Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 119 | Sunday-Monday, August 1-2, 2021

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3 new cases of Covid-19 among returning OFWs in Davao City

STORY ON PAGE 2

An establishment selling paint products along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City puts up barriers on its counters to ensure that its customers have proper physical distancing. Edge Davao

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VOL.14 ISSUE 119 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 01-02, 2021

THREE MORE Bolton Bridge 2 will be closed to motorists for a month starting today until August 31 as it needs urgent repair due to huge cracks. Edge Davao

3 new cases of Covid-19 among returning OFWs in Davao City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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hree new cases of Covid-19 were recorded among returning OFWs in Davao City from Dhaka, Bangladesh, the City Tourism Office reported.

These new cases came at the heels of 10 returning OFWs tested positive of Covid-19 in Davao City last week.

City tourism officer Generose Tecson, who is also the head of the Airport Monitoring Team, disclosed the 3 new cases of Covid-19

recorded among returning OFWs in Davao City from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Tecson said the OFWs from Dhaka were tested on July 21, 2021, and their results came out on the 23rd, while OFWs from Dubai were tested on July 24 and the results came out on

26th.

It can be recalled that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio earlier disclosed that 10 OFWs were tested positive of Covid-19 wherein three were repatriated from Dhaka and seven from Dubai.

The repatriates underwent a mandatory hotel-based quarantine. The positive cases have been placed in a designated treatment facility of the city.

There are a total of 660 repatriates who arrived in

‘Revitalized-Pulis Sa Barangay’ program receives ‘sterling’ award

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he Revitalized-Pulis Sa Barangay (R-PSB) program initiated by the Regional Police in Davao Region has received “sterling” award during the 29th Police Community Affairs and Development Group Anniversary and 26th Police Community Relations Month Culminating Ceremony held in PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday (July 29).

Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, director of the Police Regional Police Office (PRO) 11 received the award. He said the award was given in recognition of the R-PSB’s milestone in gaining the trust of the communities in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Barangays through delivery of government services to them.

The program which

was initiated by Escobal, started in October 2019 and has now been recognized by chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Guillermo Eleazar as a strategic program to eradicate the remnants of communist insurgency and terrorism.

The R-PSB has done many projects in the farflung barangays such as helping the communities build water-supply

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Davao City: 138 from Dhaka on July 15; 359 from Dubai on July 18; and 163 from Kuala Lumpur on July 24.

Tecson said more repatriates will arrive in Davao City this month of August.

She said quarantine remains mandatory even for fully vaccinated passengers.

She also said all international travelers quarantining in the city need to undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-

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DILG wants barangays to join PhilSys campaign

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he Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has released a memorandum enjoining villages to participate in the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration.

The order came by virtue of Memorandum Circular No. 2021-078, dated July 9, 2021 and signed by Secretary Eduardo Año, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said in its July 26 Facebook post.

“The Department steadfastly supports the Philippine Statistics Authority in the implementation of the national ID,” the post read.

Upon the request of Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar to reach the general public and encourage registration with PhilSys, all local government units are hereby enjoined to encourage the participation of all barangays for the said cam-

paign, the DILG memo read.

The DILG tasked villages, through local government units, to share registration-related updates from the Official PhilSys Facebook page, www. facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial; facilitate roving announcements from the PCOO; distribute electronic and print materials from PCOO such as audio-video presentations and flyers to raise awareness about PhilSys and encourage residents to register; and tap village information officers for distribution of information materials in schools and health centers.

Año also ordered the DILG regional directors and field offices to disseminate the said memorandum.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single

road transport vehicles by 2040 in the clean energy scenario,” Patrick Aquino Department of Energy (DOE) Director for Energy Utilization and Management Bureau said during The Future is E-Mobility is Now forum held on the second day of the ABB Digital Summit.

Aquino said that support infrastructure

is one the challenges in attaining the goal.

He bared that the latest available data shows that transition to EVs from conventional vehicles has been slow.

From 2010 to 2019, only 11,950 EVs were registered, accounting for just 0.09 percent of registered vehicles.

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PH targets EVs to be 10% of road vehicles in 2040

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s revealed during the recently held ABB Digital Summit, the Philippines is targeting that electronic vehicles (EVs) will constitute 10% or road transport vehicles in the country by 2040.

“Under the 20182040 Philippine Energy Plan, EVs are expected to account for 10 percent of

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

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Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Bangladesh board a bus upon their arrival at the Davao International Airport on July 15, 2021. At least 138 OFWs arrived in Davao City on board a Philippine Airlines flight direct from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mindanews Photo

City allocates Janssen vaccine for rural areas

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he city government of Davao is allocating Janssen vaccine for the nine health districts in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantages Areas

The city recently received a total of 14,400 Johnson & Johnson (J&J) single-dose Janssen Covid-19 vaccines and started administering these to individuals under the A3 and A4 categories but give priority to those dwelling in GIDA in Davao City and allocated a small portion for the downtown areas.

“14,400 doses of Janssen vaccine. Gamay ra kaayo ni pero taas ang demand. Para ni sa A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (Persons with comorbidities). Need ug ID

if senior ka or if A3, medical cert ug other proof of comorbidity para ma follow nato atong prioritization set by DOH. Gi-allocate ni sa mga nine health districts nato especially sa GIDA,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao Covid-19 Task Force.

The vaccination sites where the J&J vaccines will be administered are the Dizon Elementary School, Malagos Elementary School, Paquibato District Hospital, Calinan Central Elementary School, Davao City National

High School, Gaisano Mall Bajada, Gaisano Mall Toril, SM Ecoland, and Buhangin Central Elementary School.

Schlosser said there is a growing interest among Dabawenyos in availing of the Janssen vaccines because the vaccine is single-shot, unlike other brands that require double doses with intervals. With just one jab, one will be considered fully vaccinated and doesn’t need to return for another dose.

She also appealed to the public to refrain from using fake documents to avail of the vaccine so that those who are considered high-risk could get a shot as they are the most vulnerable against Covid-19.

City’s anti-Covid-19 jabs not on first-come, first-served basis: TF

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he Davao City Covid-19 Task Force said the anti-Covid vaccination in Davao City is not on a first-come, first-served basis and walk-ins are never a part of the policy.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said city government of Davao will stick to the preregistration and ensure to follow prioritization guidelines.

Schlosser issued the statement after some barangays announced

a “first come and first served” for the vaccination rollout of the vaccination for the Janssen vaccines.

“Kana nga situation dili nako fully mahatag ang unsa ang gap between City Health and the barangay nga nagpost pero definitely po the policy of the Department of Health and the policy of City Health Office is we do not allow walk-in, more so we do not allow first come first serve, “ Schlosser said.

The “first come and first served”

announcement by the barangays drew a mass number of people, queueing early in the morning to get vaccinated.

Schlosser said that the city government is trying to avoid such commotion in the vaccination rollout.

“We do not want this (commotion), mao nang nagapadayon ta, gina-improve nato ang systema sa pag-register para dili mahitabo ang ingon ani nga commotion and probably basin naay pag break sa protocol and we do not want that

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On efforts to fix the vaccination process and system implemented in the city:

We do not want this (commotion), mao nang nagapadayon ta, gina-improve nato ang systema sa pag-register para dili mahitabo ang ingon ani nga commotion and probably basin naay pag break sa protocol and we do not want that (We do not want such commotion that is why we are improving our registration system so that commotion can be prevented and possible breaking of the protocol. We do not want that).”

Dr. Michelle Schlosser

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson

EDITORIAL Politicking the gold After her historic Olympic gold achievement in Tokyo, it is not surprising that many political characters are swooning around Hidilyn Diaz.

had been cleared over that issue and Panelo himself clarified that the matrix was based on a police intelligence report.

It is sad to note how people all of a sudden appear in the picture and capitalize on Diaz to push their own agenda.

Obviously, these people have their own vested interests and exploit on the gullibility of Diaz.

Days after her victory, Hidilyn had been the subject of television interviews dwelling not just on her sporting feat but also political issues like the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute and her voting preferences for the next leader of the country.

Diaz is not new to politics. She had been mentioned in a matrix read by then Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo linking her to a plot to oust President Duterte. She

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While it is undeniable that Diaz’s journey was filled with bumps, it should not be treated as a soft spot from where others will draw leverage from.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

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Diaz’s win is now convoluted with the dragging of political issues instead of focusing on her achievement and how the nation can capitalize that historic achievement to promote sports among the young generation and produce more Diazes.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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VOL.14 ISSUE 119 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 01-02, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

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ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA IBP DAVAO CORNER

ENDING RELATIONSHIPS Dear IBP Davao, Good day po ma’am, mag ask lng po sana ako na covid po ako last november and wala nku gi pabalik sa akong employer kai basin mahawa napod daw ko usb ug ma infect daw sila. 6months nku floating sa among company wala pud ko gi bayaran pa sa separation pay unsa angay nku bubaton ani? unta matabangan ko ninyu ma’am Mario

Dear Mario, To render an opinion on your case, I would need to know your employment contract or status, length of service with your employer, nature of business of your employer, and your job description. As such, it is best to request the assistance of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through Single Entry Approach (SENA) which can be filed online through https://sena.dole.gov.ph.

Security of Tenure is one of the rights protected by our Constitution and the Labor Code is a tool to protect said right. As a social legislation, Article 4 of the Labor Code provides that, “All doubts

in the implementation and interpretation of the provisions of this Code, including its implementing rules and regulations, shall be resolved in favor of labor.”

Regular employment may be terminated in the event of existence of “just causes” (like serious misconduct, willful disobedience, habitual neglect, etc.) or “authorized causes” (closure of business or division, retrenchment, redundancy, etc.) in the employment relationship. In addition, Article 297 of the Labor Code provides, “An employer may terminate the services of an employee who has been found to be suffering from any disease and whose continued employment is prohibited by law or is prejudicial to his health as well as to the health of his co-employees.” The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Labor Code added a requirement that a competent public health authority should certify that the disease cannot be cured within 6 months even with proper medical treatment. Clearly, being infected by Covid does not fall under this pro-

vision since Covid is treatable.

It is not enough that there are sufficient grounds to terminate the employer-employee relationship; procedural due process must likewise be complied with.

In the event the employment is terminated based on just cause, the employee must be informed of the charge in writing with an opportunity to answer. The employer then conducts a hearing, especially if the penalty is suspension or termination. In the event there is indeed violation of the Labor Code, the employee must be informed of the decision in writing. On the other hand, in the event that employment relationship is terminated due to authorized causes, a 30-day notice both before DOLE and the employee are needed.

In Deoferio v. Intel Technology (June 18, 2014), termination due to disease should follow the 2-notice rule: “In Sy v. Court of Appeals 39 and Manly Express, Inc. v. Payong, Jr. promulgated in 2003 and 2005, respectively, the Court finally pronounced the rule that the employer must furnish

the employee two written notices in terminations due to disease, namely: (1) the notice to apprise the employee of the ground for which his dismissal is sought; and (2) the notice informing the employee of his dismissal, to be issued after the employee has been given reasonable opportunity to answer and to be heard on his defense. These rulings reinforce the State policy of protecting the workers from being terminated without cause and without affording them the opportunity to explain their side of the controversy.”

Of course, the existence of just and authorized causes are not the only grounds for terminating employment relationships. Examples of other ways to terminate employment relationships are: resignation by employee; when the project ends in the case of project employee; failure of probationary employee to qualify for employment during the probationary period; during off-season for seasonal employees; termination of casual employment before one-year period. Floating status

not exceeding six months (or longer if agreed by the employee) is governed by Article 301 of the Labor Code and its IRR, DO 2152020.

The employee is entitled to separation pay if the employer was the one who terminated the employment relationship based on authorized causes discussed earlier. The amount of separation pay is either one month for every year of service or one-half month for every year of service depending on the authorized cause for the termination. In both cases, a fraction of more than 6 months is considered as one year.

IBP Davao Corner is a weekly column of Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Davao Chapter, giving legal advice as part of its legal aid program. The above legal opinion is based solely on the appreciation of the facts and problem given and stated above.

The opinion may vary when other facts, circumstances, and situations are stated. You may send your comments and questions to ibpdavao@gmail.com.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

GOLDEN HARVEST Last July 28, the winners of the 14th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards were finally named after several months of waiting.

A timely piece that chronicles how local farmers are faring against the effects of the Rice Tariffication Law was chosen as Agriculture Story of the Year.

Philippine Star’s Louise Maureen Simeon won the coveted award for her article, “A year into tariffication, farmers feel worse off.”

Two journalists won two awards each. Cai Ordinario’s article entitled, “Gold leaf farming sector still searching for own El Dorado” which discusses the country’s tobacco farm industry was adjudged Tobacco Story of the Year.

Another article she wrote, “Preand Post-Rice Trade liberalization law, big traders gaming farmer groups,” which details how Filipino farmers were affected by the rice trade liberalization law, was named Best Agriculture Story, National. Both articles were published in Business Mirror.

Former winner Frank Cimatu, who’s from Baguio, also took home two awards. He won the Best Agriculture Feature Story, Regional, for his story “How not to be dumped in February: Notes on tomato dumping,” that recounts the effects of the quarantine on the Cordillera farming industry.

His other award, Best Story in Tobacco Product Alternatives, was for the article, “Philippine tobacco industry may also produce our first aid COVID-19 Vaccine.”

The Best Agriculture Feature Story, National, was won by Karl Angelica R. Ocampo for her work on the news story “MovefoodPH serves needs of both food producers, consumers,” which talks about an initiative that provides an online avenue for local food producers.

“Urban Farming Gaining Ground Amid Pandemic,” which discussed how urban farming can help one become self-sufficient, won for Sunstar Bacolod’s Erwin Nicavera the Best Agriculture News Story, Regional.

The Best Online Story award, a fairly new category that was instituted only in 2018 received many submissions. Vina Medenilla, content producer for Manila Bulletin’s Agriculture section (www.agriculture.com.ph) wins in this category, for her story that illustrates how agriculture-tourism transformed idle land into a productive and sustainable enterprise for its community.

Two photographers, both previous winners, were again honored for their awesome photos. Wilfredo Lomibao of Sunday Punch (Dagupan) and the Philippine Daily Inquirer, clinched the

Tobacco Photos of the Year for his image, “Ocean of Gold Leaves” which depicts a farmer drying tobacco leaves in Alcala, Pangasinan.

The Agriculture Photo of the Year which shows cardinal fish being dried on Halian Island in Surigao del Norte. Entitled “Fish Drying” and published in Business Mirror, it won for Erwin Mascariñas, a photojournalist from Mindanao, the Agriculture Photo of the Year.

Radio and television also have their fair share of winners.

GMA Channel 7 blocktimer program Agriprenuer bagged Best Agriculture TV Program or Segment, for their segment “Agriculture Technical Institute, from arms to farms” produced by Team MMPI. Rose Malekchan of DZWT 540 Radyo Totoo, was named winner of Best Agriculture Radio Program or Segment for her piece “Polig Family Propagates Wild Berries, in the Kumpletos sa Rekados program.

Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas, an agricultural journalist of Business Mirror was named Oriental Leaf Award recipient. He has won five Bright Leaf Awards in various categories throughout the years. He now joins the prestigious Bright Leaf Hall of Fame with other previous outstanding awardees.

This year’s chairman of the board of judges was Krip Yuson, a columnist of Philippine Star. “It is during these times of uncertainty and despair when our desire for creativity is on fire,” the multi-awarded writer said.

Returning judges were former Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) columnist Rina Jimenez-David , University of Santo Toma Assistant Director for Creative Writing Ralph Gallan, advertising and fashion photographer Francis Abraham, columnist Albert Gamboa, PDI columnist Jake Maderazo, UP professor for Creative Writing Isabelita Reyes, Business Mirror digital content manager Ed Sallan, and PDI Inquirer photo editor Rem Zamora.

The two additional judges, both new, were Yvette Tan, Editor in Chief of Agriculture Monthly Magazine and Manila Bulletin’s Agriculture Section Editor and Kristine Bersamina, Managing Editor for Philstar.com.

The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards has gone a long, long way. “What started out with less than a hundred entries during its inaugural year has evolved into thousands of entries scrutinized by top caliber judges looking for the best agriculture journalism has to offer for the year,” said the press statement.

In its 14th year, more than

600 entries competed for the chance to be called the best of the best in this annual competition that honors excellent stories and photos that are published, aired, or broadcast in print, radio, TV, and for the first time, online.

“This year’s theme, ‘Reimagining our tomorrow’ is very apt for us, at PMFTC and the Bright Leaf community. Our agility to adapt and pivot were tested in this unprecedented global crisis,” said PMFTC President Denis Gorkun.

The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards continues to acknowledge the efforts of the Filipino journalists who painstakingly cover important issues to place one of the most important industries in the spotlight.

According to PMFTC Communications Director Dave Gomez , the annual awards aims to uplift the agriculture industry by honoring the journalists who bring to the fore the issues of the agriculture workers to the general public.

“Your stories are the stories that matter to us,” Gomez said.

“Your eyes are our window to our farmers’ plight. Your masterpieces are a reminder of the industry concerns we should pay attention to.”

To all winners, congratulations!

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ENVIRONMENT

ouse Bill 9147 seeks to regulate the production, importation, sale, distribution, provision, use, recovery, collection, recycling, and disposal of single-use plastic (SUP) products.

Last July 28, the Single-use Plastic Products Regulation Act was approved by the lower house with 190 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and one abstention.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, a principal author, was very pleased with the outcome. The measure, he said, aims to protect life, both land and water, from hazards posed by plastic pollution and to ensure that non-compostable SUP products do not leak into nature.

“The measure also provides steps for the eventual phasing of single-use plastic products, a step that is from all accounts, one in the right direction,” Velasco pointed out.

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines lauded the House of Representatives for the passing of the bill on its third reading.

“The passage of HB 9147 is a step in the right direction,” said Ina Guingona, WWF’s No Plastics in Nature’s Policy Officer.

“Plastic pollution has been a scourge to our environment and our communities. A more integrative approach that is grounded and solutions-focused is needed to address the multifaceted issue of plastic pollution. The passage of this bill signifies the Philippines’ commitment to tackling the problem in a holistic manner.”

Unnecessary SUP materials including plates, saucers, cups, bowls, lids, cutlery like spoons, forks, knives, and chopsticks, will be phased out with medical exemptions within four years from the effectivity of this Act. Other materials such as drinking straws, stirrers, sticks for candy, balloons, cotton buds, buntings, confetti and packaging bags less than ten microns will be phased out one year from the effectivity of the Act. “Thereafter, the pro-

duction, importation, sale, distribution, provision or use of the said plastic products shall be prohibited,” the WWF-Philippines said in a statement. “Properly labelled flexible disposable plastic drinking straws for persons with special medical conditions shall be allowed, when no suitable reusable or compostable alternatives are available.”

The pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has also lauded the passing of the bill.

“We welcome the timely passage of House Bill 9147 and we now challenge our Senators to act and pass a stronger national single-use plastic regulation. The Senate version should promote genuine solutions to curb plastic production and consumption and should not promote dirty solutions such as incineration and thermal treatment,” said Coleen Salamat, Plastic Solutions Campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition.

In a press statement, EcoWaste said that similar bills on the regulation of SUPs have been filed in the Senate since 2019 but, so far, none of the bills have moved beyond the Committee level.

Data from the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) showed that in 2020 that four hundred and eighty-eight (488) local government units have ordinances banning single-use plastics.

“With this, the stand of the local government against plastic pollution is evident,” EcoWaste said.

“We only have a few weeks left in the legislative calendar and with the 2022 national elections fast approaching, we believe that now is the right time to pass the national regulation on single-use plastics. Our environment and communities cannot afford to go back to start with this bill in the new

SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

SOON TO BE BANNED Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Congress,” Salamat said.

Meanwhile, a WWF report launched in October 2020 showed the challenges for waste management in the country. More than 2 million tons of plastic waste, 15.43 kg per capita per year, is generated annually in the country, 760,000 tons or 35% are leaked to the open environment while 706,000 tons or 33% go to landfills and dumpsites while only 9% is recycled.

“We hope the positive momentum brought by the passage of this bill will continue through the Senate and eventually, to the Office of the President,” said Czarina Contantino-Panopio, WWF’s No Plastics in Nature’s National Lead. “Our work is cut out for us, from the need to eliminate unnecessary plastics, redesigning the way we consume things, to implementing waste reduction and management as mandated by RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, there is clearly so much work to be done to address the plastic pollution problem in the country.”

“Plastics are a clear and present danger to the future of our planet,” says Céline Cousteau, TreadRight Ambassador.

In the Philippines, the so-called “sachet economy” has contributed to the proliferation of plastics.

Products sold in single-use sachets include instant coffee, shampoo, soy sauce, cooking oil, food seasoning, and toothpaste. Name it, there’s a sachet for it!

“Because they are easy to sell – ribbons of single-use products hang from neighbourhood stores even in the most re-

mote communities – large multinational manufacturing companies continue to market them,” WWF observes.

According to one research group, the Philippines discards 60 billion plastic sachets each year.

That’s about one sachet per person per day on a per capita basis.

“The problem with plastics has been escalating for decades, and the Philippines has been identified as the world’s third largest contributor of plastics in the ocean,” WWF said. “Plastic pollution has always been a huge issue in the Philippines with the continuous generation of plastic wastes and poor waste management.”

About 35,800 tons of garbage, which include plastics, are generated each day by Filipinos, according to a position paper written by Alicia Castillo and Suchiro Otoma. “On average, each person in the country produces about 0.5 kilogram and 0.3 kilogram of garbage every day in the urban and rural areas, respectively.”

Another report – from the National Solid Waste Management Commission and the World Bank – said 2.27 million tons of garbage are collected every year out of the 2.7 million tons produced. “Of this, 386,000 tons are still leaked into the ocean,” the report said.

“An absence of garbage collection services in secondary cities and many of the country’s smaller islands is largely to blame for the overwhelming amount of plastic coming from the country,” Froilan Grate, executive director of the Philippine branch of the Global

Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, was quoted as saying by South China Morning Post.

A news report said single-use plastics for food and cosmetics are one of the main contributors to plastic waste in landfills and in oceans. Around 40% of all plastic that is produced is used for packaging, and the World Economic Forum estimates that 95% of this is not recycled after its initial use.

A new landmark report by the international non-profit organization, Reloop, said that single-use beverage containers are rapidly displacing refillable systems in many parts of the world and resulting in massive increases in wastage and pollution.

According to the report, What We Waste, beverage container sales have practically doubled between 1999 and 2019 across 93 countries around the world. Over the same 20year period, the proportion sold in PET (polyethylene terephthalate, the chemical name for polyester) plastic has also more than doubled -- from 17% to 41% - resulting in a corresponding spike in wastage especially in countries which saw an increasing rise in sales of single-use plastics or one-way containers.

These reports are alarming, indeed. “Following the trajectory of plastic production and mismanagement, United Nations reports predicted that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish,” Environment Secretary Roy E. Cimatu said in a press statement.

In the award-winning 1967 movie, The Graduate,

the character portrayed by newcomer Dustin Hoffman (who received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Actor) asked some advice on career direction.

“Plastics, my boy. Plastics,” he was told.

Businesses all over the world are heeding the advice. Unknowingly, no one knew at the time the other side of plastics, which are non-biodegradable. As a matter of fact, plastics are materials made to last forever.

“Disposed plastic materials can remain in the environment for up to 2,000 years and longer,” wrote Barry E. DiGregorio in an article.

Plastics “is in our air, our water, our food, our excrement,” Nina Butler, the chief executive officer of More Recycling, a research and consulting company that works with the plastic industry on recycling, was quoted as saying by the media. “It’s very, very pervasive.”

Jonas Leones, DENR undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs, said the effects of plastics can be devastating for marine biodiversity. “Small litters like candy wrappers end up in our oceans,” he said. “It is eaten by marine species, clogging their stomachs and causing their death.”

Plastics are also hazardous to human health.

Two broad classes of plastic-related chemicals are of critical concern for human health: bisphenol-A and additives used in the synthesis of plastics, which are known as phthalates.

Exposure to these two chemicals, said a study conducted by the Arizo-

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PCR) test seven days after their arrival this is based on the “test before” policy of the city government of Davao under Ordinance No. 0477-21 for inbound passengers is still applicable to passengers of repatriation flights.

The said ordinance requires passengers of incoming flights to present a negative RT-PCR test result within 24 to 72 hours before departure to Davao City.

Returning OFWs from restricted countries need to undergo 14 days of quaran-

tine while passengers from non-restricted countries 10 days.

President Rodrigo Duterte recently approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to extend the travel restrictions currently imposed to 10 countries starting August 1 until August 15, 2021.

These countries include India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

PROGRAM... FROM2

systems, schools and many more. Some of these communities, he said sadly, did not experience government services.

The PNP chief also acknowledged the PRO 11’s initiatives that contributed in sustaining and enhancing the inclusive peace and development efforts of the government through the operation of R-PSB which projects includes “Patubig & Pailaw sa Barangay,” 22 road constructions, and the conduct of different community outreach Republic of the Philippines activities among others.

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT The program also helps 11TH JUDICIAL REGION achieve the objective of OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City the National Task Force on Ending Local Communism BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK, INC, and Armed Conflict (NTFMortgagee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,980-21 ELCAC).

- versus - The police officer will SPS.HERCULES LIM ARELLANO and also serve as the focal SUNSHINE IRENE JAYME ARELLANO Mortgagor/s. person and will monitor X------------------------------------------------X the peace and order situation in the barangay NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE on a 24-hour-per-day Upon extra-judicial petition for forclosure sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed the above mentioned mortgagee BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK ,INC. against the mortgagor/s Sps. Hercules Lim Arellano and Sunshine Irene Jayme Arellano, with given address at Block 1, Lot 4, Purok 13,Talomo Proper,DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of June 09, 2021 amounted to Four Million One Hundred Ninety Six Thousand Six hundred Sixteen Pesos & 18/100 (Php 4,196,616.18), Philippine Currency, plus interest and late payment charges from February 16, 2021 up to when full payment of the total obligation is made, plus cost of publication of the Notice of Sale and expenses of the foreclosure proceedings, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on September 16, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real properties mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO.T-445444 “A parcel of land of the consolidation and subdivision project ( Lot 4, Blk. 1 of the consolidation and subd. Plan Pcs-11-003301,being a portion of Lot 1, Bcs-11-000027 and Lot 307, Cad-102), situated in the Barangay of Talomo, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. Xxx,xxx,xxx, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FIVE (205)SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on October 14, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines. July 15, 2021.

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC

Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

ORLANDO S. ACOSTA

Sheriff IV

basis.

They will also engage the community and barangay officials by way of dialogues, meetings, pulong-pulong, house to house visits, and crime prevention and safety awareness lectures.

The R-PSB is also tasked to identify peace and other public safety concerns such as prevalent crimes, drug problems,health issues, hazard and disaster prone areas.

They will also provide immediate police assistance in times of emergencies and disasters.

In a previous interview, Escobal said the R-PSB program is indeed doing its job in slowly putting an end to an insurgency by delivering the government services to the doorstep of the people and even in the farthest barangays of the region.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF SALE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS AND DONATION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late KIOK LU SUY who died on March10, 2021, leaving his share as co-owner of four (4) parcel of land described herein and embraced

by TCT NO. T-58522, T-66724,T-70234 and T- 73541 has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS AND DONATION executed among his, per Doc. No 288; PageNo.59; Book No.IV Series of 2021, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FREDERIC VOLTAIRE Y. TAN

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION R-DVO-20-02472-SP SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM FOR THE CORRECTION OF THE CERTIFICATE Mortgagee, OF LIVE BIRTH OF SAMUEL HILSANO SAM

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,974-21 - versus - TO WIT:

PETITIONER’S FILIATION FROM “LEGITIMATE” TO “ ILLEGITIMATE” MA. THERESA SISON married to PETITIONER’S NATIONALITY FROM “CHINESE” TO “FILIPINO”.

CATALINO SISON , SAMUEL HILSANO SAM, Mortgagor/s.

Petitioner, X--------------------------------------------X

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mentioned mortgagee against the mortgagee SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM against the mortgagor/s MA. THERESA SISON married to CATALINO SISON, with given address at LOT 4, BLOCK 10, 4th AVENUE, FORTUNE EXECUTIVE HOMES, BO. PAMPANGA , DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of May 01, 2021, the outstanding obligation of the moertgagor/s with the mortgagee amounts to ONE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY SEVEN PESOS and 18/100 (P1,772,257.18) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on Septeember 2, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ies together with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-108738 “A parcel of land (Lot 4, Blk 10, Psd-11-0144494, being a portion of lot 557-C-1-B, Psd -11-014034) ,situated in the Barrio of Pampanga City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on October 7, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, JULY 13, 2021 For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

MELRON A. BARTOLOME

Sheriff IV

national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of

bank accounts.

It also seeks to boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions.

(PNA)

Technology company ABB Philippines has declared that it can help the country in its EV goals.

ABB has developed electrification solutions from EV chargers for the home to fast-charging roadside stations.

It also offers electrical distribution solutions and battery energy storage systems -- infrastructure essential to enabling an e-mobility future.

ABB Product Marketing Specialist Engr. Ace Bisnar said that ABB can provide remote support to monitor EV

chargers in different areas.

“It’s not just putting the EV charger on the area, but also making sure that it is working 100 percent,” he said.

ABB Digital Summit, a four-day online event held July 26-29 that features global speakers from ABB, with special guest resource persons from different organizations and associations it highlights technology and emerging trends in building smart cities that are both sustainable and energy efficient. (PIA XI/ RG Alama)

PH... FROM2

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

Pursuant to Sec.1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines ,notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CRISPIN BA PAÑAMOGAN, JIMMY BA PAÑAMOGAN , RUDY BA PAÑAMOGAN and FIDEL BA PAÑAMOGAN , who died on September 11, 2014, January 11, 1994, January 14, 2002 and November 21, 2009 leaving a parcel of land with TCT No. T-68759 has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE executed among their HEIRS-VENDORS , per Doc. No 48; PageNo.11; Book No.XXV Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.JENNIFE DP DUMALAG-BORONG

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region BRANCH 10 DAVAO CITY

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

DILG... FROM2

- Versus TERESITA HILSANO SAM-BAUTISTA, MARY LOU HILSANO SAM-LOO, PEDRO HILSANO SAM, WILLIAMHILSANO SAM, MARIA LIZA HILSANO SAM, ALL PERSONS/ENTITIES WHO/WHICHWILL BE AFFECTED THEREBY, THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR- DAVAO CITY, and PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, Respondents, x----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER The petitioner through counsel filed this verified amended petition seeking an order from this Court, that after due notice, publication and hearing, the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) be directed to correct the entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of petitioner Samuel Hilsano Sam bearing Registry No. 4577, to wit: “1. As to petitioner’s FILIATION: Answer to question “Legitimate?” from “YES” to “NO” and “ 2. As to petitioner’s NATIONALITY: from “CHINESE” to “FILIPINO”.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course and set for hearing on NOVEMBER 22, 2021 at 2:00 in the afternoonof which date and time any interested party may appear and show cause, if any, why said petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and Provinces of Davao, as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

The petitioner is directed to submit the Judicial Affidavits of his witnesses five (5) days before the scheduled hearing.

Furnish the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and the Philippine Statistics Authority with a copy of this Order and each with a copy of the Petition and the private respondents who may oppose the same within fifteen (15) days from notice hereof.

SO ORDERED

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK, INC, Mortgagee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,981-21 - versus - ALEXIS DAVIDE MALANO, Mortgagor/s

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed the mortgagee BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK, INC. against the mortgagor/s ALEXIS DAVIDE MALANO, with given address at 036 Waling Waling Buhangin , DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of June 7,2021 the outstanding obligations of the mortgagors , with the mortgagee to amounts to THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTEEN PESOS and 31/100 (P 376,818.31) plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on September 30 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real propert together with all its improvements existing thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO.146-212003820 “A parcel of land ( Lot 1-b,Psd-11-114731), being a portion of Lot 1, PCS=11-004633 situated in the Barangay of Buhangin, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of SIXTY SEVEN (67) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on OCTOBER 28, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines. July 13, 2021

Given this 24th day of May 2021 at Davao City, Philippines RETRINA E. FUENTES Judge

A1

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff MERLON A. BARTOLOME Sheriff IV

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VOL.14 ISSUE 119 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 01-02, 2021

Faustino is next AFP chief Republic of the Philippine REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF DAVAO CITY 11TH Judicial Region Branch 11 IN RE: Petition for Judicial Recognition Of a Foreign Decree of Divorce ARMAJ GRACE ASOTIGUE GOODWIN, Petitioner,

SP. PROC. NO.R-DVO-21-02668-SP

- Versus – JOHN LEE GOODWIN, and Philippine statistics Authority (PSA) Respondents x--------------------------------------------------/

ORDER By this verified petition and for the reasons therein stated, the abovenamed petitioner, assisted by counsel, seeks from this Court the issuance of an Order , after due notice, publication and hearing, declaring that the final decree of divorce obtained from a family court in the United Kingdom by petitioner’s former spouse, JOHN LEE GOODWIN an alien of British nationality, be recognized under Philippine jurisdiction and that Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) be directed to cancel and exclude petitioner’s Report of Marriage from its National Indices Of Marriages.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St. Ecoland,Matina, Davao City on August 24, 2021 at 2:00 in the afternoon,at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper published in the City of Davao and of general circulation in the said City and the Provinces of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law. Petitioner is directed to submit proof of compliance thereof within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order.

Petitioner is further directed to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, a copy of this Petition and, likewise, to submit proof of compliance thereof also within thirty (30) days from the receipt of this Order. Failure to comply with these twin directives shall cause the dismissal of the petition.

Furnish a copy of this Order to the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Davao City, for the raffling of the publication.

SO ORDERED GIVEN this 1ST day of June 2021,Davao City Philippines NANETTE GUSTILO LEMANA Presiding Judge

T

he Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s appointment of Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino, Jr. as its next chief.

“The AFP welcomes the decision of the President to appoint Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino as the next Chief of Staff of the AFP, replacing General Cirilito Sobejana who will retire on Saturday, July 31,” said AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, in a statement.

Sobejana, a Medal of Valor awardee and member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1987, is scheduled to retire after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

His replacement, Faustino, a member of PMA Class of 1988, is the incumbent commander of the Joint Task Force

Mindanao.

Faustino also served as acting commanding general of the Philippine Army and head of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

“His wealth of experience and passion for service as a Commander and staff officer gives him the mettle to lead the AFP in accomplishing its mission especially as we turn up a notch our operations in achieving lasting peace and development in the country,” Zata said.

The Department of National Defense (DND) also expressed its full confidence in the capability of Faustino as the new AFP chief.

(We do not want such commotion that is why we are improving our registration system so that commotion can be prevented and possible breaking of the protocol.

We do not want that),”

Schlosser added.

The city government of Davao is also finalizing the pilot testing of the registration system this week and the system roll out soon. By Maya M. Padillo

CITY’S... FROM3

“A seasoned military commander, Lt. Gen. Faustino will ably direct our Armed Forces toward addressing the pressing peace and security concerns of our country, particularly, in ending the local communist armed conflict that has dragged our country down for the last five decades. We look to Lt. Gen. Faustino to lead our troops to continue making the AFP a highly professional, capable, and world-class organization that we envision it to be,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.

Lorenzana, meanwhile, thanked Sobejana for his dedication to service and wished him the best on his retirement.

In a press statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace wishes Faustino success as he takes the helm of AFP. “We are confident that Gen. Faustino will continue the peace and development efforts of his predecessors while aggressively building up our defense capability,” Roque said. (with report from Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos/PNA)

nature of tax exemptions, and are to be construed against the entity claiming the same. Thus, the burden of proof rests upon the taxpayer to establish by

sufficient and competent evidence its entitlement to a claim for refund. Petitioner, unfortunately, failed to discharge this burden,” the court ruled. (PNA)

na State University Biodesign Institute, is linked to cancer, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption and other ailments.

The blatant use of plas-

tics has to stop – now! “It is high time we refrain from using disposable plastic products that are used in minutes, but persist in the environment forever,” Cimatu stressed.

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PLASTICS... FROM6

A3 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 119 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 01-02, 2021

Damaged rice cookers, fans, and other appliances? Mario Yee, of Sasa, Davao City can fix them all, like he does in this photo taken at GSIS Heights Subdivision in the city’s Matina District on July 30, 2021. Yee said his work has sent him to as far as Surigao and Cagayan de Oro City. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

PAL petition for excise tax refund rejected

T

he Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has turned down a petition for review filed by Philippine Airlines (PAL), which sought a refund of PHP4.49 million in excise taxes for the importation of various liquors and wines as part of its in-flight and commissary supplies from October 2012 to March 2013.

The CTA First Division denied for lack of merit the petition for review filed by PAL, according to a 23-page decision dated July 29 and written

by Associate Justice Catherine Manahan.

The court said PAL failed to present sufficient and convincing evidence to prove that the imported products were not locally available “in

reasonable quantity, quality or price at the time of importation”, which the court said was a condition which would have entitled the transaction to tax exemption under Presidential Decree 1590, the law that granted its franchise in June 1978.

The law required PAL to pay corporate income tax in lieu of all other taxes, duties, royalties, registration, license, and other fees and charges.

The exemption included commissary and catering supplies “provided that such articles or materials are imported for the use of PAL in its transport operations and other activities incidental thereto and are not locally available”.

“Tax refunds are in the

BSP pegs July inflation at 4.3%

T

he inflation rate for the month of July is projected to have a slight acceleration from the previous month, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said Friday.

The BSP, Diokno said, sees inflation or the rate of increase of goods and services settling at 4.3% this month from 4.1% in June.

The central bank’s point inflation projection for July came from its forecast range

of 3.9% to 4.7%.

“Higher prices of domestic petroleum products and key food items along with the upward adjustment in Meralco electricity rates and a weaker peso are the main sources of upward price

pressures for the month,” Diokno said.

Data from the Department of Energy showed the year-to-date price per liter of gasoline stands at a net increase of P12.85, P10.30 per liter for diesel, and P8.70 per liter for kerosene.

The Manila Electric Co. hiked its household electricity rates by P0.2353 per kilowatt-hour (/kWh), bringing its overall rate for the month of July to P8.907/kWh from

P8.6718/kWh in June.

The BSP’s inflation projection came days before the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports the July inflation print on August 5, 2021.

“Moving forward, the BSP will continue to monitor emerging price developments to ensure that its primary mandates of price stability conducive to balanced and sustainable economic growth is achieved,” Diokno said.

their jobs as more economic activities and establishments will be closed during the most stringent lockdown.

“These can be partly reversed if we use the three weeks to accelerate vaccination of everyone in the high risk areas. This way, the ECQ will be an investment to pave the way for a recovery once we control Delta spread,” he added.

He said providing cash aid will also help mitigate economic impacts of the lockdown.

Until August 5, NCR will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions before shifting to a two-week

ECQ on Aug. 6.

This is amid the threats of the more infectious variant of coronavirus disease 2019.

In a separate statement, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said “the ECQ may be inevitable so as to remove any possibility of an uncontrollable surge like what happened in other countries that claimed thousands of lives”.

“What is important is that even in the ECQ, we should allow the dominant portion of the production sector — agriculture, industry, (and) services— to continue to operate, so we save jobs and income,” Lopez said. (PNA)

Faster vaccination can mitigate Recovery delays could prompt a ‘relook’ of PH credit rating: Moody’s ECQ impact to economy

I

f more COVID-19 lockdowns in the Philippines lead to delays in economic recovery then Moody’s Investor Service will be prompted to have a “relook” at its rating level, its official said Friday.

The coronavirus pandemic and other preventive measures are “preeminent downside risks,” Senior Vice President for Sovereign Risk Group of Moody’s Investors Service Christian De Guzman told ANC. “If these lockdowns do lead to a delayed recovery, that is also going to impact the fiscal situation... And then we’re going to have to re-

look at our assumptions on whether or not this remains intact for its rating level,” De Guzman said.

De Guzman made the statement before the government announced that Metro Manila would be under another hard lockdown from Aug. 6 to Aug. 20.

Based on the latest government estimates, the Philippine economy could lose some P105 billion every week if Metro Manila is under hard lockdown.

In 2020, Moody’s kept the Philippines Baa2 rating with a stable rating or one notch above minimum investment grade.

Fitch Ratings also earlier affirmed the country’s BBB rating but the outlook was revised to negative from stable, which means the credit rating may be lowered in the medium term or 1-2 years.

Before the imposition of the 3rd lockdown in Metro Manila and Fitch’s outlook downgrade, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Benjamin Diokno said the country could hold on to its credit ratings due to its strong macroeconomic fundamentals.

The Philippine economy contracted by 9.6 percent in 2020, its worst since the end of World War 2.

T

he Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) decision to place Metro Manila under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from Aug. 6 to 20 is expected to impact the economy and jobs in the country.

In a Viber message to journalists Friday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the ECQ in the National Capital Region (NCR) is seen to cost the economy some PHP105 billion a week.

Chua said it is also expected to increase the number of poor people by up to 177,000 and 444,000 will be losing

A4 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 119 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 01-02, 2021

The Strawberry and Guyabano or SG Farm is one of the leading tourist destinations in South Cotabato. The province has recorded an increase in tourist arrivals by nearly 300 percent from last year despite the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

SoCot tourism O bounces back

Mining sector recovery seen on resurgence of demand

S

outh Cotabato province’s tourism industry continued to thrive in the first six months of the year as tourist arrivals increased by nearly 300 percent from last year despite the threats posed by the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Richie Matunding, program assistant of the South Cotabato Arts, Culture Tourism and Museum unit, said the province posted a total of 712,053 domestic and foreign visitors from January to June, rebounding from the record slump last year.

He said such figure is up by 296.59 percent from the

179,543 visitors recorded in the same period in 2020.

Matunding attributed the huge increase in tourist arrivals to the more relaxed COVID-19 restrictions implemented by local government units based on the guidelines set by the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“It allowed tourists to travel and visit various destinations and attractions but with strict adherence to the minimum health protocols, particularly on accommodation capacity,” he said in a report.

Matunding said Lake Sebu town, the province’s summer and ecotourism capital, posted the most number of tourist arrivals with 256,814, followed by Norala with 148,243, Tupi with 132,210, Banga with 73,023, Koronadal City with 54,053, Tboli with 19,029, Surallah with 13,351, Tampakan with 9,202, Tantangan with 4,027, Polomolok with 1,770, and Sto. Nino

E

Emperador Inc. president Winston Co said, “The gradual easing of quarantine restrictions in various parts of the world has buoyed our first half business performance. On-sites have started to return. We see the brandy business led by Fundador growing by double digit in

the UK, US, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and Asia, including the Philippines. The whisky business continues to pace strongly led by North America, Europe and Asia, led by China.”

Co added, “We are extremely happy to report a record first-half net profit of

with 213.

These were based on the number of visitors who visited for at least one day in various tourist destinations and stayed overnight in tourism establishments.

He said 68 foreign visitors came to the province, comprising 23 from the United States, 20 from South Korea, seven from China, five from Australia, four each from India and Scotland, three from New Zealand, and one from Russia.

A total of 121,634 tourists visited in January, 146,325 in February, 166,727 in March, 177,865 in April, 63,212 in May, and 36,270 in June, he said.

P5.1 billion. Both brandy and whisky segments showed increased margins and robust profitability given the benefits from improving product mix and positive operating efficiency. We hope global economies continue to rebound and return to some form of normalcy.”

Emperador’s H1 profit up 53% to P5.1 billion mperador Inc.– the largest global brandy company owning the world’s iconic and best-selling brandy Emperador Brandy – saw net profit to owners grow by 53% year-on-year to P5.1 billion in the first half of 2021, while revenues rose by 18% to P25.3 billion.

pportunities for the recovery of the mining sector abound given the policy boost and continued demand for its products, and companies just need to maximize the sector’s potential, a Finance department official said.

Finance Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresa Habitan, who also serves as alternate chair of the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-IETE), said contribution of the sector to the country’s annual output is only around 1 percent “so there is still much room to contribute to it.”

“Truly, the natural resources of a country can drive its growth, so extractives (are) among the main economic drivers in many countries. The Philippines has yet to fully maximize this potential. To do this, the sector should take advantage of its strengths,” she said during the PH-EITE event on Thursday.

Habitan identified several measures expected to propel the sector, including increasing its contribution to gross value added (GVA) especially on metallic mines; steady growth in exports; proper handling of commodity price shocks; and pricing of non-metallic commodities that is independent of the global market.

She said growth drivers also include consistent generation of employment opportunities; openness to

adapting to necessary changes brought about by extreme events; keenness on automation; and a degree of optimism for the improvement of the overall business environment after the pandemic.

Habitan said risks to the sector’s recovery come both from within the country and overseas but added “quantitative data shows that companies are recovering quickly and steadily.”

She said it also indicates “optimistic perspective.”

“On top of some favorable government legislation and opportune changes in the global economy, the environment is rife for recent losses to be recouped, and pre-pandemic growth to resume, if not expand much more, post-pandemic,” she added.

Habitan said the government has continuously implemented measures to boost the sector and one proof to this is the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 130 that lifted the nine-year moratorium on new mining projects.

She said the EO is projected to increase mineral production by around PHP15 billion yearly until 2023, and

by PHP43 billion annually until 2027.

The EO is seen to entice more players and increase exports by around USD1 billion to USD2 billion annually, employ as much as 1.3 times more workers, and bring in around PHP34 billion in government revenues by way of taxes and fees, she said.

VOL.14 ISSUE 119 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 01-02, 2021

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

7

Gilas tried to mount a rally in the endgame but failed.

Gilas bows to Jordan-A

C

ameron Forte showed the way as Jordan-A defeated Gilas Pilipinas, 84-72, to end the preliminary round of the King Abdullah Cup on Saturday at Prince Hamza Hall in Amman.

The naturalized Jordanian forward thwarted the Filipinos’ late rally, scoring five straight points after Gilas cut what was once a 14-point lead, 70-56, to just seven, 7063, with 4:47 left.

Forte scored seven of his 22 points in the payoff period, finishing with 11 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Ahmad Al Dwairi then put on the finishing touches before Forte scored on a hook and Sami Bzai buried a three to make it

an 82-65 game in the final 1:20.

It capped off an amazing second half for the Falcons as they recovered from a 32-21 deficit in the second frame.

Al Dwairi led Jordan-A with 23 points and nine rebounds as the hosts secured the No. 2 seeding in the semifinals of the five-nation tournament with a 3-1 record.

After going 7 for 13 fromthe three-point line in the first half, Gilas only made five of its 19 long

bombs in the final two quarters.

Jordan Heading topped the Philippines with 15 points on 4-of7 shooting from downtown, to go with four rebounds, while Carl Tamayo had 14 points and two rebounds.

Rey Suerte added 13 points and three assists, while Justine Baltazar had 10 and six as the Tab Baldwin-mentored crew dropped to an even 2-2 slate.

Naturalized Filipino center Ange Kouame had five points on 2-of-9 field goal shooting and six rebounds.

His struggles typified Gilas’ performance as it lost the battle of the boards, 49 to 34, allowing Jordan-A to score 16 sec-

5.75, is seeded 10th in the finals.

Defending champion Thiago Braz of Brazil, Obiena’s longtime training partner, is seeded fifth after clearing 5.75 in two.

World record-holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden, who breezed through 5.71 in just one attempt, came in third overall after the countback.

Braz and Duplantis interestingly had shaky

starts as they needed two tries to clear 5.5 meters.

Fourteen pole vaulters actually made the finals as there was a huge logjam among those who only cleared 5.65 meters.

After the countbacks have been tallied, only Harry Coppell of Great Britain, Ersu Sasma of Turkey, and Oleg Zernikel of Germany earned their entries to the final round.

(PNA)

Obiena advances to finals in pole vault

E

J Obiena got a spot in the medal round of the Tokyo Olympics men’s pole vault event after making the Top 12 cutoff in the preliminary round on Saturday.

He cleared 5.75 meters, which turned out to be enough as only 11 were able to finish the height.

Obiena, who cleared 5.5 meters and 5.65 meters in just one try but needed three to clear

ond chance points.

Dwight Ramos went scoreless, missing five shots in 16 minutes of play as the Filipinos shot themselves in the foot with 17 turnovers that led to 21 easy points for the Jordanians.

The scores: Jordan-A 84 - Al Dwairi 23, Forte 22, Mustafa 12, Abu Hawwas 12, Bzai 6, Alhamarsheh 3, Kanaan 3, Darwish 3, Abdeen 0, Hussein 0, Abuwazaneh 0, Obeid 0, Hazaimeh 0.

Philippines 72 - Heading 15, Tamayo 14, Suerte 13, Baltazar 10, Kouame 5, Go 5, Ravena 4, Ildefonso 3, Abarrientos 3, Ramos 0, Belangel 0, Navarro 0, Mi. Nieto 0, Ma. Nieto 0, Chiu 0.

Quarterscores: 18-16; 36-41; 67-56; 84-72.

Obiena

PBA likely to postpone games during ECQ in NCR

T

he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) might have to postpone its scheduled games from August 6 to 20, as Metro Manila will be under the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Delta variant.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Friday sporting activities are not allowed during the ECQ, including that of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup. “Under IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) guidelines, the PBA is not allowed to continue,” Roque told the Philippine News

Agency.

The PBA has yet to announce its plan of action during the lockdown, although one option is to complete its Philippine Cup inside a bubble.

Another option is just to let the ECQ period pass and quickly continue once Pasig, the host city of the closed-circuit tournament, and the rest of Metro Manila are downgraded to the less strict general community quarantine.

Roque said deciding the season-opening conference’s fate is upon the league’s discretion.

“It’s up to them now,” he said. (PNA)

8 SPORTS Davao del Sur native Nesthy Petecio celebrates after winning her semifinals bout.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 119 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 01-02, 2021

A BREATH

AWAY Dabawenya Petecio advances to gold medal bout

D

abawenya Nesthy Petecio is now one win away from giving the Philippines another Tokyo Olympic gold after beating Irma Testa of Italy in the semifinals of the women’s featherweight boxing tournament at the Kokugikan Arena in the Japanese capital on Saturday.

Petecio turned things around in the final six minutes to turn back her taller opponent.

Testa used her reach advantage pretty well in Round 1, tagging Petecio with solid jabs, and despite some activity from Petecio late into the round, all the five judges had it for the Italian.

Petecio, however, began pouring it on in Round 2, delivering solid strikes to Testa, who began showing signs of fatigue.

All the five judges gave Round 2 to Petecio leading to a 19-all deadlock entering Round 3.

While Testa still connected on some punches, the fatigue caught up on her as she resorted to flinching the still active Petecio for most of the final round.

Only Argentinian judge Manuel Vilarino had it 29-28 for Testa, but the other four judges, Hichem Menchaoui,

Pavlo Vasylynchuk, Tsogtgerel Tserenkhand, and Maksim Sulejmani all scored the bout 29-28 for Petecio.

Petecio will be facing the winner of the other semifinal round later Saturday between Japan’s Sena Irie and Great Britain’s Karriss Artingstall in the gold medal bout set on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Carlo Paalam inched closer to having his own medal after dominating Algeria’s Mohamed Flissi in their men’s flyweight second-round affair.

Despite Flissi’s aggression, Paalam’s punching accuracy mattered a lot in this bout as all the five judges had it 30-27 for him.

Paalam will face Uzbekistan’s Shakhobidin Zoirov in the quarterfinals also on Tuesday with the winner assuring himself of at least a silver.

(PNA)