Edge Davao Issue 14 No. 20 | Thursday, April 8, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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Sara flies to Singapore due to personal health management STORY ON PAGE 2

A cook belonging to the Bagobo tribe serves authentic Bagobo cassava snack cooked in bamboo tube locally known as ‘linotlot na puto balanghoy’at Catigan Garden Cafe by Dela Peña Farm in Catigan, Toril, Davao City. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte expresses confidence that the Philippines’ apparent conflict with China over Chinese ships’ presence in Julian Felipe Reef would not be a hindrance to the two nations’ cooperation to fight Covid-19.

Edge Davao

SARA IN SG Sara flies to Singapore due to personal health management

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has confirmed she is on leave and has flown to Singapore for personal reason.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, the mayor affirmed she is on leave from April 6 to 10, 2021 due to personal health management.

Mayor Sara said she has secured a travel authority

from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to fly to Singapore on Tuesday.

She added that all protocols for return to Davao City including RT-PCR testing and 14-day quaran-

tine have all been pre-arranged.

Based on reports, the mayor boarded a Singapore-bound Singapore Airlines flight (SQ-917) and was seen with one of her three children and one Presidential Security Group (PSG) bodyguard.

The aviation authorities stated that Filipino citizens are not restricted to have outbound travel even

state of calamity has been declared in the entire town of Talitay, Maguindanao, due to armed hostilities triggered by a family feud (rido).

Talitay Mayor Montasir Sabal approved Tuesday a resolution allowing the local government unit to use its quick response fund to provide relief assistance to displaced families.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Man-

agement Office has placed the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to about 700 families or 3,500 individuals.

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the armed conflict erupted on March 22.

“The IDPs were from Barangays Pageda and Gadingan of the municipality,” he said.

He identified the warring clans as followers of

Sabal who are up against the combined Watamama-Amiril families.

The conflict was triggered by the alleged shooting of a 16-year-old male clan member while fishing at a marsh in Barangay Gadungan.

The Watamama-Amiril clan blamed the killing on the armed followers of the mayor. Still, efforts by local media outlets to reach the mayor for comments failed.

if Metro Manila is currently under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

It can be recalled that that mayor also filed a seven-day medical leave last year from September 28 to October 5 wherein she was also reported leaving Davao City.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte is designated as Acting Mayor until April 10, 2021.

“The Watamama– Amiril families reportedly have relatives connected with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which made the situation more complicated,” Baldomar said.

On March 26, about 50 MILF fighters strafed the abandoned house of Sabal in Barangay Gadungan.

Officials said members of the government–MILF security team are continuously pacifying the conflicting clans.(PNA)

Maguindanao town placed under state of calamity due to ‘rido’

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PH-China sea row won’t hamper cooperation vs. Covid-19: PRRD

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has expressed confidence that the Philippines’ apparent conflict with China over Chinese ships’ presence in Julian Felipe Reef would not be a hindrance to the two nations’ cooperation to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In an online press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte’s stance is to resolve the issues concerning Julian Felipe Reef “through diplomatic channel and through peaceful means”.

Duterte, Roque said, was confident that the ongoing maritime dispute between the two countries would not have an adverse impact on their resolve to help each other in defeating Covid-19.

“Whatever differences we have with China will not define our bilateral relations and will not be an obstacle to the overall positive trajectory of our bilateral friendly relations and our deepening cooperation in pandemic response, including vaccine cooperation and in post-pandemic economic recovery,” Duterte, as quoted by Roque, said.

National Task Force against Covid-19 and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. also echoed Duterte’s position, saying the controversy surrounding Julian Felipe Reef is a “separate” issue.

“The Chinese government is joining us in fighting against Covid-19…

Itong issue ng West Philippine Sea ay iba po iyan (The issue on the West Philippine Sea is another issue),” Galvez, who joined Roque at the press conference, said.

Julian Felipe Reef, a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), is located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

The Philippines on March 21 lodged a diplomatic protest against China over the presence of around 200 Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

China earlier said the spotted Chinese boats off Julian Felipe Reef were merely taking refuge due to rough sea conditions.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Manila on April 3 justified the Chinese vessels’ presence at the Julian Felipe Reef, calling it Niu’e Jiao and part of China’s Nansha Islands.

On Monday night, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a maritime patrol will be conducted anew this week to check whether there are still Chinese ships off Julian Felipe Reed.

Lorenzana’s latest statement came after he recently noted that around 44 Chinese vessels have yet to leave the reef in WPS even if the weather in the vicinity has already improved.

(PNA)

VOL.14 ISSUE 20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Group pushes for Mindanao economic recovery body

By MAYA M. PADILLO he private sector is pushing for the establishment of the Mindanao Economic Recovery Facilitation Council to facilitate in rebuilding the economy of Mindanao.

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Its establishment was among the highlights during the online Mindanao Economic Recovery Forum organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on Wednesday.

Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, chairman of MinDA, said the council will be a multi-sectoral council where the private sector and the government will be represented. He also recommended that the private sector will lead the council.

“The purpose is to address issues and problems that may impede our economic recovery,” he said.

He said MinDA could provide a facility that will accommodate complaints 24/7.

“We will provide people with contact information para matawagan namin ang agencies who could help them,” he said.

The roles of the council include providing insight and expert advice on how to protect jobs during the economic crisis stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, identifying both shortterm recommendations to facilitate the reopening and recovery of Mindanao’s economic sectors from the Covid-19 crisis, and recommending specific local policy and strategies to facilitate economic recovery starting with urgent, short term businesses and worker needs.

“I would like to have this organized right away.

The next step is to present the inputs today to the inter-agency group particularly to agencies that deliver services like DA, DSWD,” Piñol said.

Apart from the formation of the council, the private sector also encouraged the national government to seriously consider implementing strict border bio security protocols, assist on the roll out of vaccines with economic frontliners such as transport sector, food industry and tourism as priorities; fast-track approval of Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects, identify areas ready for investments, conduct proper inventory of farmers’ produce or crops per municipality or region, and spearhead review of government agencies online payment system to make it flexible and payer-friendly.

MinDA will hold another forum involving the different government agencies.

Councilor asks to expedite amendment of Revenue Code

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ouncilor Pamela Librado – Morata urged the City Council to expedite the amendment of the city's Revenue Code to ease the burden on the delivery sector.

Librado – Morata has passed a resolution entitled: Resolution Urging the City Government of Davao to Review the Revenue Code of the City and Procure Reconcilable Policies for Food Delivery Riders in view of the requirements for Mayor's Business Permit.

This resolution seeks to review existing policies to match the needs of local delivery riders, to remove any unnecessary burden

imposed upon them, and promote a fair system that will give our riders sufficient opportunities to earn.

The said resolution was approved and certified as urgent on April 6, 2021.

“Mapahibalo ang executive (City Council) sa kahimtang sa mga riders.

Hopefully, ma-amyendahan ang revenue code as urgent para di na makabayad pa tong uban riders,” she said.

Librado – Morata, who is also the chair of the Committee of Labor and Employment Opportunities, is referring to the P4,680 charged to the riders as payment for the requirements that include barangay clearance, garage fee,

health certificate fee, laboratory fee, license plate, mechanical fee, Mayor's permit, plumbing fee, sanitary permit, sign board, sanitary inspection, solid waste, tax clearance, and zoning fee.

“Other concerns sa riders related sa ilang work, security of tenure, etc,” she added.

Librado – Morata stated that service delivery riders are considered essential workers and were exempted from quarantine and lockdown restrictions.

“For over a year now, Davao residents have continued to rely on this kind of service to conveniently

FCOUNCILOR, P10

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. says the government has been informed of delays in jabs delivery. For now, 1 million doses of CoronaVac are

Travelers advised to check on requirements of LGUs

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he manager of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal Davao City has called on travelers going to other provinces to research first if the local government unit of their destination has imposed mandatory requirements like authority to travel and medical certificate.

Aisa Yusop, manager of the DCOTT revealed there are local government units that are strict in the implementation

of travel authority and medical certificate citing Cotabato City, Malita, Davao Occidental and the Surigao Provinces as examples.

She bared that locally medical certificates and travel authority can be availed from the district health office and the police station where one’s house belongs in jurisdiction while in Davao City.

Yusop said that to avoid delays a passenger needs to know the strict

implementation of the authority to travel and medical certificates like the ones imposed in Cotabato City, Malita, Davao Occidental and the Surigao Provinces.

She also revealed that Manila-bound buses are allowed to travel only one trip a day and passengers have to book their trips and to receive instruction on the restrictions from the ticketing office.

Yusop also said that

FTRAVELERS, P10

Delay in Covid-19 vax delivery experienced worldwide: Galvez

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Councilor Pamela Librado – Morata

being deployed nationwide while 1.5 million more doses are arriving in the coming weeks, along with 500,000 doses of Sputnik V. Edge Davao

lobal constrictions on the acquisition of coronavirus vaccines may result in reduced supplies from the COVAX Facility, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Tuesday.

Galvez, however, assured the government is exerting all efforts to have access to vaccines.

"Considering also with the global constriction of AstraZeneca, most probably ay talaga pong magkakaroon ng (we are expecting a) reduction," he said during the Palace press briefing.

“We are just working for the access. We will pay all those vaccines," he added.

Countries that expected AstraZeneca deliveries in March were informed they will be moved to April, according to a Unicef (United Nations International Chil-

dren's Emergency Fund) report.

“Deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) to lower-income economies participating in the COVAX Facility will face delays during March and April as the Government of India battles a new wave of infections. COVAX and the Government of India remain in discussions to ensure some supplies are completed during March and April,” the Unicef report on March 25 said.

Under the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, SII is contracted to provide COVAX with the SII-licensed and manufactured AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines for 64 lower-income economies, alongside its commitments to the Government of India.

India, however, has a high demand for the vaccines, thus the delay.

FDELAY, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Bikers spend the afternoon of Easter Sunday (April 4, 2021) circling the provincial capitol grounds in Malaybalay City. The place is a favorite of fitness enthusiasts for its shaded surroundings. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

2021 ECQ to hit GDP T target: Dominguez

SEC to launch new, more secure company registration system

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he latest surge in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infections is expected to result to below-target growth for the Philippine economy this year, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III. “Well, I think it’s going to be lower than what we expected. This surge in the contagion, which is incidentally happening in Brazil, Canada, France, and Turkey, and other places is certainly not good for the economy,” he said in an interview over Bloomberg TV on Tuesday.

He estimates the latest lockdown to cost the economy “one half of 1 percent.”

Economic managers have set a growth target, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), of between 6.5 and 7.5 percent this year.

The country is registering a surge in new cases since March this year, with the new record-high registered last April 2 at 15,310 infections.

The government has initially set a week-long enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for the National Capital Region (NCR) and four nearby provinces-- Bulacan, Rizal,

Cavite, and Laguna-- collectively called NCR Plus from March 29-April 4 but extended this for another week, or until April 11, to address the rising infections.

Dominguez pointed out that despite this development, the death rate in the country remains below those of Western countries at 12 deaths per 100,000 individuals compared to over 150 deaths per 100,000 individuals in other countries.

“We are coping with this surge and the best way we thought to do it was to have a curtailment of activities especially in the Metro Manila area for at least two weeks,” he said.

The country has imposed movement restrictions since mid-March 2020 but these have been eased following the drop in the number of infections to allow a recovery in domestic activity.

Last year, the whole of

Luzon, which accounts for around 70 percent of GDP, was placed under ECQ from March 17 until endApril, with the movement restriction in NCR extended until end-May. Other areas around the country were also placed in various levels of movement restrictions to contain the spread of the virus.

Because of the quarantine measures, domestic output registered a -9.5 percent print last year, with the second quarter figure posting a decades-long contraction of -16.9 percent.

Meanwhile, Dominguez said the government continues to have fiscal leeway despite the financing for Covid-related programs since last year.

Last year, the government extended PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 cash aid to around 18 million low-income households and to workers belonging to sectors greatly affected by the quarantine measures.

For this year’s ECQ, the government is using the PHP23 billion untapped allocation under the Bayanihan 2 law as subsidy for around 80 percent of the population in the NCR Plus.

To provide a boost in domestic economic activity last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) injected an equivalent of nearly PHP2 trillion in the financial system through, among others, the total of 200 basis points cut in the central bank’s key policy rates and up to 200 basis points reduction in banks’ reserve requirement ratio.

BSP also extended PHP840 billion worth of liquidity boost to the national government last year through a PHP300 billion short-term repurchase deal and a PHP540-billion cash advance. Both of which have been redeemed and repaid last year.

Last December, BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) approved another PHP540 billion provisional advance to the national government to help in the government’s recovery programs.

Dominguez discounted another move to further tap the central bank for liquidity boost this year.

“We will probably look to wind it down sometime late this year or early next year, depending on the situation,” he added. (PNA)

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is migrating to a new company registration portal by April 19 to provide the public with a more secure, transparent, and efficient online facility for easy company registration.

Called the electronic simplified processing of application for registration of company (eSPARC), the web-based system will accept new applications for registration of One Person Corporations (OPC), corporations with two to four incorporators, as well as regular domestic and foreign-owned corporations --both stock and nonstock.

“With eSPARC, our goal is to provide users with a complete, end-to-end company registration system linked to a unified and centralized company information database that will simplify the company registration process while also refining how we process information,” SEC Chairperson Emilio Aquino said in a statement Tuesday.

Aquino said the initiative further strengthens the commission’s ongoing digital transformation as part of its efforts to further improve ease of doing business in the country. eSPARC will replace the interim registration system (IRS), which is currently used for the registration of OPCs and corporations with two to four incorporators, as well as the company registration system (CRS) for the registration of

regular domestic and foreign-owned corporations.

Only applications for the registration of partnerships and foreign corporations will be accepted and processed in the CRS once eSPARC goes live.

Applications submitted through the CRS prior to April 19 will still be processed by the system, unless applicants are instructed to resubmit their applications through eSPARC. On eSPARC, applicants or their duly appointed representatives may submit their proposed company names, input company information, and upload the documentary requirements for review of the commission. The system will also feature a real-time inquiry facility on the status of their applications.

The new system will be integrated with the SEC cashiering system and SEC payment portal to provide a faster, seamless, and convenient means to pay registration fees.

Further, eSPARC will be linked to the central business portal, the national government’s centralized platform that allows the public to access registration forms, fill out information, and submit requirements needed for business registration and related transactions.

To make way for the system upgrade and migration to eSPARC, the IRS will undergo a scheduled main-

FSEC, P10

VOL.14 ISSUE 20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

A pedestrian walks by a Jollibee outlet in Davao City. The homegrown fast-food giant bared that it is investing £50 million to expand its footprint in Europe to 50 stores in the next five years. Edge Davao

Jollibee further expands in Europe with 8 more stores B

Inflation seen surpassing target this year amid risks

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ith 70 percent of its customers in its latest UK stores now being locals, homegrown restaurant brand Jollibee is further expanding its reach to local European customers by growing to 50 stores in that continent in the next five years.

This year, the restaurant chain will open its Europe flagship location in Leicester Square, London. This will be followed by seven other store openings, including its first stores in Scotland in Edinburgh, its first in Wales in Cardiff, and its first in Spain in Madrid.

This came on the heels of its successful Rome, Liv-

erpool, and Leicester City openings in 2020, which opened to much fanfare despite the pandemic.

“The Jollibee Group is dedicated to growing the Jollibee brand in the UK and across Europe. Investing 50 million euros demonstrates our commitment to become a major player in the European quick-service industry,”

Dennis Flores, Jollibee Group regional business head for Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

“The pandemic may have been a setback, but it will not deter us from pursuing our vision for Jollibee in the UK and the rest of Europe.”

Jollibee’s new stores in Europe have been designed to adapt to changes brought about by the pandemic by including contactless kiosks for speed and safety, and pick-up settings to make take-outs even more convenient.

Jollibee has introduced multiple new menu items that cater to the local market palate and hoped to draw in more local custom-

ers through its new and refreshed store design that showcases its Filipino heritage while adapting to the European market.

By end-April, Jollibee UK will launch an app that will allow customers to order in advance.

“Simultaneously, we are investing in technologies such as a mobile app for click and collect along with in-store contactless kiosk options to bring additional convenience to our customers,” Jollibee Group market head for Europe Adam Parkinson said.

Over five million pieces of Chickenjoy have been sold across Europe since the brand first debuted in the region.(PR)

pandemic.

She said Landbank has upgraded its mobile app “with enhanced functionality and security features” to provide clients “with a more convenient experience in accessing Landbank’s wide array of services at your fingertips.”

Borromeo said the bank’s Link.BizPortal, WeAccess, electronic tax payment system, and phone access remain available.

She said fees for fund transfers using InstaPay and PESONet, the two

electronic fund transfer services under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) national retail payment system (NRPS), will be waived until June 30, 2021.

“While we continue to promote cashless transactions, we also ensure sufficient cash availability in all our ATMs (automated teller machines) should you need cash,” she added.

Landbank clients are also advised “to be extra vigilant in protecting your accounts against scams and security threats” by not

sharing personal details to prevent unauthorized use of their bank accounts or credit cards.

“Please report to us immediately if you notice any unusual transactions or activities in your accounts,” Borromeo said.

Clients may still go to the various Landbank branches, she said, but added “strict but necessary health protocols remain in place.”

“As we all continue to fight this pandemic, rest

Landbank clients urged to tap digital channels

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and Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) president and chief executive officer (CEO) Cecilia Borromeo on Tuesday encouraged the bank’s account holders to access its digital and online platforms for their safety.

In a message posted on the bank’s Facebook page, Borromeo said tapping these channels will help clients do their financial transactions without risking themselves, especially now with the coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19)

FLANDBANK, P10

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno on Tuesday said the full-year inflation average is expected to surpass the government’s target band even as risks to the inflation outlook remain broadly balanced.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported the deceleration of the domestic inflation rate in the third month this year to 4.5 percent from month-ago’s 4.7 percent, ending the fivemonth rise since the last quarter of 2020.

Average inflation in the first quarter of this year stood at 4.5 percent, surpassing the government’s 2-4 percent target band until 2023.

Diokno said last month’s inflation print is within the central bank’s 4.2-5 percent target band for March.

“The overall latest outturn is consistent with expectations that inflation could settle above the high end of the target in 2021, reflecting the impact of supply-side constraints on domestic prices of key food commodities, such as meat, as well as the continuing rise in world oil prices,” he said in a Viber message to journalists.

Diokno said a tighter domestic supply of meat products and improved global economic activity could lend further upward pressures on inflation.

“However, ongoing pandemic also continues to pose downside risks to the inflation outlook as

the recent surge in virus infections and challenges over mass vaccination programs continue to temper prospects for domestic demand,” he added.

Monetary authorities forecast this year’s inflation to average at 4.2 percent while next year’s average inflation forecast is 2.8 percent.

“Supply-side influences (will) subside,” he said. “At the same time, timely and effective implementation of direct measures by the national government could contribute to easing price pressures.”

Diokno said the policy-making Monetary Board (MB) continues to see “prevailing monetary policy settings remain appropriate to support the government’s broader efforts to facilitate the recovery of the economy.”

He said the Monetary Board emphasizes that the timely implementation of non-monetary interventions is important in mitigating the impact of supply-side pressures on inflation and thereby preventing them from spilling over as second-round effects.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will remain watchful for any signs of inflation becoming broader-based. The BSP is prepared to take immediate measures as appropriate to ensure that the monetary policy stance continues to support the BSP’s price and financial stability objectives,” he added. (PNA)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

On the demand for the establishment of a Mindanao Economic Recovery Council: I would like to have this organized right away. The next step is to present the inputs today to the interagency group particularly to agencies that deliver services like DA, DSWD.” Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol

MinDA Chairman

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VOL.14 ISSUE 20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE RISE OF BATTERED HUSBANDS Husbands are battered as much as wives in the Philippines? Yes! In fact, more Filipino men are battered by their wives, according to Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, a columnist of Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Dr. Castillo isn’t cogitating it. His source of information was Emiliano “Nano” Manahan, an antidomestic abuse advocate who is writing a book on the rarely discussed topic. “The incidence of male abuse is on the rise, affecting 12 to 15 out of every 100 couples in the country,” Nano was quoted as saying.

The issue is nothing new. In Davao City, Rene Estorpe pointed out in 2012 that battered husbands do exist. As the president of Federation of Gender and Development, he cited the cases of two husbands in Agdao Centro where he was then the barangay chairman.

The two men came to him and complained that they were abused by their wives. Unfortunately, both ended up being charged with violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children law or Republic Act No. 9262. “The wives ac-

cused them of engaging in illicit affairs,” Estorpe said.

The federation had members from 15 barangays. Out of some 7,000 male constituents in these barangays, most abused or battered husbands were decent types, according to Estorpe.

In his column, Dr. Castillo wrote: “The problem is that the majority of men, who are victims of domestic abuse, don’t even see themselves as victims. They find it difficult to recognize abuse in their relationship, in contrast to women who have a high index of awareness for domestic abuse committed against them or their children.”

But one thing why men seem not to recognize it is because of the image that men are the stronger sex. “Men are more likely to be embarrassed by their abuse, making them less likely to report it,” states the Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men website.

As a result, they would just keep the abuse to themselves.

“What will people think if they knew I let a woman beat up on me?” one said. Another husband seemed to say it all for men: “I don’t want to be laughed at; no

one would believe me.”

In the Philippines, as in most countries around the world, there are laws protecting women and children against domestic violence. However, these laws do not cover “domestic violence committed against man/male partner by an abusive party,” Nano deplores.

“Domestic violence is not about size, gender, or strength,” Jan Brown, executive director and founder of the Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men, told WebMD Feature. “It’s about abuse, control, and power, and getting out of dangerous situations and getting help, whether you are a woman being abused, or a man.”

When it comes to domestic violence, wives are not always the victims. “Domestic violence against men is very similar to domestic violence against women,” pointed out Brown. “It can come in the form of physical abuse, emotional, verbal, or financial.”

When Jonathan refused to buy their son’s very expensive toys, his wife punched him in the side of his head and said she would cut off his fingers in

the night. The wife also used to smash down the bedroom door where he was hiding, and this happened mainly in front of their children.

Fernando is already in his ‘80s but it didn’t stop his 75-yearold wife to beat him several times with a bamboo stick. “It was so disgraceful that she has to beat me in public,” said the old man, who sought assistance from authority, as he could no longer bear the spousal abuse. Previous to that incident, his wife would throw stones at him. There was also a time when she strangled him.

Earl, a 46-year-old doctor in Cebu, is severely beaten by his wife once or twice a year. He keeps cosmetics at home and in his clinic to cover up the bruises and face bites. At one time, his secretary saw a bruise in his left hand and asked him what happened. He told her that it was caused by an accident.

Should a battered husband suffer in silence? Or should he hit back at her? Here’s one opinion, “Like it or not, authorities are very, very biased against men – what do you think is going to

happen if the police show up and a man says, ‘She hit me first. I was defending myself’? She is going to say that you hit her first, and they are going to take her word for it and haul you off. So, make darn sure that hitting back is your absolute last resort.”

A battered wife replies, “If you are being hit, please leave.

Trust me it will only get worse.

My husband kept promising he would stop but he didn’t. It got worse to the point he threw a chair at our two-year-old daughter. We had to flee for her safety in our sleeping garments. I suffered for eight years and it was eight years of my life wasted. I wish I had left after the first punch.”

Another one has this advice, “It’s totally wrong whether man or woman is abused. Don’t suffer in silence. Get out now.

Regardless of whether she says she won’t do it again. Don’t be embarrassed. Sadly, it’s a sad state of society today that men are also being abused. But don’t hit back - you are then lowering yourself to her level. You will be the bigger person if you leave without resorting to violence aimed at her.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

JAPAN’S PROPAGANDA OF NORMALCY In 1941, the year Davao got its first taste of aerial bombs, Christmas was not celebrated. Resident were preoccupied with safety after the Japanese army took over the city on December 20.

Homes were emptied and the inhabitants had dispersed to seek shelter in areas far away from the city proper. Three months later the Japanese administration issued a propaganda, declaring that “everything is returning to normal in Davao City.”

Teiji Ikeda of the Propaganda Corps of the Japanese army who visited the city in early 1942 made the assessment. He reported that the food shortage felt in the early part of the occupation had already been addressed after lands were volunteered for the cultivation of staples.

The official claimed the Filipinos who fled to the hills had returned due to “normal conditions” and even took note that “peace and order has been remarkably restored” after the American forces were driven out, and the Japanese nationals rescued. He also highlighted the despicable condition the Japanese were in, the false U.S. propaganda, the youth volunteerism, and the possession of the city un-

der Japanese control.

Many Japanese residents, however, were without anything in hand, everything having been looted by the enemy. They were without food, clothing, tableware of family tools. Even the toys and textbooks of school children were looted. The Japanese residents, therefore, were forced to make every effort to obtain their supply of food. All Japanese planters of Manila hemp destroyed 10 per cent of their own plantations for the purpose of converting them into fields for rice, corn, potato, and vegetables…

The Filipino inhabitants at first still believed in the aid coming from the U. S., having been misled by their false propaganda. However, they began to discredit the Americans gradually after knowing so many victories achieved by the Imperial forces in every part of the Great East Asia. They seem to understand gradually what Japan is fighting for and knowing that the Japanese forces inflict no harm on law-abiding inhabitants, they began to return to their homes...

The situation in Davao is now almost unchanged from what prevailed there before

the war.

The Filipinos well understand the imminent necessity for food and are cooperating with the Japanese for the increase of production.

A new mayor, Alfonso Oboza, was appointed... and the former officials were re-appointed to their old posts. The Committees organized voluntarily by the Filipinos for the purpose of maintaining order and cooperating with the military in every respect have been meeting daily...

Shops and stores have been... opened. Food and other household commodities... distributed among Filipinos and Japanese [despite] scarcity of supply. The people living in the province far from the city are also returning to their homes, and the number of certificates issued... certifying the holders to be law-abiding citizens now reach 80 percent of the pre-war population.

They are now willingly cooperating with the Imperial forces in the establishment of a NewPhilippines. All the forces which fled to the mountains are now- doomed and peaceful Mindanao is soon to be reality.

This situation was seconded by Davao governor Ro-

mualdo C. Quimpo in an interview done by a correspondent of Hochi Shinbu, a Japanese daily, in April 1942 where he declared his famous line: “I regret I have but one life to sacrifice in my endeavor to rehabilitate my province from the ravages of American brutality and destruction.”

Upon Quimpo’s arrival in the city from Manila the enemy forces were still conducting “lightning offensive” against American and Filipino forces while the Japanese flag flew at City Hall. Accordingly, “Filipino troopers [were] still resisting Japanese forces… because they [were] still intoxicated with the American promise that help is coming from the United States,” adding trust the Filipinos reposed on the Americans was dwindling and “soon the Filipino troops [would] demand a truce with the Japanese.” The report added: The governor smilingly said… the inhabitants of Davao are rapidly returning to their homes, asserting that even the former governor of the province, who was Quimpo’s political opponent has returned to Davao to work the reconstruction of the province… Meanwhile… the municipal authorities are

tackling with great difficulty the food problem… caused by the plunder and ravage of Fil-American forces during their retreat. The mayor [Oboza] revealed that the authorities are encouraging the planting of corn and vegetables in unused lands and offering assistance in farming technique [adding] that although goods have been distributed… the Filipinos are trying their best to make Davao self-sufficient.

Adding substance to the propaganda of normalcy in the city was the holding of the annual St. Peter’s feast. The Teachers’ Band and St. Peter’s School Band held separate concerts, while Peña Jberica, a local society, held its anniversary with a dance at the clubhouse.

As regular feature of the fiesta, Masses at the St. Peter’s Church were said by the Jesuit priests and capped by a pontifical Mass celebrated

by Bishop Luis del Rosario of Zamboanga and two others. A huge crowd attended the rites which were later followed by parlor games.

The article reported that the celebration “was climaxed by a very long religious procession in the evening,” adding an overflowing throng paid homage to St. Peter.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

Vanessa Ann Patiño Ong shares her

HEALING JOURNEY EVERY ARTIST has their story, of challenges in life, visions of the future, or hope for the present. Last April 4, 2021, Dabawenyo artist, Vanessa Ann Patiño Ong held her first solo art exhibit at Bondi&Bourke. Titled “My Healing Journey” the exhibit showcases twenty-two works of art in watercolor done over a period of two years that reflect the things, people and memories that are deeply embedded in Vanessa’s mind.

What is more significant is Vanessa’s message as she decides to finally share with the world her journey from the perspective of an artist and cancer warrior. The pandemic has been arduous for many, both mentally and physically, but none more for a woman and mother such as herself battling stage 4 lung cancer.

But instead of worrying, Vanessa chooses to wonderfully color her life with hope and positivity.

With her garden often in view when she paints, the pieces featured in the exhibit depict scenes of her travels and

things that bring her joy and pleasure in the form of different flora and fauna. An avid Ikebana practitioner, Vanessa also presents pieces that reflect her love of the Japanese art.

Each of her works conveys the subject’s natural beauty at its essence, done in

a clean style of strokes and color blending that invites her audience to discover her penchant for creating delicate yet arresting pieces. She communicates a bursting vibrancy and trained eye for beauty in her works but most of all, a sense of calm in that what she welcomes into her canvas reflects just how much light and goodness she lets into her

life despite its challenges.

Vanessa meets her ongoing journey towards wellness and healing with grace, courage and the conviction that there is still much more to come and that life is a fountain overflowing with inspiration.And as Vanessa bears her art and soul, she does so with a heart for other young people going through similar journeys as

hers. Proceeds from the sale of her works will be given to the House of Hope, a local organization that cares for children with cancer.

Vanessa Ann Patiño Ong’s “My Healing Journey” can be viewed at Bondi&Bourke at Paseo de Legaspi, along Legaspi Street, Davao City. The exhibit will run until April 18, 2021.

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ENVIRONMENT

9

Bird watching in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

Text by HENRYLITO D. TACIO | Photos by JULIUS R. PANER

T

he world leader in bird conservation has identified 604 bird species found in the country – that’s 6% of the world’s total number of known birds.

A third of the bird species are endemic or can only be found in the Philippines.

In its recent State of the World’s Birds report, Birdlife International singled out the Philippines as one of the four countries in Asia as among 10 countries with the highest numbers of globally threatened birds (the other three are Indonesia, China and India).

“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all,” wrote Stephen King in Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. “Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them, they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.”

There are many Filipinos who love birds but only a few of them want to see birds in its natural habitat – in the forests, up in the trees, and flying in the open skies. One of them is Julius R. Paner, the tourism officer of the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur since 2012.

His love for birds started when he was a child.

“Even when I was still a kid, I already like seeing birds because I grew up in the countryside and there were plenty of birds then,” he recalled.

So, it was not surprising at all when Paner included bird watching as one of the tourism activities in his hometown. But it was just a recent addition.

“The selling point of Sta. Cruz in terms of tourism are our natural attractions like mountain ranges, summits, cave, waterfalls, beaches and forests,” he explains. A lot of activities can be done here like mountain climbing, caving, falls hopping, trail running and island hopping.”

In 2018, he started bird watching as a hobby when he joined a group in Malagos led by expert birder Pete Simpson, who is a member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines-Davao. He learned so many things from it that he thought of adding bird watching as tourism activities.

When he presented the idea to the government officials, no one objected. “Our municipal leadership here is actually very supportive of our tourism programs and projects and that includes bird watching,” he says.

“In fact, there is a budget allocated here for biodiversity conservation in general, and bird inventory activities in particular.”

So, in 2019, he opened birding activities in the municipality. “The latest ecotourism trend recent-

ly is bird watching,” he points out. “Although not a lot of people are into it right now but it has gained tremendous at-

can only be seen in the Philippines and Mindanao such as the Philippine Eagle, Apo Myna, Mindanao Jungle Flycatcher, Apo

Apo Myna

Mindanao Hornbill

tention from naturalists that’s why we integrated this activity to our pool of must-tries here in Sta. Cruz. We also have plenty of birding sites here, both in the forest and in our wetlands.”

Among the towns of Davao del Sur, Sta. Cruz is the only municipality offering such activities. It’s understandable.

“Modesty aside I can say that Sta. Cruz is one of the best birding sites in Mindanao because of the presence of forest and wetland birds which serves as home to more than a hundred endemic, resident and migratory species,” he says.

A huge portion of the country’s highest peak, Mount Apo, is part of Sta. Cruz. As such, “we have an excellent record of Philippine and Mindanao endemic birds, or those that

Sunbird and Grey-hooded Sunbird.”

Those birds can be found in the forested upland areas. In its lowlands, particularly those near the waters, exotic birds also abound. “Our coastal stretch and marshes are also refuge to migratory birds flying within the East-Asian Australisian Flyway,” Paner says.

Those who are interested in bird watching in Sta. Cruz must first coordinate with the local government unit through the tourism office. The ideal birding group ranges from 5 to 10 persons.

“I would also like to inform everyone that Sta. Cruz now is open for local and domestic tourists for as long the COVID-19 protocols will be strictly followed,” Paner says.

According to him, the

best time for birding is early morning from 6:00 in the morning up to 10:00 in the morning. “There are cases where birding requires 2 to 3 days depending on the location especially if it requires major hiking like Mount Apo and if one aspires to see a very rare species,” he says.

Unlike other tourism activities, bird watching needs a lot of work. Aside from doing research before coming into the area, they must also follow all the rules.

“Good planning is necessary,” Paner says. “First is to research the location especially if it is new to the group. Coordination and getting a local guide are also crucial. When doing it in protected areas the ‘leave no trace principles’ should be practiced.

The most important is that no birds and other wildlife forms should be

harmed while doing birding tours.”

On why he encourages the protection of birds, he replies, “Birds are special because they are the best indicator of a healthy environment. If there are birds in a certain area it means that the ecosystem is stable. Personally, birds are my antidote to stress and depression. I love seeing them in their natural habitat. As I have been saying before they represent the spirit. Birds symbolize freedom.”

His love for birds is for real. As a matter of fact, he always encourages his co-tourism officers in the province to do bird inventory and start birding tours in their areas. “But most of them are not convinced – at least for now,” he says the tourism officer who finished his Master’s in Business Administration from Davao del Sur State College.

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gets 14.4K PH making strides on gender Davao CoronaVac jabs anew equality: Cong. Malanyaon A

D

avao Oriental 1st District House Representative Congresswoman Corazon Nuñez Malanayaon, said that the Philippines has been getting closer and closer towards gender equality.

“If we try to look at the positive development in women’s participation in different fields as well as the rights and privileges accorded by law to women, makasulti jud ta nga medyo malapit na ta (we can really say that we are close [to gender equality]),” she said during her guesting at Probinsya Ta Sayron Ta which aired on March 27, 2021 at the Province of Davao Oriental Facebook page in celebration of the

National Women’s Month.

She said that in the exercise of political rights, women used to not be able to vote back in time, but now “here in the province, there have been three lady governors serving the province in 9 consecutive years, starting with Governor Rosalind Lopez, Governor (Ma. Elena) Palma Gil, ako (me).”

Furthermore, she cited that among the 10 municipalities and one city in the province, seven mayors are women.

Although she noted that with the population of Senate and Congress being only 29 percent women, she said that societies remain passionate on waging

advocacy for women empowerment.

She cited the United Nation’s declaration of March 8 as the International Women’s Day and the Philippines’s declaration of March as National Women’s Month as acknowledgement and recognition to the role of women.

Furthermore, she pointed out that more women are involved in male dominated careers such as law, medicine, military and even drivers.

“More and more professional organizations even NGO’s even business organizations are more receptive to women participation,” she said.

“A woman can be a

President; a woman can be as good as men. So I can safely say that we’re almost there, that we can really achieve gender equality,” she added.

Corazon Nuñez Malanyaon is a politician, lawyer, and accountant.

She is currently serving as the representative of Davao Oriental's 1st district since year 2016, a position she previously held from 2001 to 2007.

From year 2007 to 2016, she was the Provincial Governor of Davao Oriental.

As well, she was a member of the Davao City Council from 1986 to 1987 and 1988 to 1992. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)

order food without leaving their homes. This situation has allowed and encouraged many to stay at home.

While the circumstance has given our local riders more opportunity, this came at the expense of their safety and welfare, as there are no adequate and defined protocols for their protection,” she said.

She also mentioned in her resolution that during a hearing on the Proposed Workers' Protection and Development Office by the SP Committee on Labor and Employment Opportunities conducted last March 22, 2021, where it was mentioned that food delivery riders are now required to secure business or occupational permits.

Librado – Morata added that by requiring the permits, riders would need to pay the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) even if they don't have waste disposal or pay BFP fees and certificates even if they don't manage physical stores as well as payment for BIR registration.

“It results in an unfair situation where riders are burdened with the same responsibilities imposed on established and well-resourced companies since they will have to file before the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for payment of certain fees and taxes and penalties, if needed, on top of the fact that they are not tax-exempt like minimum wage earners,” she stated.

Article 1, Section 94 of the Revenue Code of Davao City, states that it is unlawful for any person or entity to conduct or engage in any business, trade, or occupation in the City of Davao without securing a Mayor’s Permit and paying the necessary fees to the City Treasurer.

Librado – Morata mentioned the concern of John Paul Manapat, operations manager of Grab Philippines-Mindanao, who stated that they had written the City Council last month to express their sentiments.

She said Manapat requested on behalf of their food delivery partners that the delivery riders be al-

lowed to continue operating as food delivery riders/ independent contractors without the need of applying for a business or occupational permit.

“For months, riders complained before the Department of Labor and Employment that mobile app operators treat them as mere business partners, freelancers, and/or independent contractors, instead of employees. This can be gleaned from the fact that riders don’t have fixed wages and social protection benefits,” Librado – Morata said.

Librado – Morata cited an initial barangay survey initiated by her office discovered that riders pay for their own gas or fuel and will also end up shouldering any additional fees should they be required to have a business or occupational permit.

“The motorcycle they use is likewise bought at their own expense, which includes taking out other loans. Furthermore, the riders do not get overtime pay despite working 10-

12 hours a day, and most have no insurance should they get into accidents.

While other delivery companies have arranged to insure some riders with partner insurance groups, this remains at the riders' expense. More often than not, it is the community of riders who have learned to help each other during emergencies or injuries on the road,” she said.

Librado – Morata added that riders also decried a so-called batch system that determines their earning brackets and assigns specific riders for delivery runs.

“The riders also take the brunt for fake bookings or delivery scams since these end up listed as order cancelations and could result in a rider's suspension, they said. Not to mention that these result in a reduction of their income. Moreover, while they are considered freelancers, they hardly have any break time.

They are also subjected to ratings and receive their pay in intervals,” she said.

Maya Padillo

Full deployment of the newly arrived one million doses of Chinese-made CoronaVac is ongoing nationwide.

Galvez said another 1.5 million doses are arriving in the coming weeks, along with some 500,000 doses of Sputnik V from Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute.

In May, 2 million doses of Sputnik V, 2 million doses of CoronaVac, and 194,000 doses of Moderna vaccine are likewise expected.

Also set for delivery in June are 10.5 million doses – 4.5 million doses of CoronaVac, 4 million doses of Sputnik V, and 1 million doses each of AstraZeneca and Novavax.

Galvez said the scaling up of the global supply of coronavirus vaccines is expected, beginning July.

Despite some challenges on vaccine acquisition,

he assured the government will exert all efforts to meet its target of achieving herd immunity among 50 to 70 million Filipinos.

Galvez noted the countries of origin of Covid-19 vaccines are now allocating the available supplies for their own citizens.

"These countries that are producing vaccines tend to gather all the available supplies, at the same time, to pick or to accelerate their vaccination," he said.

The government is mulling for some adjustment to the country's vaccination campaign amid a limited global supply of the Covid-19 vaccine.

"But we expect also by month of July magkakaroon ng (there will be) easing out of the global supply considering that nangako naman po sila na kapag natapos na sila (they promised once they completed their vac-

cination) they will share some of their excess to their allied countries," Galvez said.

In July, the Philippines expects 13.5 million doses, including Johnson&Jonhson jabs.

The government will secure about 20 million doses each month from August to December this year.

So far, the Philippines has vaccinated 825,662.

Of the total, 781,415 are healthcare workers, with 28,401 already done with the second dose.

Global standing Galvez reported the Philippines is ranked 50th among 155 countries in terms of administering the Covid-19 vaccine, according to financial and media company Bloomberg's tracker as of April 5.

Bloomberg's data also showed about 673 million doses have been adminis-

tered across 155 countries, enough to vaccinate 4.4 percent of the global population.

The 10 that have administered the most number of vaccines are the United States, China, the European Union, India, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Turkey, Germany, Indonesia, and France.

"Nakikita po natin ang nangunguna 'yung apat na countries, sila po yung halos bumubuo ng mga kumukuha po ngvaccines sa global market (As we see, the four leading countries got the available vaccines in the global market)," Galvez said.

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines is ranked fourth behind Indonesia, Singapore, and Myanmar.

COVAX has notified all affected economies of potential delays, according to Unicef. (PNA)

COUNCILOR... FROM3

DELAY... FROM3

nother 14,400 doses of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccines (CoronaVac) arrived here Wednesday morning.

The fourth batch of CoronaVac doses was immediately brought to a storage facility in the Department of Health in Region 11 (DOH 11).

In a virtual press briefing Wednesday, Dr. Janis Olavides, DOH-11 vaccination team leader, said the new doses would mostly cover the second jabs of health workers who previously received the vaccines.

“Of that allocation, we set aside 2,600 for the first dose of those front-liners who were not able to get their jabs. We only have 28 days to prepare for the second dose,” Olavides said.

Olavides said the national government has given the DOH-11 timelines on the arrival of the

vaccines.

“The national office has provided us timelines for the arrival of vaccines in the coming months. We are waiting for the official endorsement if more vaccines are coming, but for now, this [Sinovac] is the latest that we've got,” she said.

She said the vaccination for the frontline health workers is still ongoing.

“We hope to vaccinate the target eligible group this week,” Olavides said.

In Davao Region, DOH-11 aims to vaccinate 77,570 front-liners. A total of 40,898 were already vaccinated, or 52.7 percent of the target eligible persons.

Olavides said that as of Tuesday (April 6), a total of 1,679 frontline workers deferred their vaccination while 153 refused to get inoculated.

passengers of inbound buses are required to present their documents like their 72-hour negative RT-PCR test at the border checkpoints and buses go straight to the garage for disinfection once they arrive at the terminal.

She also recalled a very smooth operation of the terminal with all the passengers accommodated during the Holy Week.

Yusop cited that up to today, the DCOTT imposes an estimated 50 percent

capacity of the passengers per bus to ensure social distancing.

She said the passengers have to wait until the bus is filled with its 50 percent capacity before it is allowed to leave.

Yusop also observed that personnel from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is also at the DCOTT to monitor the road worthiness of the buses. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

tenance from 6 p.m. on April 8 to 9 p.m. on April 11. eSPARC is the latest initiative in the digital transformation program of the SEC. On March 15, the commission launched the online submission tool, which allows for the online submission of annual financial

statements, general information sheet, and other covered reports.

Earlier on March 1, it launched an online payment portal, giving clients the option to settle their registration and other transactions fees through online banking or their digital wallets. (PR)

assured that we are committed to working with the Filipino nation towards recovery and rising above this

adversity. We are #BankingOnTheFilipinoSpirit as we look forward to healthier times,” she added. (PNA)

the Olympics.

“General Secretary [Xi Jinping’s] atrocious acts can’t be ignored and Communist China can’t be allowed to whitewash its

crimes on an international stage,” Scott said. “President Biden has immense power to help facilitate the relocation of the games, which I have urged him to do.”

Nietes makes for an interesting veteran wild card in the exciting junior bantamweight division, which boasts Juan Francisco Estrada, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Chocolatito Gonzalez, Kazuto Ioka, Jerwin Ancajas, and other good fighters. At his age, Nietes competing with those higher-end guys might be a bridge too far, but you never know — he’s a defensively smart and respon-

sible fighter, he did look in good shape physically, didn’t gas or anything, and finished strong.

Nietes picked up a minor WBO belt, which could in theory put him in line looking for a shot at Ioka.

Those two met in Nietes’ previous fight in Dec. 2018, with Ioka nicking a controversial and very close split decision in Macau. A rematch may well be in the making.

TRAVELERS... FROM3

SEC... FROM4

LANDBANK... FROM5

US... FROM11

REBOUND... FROM12

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11

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard DeAndre’Bembry (95) defends during the first quarter at Amalie Arena. Reuters

Depleted Lakers hang T on to beat Raptors

US considers joint boycott of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

T

lead to 20 points after three quarters and came as close as nine points late in the fourth.

Former Raptor Marc Gasol scored nine of his 13 points in the first quarter and had nine rebounds, five assists and four blocks for the Lakers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso each had 13 points, Dennis Schroder had 12 points and nine assists and Devontae Cacok scored 10

and eight rebounds.

Pascal Siakam scored 27 points for the Raptors, who had won their two previous games. Chris Boucher added 19 points, DeAndre' Bembry scored 12 points and Gary Trent Jr. and Malachi Flynn each scored 11.

Anunoby of the Raptors and Harrell of the Lakers were ejected with 2:24 left in the first quarter after a scuffle beneath the basket.

Anunoby was fouled by Schroder as he went up for a layup. Schroder was holding Anunoby to prevent him from falling. Anunoby slammed Schroder to the court. Harrell then became involved.

the Pistons ended a 4:15 scoring drought.

The Nuggets dominated the second quarter with a 37-point eruption and took a 20-point lead into halftime. Denver extended its advantage to 28 points in the third quarter.

Michael Porter Jr. and Will Barton scored 25 and 24 points, respectively, for Denver. Paul Millsap added 12 points, and Monte Morris chipped in 10 points.

Jokic grabbed eight rebounds and Porter had seven to contribute to the Nuggets' 44-30 advantage

on the glass. Barton pulled in six rebounds, handed out four assists and made two steals.

Porter and Barton both knocked down three 3-pointers as the Nuggets made 14 of 31 as a team from beyond the arc. Denver shot 59.6 percent from the floor overall.

Jerami Grant led Detroit in his return to Denver, where he played in the 2019-20 season, posting 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. Saddiq Bey, who finished with 25 points, shot 6 of 12 from 3-point range to lead De-

alen Horton-Tucker scored 17 points off the bench and the visiting Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors 110-101 Tuesday night in Tampa, Fla. Markieff Morris added 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Lakers, who had lost their 11 previous games with the Raptors.

The Lakers opened up a 34-point lead in the second quarter in a game between two teams depleted by injuries and the ejections of OG Anunoby and Montrezl Harrell after a scuffle late in the first quarter.

The Raptors cut the

Both teams already were depleted by injury.

The Lakers were without LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (calf) and Andre Drummond (toe).

The Raptors were without Kyle Lowry (foot), Fred VanVleet (hip), Rodney Hood (hip) and Paul Watson Jr. (health and safety protocols).

Morris extended the margin to 34 points with a jumper in the second quarter. Toronto finished the first half on an 8-0 run and the Lakers led 68-42.

The Raptors cut the lead to 17 points on Bembry's layup with 3:02 left.

The Lakers led 90-70 after three quarters.

Nuggets pound Pistons for sixth consecutive win

N

ikola Jokic scored 27 points on 13-of16 shooting from the floor and dished out 11 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets to their sixth straight win, a 134-119 rout of the visiting Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

Denver remained one of the NBA's hottest teams, earning its 15th victory in the past 18 games.

The Nuggets took control early, closing the first quarter on a 9-0 run that proved decisive. The burst carried over into the second period, ultimately extending to 14-0 before

troit's 15-of-35 shooting from outside.

Frank Jackson came off the bench to score 11 points for the Pistons, who have alternated losses and wins over the past seven games.

The Pistons' effective 3-point shooting was not enough to combat the Nuggets' dominance on the interior. Denver outscored Detroit 62-48 in the paint.

In addition to Jokic's 11 assists, Nuggets reserves PJ Dozier and Facundo Campazzo contributed five apiece.

he Biden administration said on Tuesday that it was considering a joint boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, amid calls from lawmakers and advocacy groups to back away from the Games because of alleged human rights violations in China.

A boycott by the US in coordination with Washington’s allies “is something that we certainly wish to discuss,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters, adding that discussions on the matter “are under way”.

“A coordinated approach will be not only in our interests but also in the interests of our allies and partners,” he said.

Calls for a boycott are driven by concerns over China’s Xinjiang region, where human rights groups cite United Nations reports and witness accounts that as many as 1 million Uygurs and others from Muslim minority groups are held in “re-education camps”. The reports allege that detainees face indoctrination, torture and forced labour.

Joining scores of advocacy groups including the World Uygur Congress and the US Tibet Committee, US Republican Senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney called for an economic and diplomatic boycott by US delegates, corporations and tourists in a column in The New York Times on March 15.

However, Romney who had overseen the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah - expressly did not call for US athletes to forego competing at the Beijing

Games.

Price cautioned that the 2022 Olympics games – scheduled for next February – “remain some time away”, and that he “wouldn’t want to put a time frame” on when a decision might be reached.

The US Olympic Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Price’s remarks.

Price gave no further details about talks with allies about the Olympics, although he referred to sanctions that the US enacted jointly last month with Britain, Canada and the European Union over the human rights abuses.

Also on Tuesday, Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, called on President Joe Biden to demand the relocation of the 2022 Olympics to the US. “It is ... time for President Biden to lead America and the world and make clear that the United States will never tolerate the oppression and genocide occurring in Communist China,” Scott said.

It was unclear how Biden would accomplish that; the games are awarded by the International Olympic Committee, a non-governmental organisation based in Switzerland.

Scott, one of Washington’s most vocal China hawks, called Biden hypocritical for supporting a decision by Major League Baseball last week to move its All-Star Game out of Georgia in response to the state’s newly passed voting law, but not take a stand on

FUS, P10

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REBOUND Nietes back in the boxing map discussion after big win

F

ormer four-division titleholder Donnie Nietes got back with a rousing win in Dubai, scoring a decision win over Pablo Carrillo and putting himself back into the mix at 115 lbs.

Nietes (43-1-5, 23 KO) certainly had to shake some rust and didn’t look completely at his best here, and one judge did have it very close, scoring the bout 96-95 for Nietes. But the other two were wider, scoring it 98-92 and 99-91, and Bad Left Hook also had it 98-92.

The 38-yearold Nietes seemed to warm to the fight in the latter stages, looking sharp and sound still in the final four rounds, while Colombia’s Carrillo (25-8-1, 16 KO) never found quite enough success, though he did have some, landing solid shots here and there.

FREBOUND, P10