie to regain a share of the lead. And then his 3-foot par putt on the 17th hole dipped in one side of the hole and spun out of the other.

His 25-foot birdie putt to join the playoff came up just short and he shot 69.

Bryson DeChambeau cringed when his 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th narrowly missed, giving him a 66 and leaving him one shot out of the playoff. Ditto for Justin Rose, whose 18-foot birdie on the last hole was a turn short. He also had 66. Jason Kokrak finished well ahead of ev-

eryone else. he also missed a birdie on the last hole in his round of 64.

Spieth, trying to end three years without a victory, left with a consolation prize of progress. He missed a 2-foot par putt on the sixth hole — part of three bogeys in a fourhole stretch — but was still in the mix until a tee shot out of bounds on the 14th.

Even then, he made a 35foot putt to save bogey. He wound up with a 71 and tied for 10th.

Rory McIlroy had seven straight tournaments no worse than fifth, a streak that came to a stunning halt. Starting the final round three shots behind, he was 5 over through seven holes and closed with a 74 to tie for 32nd.

The final round was

as wild as expected with eight players taking turns or sharing time in the lead, all without having any idea without fans to give a hint of what was going on.

“If there are fans and everything with the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs,’ I’d probably be a little more (ticked) off,” Schauffele said. “Maybe that’s a good thing for me right now. But it was definitely weird. It was sort of an internal battle, which it always is for me, but more so internal this week just with no fans.”

Monahan conceded his biggest concern going into the week, even with its testing and safety procedure, was positive tests popping up. “That’s something, candidly, that I lost a lot of sleep over in the weeks that preceded coming in,”

he said.

All 487 tests at Colonial were negative, and the golf lived up to its part with a star-filled leaderboard and a half-dozen players still in the mix the final hour.

Next up is the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head on the South Carolina coast, and Monahan said the first week won’t be complete until then to see how players handled the interstate travel. Those on the charter were tested for the new coronavirus after the third round. Everyone else would be tested when they arrived at Hilton Head.

“This is about a sustained return,” Monahan said. “But I think as we sit here late in the day Sunday, there’s no question that this has been an exceptional week.”

ration (Pagcor) as provided by law.

Pagcor’s remittances to PSC for sports development substantially declined due to the pandemic that adversely affected Pagcor’s operations.

Aside from financial support, Go also urged the government to provide other forms of assistance to help national athletes and

coaches especially those who are preparing for international competitions.

“To our concerned government agencies, please continue to monitor and support the welfare of athletes through other innovative means especially in conducting online trainings and by providing guidelines for other sports competitions to resume

activities in a safe manner and in compliance with health protocols,” Go said.

Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11470, seeking to establish the National Academy of Sports.

Go said that with this law now in place, the Philippines will be able to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of sports

development.

“The establishment of the NAS in very close proximity to world-class facilities in New Clark City will allow student-athletes to experience a level of training which is at par with the best in the world and at the same time be given quality education,” said Go, one of the principal authors of the law. (PR)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

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Davao’s Ancajas ‘cheers up’ boxing fans amid Covid-19

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ players remain undivided on the resumption of the season.

eigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas of Davao del Norte urged boxing fans to stay safe as he expressed hope that the public can overcome the coronavirus disease pandemic.

Ancajas, 28, was one of the guest speakers in the 1st IBF Video Awards Ceremony held worldwide through YouTube.

“To all boxing fans, stay safe and we can overcome this global crisis and boxing will be back soon,” Ancajas said.

Ancajas is currently training at the Cavite Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite.

He and his manager-trainer, Joven Jimenez, were supposed to go to the United States for a possible fight but have to

defer their trip due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Saka nila i-confirm ang laban kung makakarating kami sa US” (They will soon confirm the fight after we arrive in the US) said Jimenez. “Pero, nakahanda kami sa training” (But we are ready for the training).”

Ancajas also runs 30 minutes every day since he is already 88 percent in condition.

He had 36 rounds of sparring sessions against undefeated super lightweight Daniel Lim (9W0L, 2KO), flyweight John Mark Alimane (8W-1L-0D, 4KO) and unbeaten light flyweight Angelo Beltran (6W-0L, 4KO).

In his last and eight title fight, Ancajas stopped Miguel Gonzales of Chile in the 6th round in Mexico last Dec. 7. (PNA)

with people dying in the streets, that’s something real. That statement, it had nothing to do with sports. It had everything to do with racism and social injustice.”

One Lakers player who has not spoken out against resuming play is Lakers star LeBron James. On Sunday, Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley tweeted that if James is ready to play, all players better be ready for play to resume.

“Hoopers say what y’all want,” Beverley tweeted.

“If @KingJames said he hooping. We all hooping.

Not Personal only BUSINESS #StayWoke.”

The NBA hasn’t played since March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The league intends to finish the coronavirus-interrupted season and the playoffs at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla. Training camp is set to be held July 9-29 before the season restarts July 30.

Floyd, a black man, died May 25 after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked global protests, and sports teams throughout the U.S. have spoken out publicly against racism, with several teams taking part in protests.

Lakers: We want to play

T

hough several NBA players on Friday reportedly voiced their opposition to resuming the season as a protest against racism and social injustice, ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Lakers’ players remain undivided on the resumption of the season.

The news came a day after Lakers backup center Dwight Howard told CNN that now is not the time to resume basketball in light of the protests that broke out across the nation and the world following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police last month.

Contrary to Howard’s

statement, however, more than one Lakers player told ESPN everyone is on the same page. “(There is) no divide,” one Lakers player told ESPN. “Still have some time to figure things out as a league and as a team,” another said.

Brooklyn Nets guard

Kyrie Irving reportedly lobbied fellow players on Friday to sit out the scheduled resumption of play as a protest against racism, multiple media outlets reported.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Irving told more than 80 NBA players on a conference call, “I don’t support going into Orlando. I’m not with the systematic racism and the (expletive).

Something smells a little fishy. ... I’m willing to give up everything I have (for social reform).”

ESPN reported that the Lakers initially had concerns after hearing Howard’s comments, but

Safe return for golf as Berger wins Colonial

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ORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Daniel Berger was playing some of the best golf that no one noticed. Three months away because of the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t slow his momentum, and he made it pay off Sunday with a victory at Colonial.

The PGA Tour made a healthy return to golf at the Charles Schwab Challenge with a somewhat sickly finish. Berger saved par from behind the 17th green on the first playoff hole and won when Collin Morikawa missed a 3-foot par putt.

Berger closed with a 4-under 66, his 28th consecutive round at par or better dating to Oct. 11 at the Houston Open.

Even over the final hour, a half-dozen players were still in the mix. All that was missing was the sound and energy of a gallery, with

the PGA Tour not allowing spectators for the opening five events in its return.

Berger won for the third time — all victories during this week on the calendar, just not in circumstances like this. It was the first PGA Tour event since March 12 when the spread of the new coronavirus shut down golf and other sports.

From no positive tests to a dynamic finish at history-rich Colonial, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan sized up the week by saying, “This has been a phenomenal start to our return.”

Morikawa has been equally steady. Since graduating from Cal a year ago, he has won and made every cut, a streak now at 21 events, the longest streak by a newcomer since Tiger Woods.

He took a share of the

lead with a 50-foot putt on the 14th hole. It was the short ones that hurt. Morikawa also missed a birdie putt from 6 feet on the 18th hole in a 67.

Berger was the only one who delivered, making a 10-foot birdie on the final hole that put him at 15-under 265. The last time Berger was in a playoff, Jordan Spieth holed a bunker shot to beat him at the Travelers Championship. So he could feel for what Morikawa felt int he loss.

“It’s going to hurt for a little while, but he’ll get over it and he’ll be winning again,” Berger said.

Even the optimism of being back to golf didn’t eliminate the sting, and more than Morikawa felt it.

Xander Schauffele gave new meaning to the phrase “Horrible Horseshoe” at

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his agent, Charles Briscoe, told the outlet Howard has not made a decision about playing this season as he has not thought about basketball in recent weeks.

“The statement was about social injustice and racism,” Briscoe told ESPN. “Yet everybody is still talking about whether basketball should be played. He isn’t saying that basketball shouldn’t be. He’s just saying that you should not be taking attention away from what’s going on in the country to talk about basketball.”

“Basketball is just a sport, at the end of the day. But what’s going on

Daniel Berger poses with the championship trophy after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament after a playoff round at the Colonial

Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, June 14, 2020. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 56 • TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

OLYMPIC QUEST Senator Bong Go with members of the national team.

Go wants rules set for athletes eyeing Olympics slots amid virus

S

enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Sunday urged the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and other concerned agencies to craft guidelines to help national athletes bound for Olympic qualifying tournaments abroad.

Go said the guidelines must be compliant with the health protocols to allow the national athletes compete in various Olympic qualifying tournaments for 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics even during the general community quarantine being imposed to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Habang patuloy na nilalabanan nating lahat ang pandemyang ito at hinahanda na rin natin ang bansa para sa ‘new normal’ oras na malampasan natin ang krisis, kailangan ding mapaghandaan ng mga atleta natin ang kanilang mga

laban sa paraan na ligtas at makabubuti sa kanilang pag-eensayo (While we fight this pandemic and prepare for new normal after this crisis, we need to prepare our athletes so that they can safely prepare for their trainings and upcoming tournaments),” Go said.

Go, chair of the Senate committee on sports, said his office has already relayed this concern to PSC chairman William Ramirez and POC president and Cavite Rep. Abraham Tolentino.

“Marami po sa ating mga atleta ay tatlong buwan nang hindi nakakapag-ensayo ng maayos.

Planuhin dapat ng PSC at POC kung paano sila makakapaghanda sa kompetisyon sa paraang hindi rin sila malalagay sa alanganin dahil sa kumakalat na sakit (Majority of our athletes have not trained for three months. PSC and POC should plan how our athletes can prepare for competitions without compromising their health),” he said.

He said both Ramirez and Tolentino agreed to sit down soon and work on the necessary guidelines to allow the national athletes to resume their trainings through the available sports facilities.

Go said guidelines must be implemented in close coordination with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

“We must take extra precaution and consider necessary safety guidelines and health protocols since we are still in the middle of a national

health emergency caused

by Covid-19,” said Go, who is also chair of the Senate committee on health.

He said there are available sports facilities that can be used for trainings without violating the health protocols set by IATF-EID. “They (PSC and POC) can ensure that health protocols are followed, proper sanitation is maintained, and Covid-19 testings are made available when necessary,” Go said.

The Philippines emerged overall champion when it hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games last year.

“We are overall champion in the 30th Southeast Asian Games and we hope that our success in the field of sports can continue in the upcoming Summer Olympics as well as other international competitions despite the current crisis we are facing,” Go said.

Go also said once the 31st SEA Games in Ha-

noi, Vietnam is already organized, subsequent preparations of the Philippine team must also be considered in accordance with health protocols necessary when that time comes.

In a related development, Games and Amusements Board chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra has also presented to the IATF-EID their suggested protocols and guidelines for professional sports.

IATF’s technical working group is presently studying the matter.

Meanwhile, Go appealed to the PSC to continue to promote and protect the welfare of national athletes, especially their physical and mental condition amid the Covid-19 crisis.

“Ang ating mga atleta ay nagdadala ng karangalan sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng kanilang husay at talento. Ngayon, ipakita natin ang taos pusong suporta sa kanila, hindi lang sa mga laro,

kundi sa oras ng pangangailangan (Our athletes bring honors for our country through their skills and talents. Let’s show them our full support, not only in the games, but in the times of need),” he said.

The PSC assured that qualified athletes and coaches will still receive allowances despite the “no training, no allowance” policy previously implemented.

Although the amounts will be cut by half starting July, the PSC committed that allowances due to athletes can be retroacted to cover the deficit during the period when allowances were slashed once funds are made available considering their current financial situation.

Allowances provided

by PSC for qualified athletes are taken from the National Sports Development Fund sourced from a percentage of the income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corpo-

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