Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 62 | Tuesday, June 23, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN STILL RAMPANT

Serving a seamless society

PM SENT

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

BIGGER PICTURE P8

edgedavao@gmail.com

Online sellers warned on using statements violating Consumer Act: DTI 11 STORY ON PAGE 2

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

Bicycle riders pass by a display of native chicken being sold at a roadside stall in San Rafael, Ma-a, Davao City on Monday.

Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

PM SENT

President Rodrigo Duterte talks on the phone with outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar who made a farewell call on the President at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Online sellers warned on using statements violating Consumer Act: DTI 11

By MAYA M. PADILLO

P

M is the key.

Beware. This familiar selling line by online sellers to would-be buyers runs smack against the law.

Under the law, PM is not the key.

Online sellers communicating prices of merchandise sold online with the customary confidential lines “PM is the key or PM sent” to customers are violating the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI 11) said on Monday.

PM, a social media abbreviation for “private message”, is commonly used by online sellers to conceal the prices of goods by sending it on a private conversation. This will conceal the content of the message from other persons online. It will also prevent authorities from monitoring the price of the goods or services sold online.

DTI 11 reminded online sellers the joint

DTI-Department of Health (DOH)-Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative Order (JAO) No. 1 Series of 2008, which provide the “rules and regulations for consumer protection in a transaction covered by the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) through electronic means under the E-Commerce Act (RA 8792)” which states that the price tag, as well as the other terms of the transaction such as the delivery fees, packaging fees must be indicated.

Lawyer Dianne Bay Grado, attorney III for Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Trade Industry 11 (DTI 11), said in a phone interview that the agency is intensifying the campaign as the agency has received

complaints from consumers on why online sellers are not disclosing their prices online.

Based on Section 5 No 3 of JAO on the Information About Consumer Transaction states that retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturers engaged in electronic commerce with consumers shall provide sufficient, clear, accurate, easily accessible information about the terms, conditions and costs of the consumer transaction to enable consumers to make an informed decision.

The order stipulates that the manner of providing this information shall give consumers an adequate opportunity to review the terms, conditions and costs before entering into the consumer transaction and allow the consumers to retain a copy of the information.

It also states that retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturers shall make avail-

able to consumers a clear and complete text of the relevant terms and conditions of the consumer transaction. The consumers should be able to access and retain a record of the information by printing or electronic record.

Likewise, the information shall include the price tag of the product or service and the applicable currency. However, applicable costs not included in the price tag such as delivery, postage, handling, insurance, shipping charges, taxes, and specific reference to any other charges, customs fees and other fees that may be imposed on or collected from consumers shall be so stated in the information. The information shall include notice of any optional ongoing costs, fees and charges and methods of notification for changes to those costs, fees and charges.

The JAO also provides that any person aggrieved

FPM, P9

Gov’t eyes food packs for children in place of feeding programs

T

he government is eyeing to provide food packs for malnourished children, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Monday as traditional feeding programs will not likely continue due to the persisting threat of COVID-19.

With the prohibition on face-to-face classes, Nograles said the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), might distribute food packs that contain vegetables, rice, and nutribuns instead of providing hot meals in schools.

“We may need to bring the program to the communities of these students to make it work,” Nograles

told reporters via teleconferencing.

Nograles, who chairs the government’s task force against hunger, called on local government units to prioritize poor families with children in the provision of food rations to avoid stunting.

“The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak compels us to revisit government food security and nutrition programs as we now have to factor in the challenges brought about by this pandemic,” he added.

The Cabinet official said the task force will coordinate with different government agencies to ensure that food programs continue to benefit poor and malnourished children.

Piñol: Lift ‘no backride’ policy in Mindanao

S

ecretary Emmanuel Piñol said Saturday the government’s ‘no backride’ policy snags the economic recovery of the country.

“In as far as Mindanao is concerned, this policy is impractical, unrealistic and counter-productive and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will officially request Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) that this be rescinded,” he said.

As Chairman of the MinDA, Piñol said he will officially transmit on Sunday to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) a communication requesting

that Mindanao be exempted from the policy which bans people from riding tandem in a motorcycle.

He said the policy, which is being implemented by some local government units following a directive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), will adversely affect the efforts of recovery of Mindanao if fully implemented.

“In fact, this measure will even paralyze the rural economy not only of Mindanao but perhaps other rural areas of the country as well. While the intent to enforce this policy to curb the spread of Covid-19

FPIÑOL, P9

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

BTA to file BARMM priority bills before September

M

Davao Medical Society and former governor of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA)-Southern Mindanao former president Dr. Malou Monteverde bares that the medical doctors in Davao City are one with

the medical doctors in the rest of the country in pushing for the amendment of the Universal Health Care (UHC) including the suspension of the Premium Payment contribution by PhilHealth. Edge Davao

embers of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the lawmaking body of the fledging Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), are set to file and tackle the region’s administrative code and other priority bills before September this year.

In a radio interview on Saturday, BTA majority floor leader Lanang Ali Jr. said BARMM’s Attorney General Sha Elija Dumama-Alba presented the draft of the administrative code at the recently held Cabinet meeting and they have reached a consensus on the matter.

“We’ve agreed in the Cabinet meeting that the Bangsamoro administrative code will be filed anytime soon,” he said over the weekly Radyo Bangsamoro

program here.

Ali said BARMM is following the Bangsamoro Transition Plan (BTP) while waiting for the passage of the administrative code, a law that will define the administrative structures, including the creation of offices in the BARMM, among others.

“The moment the BARMM administrative code becomes a law, the structures in the BTP will be incorporated,” he said.

The BTP was approved and adopted last year by the BTA with its provisions also used as a basis for creating the Bangsamoro administrative code.

“And once we pass the administrative code, this will be the permanent procedures and structure that we will use,” Ali added.

Ali further underscored

he support of Pres.

Rodrigo Duterte, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations (NGOs) have been vital in the preparation for the opening of classes under a new normal in August.

“We are highly indebted to our partners and leaders who are with us in ensuring the safety of our learners, teachers, and parents in these difficult times,” the DepEd said in a statement.

In the first two weeks of the enrolment period, more than 10 million learners nationwide have registered remotely and more are expected to enroll in the next few days, it added.

The coronavirus has forced a shift in the delivery of classes. Since the enhanced community quarantine due to the pandemic disrupted face-to-face classes, some schools used the online learning platform DepEd

Commons.

Not all learners though have online access. With the help of the private sector, the department has been preparing and updating learning delivery modes as classes begin in two months.

“We are working closely with our LGUs in the proper deployment of learning resources. Along this line, we are also setting up policies and guidelines to further protect the safety and health of our learners and teachers,” the DepEd statement read.

The department is looking at a variety of learning delivery options and materials -- online, printed, and digital and its field units will decide which mode is appropriate for learners in their areas.

Earlier, Education Secretary Leonor Briones appealed to Duterte to allow the department to continue its preparations for the

Doctors want PhilHealth T rate hike suspended

FBTA, P9

DepEd says stakeholders’ support vital in preparations for new normal

By MAYA M. PADILLO

M

edical doctors in Davao City joined the call for the suspension of the premium payment contribution being implemented by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Dr. Malou Monteverde, former president of Davao Medical Society and former governor of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA)-Southern Mindanao, said the medical doctors in Davao City are one with their colleagues in the rest of the country in pushing for the amendment of the Universal Health Care (UHC) including the suspension of the Premium Payment contribution by PhilHealth.

In its PhilHealth Circular No. 2019-0009 published on November 23, 2019, premium rate for Direct Contributors shall still be at 2.75 percent of their monthly basic salary with an adjusted ceiling of P50,000. In 2020, PhilHealth will increase the rate to three percent and henceforth adjusted to increments of 0.5 percent every year until it reaches the five percent limit in 2025 as provided for by law. Income

PEF to screen “Bird of Prey” online to raise funds for Eagle ‘Kadasig’

T

he Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) will screen online the award-winning documentary film “Bird of Prey” on June 24 to raise funds for “Kadasig,” a 17-year old captive-bred Philippine eagle, the lone eagle that has not been adopted among 32 of its kind kept at the center in Malagos, Baguio District.

Andi Baldonado, PEF development project manager, said the center needs to raise 200,000 pesos to cover for Kadasig’s food, enclosure maintenance, keeper care, and veterinary care for a year, as the threats of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and bird flu forced the Philippine Eagle Center to close down temporarily to visitors last March. Any interested donor can make a minimum pledge of 250 pesos through PEF’s web-

site.

“Kadasig,” a Cebuano word that refers to enthusiasm or being in high spirits, or inspiration, plays an important role in the conservation breeding program of the center as the raptor is already at its prime age for breeding as a mal-imprint eagle, currently serving as one of center’s semen donors for cooperative artificial insemination (CAI) method, she said.

She said the center wants to produce more captive-bred raptors that will be released later on in the wild.

“He has an extraordinary relationship with his keeper who stands as his surrogate mate. This took time to build with Kadasig being under the care of his keeper for two years now.

Strengthening Kadasig’s

FPEF, P9

floor is fixed at P10,000 during the five-year period, while salary ceiling will gradually increase by P10,000 each year until it reaches P100,000 in 2025.

For those earning below the salary floor of P10,000, contributions are computed using the minimum threshold; while those who earn the set ceilings/limits shall pay premiums based on the set ceiling.

During the First Joint Congressional Oversight Committee Meeting on UHC last June 16, 2020 attended by the medical doctors led by PMA president, Dr. Jose Santiago, together with the Philippine College of Surgeons president Dr. Jose Antonio Salud, Dr. Raquel Llanera of the Pa-

ranaque Medical Society and Monteverde, the group expressed their sentiments with regards to UHC 2019 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the health sector.

“The doctors recognize that the Universal Health Care is imperative to provide quality health service to the nation. The Premium Payments are based on income tax returns of contributors. The doctors group ask that they be recognized as partners in the Universal Health Care and should not be marginalized,” Monteverde said in a phone interview.

She added that the physicians further asked that there be a review of the

FDOCTORS, P9

FDEPED, P9

With school opening in limbo due to the COVID-19 threat, children on Friday (19 June 2020) play around the Espoir School of Life, a school for the poor built by foreigners in Barangay Lobogon, Del Carmen, Siargao Island. MindaNews photo by ROEL CATOTO

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

A barber of one of the barbershops at SM Lanang Premier uses a UV sterilizer machine to sanitize haircut tools in between use. Photo courtesy of SM Lanang Premier

probing alleged abuse Gov’t looks into aviation sector’s DTI of PWD discount cards concerns amid mass layoffs T

T

he government is looking for ways to help the hardly-hit aviation industry as mass layoffs plagued the sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Titingnan po natin kung paano pa natin matutulungan ang aviation industry, alam po natin napakadaming hanapbuhay, napakaraming pamilyang nakasandal sa aviation industry para sa hanapbuhay,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said.

The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP), composed of the country’s leading airlines, called for government intervention such as long term credit facility, working capital credit lines, credit guarantee arrangements, and temporary relief from navigational and

airport charges as local carriers face liquidity problems due to worldwide air travel restrictions and reduced passenger demand in time of pandemic.

Recently, Cebuc Pacific’ ground handling service provider 1Aviation announced a mass layoff of over 1,000 employees.

The company has earlier let go 400 probationary employees.

AirAsia Philippines also announced a reduction of its 2,200-strong workforce by 12%, translating to roughly 260 workers being laid off.

In March, Cebu Pacif-

ic laid off over 150 newly-hired flight attendants, while Philippine Airlines implemented a retrenchment of about 300 groundbased workers in February.

Local carriers earlier sought for the government to provide a credit guarantee scheme that guarantees the banking sector’s loans and credit lines, most of which are secured under collateral, to remove its aversion to the poor credit risk of airline industry under the present operating environment.

ACAP also asked for access to emergency lines of credit to help fund six months of operations, perhaps longer if this crisis is extended, in order for the industry to remain viable until overall demand recovers.

While the government recognizes the plight of the aviation sector, the Palace official said the priority is still the poorest Filipinos.

“Well, inuuna nga po natin muna iyong mga pinakamahihirap sa ating bayan kaya nga po inuuna natin ang distribution ng second tranche ng SAP na nagsimula na po at marami na pong nakatanggap ng second tranche. Sinusunod po natin iyong salary subsidy sa mga small and medium enterprises at saka iyong loan guarantees para sa mga small and medium enterprises,” Roque said.

“Pero sa ngayon po ang prayoridad natin iyong pinakamahihirap at ang ating binibigay ay ayuda para sila ay mayroon namang kakainin tatlong beses isang araw,” he said.

hind these unscrupulous and unauthorized investment schemes that the government is monitoring the public space for such schemes, and will take appropriate legal and regulatory action," the statement read.

The DOF also warned the public against fake news articles which alleged that the government had created a platform called "Bitcoin Lifestyle" which was supposedly endorsed

by President Rodrigo Duterte himself.

The articles were said to have also suggested that the Philippine government had promised "huge" tax revenues which would benefit all citizens. "[T]here is no such effort by the government," Finance assistant secretary Antonio "Tony" Joselito Lambino II said in the statement. "[E]xercise caution in [your] investments and to keep [your] expectations of returns realistic," he told the public.

The DOF in May already

warned the public about what it said was "malicious misinformation" claiming that the Philippines was creating a platform for citizens to earn through cryptocurrency.

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Sunday said it is investigating reports of alleged abuse of discount cards meant for Persons with Disability (PWD).

The DTI said the probe follows a social media post, showing a photo of a family from Quezon City whose members all claimed to have some kind of disability.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that a group of restaurant owners has reached out to DTI regarding multiple fraudulent usages of PWD identification cards.

“Abuse of privilege in any law ruins the spirit behind it. Such discount is solely meant for actual persons with disability,” Lopez said.

The PWD cards allow

bearers to avail of 20 percent discount and exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) for certain goods and services, including food establishments, hotels, and recreational centers.

The discount also applies to medical and dental services and the purchase of essential drugs and medicines.

“Especially in this time of crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, people should not be abusing their PWD ID cards since many restaurant owners are also facing difficulty in keeping their businesses afloat,” Lopez said.

Restaurants in general community quarantine areas are allowed to operate their dine-in services at only up to 30 percent of store capacity.

BIR sets new deadline for tax amnesty

DOF warns public vs unauthorized cryptocurrency trading platform on delinquencies until end of the year

T

he Finance Department on Sunday warned the public against falling prey to an unauthorized cryptocurrency investment scheme using the name of Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. In a statement, the Department of Finance (DOF) said it received reports that Dominguez's name was being used to promote a fake "cryptocurrency auto-trading platform" which was identified as "Bitcoin Revolution."

"We warn those be-

The public is being urged to report such schemes and other similarly suspicious activities to the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with telephone number (02) 8818-5704.

T

he Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended the deadline for the tax amnesty on delinquencies until the end of the year.

Revenue Regulation No. 15-2020 — issued on June 19 and signed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Internal Revenue Commissioner Ceasar Dulay — amended certain provisions of RR No. 4-2019, which provides guidelines on the processing of the tax amnesty applica-

tion on tax delinquencies.

The deadline was last extended until June 22 under BIR RR No. 112020.

Under the new deadline, taxpayers have until December 31 to settle their liabilities from year 2017 and earlier.

Last month, the BIR also extended the deadline of the fling of income tax from May 30 to June 15, as the lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

ECONOMY 5

No plans yet to revise CARS program despite drop in sale

T

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has no immediate plans to revise the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program despite a drop in vehicle sales amid the pandemic.

DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters he is not confident that participating car makers in the program will reach the required volume of selling 200,000 units by end-2021 as the business environment becomes challenging amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“We have not yet discussed it [revising the CARS program],” Rodolfo said in Filipino.

“They might be given a longer time to comply with the volume target but not adjusting the volume target itself,” he added.

Signed in 2015, the program targets to stimulate the local automotive industry by providing fiscal incentives to qualified car manufacturers.

Among the requirements of the government to the participating car makers are bringing in

their local plants the manufacturing of vital vehicles such as body shell and large plastics production, increasing the local content of the enrolled vehicle model under the program, and selling at least 200,000 units of the enrolled vehicle in six years.

The government allocated PHP27 billion of fiscal incentives for the program.

Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. (TMP) and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) are the two participating car makers for the program, with enrolled vehicles Vios for TMP and Mirage model for MMPC. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. reported that vehicle sales from January to May this year fell by 51.1 percent to 69,463 units from 142,185 units sold in the same period in 2019.

TMP’s sales dropped by 52.2 percent in the said period, selling only 28,163 units, while MMPC sales in the first five months of the year declined by 49 percent to 12,865 units.

(PNA)

As residents limit their visits to public markets or supermarts to avoid COVID-19, itinerant vendors have become a frequent sight in subdivisions in Davao City. Some use tricycles as these two did, to sell fish and shrimp while others walk around shouting what they are selling. Others

use vans or mini-trucks announcing their products using megaphones while some play pre-recorded announcements amplified through loudspeakers. MINDANEWS PHOTO

PH keeps competitiveness Farmers group accuses DA of ‘centralized corruption’ momentum amid pandemic

U

mbrella farmers group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) on Sunday accused the Department of Agriculture (DA) of "centralized corruption" due to supposedly overpriced supply contracts amounting to P1.8 billion.

In a statement, SINAG chairman Rosendo So dismissed Agriculture Secretary William Dar's statements justifying the contract price for the urea fertilizers procured by the department.

"That's pure fiction.

They invented those numbers to justify the overpricing. You can go to any outlet store across Central Luzon and you will not encounter such prices," said So. "The average price is only at P850 per bag. That means under the negotiated bidding, there's a difference of almost P150 per bag at their price tag of P990 to P995," he added.

Data released by the DA showed that it procured a total of 1.811 million bags of urea fertilizer at P1,035.60 per bag from April 27 to May 1; at P1,037.53 from May 4 to 8; and at P1,040 to May 11 to 15.

Latest data available from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the average price of urea fertilizers was recorded at P1,121.57 per 50-kilogram bag in 2018.

Sought for comment, Agriculture Secretary William Dar in mobile message on Sunday said "The procurement is above board."

Last week, Dar defended the procurement process, saying that such pric-

es were even "a lot cheaper" compared to previous purchases at the regions.

"I can personally vouch for the truthfulness and trustworthiness of the procurement process that the DA-BAC has exercised for these fertilizers. Guided by our Legal Office and in constant consultation with the GPPB, we made sure we followed to the number the prescribed procurement procedure as required by the law," he said last week.

So, however, questioned such claims, saying that farmers can buy fertilizers from outlet stores at P850 per bag.

"Farmers are laughing at the DA for making such a claim, but unfortunately, unscrupulous officials at the DA are probably laughing too, all the way to the bank after making a killing out of the emergency funds meant to protect farmers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

"DA is claiming the higher contract price would cover distribution costs but it is the same for retail outlets. In fact, for retail stores, you go through the importer, the distributor, and the dealer until it reaches the retailer. And at every step there is additional cost, yet the retail price average is only P850.

The DA went straight to the importer, but the price is P995 per bag. What kind of deal is that?" he added.

SINAG, led by So, last week called for a Senate investigation into such claims.

Senator Cynthia Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, has vowed a probe into the matter.

T

he Philippines has kept its momentum with a slight upgrade from 46th to 45th spot in this year’s global competitiveness rankings by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).

The 2020 World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) by IMD also signaled an encouraging assessment of the country’s climbing competitiveness from a dip in 2018.

The IMD ranking measures a country’s capacity to maintain an environment where enterprises can compete locally and internationally as it assumes wealth creation happens at the enterprise.

The ranking was evaluated using the 2019 country measures and perception-based survey of business executives performed in the first quarter of 2020.

The Philippines is the only one among South-

east Asian countries, aside from Singapore, which improved its ranking year on year.

In terms of growth, the Philippines is consistently among the region’s top performers, with an average growth of 6.6 percent from 2012 to 2019 and posting 6 percent in 2019, while Malaysia registered 4.3 percent, Thailand 2.4 percent, and Indonesia 5 percent.

In a press release on Friday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said, “The Philippines stands on solid ground and has the momentum to overcome the current crisis.”

Across the different

pillars, the country’s major strengths are real gross domestic product (GDP) growth, long-term unemployment, real GDP growth per capita, gross fixed capital formation, effective personal income tax rate, compensation levels, hightech exports, mobile telephone costs, and information and communications technology (ICT) service exports, among others.

These are aligned with the perception survey that showed the country’s skilled workforce, economic dynamism, open and positive attitude of management, high educational level of workers, and cost competitiveness are still the top five key factors that make the Philippine economy attractive to investors.

Indicators that yielded the highest improvements included labor force, employment, consumer price inflation, patent applica-

tions per capita, and distribution infrastructure.

Fiscal policies, such as the implementation of tax reform measures, contributed to the Philippines’ high ranking in tax policy (14th).

Moreover, successful reforms in the improvement of labor market conditions through the active implementation of small and medium enterprises (SME) promotion and heightened government support for technical-vocational education and training, among others, enabled the Philippines to retain its 10th place position in the Labor Market indicator, the highest sub-factor for the country.

Lopez assured that despite the socioeconomic difficulties arising from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis, the Philippines demonstrates resilience, flexibility, and

Philippines and that there is no loss to both banks,” he said.

Wirecard is facing a backlash for its 2019 earnings given the missing funds, which it said were put in escrow in two Asian banks.

Its external auditor, Ernst & Young, has written both BPI and BDO to verify Wirecard’s claims and was told that these reports are “spurious”.

Diokno said the allegation that the funds ended in the country’s financial system is “an attempt to cover the perpetrators’ track.”

“Both BDO and BPI state that the financial

technology firm Wirecard was not a client nor did they have any business relationship with the German firm. Both banks informed Ernst & Young, the external auditor, that the documents that attested to the presence of the supposed funds were ‘spurious’,” he said.

Diokno further said the domestic banking system faced the pandemic on a strong position, with total assets rising to PHP18.7 trillion to date, up by 9.3 percent last year.

The sector’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR), a gauge of a bank’s financial health, is about 16 percent to date, higher than

the 10 percent minimum requirement by the BSP. Non-performing loan (NPL) ratio as of last April was at manageable level of 2.3 percent despite an uptick from year-ago’s 2.1 percent.

Diokno also cited Japan Credit Rating Agency’s (JCRA) decision last June 11 to upgrade its credit rating on the country from BBB+ to A- with stable outlook “as it believes the country can withstand the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.”

“It also underscored the strength of the banking system for the stable outlook,” he added. (PNA)

FPH, P9

Probe shows no Wirecard funds in PH banks: Diokno

N

one of the USD2.1-billion missing funds that German payments technology firm Wirecard claimed ended in two Asian banks did not wind up in the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

In a Viber message to journalists Sunday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said domestic monetary authorities are now conducting an investigation on the allegation that the funds were transferred to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and BDO Unibank Inc. “The initial report is that no money entered the

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

On online sellers communicating prices of merchandise sold online with the customary confidential line “PM sent” to customers:

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI 11) reminded online sellers the joint DTI-Department of Health (DOH)-Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative Order (JAO) No. 1 Series of 2008, which provide the “rules and regulations for consumer protection in a transaction covered by the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) through electronic means under the E-Commerce Act (RA 8792)” which states that the price tag, as well as the other terms of the transaction such as the delivery fees, packaging fees must be indicated.

Based on Section 5 No 3 of JAO on the Information About Consumer Transaction states that retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturers engaged in electronic commerce with consumers shall provide sufficient, clear, accurate, easily accessible information about the terms, conditions and costs of the consumer transaction to enable consumers to make an informed decision.

NOT EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

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

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

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 61 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 21-22, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

CONVICTION OF LUDDAY, A BAGOBO In pre-Commonwealth Davao, there occurred a grisly crime that for some petty reason resulted in the death of a six-year-old Japanese boy who was the focus of a vendetta of a Bagobo hemp stripper who had an altercation with the child’s father.

In the charge sheet that was filed before the Court of First Instance of Davao, Ludday, a Bagobo, was sued for the crime of murder that took place on November 15, 1933, at the municipal district of Guianga. The victim of the heinous crime was Kyoyasu Nagamine, a six-yearold boy.

The defendant pleaded innocent, but the court found guilty or murder; he was sentenced from ten years and a day of prison mayor to seventeen years, four months, and one day of reclusion temporal, and ordered to indemnify the victim the sum of P500, without subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency, and pay the cost of litigation.

Ludday appealed his case to the higher court despite the

position of his de oficio lawyer that there was enough evidence to prove the CFI did not err in its decision. Docketed in the Supreme Court as case G.R. No. L-41486, it was finally resolved on March 7, 1935.

A review of the crime showed that on the day of the incident, Kyoyasu Nagamine, who was playing near a hemp stripper operated by Seriko Takara, was on his way home when he was followed. Ludday, according to witnesses, was wearing white undershirt and short khaki trousers, and was carrying a bolo, a big knife for chopping down abaca trunks.

Court records stated Ludday overtook the boy, put his arm around his shoulder, brought the child to the hemp farm, and were later lost from Takara’s sight. Over half an hour later, Ludday showed up at his workplace but was now wearing a striped short.

Later, Kameji Nagamine, the father of the child, showed up at the shop and inquired from Takara if he saw the child.

He responded by saying Kyo-

yasu had already gone home with Ludday. He went home to see if indeed the child had gone home but failed to find him. He returned to Takara’s workshop and asked Ludday about the child’s whereabout but denied knowing where he was. The court narrative continued: “Takara stopped work and requested some Japanese to help him look for the child, but they were unable to find the little boy that evening. The next morning Kameji Nagamine and two young Bagobos named Serra and Ende found the dead body of Kyoyasu in the hemp plantation of Tanaguchi in Tibuloy 100 meters from the road and 150 meters from the hemp stripping machine. The place where the body was found was near the trail leading from the public road to Baracatan. It was concealed by the hemp plants.

The deceased had four mortal wounds on the head and neck caused by a cutting instrument.”

After being notified of the incident, Philippine Constabulary operatives searched Ludday’s house and found a

bolo with stains of blood and a bloodstained undershirt under the roof. His rubber shoes, covered with mud, were also located. Adding more woes to Ludday’s predicament were the testimonies of two other Bagobos, Owe and Bansilan, who confirmed: “{T]hat between five and six o’clock in the afternoon of November 15th, when they and another Bagobo named Balawag were returning home from work, they saw the defendant running towards the hemp plantation of Tanaguchi; that he indicated to them that they were not to tell anybody that they had seen him; that at that time the defendant had a bolo hanging from his belt and was wearing short khaki trousers and a white undershirt. Owe testified that when they met the defendant, he told them not to tell anybody that they had met him in that place. Bansilan testified that when the defendant saw Balawag, he raised his hand and told them not to say anything; that at that time the defendant was carrying a bolo in

An immersive opportunity:

his belt and wearing short khaki trousers and a dirty white undershirt.”

Another Japanese, Shiney Kakasu, also testified that while crossing the hemp field of Tanaguchi that late afternoon he met Ludday and spoke to the suspect who looked pale and was running towards Baracatan. The lower court later found the defendant guilty of murder, declaring the qualifying circumstances pointed to the fact that Ludday took advantage of his superior strength in committing the crime. The defendant appealed his case.

In deciding the appealed case, the Supreme Court declared that “there is no controversy as to the corpus delicti or the fact of the crime,” adding the “only question in whether the circumstantial evidence is enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was the defendant that killed the child.”

It also affirmed the verdict of the lower court was affirmed and ordered that the indemnification of P500 imposed on Ludday be doubled.

MCM launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020

M

HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ON THESE! MCM’s online ed by MCM. matics, Business, may proceed to alayan Colleges Mind-THINK anao, a Mapúa School learning tools In order for Humanities and this link: https:// as Black- participants to Social BUT… Sciences, bit.ly/MCMDIGIannounced its first Dig- such DENGUE CASES DOWN Learn, maximize the and Basic Ed- TALBOOTCAMP ital Learning Bootcamp 2020, board Col- online learning ucation for in- and follow the inviting all SHS and College Blackboard laborate, Mic- experience, they coming Grade 11 subsequent inRainy seasonin is here.

And public’s increased awareness dark and damp areas. So, if your leave the house and go into mosquitoes. You can wipe it on students Mindanao to expethere’s likelihood that dengue brought about by the COVID-19 littered with need boxes a the desunlight.

“But my advice selected areas of the clothing rosoft garage 365, isMiwill students; Basic structions and will strike again asfirst the mospandemic.” and assorted garbage, clean is to keep your doors shut at like collars, sleeves and pants. rience the fully integratcrosoft Teams, vice astimes,” a heAlgebra, to the quito eggs that were hidden “Ito ay posibleng epekto ng them up or throw them such away. all advises. If it’sGenertoo Avoidlink applying lotion“MCM on the somewhere will belearning hatched – ating increased in awareness na Don’t let them become mosquistuffy, then place a screen door eyes, mouth or hands. ed online system Zoom, Panopto, computer unit, al Physics, BusiDigital” account and once they become adults, dala ng pandemic situation,” Dr. to havens. Schedule a weekend that keeps the flies and mosqui8. Kill those mosquitoes. laptop or atoestabwill be sent the region —again!

MCMEvangelista Digital they’re ready to attack was— quotedWiley as say- Plus, clean-upand day. outside.ness and ManWhenthat it comes to dengue, it’s eiBut the good news is: den- ing.

2.

Empty containers with 5.

Spray insecticide reguther kill or be killed.

Instruct evCengage Learn- let; and internet agement, and through the and getarethe opportunity to use gue cases on the decline!

But despite the fact that the stagnant water. The den- larly. To rid your house of mos- eryone to kill as many mosquiData from thepowerful World Health Or-online number of dengue cases breed quitoes, and g cockroaches, flies as they can. Once ingis deto gue-carrying completemosquitoes connectivity of at fliesP ro ra m m i ntoes g and email address MCM’s learnganization (WHO) said a total of creasing, Filipinos should not in stagnant water. This means spray insecticides every few you’ve got them trapped in your learning tasks Mbps andyouCoding provided upon 210 dengue cases were report- be complacent as the rainy sea- that flower pots, least garbage1cans, days.for Make sure spray those for bathroom, show no mercy.

Mosing tools for FREE! ed from the Philippines – with son has just started. aquariums, unused swimming dark corners, crevices, and quitoes belong to the forest, not zero deaths! – as of May 2.

“This is 92% lower compared to the same period in 2019 (which had 2,471 cases),” the data said. “A cumulative total of 48,194 dengue cases has been reported from January 1 to May 2, 2020. The cumulative figure as of week 18 is 40% lower compared to the 80,444 cases reported in the same period in 2019.”

This is quite good as the country is still experiencing the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Last June 15, the CNN reported that “a significant decrease” has continued. Quoting Dr. Norielyn M. Evangelista, program manager of the Dengue Prevention and Control Program of the Department of Health (DOH), said the decline “can be attributed to the

This Digital Learning Bootcamp will be held on June 1 to 13, 2020 and is described as an immersive experience inside MCM’s Online Learning System, aiming to demonstrate and give participants an opportunity to immerse

designed for in- asynchronous incoming college your registrapools, tires and other piles are cabinets. You’ll be amazed at in your home. coming potential Grade breeding 11 sessions at students.

A full 9.tion. grounds for and the number of pests you’ll find Involve the whole commosquitoes.

So, after the rains dead in the morning.

Just make munity. way toaddidefeat and 1stfill Year Col- least 2 Mbps for course on Math, The Forbestany them with water, throw the sure that household members dengue is if the whole commuwater away. Next to the insecti-and nity istional aware of the threat. Ask lege students. s ytime, n c hkeep r o nareo not u sexposed Humanities, inquiries these containers closed and up- cide as they are not the target. your community leaders to Theseside down. tasks Socialrooms Science about the day.

MCM Flowersessions. vases should Just spray selected when schedule a clean-up The also be replaced weekly. people are not around. danger is in those empty houswill be 3.delivFamiliarizawill also be made Digital Learning Check your surroundings 6. Wear pants, pajamas, es and lots, which are excellent ered in eitherwater. tion with available Bootcamp 2020, for stagnant Some orna- the longonsleeves, and socks. Mos- for breeding places for mosquitoes. mental plant leaves have this quitoes are attracted to your Become a volunteer to synchronous or line system and demonstration please feel monitor free “whorl” or cup-like shape that breath as you exhale so they and clean up your surroundcan hold water. Beautiful to be- initiate know how to reach youthe even bootin ings. to email at adasynchronous tools will during hold but deadly in design. Turn the dark. “I guess they love bare, 10. Spread the word: Denlearningthem over sesthetheprogram, af-skin,camp period. missions@mcm. and throw water plump especially the kids gue fever is here. You’ll never away.

Upturned coconut shells who don’t shoo them away and know where dengue strike sions toare allow for ter which, parTo register edu.ph orwillconalso notorious for holding let them suck as much blood as next so better be prepared. Inparticipants to ticipants activity tactneighborhood. +63918 918 water. Non-moving rivers, espe- will they be want,” for Dr. Ongthis believes. form your cially in squatter areas, are full 7.

Apply insect-repellants “We already our eneget a feel for the allowed toor use se-mosquito and get a chance 1626, know +63999 of mosquito eggs. nets. If your my and all we have to do is fol4. Close your doors and learnkids are going low what the experts have been different modallect short to hiking, win camping amazing 227 7493, or windows. Some people open or off to school, you can apply telling us,” Dr. Garcia points out. ities oftheirremote ing modules on prizes, 831 doors in the morning for insect-repellants like interestOff-Lo- “If we+63917 will do it now, thousands a whiff of fresh air.

They also tion.

Kids like to play outdoors of people will be saved from learningbelieve providGeneral Mathe- ed participants 8048. that mosquitoes would and are prime targets of these death.”

“Although dengue is rarely lethal, its contribution to disease and ill health, especially among young children, should make dengue control a primary public health concern,” says Dr. Dominic L. Garcia, an infectious disease specialist.

The best protection against dengue is not to be bitten by the mosquito carrying the virus.

According to Dr. Willie T. Ong, who has authored several books, there are several things you can do in order for you not to be bitten.

“There’s no need to panic (when it comes to dengue) because we have 10 ways to beat dengue,” says the 2007 recipient of the Outstanding Filipino Physician award from the Department of Health.

1. Clean up your backyard.

Mosquitoes love to stay in the

themselves in the first fully integrated online learning system in Mindanao.

The participants will be given access to MCM’s online learning portal, “MCM Digital” where they can explore and get hands-on experience utilizing

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

BIGGER PICTURE

Violence against children still rampant

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

wo days before the country celebrated the country’s 112nd Independence Day, two children were reportedly killed in a shooting incident in barangay Talibadok, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan in Maguindanao.

The Save the Children Philippines validated the incident with community partners. The report from the said corroboration showed the fatalities – 4-year-old Pelot and 9-year-old Raisa – were “sleeping in their home when the incident occurred around 10:15 pm.”

Also killed was their uncle, 31-year-old Ansare Usop, while their mother, 27-year-old Baby Anna Kalim, was wounded.

A month earlier, two girls – 10-year-old Aslamiya Tambak and her younger sister, 7-year-old Asnaida – were watching television when a mortar shell hit them from their roof around 4 pm. Also wounded were their mother, Noriasa, 40, their fiveyear-old brother, and three more minors.

“We are deeply alarmed at the deaths of these innocent children, the wounded minors and their families who have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Mindanao and are currently facing challenges brought by the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines, said in a statement.

“Children bear the brunt of armed violence with loss of lives, risks to health and survival and deprivation of their right to development, education and well-being,” said Atty.

Muyot, adding that, “children’s rights during emergencies such as armed conflict should be prioritized by the government.”

The recent tragedies just substantiated a new report released by four United Nations agencies – the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Education, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) , the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children and the End Violence Partnership – showing that countries are failing to prevent violence against children.

“There is never any excuse for violence against children,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“We have evidence-based tools to prevent it, which we urge all countries to implement.

Protecting the health and well-being of children is central to protecting our collective health and well-being, now and for the future.”

The report – Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against Children 2020 – said that half of the world’s children, or approximately 1 billion children each year are affected by physical, sexual or psychological violence, suffering injuries, disabilities and death, because countries have failed to follow established strategies to protect them.

Violence against children includes all forms of violence against people under 18 years old, whether perpetrated by parents or other caregivers, peers, romantic partners, or strangers, the WHO stated

in its website.

“Most violence against children involves at least one of the six main types of interpersonal violence that tend to occur at different stages in a child’s development,” the UN health agency explains.

The six main types are as follows: · Maltreatment (including violent punishment) involves physical, sexual and psychological or emotional violence; and neglect of infants, children and adolescents by parents, caregivers and other authority figures, most often in the home but also in settings such as schools and orphanages. · Bullying (including cyberbullying) is unwanted aggressive behavior by another child or group of children who are neither siblings nor in a romantic relationship with the vic-

tim. It involves repeated physical, psychological or social harm, and often takes place in schools and other settings where children gather, and online. · Youth violence is concentrated among children and young adults aged 1029 years, occurs most often in community settings between acquaintances and strangers, includes bullying and physical assault with or without weapons (such as guns and knives), and many involve gang violence. · Intimate partner violence (or domestic violence) involves physical, sexual and emotional violence by an intimate partner or ex-partner. Although males can also be victims, intimate partner violence disproportionately affects females. It commonly occurs against girls within child marriages and

early/forced marriages.

Among romantically involved but unmarried adolescents it is sometimes called “dating violence.” · Sexual violence includes non-consensual completed or attempted sexual contact and acts of a sexual nature not involving contacts (such as voyeurism or sexual harassment); acts of sexual trafficking committed against someone who is unable to consent or refuse; and online exploitation. · Emotional or psychological violence includes restricting a child’s movements, denigration, ridicule, threats and intimidation, discrimination, rejection and other non-physical forms of hostile treatment.

The newly-released report is the first of its kind, charting progress in 155 countries against the “IN-

SPIRE” framework, a set of seven strategies for preventing and responding to violence against children.

These are: Implementation and enforcement of laws (for example, banning violent discipline and restricting access to alcohol and firearms); Norms and values change (for instance, altering norms that condone the sexual abuse of girls or aggressive behavior among boys); Safe environments (such as identifying neighborhood ‘hot spots’ for violence and then addressing the local causes through problem-oriented policing and other interventions); Parental and caregiver support (for example, providing parent training to young, first time parents); Income and econom-

FVIOLENCE , P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

PM... FROM2

by any transactions arising from the purchase of goods and services from a business establishment for violations/s of the Consumer Act transact-

ed be using electronic data messages or electronic documents may file such complaint to the concerned implementing agencies.

(coronavirus disease 2019) is noble, this measure is simply unrealistic given the fact that motorcycles are the only means of transportation in many rural areas,” Piñol said.

He further said with many rural roads still unpaved and passenger vehicles not often available, motorcycles are the most convenient means of trans-

portation.

“In fact, in the Davao and Caraga Regions, Filipino ingenuity surfaced with the reengineering of heavy duty motorcycles into “Skylabs,” a name given to this unique mode of transportation because the side extensions make it appear like the “Skylab” floating in the earth’s outer orbit,” he added. (PNA)

new school year based on their road map, targeting August 24 as the opening of classes.

The department has been preparing for the opening of classes since May. (PNA)

PIÑOL... FROM2

DEPED... FROM3 BTA... FROM3

the urgency of filing the region’s local government code later this month, or early in July.

He said such code will undergo a series of public consultations with local government units (LGUs) in the region before they can file it to the parliament.

“The coverage of this code is broad and we need public consultations from the ground. We will go to

the LGUs and ask for proposals that we can possibly include in this code,” Ali said.

Other priority codes include the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, the Civil Service Code, Revenue Code and the Law on Indigenous People.

In October, the Bangsamoro Appropriations Act of 2021 will be discussed in the regional plenary. (PNA)

adaptability for both the public and private sectors as they face the challenges head-on.

He also said that the Philippine government continues to take an active role in nation-building and economic development through the Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (i3S), which aims to grow globally competitive and innovative industries.

Through i3S, the DTI puts innovation at the front and center of its policies, especially as it intensifies efforts to pursue digital transformation and embrace Industry 4.0 new technologies.

This is important as the country restarts the economy under the new normal of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The DTI also recognizes the vital role of a vibrant and enabling innovation and entrepreneurship environment in sustaining economic growth and job creation in the future.

“The DTI remains motivated to work even harder to build a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive nation. Through the resumption of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program, we can pump-prime the economy and by implementing programs to reskill and upskill our workforce along

with activities to improve the competitiveness of cities and municipalities, aggressive investment promotion, and continuing support to MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and other vulnerable sectors, we can help mitigate the economic impact of the Covid crisis,” Lopez said.

Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said, “This is a pivotal moment as the crisis has presented opportunities to be more creative and build more resilient industries by repurposing manufacturing, using more data, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and accelerating digital adoption with all the startup work and tech innovation building up in the country, we are ready to expand our horizons and help the economy bounce back quickly.”

“As we enter 2021, the country will strongly recover from the difficulties brought about by this pandemic while being cautious of the challenges and risks that lie ahead in the new normal,” Lopez said. “The Philippines must be agile to accelerate reforms and pursue impactful economic policies to sustain the country’s growth momentum and competitiveness moving forward.” (PR)

sured of competing in the Tokyo Olympics Tolentino believes that the Olympic qualifiers will resume early next year,

giving the Filipino athletes more time to gear up.

"We need to prepare for that," Tolentino continued.

(PNA)

PH... FROM5

PH... FROM11

9

Gains in 2019 keep Pilipinas Shell strong in 2020

P

ilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Shell) had reassuring news for its shareholders during its Annual General Meeting held virtually on June 16.

The company closed the year 2019 strong with P5.6 billion in net income, a hefty 11 percent increase from P5.1 billion in 2018.

“We started 2020 with a very healthy balance sheet, which puts us in a better position to handle the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID -19) situation,” says Pilipinas Shell CEO and Country Chairman Cesar Romero.

“I am proud that Pilipinas Shell has continued to

provide vital energy products to our customers and communities, even during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period,” he adds.

Romero is optimistic that with Pilipinas Shell’s sufficient retained earnings and reasonable gearing level, the company can maintain financial resilience and survive the drastic reduction in domestic demand as a series of quarantines were implemented to help the country stem the COVID-19 pandemic since March.

“Now, more than ever, Pilipinas Shell draws from its 106 years of experience doing business in the

Philippines. We’ve had our share of regional and global economic crises, socio-political disruptions, and industrial shifts. We know what levers we can pull in downturns, even dramatic ones like this, and we are in control. We have the will, people and resources, as well as our core values to get us through this particularly challenging time,” he says.

In January, for instance, Shell’s supply chain and distribution network was affected when ashfall from the Taal Volcano eruption caused the cancellation of flights, displaced residents and disrupted the movement of people, goods

and services to and from the company’s Refinery in Batangas.

Pilipinas Shell also had to deal with plummeting global oil prices resulting from the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia in the first quarter of the year.

Pilipinas Shell Chairman of the Board Min Yih Tan, who was also virtually present during the meeting, expressed confidence that the company’s recovery strategies are in place.

“We are in a robust position not only to deal with market volatility, but also to support the country’s growth as it enters the ‘new normal’, he said.

UHC law and that they be included as private sector representatives at the national level and to the loca government units (LGUs) especially in health care delivery and policy decisions, including the Special Health Fund, which will be created and managed by province-wide or city-wide health systems wherein all resources intended for health services will be pooled to finance population-based and individual-based health services.

“And other issues related to health,” she said.

Monteverde said this appeal from the medical groups stemmed from the various issues, which started during the devolution of the National Health Insurance Program, which was established to provide health insurance coverage and ensure affordable and accessible health care ser-

vices for all Filipinos; and now with the initial phase of the UHC Law. The meeting was cochaired by Senate Committee on Health Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and House Committee on Health Representative Angelina Tan, Senate conferees consisted of Senators Risa Hontiveros, Francis Tolentino, Richard Gordon and JV Ejercito, who is the principal author of the UHC law.

Present during the said meeting for the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act (UHCA) were Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and PhilHealth President Retired Brigadier General Ricardo Morales.

Among the House Members present were Representatives Michael Defensor (Party-list, ANAKALUSUGAN), Janette

Garin (1st District of Iloilo City), Maria Laarni Cayetano (2nd District, Taguig City-Pateros), Maricel Nagano M.D. (4th District, Nueva Ecija), and Yedda Marie Romualdez (Party-list, TINGOG SINIRANGAN), and representatives from the OFW groups.

“The PhilHealth during the said conference, already stated that the request for Premium Contributions adjustment, under the equity principles of Bayanihan and Social Solidarity, the equitable share of premiums should be maintained and such changes in the premium contribution table shall require amendments to the UHC Act,” Monteverde said.

Monteverde added that PhilHealth already recommended a general delay in the implementation of the UHC and to disaggregate membership segments in

terms of premium increase implementation.

She said the move to amend the UHC Law is also supported by about 10,000 members of the United Filipino MDs represented by Dr Jeanette Suanding-Edillon and Dr. Christian Arce Luna, administrator of United Filipino MDs. She added that an online petition, which started last May 4, 2020, for the suspension of the premium contributions as well as review of the UHC has already gathered more than 40 thousand signatures from the medical groups.

“The appeal of the one hundred thousand members of the Philippine Medical Association especially during these crucial times of the pandemic is urgent since they are at the Frontlines, putting their lives at stake for the nation,” Monteverde said.

bond with his keeper is essential to successfully employ the cooperative artificial insemination method,” a briefer released by PEF said.

Kadasig is the offspring of a natural pair of rescued and rehabilitated Philippine eagles, it added.

Baldonado said the Philippine Eagle Center has 32 raptors, some of them being prepared for the breeding season next month. The preparation includes “stimulation

through sprig offering so that the eagles will begin their breeding activities.”

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Baldonado said the PEC has survived mostly on donations, scaling down its services to core purpose as a breeding and rehabilitation facility for the Philippine eagles and other raptors.

The center’s conservation education program has already been made available online while field research is sustained at a

limited capacity due to the COVID quarantine measures, she said.

“We are getting by but because we rely completely on donations, we need the constant support of the public especially while the PEC is closed. We are grateful for the support that we’ve been receiving since we started our crowdfunding last March 24,” she said.

She said the foundation hopes to reopen the center at a limited capac-

ity once the city shifts to modified general community quarantine.

“But we will have to wait for further info and guidelines on that. But part of our considerations for reopening is the downsized capacity of the PEC in accommodating guests in tandem with enhanced biosecurity measures to make sure that we can safely operate according to the government’s mandate,” she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

implement them."

On Tuesday, the league issued a 113-page guide that outlined health pro-

tocols and other procedures that will be in place in Florida. The teams are expected to arrive in the

second week of July for an abbreviated training camp, with play resuming July 30.

The league has been on hiatus since March 11 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

don’t know when boxing is going to resume for some specific fights, such as the rematch between Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury.

“We don’t know if that fight will happen October, November, December, next year. We cannot con-

trol that.

“But for the WBC there is a legal contract that they signed for a third fight (between Fury and Wilder).”

Good news for Whyte, who is coming up to one year as the interim title-holder. Prior to that,

Whyte spent over 600 days as the number one WBC contender.

Firstly, Fury vs Wilder III has to take place, most likely in Las Vegas at the new Allegiant Stadium. A few thousand fans may be able to attend.

Alternatively, an even

lesser crowd with ticket prices escalated – could witness the bout at the MGM Grand, where the rematch took place last February.

Fury will be aiming for a repeat after taking out Wilder in dominant fashion.

DOCTORS... FROM3

PEF... FROM3

NBA... FROM11

NO FURY... FROM11

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

A festival of korean shows to catch on sky

K

orean fever continues on SKY as it gives the entire family a wide-ranging line-up of shows across genres— from romance to thriller to reality shows—on TvN, Kix, KBS World, and K Plus channels, all this month of June.

"Sweet Munchies" is not your ordinary tale of a love triangle. Jung Il Woo (Park Jin-Sung) is a chef and a bar-owner don on his luck, struggling to pay for his father’s medical bills. When regular bar customer Kang Ji Young (Kim Ah Jin) asks him if he knew a gay chef who could star in her latest project, he lies about his sexual preference and offers himself for the part.

Things get complicated and trouble ensues when they start fighting over one man.

Airing Tuesdays & Wednes-

days at 9:15 PM on K Plus, the drama is shown within 24 hours of its South Korea airing.

"Soul Mechanic"' promises to be a roller coaster ride of emotions with the story of Lee Shi-Joon (Shin Ha Kyun), psychiatrist and rising actress Han WooJoo (Jung So-Min). He is a passionate doctor with unorthodox ways in curing people of their emotional wounds while she has anger issues and mental breakdowns that threatens her career. Can his compassion be the key to healing her wounded soul? Catch it every Thursday & Friday at 9:10 PM on KBS World, as it airs simultaneously in Korea.

In “Prison Playbook,” Korea’s best baseball pitcher Je-Hyeok (Park Hae-Soo) is all set to make his ma-

jor league debut in the US. But his new life is put on hold when he gets into a struggle with a man who assaults his sister. Convicted of using excessive force, he is sentenced to a year in prison. Get acquainted with the stories of convicts, their families, and officers working in prison as Je-Hyeok forms relationships with his fellow inmates in this inspiring take of life behind bars. Get in on the action Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9:20 PM on TvN. “2 Weeks” takes viewers to the dangerous world of the small-time gangster Jang Tae San. When he discovers from a past relationship that he has a daughter awaiting a bone marrow transplant, he also learns only he could save her life.

Taking this as a chance to pay for his past sins, he

agrees to undergo surgery.

But many obstacles stand in the way—he is framed by gangmates for murder and must evade the police.

He must get to his daughter without getting caught in two weeks or she dies. Premiering on June 25, it airs every Thursday & Friday at 10 PM on KIX. Valuable life lessons abound in "How to Buy a Friend." Don Hyuk becomes his high school’s prized fighter after his girlfriend’s suicide. As the tragedy takes a toll on him, he gets into fights and sent to detention. Returning to school after one of his scuffles, he meets Park Chan Hong, a bullied student with talent for writing. As Don Hyuk discovers a clue about his girlfriend’s suicide, he enlists Chan Hong to help him investigate. In exchange,

he serves as Chan Hong’s personal bodyguard. Thus begins an unlikely relationship that brings them to dramatic events as they try to find out the truth behind the suicide. With a simultaneous airing in Korea, the show is on Fridays at 5:15 PM on KBS World.

Sing and dance your worries away the Korean way with "KBS Music Bank" and "Show Champion." Have fun with the best tunes in South Korea and be dazzled with fantastic performances from the nation's top musicians, as you follow the latest Korean music trends through the hottest songs on K-chart.

Meanwhile, be entertained with "Show Champion," hosted by various guest MCs, featuring popular Korean hits and upcoming super rookies of the K-Pop

scene. KBS Music Bank is on live every Friday at 4 PM on KBS World while “Show Champion” airs every Sunday at 8 PM on K Plus.

Then, enjoy some K-Pop vibe with "Road to Kingdom." In this second installment to "Queendom," get to journey with seven rising boy groups—Pentagon, ONF, Golden Child, The Boyz, Verivery, ONEUS, and TOO as they compete with each other. Catch the thrill every Thursday at 11 PM on TvN. Get your fix of the best Korean entertainment this month as you stay home together with SKY. Not in your line-up? Choose to add these channels via Select for as low as P20/ month. To subscribe or get more updates on SKY offers and services, visit www. mysky.com.ph.

ic strengthening (such as microfinance and gender equity trainings); Response services provision (for example, ensuring that children who are exposed to violence can access effective emergency care and receive appropriate psychological support); and Education and life skills (such as ensuring that children attend school, and providing life and social skills training).

The report signals a clear need in all countries to scale up efforts to implement the above strategies.

While nearly all countries (88%) have key laws in place to protect children against violence, less than half of countries (47%) said these were being strongly enforced.

The report includes the first ever global homicide estimates specifically for children under 18 years of age – previous estimates were based on data that included 18- to 19-year

olds. It finds that, in 2017, around 40,000 children were victims of homicide.

“Violence against children has always been pervasive, and now things could be getting much worse,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “Lockdowns, school closures and movement restrictions have left far too many children stuck with their abusers, without the safe space that school would normally offer. It is urgent to scale up efforts to protect children during these times and beyond, including by designating social service workers as essential and strengthening child helplines.” he INSPIRE strategies, only access to schools through enrollment showed the most progress with 54% of countries reporting that a sufficient number of children in need were being reached in this way.

According to the re-

port, between 32% to 37% of countries considered that victims of violence could access support services, while 26% of countries provided programs on parent and caregiver support; 21% of countries had programs to change harmful norms; and 15% of countries had modifications to provide safe physical environments for children.

Violence against children is more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, and the related school closures, we have seen a rise in violence and hate online – and this includes bullying,” said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General.

“Now, as schools begin to re-open, children are expressing their fears about going back to school,” Azoulay added. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that schools are safe environments for all children. We need to think

and act collectively to stop violence at school and in our societies at large.”

Stay-at-home measures including school closures have limited the usual sources of support for families and individuals such as friends, extended family or professionals.

This further erodes victims’ ability to successfully cope with crises and the new routines of daily life. Spikes in calls to helplines for child abuse and intimate partner violence have been observed.

And while online communities have become central to maintain many children’s learning, support and play, an increase in harmful online behaviors including cyberbullying, risky online behavior and sexual exploitation have been identified.

“Whilst this report was being finalized, confinement measures and the disrupted provision of already limited child protection services exacerbated

the vulnerability of children to various forms of violence,” said Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children.

“To respond to this crisis a unified, child rights and multisectoral framework for action for children is critical requiring a strong mobilization of governments, bilateral/ multilateral donors, civil society, private sector and children, whose views must be heard and truly taken into account to ensure duly protection and the possibility for all to thrive and reach their full potential,” Najat added, “Ending violence against children is the right thing to do, a smart investment to make, and it’s possible. It is time to fully fund comprehensive national action plans that will keep children safe at home, at school, online and in their communities,” said Dr Howard Taylor,

End Violence Partnership.

“We can and must create a world where every child can thrive free from violence and become a new generation of adults to experience healthy and prosperous lives.”

Meanwhile, Fanny Divino, Head of Cotabato Office of Save the Children Philippines, said the recent unfortunate incidents that happened in Maguindanao are only few of the protracted atrocities caused by armed conflicts. “We are in deep distress to hear these incidents,” she said.

Divino said killings of children and innocent civilians constitute serious violations of human rights.

“As a child-centered organization, we are committed to preserve the rights and uphold the lives of the marginalized and deprived children and families in these vulnerable sectors in the country, protecting them at all cost,” she pointed out. – ### (Photos by Getty)

DOCTORS... FROM3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

11

The Philippines completed a 5-0 sweep of Indonesia in the FIBA Esports Open after clinching the Southeast Asian Conference title earlier.

PH sweeps Indonesia T in FIBA Esports Open T

NBA worried, but 'resolute' about restart as virus spreads

Already clinching the Southeast Asian Conference title the night prior, the Filipino side still went for broke in the final game, although it had to repulse Indonesia late in Game 5.

The Indons played

their best first half in the series, even taking a 14-9 lead early in the second quarter.

“Doon sa first quarter, feeling ko nag-adjust ‘yung Indonesia, (I felt that in the first quarter, Indonesia adjusted),”

small forward Custer Galas said.

It was evident as the Indons actually emulated some of the Filipinos’ plays in the first four games.

However, it was all Philippines from thereon, ending the first half on a 13-2 blast before pulling away in the second half.

“After the [first] half, nakapag-adjust kami sa depensa nila at ‘yung mga ginagawa nila. In-adjust namin ‘yung depensa,

he Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has asked the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to let the Filipino athletes still vying for spots in the Tokyo Olympics resume their training despite the

coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"We're discussing with PSC and IATF na payagan nang mag-train (to allow to train) those who [are] still seeking for the qualifier," Tolentino said in an online press conference on Monday.

The Tokyo Olympics was moved to next year

due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and many Olympic qualifiers have been stalled as well.

Tolentino, also the president of PhilCycling, bared that the pandemic also affected the bids of Ariana Dormitorio and Danny Caluag.

Also looking to punch tickets to Tokyo are weight-

he Philippines completed a 5-0 sweep of Indonesia in the FIBA Esports Open after a 71-35 rout to finish their five-game series on Sunday night.

kaya nakalayo kami (After the first half, we adjusted to their defense and their plays. We adjusted our defense, so we got to pull away,” added Galas, the team’s defensive anchor.

While Galas’ stat line of eight points, two rebounds, and five assists are not as glaring as that of the likes of Rial Polog and Aljon Cruzin, Galas’ lockdown defense on the Indons set the tone for the Filipinos, earning him Best Player honors. (PNA)

lifter Hidilyn Diaz, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, taekwondo jin Pauline Lopez, karateka Junna Tsukii, and skateboarder Margielyn Didal among others.

Only four Filipinos, namely pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Caloy Yulo, and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno are as-

POC wants athletes vying for Olympic slots to resume training

T

FPH, P10

A fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been dismissed by World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman as simply ‘speculation’.

he NBA is concerned about the growing number of coronavirus cases in Florida but intends to go ahead with its plan to restart the season in a "bubble" in the state, ESPN reported Sunday.

Florida has experienced a record number of daily diagnoses of COVID-19 the past three days, with Saturday's number of new cases at 4,049 -- a single-day record.

The NBA plans to host players at The Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla., where 22 teams with playoff chances will finish the regular season.

The postseason will follow at the same site.

ESPN said commissioner Adam Silver recently held a conference call with NBA team executives and addressed the Florida outbreak.

The report said Silver was "resolute but somber" and was confident that keeping players together in the bubble would help prevent coronavirus outbreaks.

The league is "closely monitoring the data in Florida and Orange Coun-

ty and will continue to work collaboratively with the National Basketball Players Association, public health officials and medical experts regarding our plans," NBA spokesman Mike Bass said.

Orlando, located in Orange County in Central Florida, hasn't been hit as hard by the coronavirus as South Florida. Still, players expressed concern that non-NBA employees, such as the housekeeping or dining staff, could introduce the virus into the bubble, according to the report.

"While we take some solace in knowing our players will not travel commercially to get to Orlando, that access to the campus is severely limited and, of course, all of the other health and safety protocols in place, the numbers will keep our attention," Michele Roberts, executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, told ESPN. "If necessary to add further restrictions respecting those third parties having access to the campus, we will seek to

fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been dismissed by World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman as simply ‘speculation’ over the weekend.

As Fury and Joshua continue to talk up a potential meeting in 2021 and a follow-up immediately after, Sulaiman moved to reassure mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte.

Sulaiman says Whyte will be able to push through his shot, as previously promised, once Fury clears up a contracted third fight with Deontay Wilder.

Whyte had launched a grievance against the WBC Rules and Regulations, not legal action as reported in the media, just days prior.

“For the WBC there is

a mandatory title defense that the champion has to make,” Sulaiman told Boxing Insider Radio. “The mandatory challenger is the interim champion, Dillian Whyte.

“He has the right to enforce his title shot after the Wilder vs Fury third fight. Fury vs Joshua is just speculation.

“They have both come out and said that they have a deal which is very good.

But there are many things that must take place before it actually happens.”

Should Wilder gain revenge against Fury, Whyte would then battle the American instead.

Asked if Whyte’s stipulated date of February 2021 for his chance will be extended due to the coronavirus delay, Sulaiman added: “Right now we

FNBA , P10

No Fury-Joshua fight, says WBC A

FNO FURY , P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

WHO’S NEXT?

Dimitrov positive for COVID-19, now everyone must test

G

rigor Dimitrov has tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of an exhibition event in Croatia where top-ranked Novak Djokovic was due to play in the final.

Dimitrov, ranked No. 19 and a threetime Grand Slam semifinalist, is the highest-profile current player to say he

has the virus. His announcement Sunday on his Instagram page comes at the end of a week when the U.S. Open said it would go

forward.

The professional tennis tours have been suspended since March and are planning to resume in August.

Goran Ivanisevic, one of Djokovic’s coaches, said the news from Dimitrov was “shocking” and that “now everyone will have to be tested.”

Dimitrov said he was making his condition public because he wanted to “make sure anyone who has been

in contact with me during these past days gets tested.”

“I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused,” he wrote.

The Bulgarian featured last week in the Serbia leg of the Adria Tour exhibition event organized by Djokovic. There was criticism that there was no social distancing at the exhibition, which took place before packed stands in Belgrade, the Serbian capital. The Serbian government

VOL.13 ISSUE 62 • TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

lifted most virus restrictions last month despite dozens of new cases being registered.

Dimitrov also played a match against Borna Coric in Croatia, at the Adriatic resort of Zadar, on Saturday in the second leg of the exhibition series.

After the match, he complained about fatigue. He said in his post that he was tested in Monaco.

Organizers said Sunday the exhibition has now been canceled. Djokovic had been scheduled to play Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the final.

Besides Djokovic, other leading players participated in the events, including Dominic Thiem in Belgrade and Alexander Zverev in both tournaments.

“We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia,” said event director Djordje Djokovic, the younger brother of Novak Djokovic.

“From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organizing all medical services to check all people who have been

in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested. I already contacted all players of the Adria Tour, and their families, all of the volunteers, all people involved in organization – absolutely none of them have any symptoms.”

He added: “Before he came to Zadar, Grigor was in his home country (Bulgaria), we don’t know if he got the virus there. All of the people who had close contact with him here will be tested.”

Novak Djokovic has initially struck a skeptical tone if he would play at the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13.

Some of the sport’s top names, including defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal along with topranked Ash Barty have expressed reservations about heading somewhere that was a hot spot for the COVID-19 outbreak.

Others expressed an eagerness to return to action.

The U.S. Open normally is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of each season but would be the second major of 2020, following the Australian Open, which concluded in early February.

Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov returner the ball to Austria’s Dominic Thiem during their match of the Adria Tour charity tournament in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, June 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)