Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 198 | Thursday, November 4, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021

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A worker fixes a Christmas lantern installed at the center island along MacArthur highway in Matina, Davao City on Wednesday. Christmas decorations are being installed in the city’s main thoroughfares in time for the city government of Davao’s launching of “Pasko Fiesta sa Davao 2021” on Wednesday morning. Edge Davao

PRRD’s senate bid idea draws mixed reactions STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021

DIVIDED

A public utility vehicle (PUV), where plastic dividers were already removed, traverses in Matina, Davao City on Wednesday. The city government of Davao, through Executive Order No. 63, has ordered the lifting of the use of plastic barriers in jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUV) on Tuesday. Edge Davao

PRRD’s senate bid idea draws mixed reactions

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he idea of President Rodrigo Duterte seeking a Senate seat in the 2022 national elections has drawn mixed reactions.

Age and his length of service have been singled out as compelling reasons for some to disagree with the idea. On the other hand, for those who are in favor of the idea, they cited continuity and his desire to serve.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go revealed on Wednesday that the President “might” consider running as Senator in 2022, assuring the public that if elected, the President will continue to prioritize their

welfare by helping and serving more Filipinos in need.

Meggy Macion-Santos, business affairs and communications officer of San Miguel Brewery (SMB), said President Duterte has done so much and given his best for the country that is why it’s time for him to come home and rest from a very taxing and stressful job.

“Dabawenyos are look-

ing forward to having him back whether as a public servant or a private citizen,” she said.

Rovie Bullina, president of Bantay Hayop Davao, said service does not have to be equated to politics and that people can all help and continue to serve without a position.

“If he (Duterte) wants to help, he can retire and help,”

elections.

Escobal particularly emphasized the provisions stated in the Executive Order number 98 series of 2018 “Providing Guidelines on the Detail of AFP and PNP Personnel to Civillian Office and Officials and Repealing Executive Order Numbers 41 series of 1996 and 207

series of 2016 for the Purpose.”

Under the said EO issued last November 2019 by President Rodrigo Duterte, any member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is prohibited from providing security detail to any civilian office and officials, other than those enu-

merated in section 2 of said EO, without authority from the Secretary of National Defense.

“No military personnel shall be detailed to other government officials other than those enumerated in Section 2 of the order,” added Escobal.

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Security forces, candidates reminded to observe orderly, honest elections

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he regional director of Police Region Office (PRO) 11, Brigadier General Filmore Rscobal reminded all security forces and aspiring candidates for elective position to observe strictly rules, regulations, and orders to ensure honest, orderly, and peaceful conduct of 2022 national

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Army soldier runs amok; kills major, one trooper

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wo soldiers died including an Army major after their comrade ran amok and sprayed bullets inside the headquarters of 10th Civil Military Operations (CMO) in Barangay San Agustin, Tagum City Tuesday night (November 2).

Captain Mark Anthony Tito, the spokesman of 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Davao de Oro, identified the suspect as Sergeant Alvin Bureros, 46 years old from Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Tito also identified the slain victims as one major Major Franklin Embat and Technical Sergeant Sandatu Tuma. Another soldier, Major Mineheart Maliawao was also injured in the incident.

Reports revealed that Bureros who was then the incoming sergeant of the guard (SOG) passed by the formation area of the camp,

appeared and uttered “Tapuson na nato ni” which seemed to be a joke for the other personnel.

He then proceeded towards the main gate of the camp where the victims were sitting and conversing with each other , the assailant faced them about 5 meters away and immediately fired his firearm R4 rifle at the victims.

Embat and Tuma were rushed to the nearest hospitals but were declared dead by their attending physician due to the sustained gunshot wounds.

Maliawao, who sustained bruises on the different parts of the body, is being treated at the 10th ID hospital.

The suspect is now under the custody of Tagum Police Station after the latter surrendered to the village chief of said place, around 2 a.m Wednesday.

Resumption of 24-hr bus trip in Davao City pushed

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he Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Davao is planning to resume the 24-hour bus operations at the Davao City Overland Transportation Terminal (DCOTT).

DCOTT manager Aisa Usop told Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Tuesday that this plan came after some bus operators requested for a 24-hour operation of buses to and from this city.

This after the local government lifted the 9 p.m.to-4 a.m. curfew and 24/7 liquor ban effective October 26 until January 15, 2022

as the cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are going down. The 24/7 liquor ban and curfew have been enforced since November 2 and November 20, 2020, respectively.

She said the LTFRB-Davao has yet to discuss this plan with other local government units, considering the travel restrictions imposed in other parts of Mindanao.

“The LTFRB director has yet to coordinate with other municipalities, provinces, and cities where buses will be passing through because the implementation of the

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EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

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Commuters, with face masks and face shields, queue while waiting for a bus along Roxas Avenue in Davao City. Wearing of face shield is no longer required and shall be for voluntary use only in 3Cs settings: crowded places, close-contact settings and confined and enclosed areas, based on the city government of Davao’s Executive Order No. 51-A, which is made effect on Tuesday. Edge Davao

Easing of restrictions aims to spur economic activity: CTOO DoTr welcomes Cong.

Pulong’s call for probe

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he Department of Transportation (DoTr) has welcomed Representative Paolo Z. Duterte call for the investigation on the Mindanao Railway Project’s (MRP) expropriation and acquisition of the road right of way (ROW).

Last October 28, 2021, in House Resolution No. 2321, Duerte and ACT-CIS Party Rep. Eric Go Yap called for the investigation, in aid

of legislation, on DoTr’s Mindanao Railway Project, in particular, Phase 1 of the project after they have received various reports about the “variations in the offers for the acquisition of road right of way (RROW) or expropriation of the private properties by the DOTr and/or its contractors, sub-contractors, or other service providers.”

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City tourism holds media launch for online Pasko Fiesta 2021

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he City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) launched on Wednesday the 2021 Davao Pasko Fiesta with the online celebration highlighting family bonding.

City Tourism Operations Officer Generose Tecson said Pasko Fiesta said launching the event early will give time for every family to prepare for the online competitions. The event is held in collaboration with private partners Gatchi and Gatchi events company and Louworks Studios.

“We’re very happy that we started this year kay

madami kaming plano para sa lahat and kahit pa online ito we want to go back to the roots yung inspiration of Christmas, which is the family. We want to encourage people to stay at home for Christmas and most especially kay wala pa nawala ang Covid. But we want also to have special time with our family and sana matulungan ang lahat to be able to imagine kung ano ang puwede nilang gawin in order to celebrate Christmas,” Tecson said.

Gatchi Gatchalian, Pasko Fiesta festival director,

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ity Tourism Operations Officer Generose Tecson said on Wednesday the city government aims to spur economic activities by easing some of the restrictions such as the lifting of the use of motorcycle barriers, plastic barriers in jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUVs), and the use of face shields.

Tecson is hopeful that Dabawenyos will be responsible and disciplined enough to stay safe by following the

health standards.

“We are hoping na people will also be extra careful and will be responsible

enough to follow the public health standards and sila na rin ang mag gauge kung comfortable ba sila o hindi in places na meron crowd. Kasi hindi natin mawala na andito pa rin ang Covid,” she said.

During the start of the pandemic, one of the measures implemented by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is the use of plastic barriers to maintain the required capacity rule inside the public trans-

port and implement social distancing among the passengers.

On November 2, 2021, the city government of Davao announced that it will no longer require the mandatory use of motorcycle barriers and installation of plastic barriers on the jeepneys and other public utility vehicles to separate passengers effective immediately.

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PRRD considering Senate run to continue helping and serving Filipinos, says Bong Go

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enator Christopher “Bong” Go stated that President Rodrigo Duterte is still considering running for a Senate seat in 2022, assuring the public that if elected, the president will continue to prioritize their welfare by helping and serving more Filipinos in need.

“He is considering, pinag-aaralan niyang mabuti. Kung makakatulong ba sa bayan… he might. Kino-consider n’ya po ‘yung pagtakbo,” said Go in an interview on Tuesday, November 2.

According to Go, Duterte is examining a number

of factors before deciding whether or not to run, including his party’s, PDP-Laban, senatorial slate. Duterte is open to run if it will help administration candidates win, said the senator.

“Siyempre tinitingnan din niya ‘yung slate ng administration ng PDP. Kung makakatulong siya na mas maraming mananalo sa part ng administration, iyon ang kino-consider,” said Go. “And of course, ‘yung pagseserbisyo sa bayan bilang inyong Tatay Digong.

Ito proven and tested na po ‘yung kanyang pagseser-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on Tuesday evening. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the Duterte administration is seeking to amend the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the build-operate-transfer (BOT) law. Presidential Photo

Duterte admin seeks T amendment of BOT IRR T

DTI-DavOr promotes coffee industry through ‘pakape para sa konsumante’

he Duterte administration seeks to amend the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the build-operate-transfer (BOT) law.

To pursue the amendments of the BOT IRR, President Rodrigo R. Duterte designated Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua as the chairman of the BOT IRR Committee.

This committee is composed of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Departments of Finance, Agriculture, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Information and Communications, Interior and Local Government,

Public Works and Highways, Trade and Industry, and Transportation, and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

The amendments aim to facilitate the development of well-structured PPPs that deliver high-quality services to the people, protect the public from excessive payments and undue guarantees arising from PPP projects, and promote the interests of Filipinos, who ultimately pay for the costs and returns of private proponents of PPP projects.

“PPPs have the potential to help stimulate the economy, bring back jobs, and address our people’s urgent, present, and future needs.

However, it is the government’s job, on behalf of the Filipino people, to ensure that private sector interests are aligned to the public’s interests, with the overall goal of providing the best services to the people,” Chua said.

Chua said PPPs with unwarranted guarantees, contingent liabilities, and other onerous contract provisions take up the government’s already-limited fiscal space and hamper the country’s development.

These use up resources

that could have been used to build other infrastructure or provide social services for the people.

“As PPPs are paid for by the public, the IRR should enable the provision of quality infrastructure and services that are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner,” PPP Center executive director Ferdinand Pecson said.

Finance Secretary and Investment Coordination Committee chair Carlos Dominguez emphasized the need for transparent and expeditious processes in evaluating PPPs to arrive at their real cost to the government, consumers, and taxpayers.

change, environmental and social risks; digital banking operations; open finance framework; fraud management; and customer due diligence.

“Moving forward, the BSP remains committed to building its existing regulatory and supervisory frameworks to ensure that the banking system, as the core of the financial system, continues to operate in a safe and sound manner while at the same time responsive to the demands

of the new economy,” it said.

Regarding the transfer of significant ownership, the report said the central bank will issue prudential requirements on the transfer in line with the regulations under Section 25-A of the amended New Central Bank Act. “The underlying principle of the policy reform is to ensure that persons capable of exerting significant influence or control over the bank’s/QB’s affairs shall possess integrity, finan-

cial capacity, and sufficient knowledge of the business environment, operating model and attendant risks that may affect the entity,” it said.

On the policy related to climate change, the BSP is set to finalize Phase 2 of its regulations on sustainable finance framework.

“This will provide detailed guidance with respect to the integration of climate change and other environmental and social risk in the enterprise-wide

BSP lines up reforms to sustain resiliency of PH banking sector

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he country’s financial system remains strong in the first half of 2021 amid the pandemic and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has lined up several reforms to ensure the sector’s continued resilience.

In a report released on Tuesday, the central bank identified these reforms as the transfer of significant ownership in banks and non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking license (QBs); climate

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office here has a unique way of promoting the coffee industry in the province.

While October is a significant month for coffee and consumers, the agency has made it more memorable with the conduct of its first-ever “Pa-Kape Para sa Konsumante” recently.

The International Coffee Day was first declared in 2015, marking the 1st day of October of every year as the day of the annual celebration. It is celebrated not only to commemorate one of the most loved beverages in the whole world, but more importantly, to honor the people behind each cup of aroma-filled drink that rejuvenates coffee drinkers in every sip.

On the other hand, Presidential Proclamation No. 1098 dated September 26, 1997 declared the whole month of October to as the “Consumer Welfare Month” to give due importance to consumer rights and responsibilities.

With the “Pa-Kape Para sa Konsumante” information campaign, the DTI-Davao Oriental was able to hit two birds with one stone, so to speak, as it transformed the main entrance of the ER Supermall in Mati City into a nook for coffee lovers while highlighting both celebrations “Coffee, being one of the province’s emerging industries, we want to maximize its potential.

With its development, we could realize a domino effect – from contributing to the economy to generating investments and creating

more job opportunities,” DTI-Davao Oriental provincial director Rommel R. Cozo said.

So far, the province has 5,687 hectares of coffee plantation, which have been producing an average of 1,663 metric tons per year. In the meantime, there are 4,544 farmers involved in coffee farming in the entire province.

The trade official added that offering the product to the consumers for free is a good marketing strategy to introduce it to potential buyers.

“What we want for our coffee industry is for it to widen its market consistently. And we can only do that if we are consistent with our efforts to promote it,” he said.

The “Pa-Kape Para sa Konsumante” featured the coffee products of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Lupon, Manay, and Baganga and the services of Jay’s Artisan Coffee, a pop-up café. It was served to 109 consumers, who were also provided with information materials on how to protect themselves in the digital realm, particularly against the risks of internet scams and other forms of deception.

“This year’s Consumer Welfare Month theme is ‘Digital Consumers: The New Normal.’ So we saw the activity as a venue where we can strengthen our consumers’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities as users of digital platforms,” Cozo shared while encouraging the public to become vigilant and empowered consumers.

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ECONOMY

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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Davao Region gives its assurance to the public of a sufficient cash supply especially on their Automated Teller Machines (ATM) as Christmas holidays and election season is fast approaching. Edge Davao

GCash operator raises over $300 million in fresh funding

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intech startup Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), the operator of mobile wallet GCash, on Tuesday said it has raised over $300 million in fresh funding, increasing the company’s valuation to over $2 billion.

In a statement, Mynt said the increase in its valuation solidifies its status as the Philippines’ only unicorn, and as one of the leading fintech companies in Southeast Asia.

A “unicorn” is a private startup with a valuation of over $1 billion.

The fintech firm said the investment round was led by global investment giant Warburg Pincus, New Yorkbased global private equity and venture capital firm Insight Partners, and Bow

Wave Capital, one of Mynt’s existing investors.

The round also includes participation from Itai Tsiddon and Amplo Ventures as well as capital from Globe and Ayala.

Since the onset of community quarantines as response to COVID19, Mynt said it has been at the forefront of digital transformation of Filipinos as the “goto” payment and financial services solution to over 48 million users.

With the continued relevance of the app among its users, Mynt said it is on track to reach P3 trillion of gross transaction value, three times more than last year’s record number.

The company has also recorded peak daily app log-ins

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BSP Region 11 assures sufficient cash in ATMs B angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Davao Region assured the public of a sufficient cash supply especially on their Automated Teller Machines (ATM) as Christmas holidays and election season is fast approaching. The issue was raised during the online celebration for the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 32nd National Statistic Month held last Friday, Oct. 29.

One issue raise during the event was the lack of supply in some ATMs particularly in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

BSP Acting Director Jane Ann Gonzales clarifies the issue on some indispen-

sible ATMs which is due to the transporting of cash withdrawals from their cash hubs to the different municipalities or neighboring provinces.

Gonzales said, “We assure you that even at the

riod in the expansion of our renewable energy portfolio,” ACEN’s Chief Development Officer Jose Maria Zabaleta said.

“As economies reopen and electricity demand grows further, we will aim for sustainable investments to play a leading role in accelerating the greening of the grid to meet our country’s needs,” Zabaleta added.

AC Energy also earlier announced its commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming by 1.5 degrees by 2050.

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onset of the pandemic, we continuously open our vaults for the servicing of the withdrawals and deposits of our bank here in Davao City”.

Landbank Branch Manager Aurea Bertulfo said, “It’s really a performance indicator for the Branch Manager that we have a 100% ATM cash availability and an online status of our ATMs”.

As to the number of banks in Davao Region, more than half of the banks are within Davao City while 20% of the banking offices are in Davao del Norte

and the rest are located in different provinces of the region.

BSP Bank Officer II Dorothy Joy Diaz said that the total number of banking offices in Davao Region from 2011 up to the 2nd quarter of 2021, recorded the highest number at 79 offices on Universal and Commercial Banks while Thrift Banks with 72 offices, Rural and Cooperative Banks in the region with 12 offices.

Davao Region’s Bank density ratio increased from 6.9 in 2011 to 10.3 in June 2021. This refers to

of manufacturing performance.

“October PMI data signalled a slight pick-up in growth across the Philippines manufacturing sector.

Some restrictions continued to ease, and the demand environment showed tentative signs of improvement with new orders stabilizing after six months of decline,” IHS Markit economist Shreeya Patel said.

On the other hand, Patel said manufacturing growth is threatened by shortages

in raw materials and rising costs as well as delivery delays.

“Such pressures are likely to persist over the next few months but a key concern comes from firms only partly able to pass on higher costs given the relatively weak demand environment,” she added.

The report said as producers anticipate disruptions in the supply chain, input buying increased for the first time since July this year to secure raw materials.

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Construction of PH’s ‘largest’ PH manufacturing score solar farm begins: AC Energy hits 7-month high in Oct.

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C Energy Corp said Wednesday it has started construction of its 283 MW solar farm in San Marcelino, Zambales.

In a statement, the Ayala-led group said the project would be the “largest” solar farm in the country which is capable of producing over 421 GWh of renewable energy per year.

Aside from helping eliminate 287,796 tons of CO2 emissions annually, it will also aid in addressing power shortages in the country once completed by the first

half of 2023, AC Energy said.

It can also generate up to 500 direct jobs during the construction period, it added.

AC Energy said its unit Santa Cruz Solar Energy Inc tapped Power Construction Corp of China Ltd and PowerChina Philippines Corp as the engineering procurement and construction contractors for the project.

“The San Marcelino solar farm marks the fifth facility that we have commenced with construction this year, and these project milestones all make for a fascinating pe-

he performance of the country’s manufacturing sector continued to recover in October 2021, according to IHS Markit’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI).

London-based information and analytics firm IHS Markit reported Tuesday that Philippine manufacturing PMI last month rose to 51 from 50.9 in September 2021.

Scores above 50 show improvement in the sector while below the neutral mark indicate deterioration

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021

On the suggestion for President Rodrigo Duterte to run for Senate in the 2022 elections:

Siyempre tinitingnan din niya ‘yung slate ng administration ng PDP. Kung makakatulong siya na mas maraming mananalo sa part ng administration, iyon ang kinoconsider.”

SEN. BONG GO

EDITORIAL Frontline believers Frontliners are, by common belief, frontliners in medical knowledge. They are the ones expected to be the chief advocates of Covid-19 vaccination.

said the report.

The top three reasons for health workers to be hesitant echo the same concerns expressed by some in the wider community: vaccine safety, efficacy and side effects.

Thus, understanding and addressing HCWs vaccination attitudes is crucial to promoting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and can provide important lessons for other infectious disease crises.

However, an average of 23 percent of frontliners worldwide belong to what is called vaccine hesitant healthcare workers (HCWs).

According to a report, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified vaccine hesitancy as a leading global health threat. “Rejection of the COVID-19 vaccine lessens the probability of herd immunity and could extend the pandemic. Especially concerning is vaccine hesitancy among health care workers (HCWs), including doctors and nurses as well as those who deliver indirect care and services (aides, helpers, laboratory technicians, and even medical waste handlers),”

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It is also important to note that beyond the risk of Covid-19 transmission, there is also the impact vaccine-hesitant health workers have on wider vaccine confidence.

Health workers are seen as credible sources of information and are trusted by the community. If they themselves do not believe in a medical solution to the pandemic, who else will?

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

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

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

The bone of contention is that not only are HCWs at increased risk of contracting and transmitting disease, but they also have a potentially powerful influence on patient vaccination decisions. Vaccinated HCWs are more likely to recommend vaccination to others.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

THE SUPERPOWERS OF CHOC NUT To be or nut to be, Choc Nut is the answer.

Eating Choc Nut usually brings back childhood memories since many Filipinos grew up eating this chocolate-peanut candy.

We enjoy every bite with Choc Nut’s unique and rich taste of ground peanuts, milk powder, cocoa, and sugar.

Do not underestimate the superpowers of peanuts.

When it comes to keeping your mind sharp, peanuts may hold the key.

Choc Nut was my power food as I was traversing the path of legal education.

Law students immersed in law books and cases, faced terror professors, pore through volumes and pages of SCRAs, lined up for photocopying at the law library, hurried through classes, reviewed and crammed through lessons, and survived recitations.

My law school years were indeed difficult moments, but

the best and memorable times spent with those who shared the experience.

Patience is a virtue in studying at the law library but the daily supply of Pacencia biscuits and Choc Nut made the ordeal sustainable for me and my classmates.

Peanuts contain a wealth of benefits for the brain.

Resveratrol, a bioactive found in peanuts, is believed to cause improved cognitive abilities and short-term memory, increased verbal fluency (the ability to connect and retrieve words) and enhanced processing speed (the ability to take in and respond to new information).

A challenge in reading cases is staying awake. The unsaturated fat in peanuts gives one energy, which can help a person to remain alert and to ward off fatigue and sleepiness.

Polyphenols penetrate the area of the brain involved in learning and memory, increase blood flow to the brain (which

improves cognition) and has the potential to enhance mood (which may also help to reduce depression.)

I preferred Choc Nut basically for economic reasons as it was within my budget unlike the imported chocolates by Hershey’s and Cadbury.

During the 2017 oathtaking of the trustees and officers of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines (MARLAWPh) before Vice President Leni Robredo, I became curious in the presence of Choc Nut as snacks in the meeting room.

I was then told that it was also her favorite refreshment.

Her seatmate while she was a congresswoman was from Cavite, where the Choc Nut factory is located. She was given a year-long supply of Choc Nut. To adhere to the theme of simplicity, Choc Nut was also served as one of the snacks during VP Leni’s inauguration in 2016 along with buchi (rice balls), sotanghon, pandesal,

maja blanca, pichi-pichi The iconic delicacy was likewise featured on the Netflix anime Trese series The large nearly palm-sized Choc Nut is a bribe or a gift, from the show’s main character Alexandra Trese to a sewer-dwelling creature named Nuno.

In Filipino culture, the nuno sa punso is a dwarf-like nature spirit who lives in an anthill or termite mound. He is a goblin easily angered that will do harm to those who damage or disturb his mound, and will seek retribution.

Nunos may also inhabit places such as underneath large rocks, trees, riverbanks, caves, or a backyard.

Instead of living in a mound, Nuno in Trese is more urban, who lives in the sewers, often appearing from under a manhole cover to talk to Alexandra.

“Tabi-Tabi po” is a polite way of saying “excuse me” or “pardon me” which is uttered

as a form of respect to supernatural beings like the nuno when entering an unfamiliar place.

If one wants to get a favor or doesn’t want an earth elemental to bother him, he must give the entity something sweet.

Trese bribed Nuno with the chocolate-peanut candy to acquire information related to her case.

Trese investigates the occult cases in Metro Manila. The Filipino mythical creatures live hidden among the human population where they either adapt or cause chaos.

In this era of fake news and historical revisionism., perhaps Choc Nut is the answer.

(Peyups is the monicker of University of the Philippines. Atty.

Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

OUR LIVES REVOLVE AROUND OUR JOBS “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.” - HENRY FORD *******

Hey folks, come to think of it, our earthly lives depend largely on what we do for a living.

This realization dawned on me (perhaps also on you with some others) and most probably only seeped into the tiny crevices of our mental frame after going through a near twoyear struggle and suffering under the brutal onslaught of the Wuhan virus.

(Sorry but I can’t help but mention Wuhan here because that is where the pathogen originated and exploded into the pandemic that it is today.)

While some sectors internationally have branded the transition from the pandemic to the recovery period as “new normal”, the real score is that

there is now an emerging mindset that a “New World Order” must be installed.

Filipinos don’t seem to be worried. Perhaps it is because the country is not seriously affected by the growing militarism in other areas of the globe (as in the Middle East Eastern Europe and Africa) since its archipelagic location defensively separates it from the rest of its neighbors.

Reports that the pandemic has slowed down is a welcome development even if a few continue to harp that health protocols - including the vaccination of all - must be strictly observed.

Hey, no matter what our health situation is, the Filipino will always find ways - fair or foul - to ensure his family does not go hungry.

That is why the main issue which is of national concern revolves around (loss of) jobs, scouting for more income opportunities and livelihood

that will ease the suffering of millions of families adversely affected by the forced lockdowns.

NEDA Sec. Karl Chua said it succinctly, hitting the nail right on the head. “Open the economy but manage the risks.”

We have to blame the WHO for initially declaring that there was no pandemic. When China half-heartedly announced the outbreak of the Wuhan virus in December 2019, it was only in March 2020 that Director-General Tedros acknowledged it.

Thank God Filipinos have stood resilient and resourceful.

The ensuing lockdowns forced millions out of their jobs while affected companies either closed shop or resorted to rotational scheduling of their workforces.

These nearly two years of difficulties and hardship were like an eternity.

But the Filipino has survived.

In the same way he sur-

vived the slave-like Spanish colonization for almost 400 years.

Juan dela Cruz also survived the cosmestized American rule for four decades and the nearly five-year cruel and harsh Japanese occupation.

Can you ask for more?

What else can the Filipino not survive and overcome?

Hah! The Filipino has also survived the lethargic and decadent governance of politicians who cloaked their administration with the veneer of democracy and rhetoric.

Napoleon Hill has this to say. “No man ever achieved worthwhile success who did not, at one time or other, find himself with at least one foot hanging well over the brink of failure.”

Sadly but this has to be stated - unlike the Chinese who teach and breed their children to engage in business and be their own boss, the Filipinos raise their brood to get a college education and then seek

employment to get their bread and butter.

Unfortunately - again - for the nth time, Filipinos find employment in companies owned by rich businessmen with Chinese ancestry in their blood.

A paradox, huh?

This is sad but it is the painful truth.

Every Filipino household discusses and makes employment as its principal concern anytime.

In the morning, the father of the family hurries to his work while mother prepares the kids to school.

In the evening, the parents discuss what transpired in the office or the workplace.

As they hit the sack, father and mother remind each other about tomorrow’s work, activities, routine and all.

Without a job, where will the Filipino get his wherewithal? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8

EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

TABLE TALK FROM

OUR HOME

T

raditionally, a lot of life revolves around the dining room table. It is a unifier, a place of community – where families share a meal and their day’s stories, and friends gather for dinner parties and feel instantly at home.

The new-norm has redefined the importance and functionality of a dining table - transforming it into a WFH station, an online school stop where one does homework and art projects, and a hobby hub. That is, of course, apart from being a gastro address for home cooked specialties and the take-out favorites we have come to love.

With that, we are rethinking our dining rooms with the modern multifunctional table as the centerpiece. And the good news is that there is a lot of table talk from Our Home which also offers us some tips when selecting the dining table for your space.

Consider the size of the room. Dining tables should complement and be proportional to the size of your dining room.

Rectangular dining tables are very practical and functional. It can seat a large number of people and can easily adjust the seating capacity. Its linear shape allows for ample room to walk around the table. Our Home has many design options to choose from like the Panfield and Alvea Dining Sets.

Round tables like Our Home’s Ancona dining table work well in small rooms where there is less bumping without the corners. It also creates a more intimate setting and cozy ambiance.

Foldable tables like Our Home’s Jada table, as well as bar tables can also function as dining tables.

There are some design options that will perfectly fit and look great in smaller spaces like a condo, loft or

A breakfast for two with Our Home’s Scandinavian-inspired foldable Jada Dining Table. Perfect for small spaces, pair it with a couple of Iona Dining Chairs for a great dining experience.

Create a light and welcoming ambiance to your dining room with this white Panfield 6-Seater Dining Set from Our Home. studio unit.

Make dining fun. Play around with different seating options. Mix and match host chairs, guest chairs and benches to maximize creativity in your dining room. Our Home’s Fredrik Dining Set combines that casualness of a bench setting but at the same time

Dinner for four in a small dining space? Not a problem with Our Home‘s Ancona 4-seater dining set.

provides elegance with its dining chairs.

Visit Our Home stores nationwide at select SM Supermalls for more Dining Room ideas. Customers who prefer to shop online can expect the same great shopping experience through www.ourhome. ph. In addition, Our Home

Make your dining experience fun and exciting with Our Home’s Fredrik Dining Set with a rustic charm combining the casualness of a bench setting and the elegance of a dining chair.

has introduced Contactless Shopping Options for customers who prefer to stay in their homes. Customers can Call & Deliver – call 0917 8315260, pay online, and have their items delivered.

They can Shop Live where a personal shopper takes them on a virtual tour of the store via video call. Curbside

Great dining and great conversation starts in this Alvea 6 Seater Dining Set from Our Home.

Pickup is also available. **Shop in-store, online, or contactless with our Call & Deliver (0917)8315260, Shop Live, and Curbside Pickup services. Free interior design advice and affordable bespoke services are available. **Only at Our Home.

Great Designs. Great Prices.

Here’s something for those who prefer to keep things informal and relaxed. Our Home’s Ethane Dining Set is a stylish bar table set that lends an air of casual comfort to any dining space, big or small.

FamilyMart arrives in Davao

J

apanese convenience store brand FamilyMart opens first-ever stores in Davao located in Tagum and Matina.

A year after FamilyMart opened its first branch in Cebu, the wellloved Japanese convenience store brand is now ready to welcome new ‘Family members’— the Davaoeños—as it opens its stores farther south.

Bringing its top-selling Japanese snacks and drinks, including onigiri, ramen, donburi, takoyaki, FamiChicky, and Coffee Creations, FamilyMart opened two new stores in Davao—a compact store in Tagum, and a standalone store in Matina.

“FamilyMart is now finally in Davao. This is

the first time our brand entered the Mindanao market ever since it came to the Philippines, so we are very proud to have reached this important milestone,” FamilyMart General Manager and Phoenix Vice President for Integrated Marketing and Strategies Celina Matias said. “We take pride in our premium-quality Japanese food and exemplary customer experience at our stores in Luzon, and we are bringing them all with us to Davaoeños who have long been waiting to enjoy great Japanese food served with a Filipino touch.”

While the Matina store is the traditional FamilyMart outlet with a walkin space, the one in Tagum is a more compact varia-

tion similar to the ones in Cebu, featuring an al fresco take-out counter ideal for grab-and-go transactions. Both newly opened outlets offer convenience

store products for the daily needs of customers, as well as ready-to-eat and readyto-heat food items.

“We’re glad to be able to offer the FamilyMart ex-

perience to more communities in the Philippines.

We’ve finally entered Mindanao, and we cannot wait to bring the brand to even more Filipinos across the

country,” Phoenix President Henry Albert Fadullon said.

To celebrate FamilyMart’s arrival in Davao, the stores gave away free Swarovski charms for every minimum spend of Php 250. A complimentary sampling of Coffee Creations’ 12 oz brewed coffee was also available for customers.

In 2017, FamilyMart Philippines was acquired by local oil brand Phoenix Petroleum. Since then, the brand has been expanding its network and offering new products and innovative services in line with its thrust for convenience store food retailing. Before Davao, it recently opened stores in Baguio City and Cebu City.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021

BIGGER PICTURE

9

PHISHING: BIGGEST ONLINE SCAM EVER

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“I

GlobalSign.com

t has come to our attention that your account information needs to be updated as part of our continuing commitment to protect your account and to reduce the instance of fraud on our website.

If you could please take 5-10 minutes… and update your personal records, you will not run into any future problems with the online service.”

If the receiver fails to update his or her records: the account will be suspended.

If he or she updates it, then his or her online experience “will not be interrupted and will continue as normal.”

According to the e-mail, the account records must be updated “on or before” a specified date. It also gives a link where the receiver will obtain the update of his or her records.

Rafael made one of the blunders of his life by clicking the specified link mentioned in the e-mail – despite the fact he had never applied for the account cited and the deadline was almost two weeks ago.

“Out of sheer curiosity,” he said, “I clicked on the link provided in the e-mail.

Whether by coincidence or not, I have been having computer problems since I did that, prompting me to

scan my system for viruses, three times over a 24-hour period. According to the scans, my system is clean.”

Rafael could still be considered fortunate. He only had computer glitches after doing so.

The case of Rossana was even more troubling.

When she clicked the provided link, a form was displayed and asked for her credit card numbers and password.

At first, she disregarded it. But when she received the “request” two more times, she decided to respond. She filled out the form and, soon, the nightmare started.

Two months after the incident, she received a call from her credit company.

Did she transfer her residency? Did she lose her credit card? Did she purchase something astronom-

ical? She answered negatively to all these questions.

“What all these inquiries?” she wondered.

A type of fraud Today, Rossana knows.

She had been a victim of phishing, one of the fastest growing types of fraud.

Wikipedia defines it in these words: “A type of social engineering where an attacker sends a fraudulent message designed to trick a human victim into revealing sensitive information to the attacker or to deploy malicious software on the victim’s infrastructure like ransomware.”

“Phishers create and dismantle these phony sites very, very fast, stockpiling credit card numbers, passwords and other personal financial information over the course of just a couple of days, in order to avoid detection,” explains Dan Larkin, unit chief at the Internet Crime Complaint Center of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States.

The term “phish” was first coined in the mid1990s by crackers attempting to steal America OnLine (AOL) accounts. An attacker, so goes the story, would pose as an AOL staff member and send an instant

message to a potential victim.

The message would ask the victim to reveal his or her password, for instance, to “verify your account” or to “confirm billing information.” Once the victim gave over the password, the attacker could access the victim’s account and use it for criminal purposes, such as spamming (the act of sending unsolicited electronic messages in bulk).

Origin The term “phishing” is sometimes said to stand for password harvesting fishing, though this is likely a “backronym” – a retroactively coined acronym.

Some theories accredit the term “phishing” to originate from the name “Brien Phish,” who was the first to allegedly use psychological techniques to steal credit card numbers in the 1980s.

Others believe that “Brien Phish” was not a real person but a fictional character used by scammers to identify each other.

“The con men, or phishers, actually steal two identities: first, they hijack the names, and logos of trusted banks, online retailers, credit card companies, and Internet service providers, among others,” wrote

James Malanowski in an article published by Reader’s Digest.

Malanowski, who was himself a victim of phishing, further wrote: “Then, (the phishers) use the fake e-mails and websites to fool people into divulging personal data – credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, and so on. The phishers use that data to charge good or steal money.”

“The biggest online scam ever” is how Malanowski described phishing.

Today, phishing is becoming a crime epidemic.

Millions of computer users – particularly new and inexperienced users – have fallen victim to phishers. It’s estimated that up to one in twenty users who receive a phisher’s e-mail will respond to it, unknowingly providing enough sensitive information to incur tremendous financial losses.

Top cybercrime In the Philippines, phishing is the top cybercrime being committed in the country during the pandemic, according to the National Bureau of Investigation NBI-Cyber Crimes Division (NBI-CCD). This was revealed during a webinar titled “Cybercrime in

the Time of Corona: PH Cybercrime Trends During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

The NBI-CCD only had around 30 phishing incidents before the pandemic but three weeks into the pandemic, the bureau had an additional 70 cases, Senior Agent Francis Señora was quoted by Rappler.

Under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, phishing – as well as online selling scam – are punishable. The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (RA 11469) penalizes online misinformation.

Some typical signs From the Internet, this author has learned that there are several ways phishers lure their victims.

In any case, here are a few signs typical of a phisher’s email: • The e-mail specifically states it’s not a scam.

It’s kind of like when a cop stops a guy for speeding, and he immediately sputters out, “I didn’t murder anybody! You can’t prove anything!”

• The e-mail requires immediate action of some sort, like the one received

by Rafael.

• The e-mail asks you to

FPISHING, P10

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EDGEDAVAO

DIVIDED... FROM 2 she said.

Cristina Rasonabe-Molde, a Filipino frontliner from Florida, USA, expressed gratitude to President Duterte for his excellent service to Filipinos and may continue serving the people even in the lower position.

“He already served the highest seat. Okay lang na magpa-elect ug ubos-ubos na position,” she said.

A mom from Toril, Davao City, Eliza Lizardo disapproved of President Duterte running for Senate.

“Dili ko uyon kay gusto ko mo-retire na si Digong, para maka relax na siya, kay sa iyang pangidaron, deserve na niya ang mopahulay from politics. Na-prove naman niya sa tanan ang iyang pagkamaayo na pagka leader, now it’s the best time for him to retire,” Lizardo said.

Meanwhile, Mary Irene Dumagil Paler, a mother from Guihing, Digos City, approved President Duterte’s decision to run for Senate.

“Puwede kaayo siya for senator para continue ang pagbabago labi na ug mag-presidente si Mayor Sara, perfect kaayo naa’y tao sa pinakataas

naa pud tao sa ubos,” she said.

On the other hand, supporters of the President also expressed their impressions in case he would run for Senate next year.

“Ayaw na tay…enjoy your retirement. Pero if dili jud ka papugong, then naa ra mi diri musuporta nimo,” Elle Mich posted.

Fritzjan Palamos urged the President to run for Senate and become Senate President.

“Run for Senator sir DU30 para ikaw ang maging Senate President. I will vote for you,” Palamos posted.

According to Go, Duterte is examining several factors before deciding whether or not to run, including his party’s, PDP-Laban, senatorial slate.

“Siyempre tinitingnan din niya ‘yung slate ng administration ng PDP. Kung makakatulong siya na mas maraming mananalo sa part ng administration, iyon ang kino-consider. And of course, ‘yung pagseserbisyo sa bayan bilang inyong Tatay Digong.

Ito proven and tested na po ‘yung kanyang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan hindi lang sa salita kung ‘di sa gawa,” Go added.

Section 2 of said order, states that only the President, Vice President, the Department of National Defense (DND), and other government officials as approved by DND Secretary are those entitled to the detail of military personnel.

“No military personnel shall be detailed or assigned to a private individual unless such detail or assignment is approved by the President, upon recommendation of the DND Secretary,” the EO read.

Protective security, however may be provided by the personnel of Philippine National apolice (PNP) through the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) subject to existing policies, rules, and regulation of the PNP and in accordance National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) memorandum circulars.

Escobal, however clarified that aspiring candidates for local and national positions may also be given assistance and or protection depending on threat assessment to be conducted by Directorate for Intelligence.

“Police security and protection group can provide,” according to Escobal.

He said all directors of Regional Police Offices can also provide security immediately for them while on process of their request for security detail.

Those PNP and AFP personnel and officials who will be found violating this EO, may be charged with appropriate adminitrative and criminal offences, while aspiring candidates for elective positions who violates the same may be charged with similar offense that may become one of the basis for possible disqualification case.

guidelines and protocols varies,” Usop added.

She said that the DCOTT has been seeing fewer passengers amid the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the previous years.

Usop said bus trips to and from Davao City average 300 trips daily, even days before All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Before the pandemic, she said daily bus trips during this season usually peaked 1,500.

She said buses are required to continue to follow the requirement of 50% seating capacity and installation of barriers to enforce physical distancing among passengers.

The major bus companies operating in the terminal are the Bachelor Express, Yellow Bus Line, LCI Bus Line, ACF Bus Lines, Holy Infant Tours, Mindanao Star and the Davao Metro Shuttle. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

bisyo sa ating mga kababayan hindi lang sa salita kung ‘di sa gawa,” he added.

President Duterte is being urged by his ruling party, the PDP-Laban, to run for senator in the 2022 elections. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, as party president, stated that attempts are being made to push Duterte to run for Senate next year.

Meanwhile, Go said that although President Duterte is more than qualified to be senate president if elected as senator, it is too early to discuss such possibilities especially since the Senate leadership is decided upon by a collegial body.

“Masyado pang maaga sigurong pag-usapan ‘yan dahil hindi naman natin alam kung sino ang mananalo, who will compose the majority. Kadalasan diyan ay pipiliin po ng majority. But, bilang former president ay napakalaking bagay ‘yon sa kanyang ah leadership ‘no, nanggaling sa pagka-presidente,” said Go.

“Siguro masasabi naman ni Pangulo na nabanggit niya kung ano ‘yung mga programa na makakatulong pa siya, na maipagpapatuloy ‘yung mga programa na magaganda na nakakabenepisyo naman sa mga kababayan natin ay isusulong niya rin po, dahil naging mambabatas na rin siya noon, naging congressman na rin po siya at naging presiding officer rin po siya ng... as vice mayor, twice sa Davao,” he added.

Go also confirmed that PDP-Laban officials would meet before November 15 to finalize their candidates for the forthcoming elections. He also stated that he has made up his mind on running for vice president.

“Yes. Parati namang nag-uusap ang PDP about that.

Ako naman... sigurado na ‘ko.

Kandidato na po ako at desidido na ‘ko diyan. Consistent naman ako, always po akong consistent kung ano po ‘yung sinabi ko. So, 100% dito na ko bilang kandidato as vice president,” said Go.

SECURITY... FROM 2

RESUMPTION... FROM 2

PRRD... FROM 3

VOL.14 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021

EASING... FROM 3

Under Executive Order No. 63 Series of 2021, or an order providing for the lifting of the use of motorcycle barriers, jeepney, and other public utility vehicle barriers, these barriers will no longer be required, however, the use of these safety measures are still encouraged.

Meanwhile, Nonito “Dondon” Llanos III, regional director of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board 11 (LTFRB 11) emphasized that passengers still need to observe physical distancing even if the city government of Davao already lifted plastic barriers in public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

“Physical distancing is still a must,” said Llanos in a text message.

Although in Section 2 of the EO states that the use of plastic

barriers in public utility vehicles (PUVs) shall no longer be required, drivers and operators must still implement the mandatory wearing of face mask and physical distancing inside their units.

Likewise, motorcycle barriers shall no longer be required for use.

The EO also stated that the barriers in PUVs and motorcycles are still encouraged for voluntary use only.

On the other hand, the city government also issued Executive Order (EO) No. 51-A Series of 2021, on November 2, 2021, ordering that face shields shall be for voluntary use in the 3Cs settings: crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces.

For all other places, the use of the face shield shall not be required.

These variations in offers, Duterte and Yap said, have substantial discrepancies from the actual zonal value or fair market value of the properties affected.

Duterte also said they received information that some individuals were buying properties along the 105-kilometer line at a very low price and are selling them to DOTr at a higher price.

In a statement issued

by DoTr Central Office and shared to Edge Davao, the Transportation department stated that it understands that some stakeholders of the MRP, such as property owners and other persons affected by its alignment, may have issues and concerns with the ongoing ROW acquisition activities, which DOTr and its Project Management Office (PMO) have been addressing, and continue to seek to address, both directly in coordination meetings, public consultations, and engagements with the affected persons, and also in other venues, including the committee hearing that may be convened by Congress.

DoTr welcomed this as an opportunity to present to the distinguished committee members the actual process of ROW acquisition, as well as address stakeholders’ concerns.

“We wish to assure the committee of the DoTr’s fullest cooperation and transparency, aligned with our commitment to implementing this long overdue mega transport project for Mindanao. In this light, allow us to respectfully note that DoTr is not the entity that directly undertakes the appraisal of properties that need to be acquired for the construction of MRP,” the statement said.

It also stated that according to the Right-of-Way Act, such appraisal is being undertaken by Intech Property Appraisal, Inc., an Independent Property Appraiser (IPA) ac-

credited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with technical and engineering support provided by the project’s Asian Development Bank (ADB) financed Project Preparation, Design, and Tender Consultant, Ove Arup, and Partners.

“As guided by Secretary Art Tugade, the DOTr’s relentless pursuit of game-changing initiatives that would enable our country to leapfrog into modernity and progress, will be implemented with the utmost commitment to upholding the bestinterestofthecountry,and the Filipino people,” the statement said.

DoTr also assured that everything in this major project will be under the highest standards of good governance and prevailinglawsandprocedures on project implementation.

“We most appreciate and thankRepresentativesDuterte and Yap for providing us this opportunity to be able to presentatlengththeMindanaoRail Project, and its significance to thetransformationalinitiative of the Duterte Administration to vastly improve our mass transportation system,” the statement said.

Meanwhile,Phase1ofMRP isa105-kilometerlinethatcoversDavaodelNorte,DavaoCity and Davao del Sur with eight stations located in Tagum City, Carmen, Panabo City, Brgy.

Mudiang in Bunawan District, Davao Terminal in Toril, Sta. Cruz, and Digos City.

Phase 1 of the MRP has a budget of P35.91 billion.

The House inquiry aims to revisit existing laws and rules on the manner of acquisition of right of way and expropriation ofprivatepropertiesaffectedby governmentworks,infrastructure, and other projects and to strengthen the same or come up with new and better mechanismstoensurethatallaffected stakeholders, whether from the public or private sector, are adequately compensated and protected by applicable laws and rules. By Maya M. Padillo

and daily active transactions of 19 million and 12 million, respectively.

“This is further proof that our growth and achievements have not gone unnoticed. We

have been able to continuously expand by introducing game-changing innovations while improving our profitability profile,” said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt.

the ratio of the total number of

Meanwhile, the total number of ATMs in the region soared to 84% from 480 units in 2012 rose to 883 units as of June 2021 while the bulk of the region’s ATMs are those in Universal and Commercial Banks. ATMs serve as essential services in the banking system due to the easier access of clients getting cash from the bank. (PIA XI/Elvira May Suico)

DoTr... FROM 3

GCASH... FROM 5 BSP... FROM 5

domestic banking offices and total number of cities or municipalities in a given area.

“Tumataas po ang presence ng banking system po dito sa Davao Region (Our banking system is increasing in the Davao Region) if there are more banking offices in the region that would mean higher density ratio,” Diaz said.

PISHING... FROM 9

e-mail back sensitive information, as in the case of Rossana.

If your bank actually uses this as a method of verifying account information, you need to switch banks.

• The e-mail contains typos or blatant grammatical mistakes. A typo isn’t a big deal, and a split infinitive isn’t something to get too worried about. But just the same, watch for these: two or more typos/ misspellings, run-on sentences, weird capitalization, blatantly bad syntax, and incorrect brand spellings.

• The e-mail is impersonal.

Instead of placing your name, the salutation would be: “Dear Valued Customer.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also issued an advisory to the public pertaining to phishing scams.

“The message is usually accompanied by a link that, when clicked, leads to a spoofed or fake website which asks you to input your personal and financial information such as user IDs, passwords and account and personal identification numbers,” BSP states.

Generally, phishers may use official-looking logos and other identifying information from financial institutions or other legitimate organizations.

“Phishing may be done in various methods other than e-mail, such as text messages, chat rooms, electronic fake banner advertisements or message boards, fake mailing lists, fake job search sites and job offers, and fake browser toolbars,” BSP says.

What you can do As a precaution, when you receive an e-mail which you

deem coming from phishers, here are some of the things you can do: • Don’t download any included attachments. Despite what the e-mail says, most legitimate organizations don’t require their customers to download e-mailed programs to maintain accounts.

• Don’t follow any links within the e-mail, especially if the provided link is a long and cumbersome link. Instead, open a browser window, and manually type in the web address of the company and follow links there.

• Contact customer support of the company who supposedly sent you the e-mail via e-mail or phone, and ask them to verify whatever claims are being made in the e-mail (“I’ve received an e-mail telling me my account may be canceled if I don’t confirm my account number. Is this true?”).

• Do NOT respond to the original e-mail. Get the e-mail address from the company’s website after manually typing in the address.

Street muggers “Phishers are the street muggers of the digital age, using computers instead of weapons to steal financial information and identities from innocent people,” said Tatian Platt, senior vice-president for integrity assurance for America OnLine.

Whatever happened to Rafael? Well, here’s what he said: “While my trouble appears to be minor, I am not taking any chances. I decided to take the troubled system offline and replace it with a new system. Unfortunately, this caused me to lose some data.”

fourth straight game with lower back tightness. Kleber, who started Sunday’s win over Sacramento in Porzingis’ place, left that game late in the first period and will be out 7-10 days with a left oblique strain.

TESTING ISSUES Veteran Mavericks guard Trey Burke, who is unvaccinated, missed the COVID-19 testing window for the second time in four games and was unavailable, forfeiting another game check. Coach Jason Kidd said Burke will travel with the team for Wednesday night’s game at San Antonio.

“For us as the Mavs, we can only talk (to him) about it,” Kidd said. “He has the responsibility to show up on time.”

TIP-INS Heat: Coach Erik Spoelstra’s 613rd career win tied him for 26th most in NBA history. ... Duncan Robinson has hit 3-pointers in 55 consecutive

games, beginning last Feb. 11.

It’s the second-longest streak in franchise history to Robinson’s 57 straight from Nov. 25, 2019, to Aug. 12, 2020.

Mavericks: With a seven-foot jump shot midway through the second quarter, Doncic passed his coach and moved into 14th place on the franchise points list in only his fourth season. Doncic has 5,283 to Kidd’s 5,258 in eight Dallas seasons.

HERRO MARK Herro has 157 points off the bench in the season’s first seven games. That’s more than any player has scored coming off the bench since 1975, when the NBA began charting stats by whether a player started a game or was a reserve. The previous mark through a team’s first seven games was 156 by Jason Terry (2007-08) and Michael Brooks (1980-81).

one to do so,”he added.

He also congratulated Marcial who got married to longtime girlfriend Princess Jenniel Cabradilla Galarpe, an amateur boxing national champion from Cagayan de Oro City last October 28.

San Miguel, a longtime supporter of Philippine sports, backed the Philippine team that won 149 gold medals, 117 silvers, and 121 bronzes in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

During the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, SMC also supported the Philippine team that also won the overall championship with 112 golds, 85 silvers, and 93 bronzes.

SMC also owns a three professional basketball teams, namely San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

said there will be online competitions, activities, and series of shows prepared for this year’s celebration that include Himig ng Paskong Dabawenyo, a family caroling competition; Christmas Card of Hope, a family Christmas card-making contest; Family TikTok Family online dance competition; and Misa de Gallo.

“Our local government is generously sharing cash prizes and digital prizes and gifts from

sponsors. Ang atong activities karon is going toward family bonding even ang competitions involved family,” Gatchalian said.

This is the second time Davao City celebrates Pasko Fiesta, which is the city government of Davao’s annual monthlong Christmas festival, online.

Last year, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio put off all Christmas activities and events due to the threat of Covid-19. By Maya M. Padillo

HERRO... FROM 11

GODFATHER... FROM 12

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

11

Giannis Antetokounmpo goes 9 for 16 in 27 minutes of action. PHOTO: AP

Bucks snap 3-game slide

D

ETROIT — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks routed the Detroit Pistons, 117-89, on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).

The Bucks, who ended a three-game losing streak, also got 16 points from Pat Connaughton and reserve Jordan Nwora.

Jerami Grant led the Pistons (1-6) with 21 points, but Trey Lyles was the only

other player to reach double figures with 13.

Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 pick in this summer’s draft, went 2 for 14 in his second NBA game, including 0 of 9 from behind the 3-point line. He is

shooting 13.6% (3 of 22) thus far and has missed all 14 3-point attempts.

The Pistons stayed close early, only trailing 36-31 in the second quarter, but they couldn’t score consistently against Milwaukee’s defense. The Bucks finished the half with a 21-8 run to take a 57-39 lead.

Antetokounmpo, who played only 27 minutes total, had 12 points and

seven rebounds in the first half, which outshot Detroit 47.8% to 34.1%. Grant had 14 points in the half, including 3 3-pointers, but his teammates went 2 for 19 from behind the arc.

The Bucks expanded their lead to 29 points in the third quarter and cruised to the easy win.

TIP-INS Bucks: Milwaukee beat the Pistons for the 11th straight time in the reg-

ular season, and lead the overall series 140-112.

Pistons: Since winning their only game of the season on Oct. 30 against Orlando, the Pistons are 0-2 with an average margin of defeat of 27 points.

UP NEXT Bucks: Host the New York Knicks on Friday night.

Pistons: Host the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.

Braves beat Astros to win World Series L OS ANGELES -- Max Fried hurled six shutout innings and Jorge Soler smashed a towering home run as the Atlanta Braves captured their first World Series since 1995 with a 7-0 rout of the Houston Astros on Tuesday.

Starting pitcher Fried

bounced back from a couple of subpar performances in his most recent outings to strike out six batters for the Braves, who wrapped up the best-of-seven series four games to two.

Fried got plenty of support from the Braves’ batters, who scored most of

their runs on Tuesday via the long ball.

Designated hitter Soler blasted a 446-foot three run homer out of the ballpark in the third, Dansby Swanson belted a two-run shot two innings later to give the Braves a commanding 5-0 lead and Freddie Freeman

had a solo shot in the seventh to round out the scoring.

While Fried put on a clinic in game six, the Astros couldn’t overcome their pitching woes, which included a patchwork of relievers coming on after an early exit by rookie starter Luis Garcia in front of a crowd of 42,060 at Minute Maid Park.

The Braves jumped out to a big lead early for

the second straight game.

They hit a grand slam in the first inning of game five but couldn’t hold onto the lead.

This time there was no letdown as Fried and his two relievers, Tyler Matzek and Will Smith, held the powerful Houston batters in check and the Braves won their second championship since the franchise moved to Atlanta in 1966.

NBA STANDINGS

EASTERN CONFERENCE Chicago Bulls Miami Heat New York Knicks Washington Wizards Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors Charlotte Hornets Brooklyn Nets Atlanta Hawks Cleveland Cavaliers Milwaukee Bucks Boston Celtics Orlando Magic Indiana Pacers Detroit Pistons

6-1 6-1 5-2 5-2 5-2 5-3 5-3 4-3 4-3 4-4 4-4 2-5 2-6 2-6 1-6

WESTERN CONFERENCE Utah Jazz Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies Denver Nuggets Minnesota Timberwolves Sacramento Kings Portland Trail Blazers Phoenix Suns LA Clippers San Antonio Spurs Houston Rockets New Orleans Pelicans Oklahoma City Thunder

5-1 5-1 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 3-3 3-3 3-4 2-3 2-4 2-5 1-5 1-6 1-6

Herro, 2 others combine for 92 as Heat rout Mavs

Atlanta Braves players celebrate after defeating the Houston Astros in game six of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Sports/Reuters

D

ALLAS — Four Miami Heat players had 22 or more points in holding off a late Dallas rally to beat the Mavericks, 125-110, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Tyler Herro scored 25 points off the bench, 15 alone in the second quarter when the Heat outscored the Mavericks 46-32 to take a 70-62 halftime lead. Jimmy

Butler added 23 points, Kyle Lowry had 22 and Bam Adebayo scored 22 and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Luka Doncic scored a season-high 33 points for the Mavericks, who lost for the first time in four home games.

Jalen Brunson added a season-high 25 points in his first start of the season, necessitated by injuries that

have sidelined Dallas big men Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber.

Miami led 97-81 with 2:12 to play in the third quarter when Dallas began its run. The Mavericks pulled within 101-95 two minutes into the fourth period before the Heat held them off down the stretch.

Porzingis missed his

FHERRO, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2021

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang hands over the incentives to Tokyo Olympic medalists Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio.

GODFATHER

RSA hands financial incentives, offers business opportunities to Olympic medal winning boxers

S

an Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang wished Tokyo Olympic medalists Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio the best as they gun for the Philippines’ first Olympic gold in boxing in the Paris Olympics three years from now, which also marks the country’s 100th year of participation in the quadrennial meet.

This, as Ang personally handed his P2 million incentive to Marcial for his bronze medal feat while Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio received P5 million each for winning silver medals.

Aside from the cash incentives, Ang said San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will provide the three boxers with any SMC business of their choice that they can put up in their respective home provinces.

All three boxers are from Mindanao. Marcial is from Zamboanga City while Paalam and Petecio hail from Cagayan de Oro and Davao del Sur, respectively.

“At a time when our country is seeing the initial signs of hope to recover from the pandemic, our Olympic medalists continue to inspire us to do our best and rise above all difficulties. As we wish them further success in boxing in the coming Olympics and in Eumir’s case, his next professional bout, we also taking steps to further secure their future with the San Miguel businesses of their choice,”Ang said.

Ang said that the country’s first Olympic gold, courtesy of weightlifter Hidllyn Diaz in the Tokyo Olympics would serve to inspire the three Olympic boxers to vie for the gold in

one of the Filipinos’ favorite sport, where Anthony Villanueva and Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco went as far as a silver finish in 1964 in Tokyo and 1996 in Atlanta, respectively.

Earlier, Ang also gave a P10 million incentive to weightlifter Diaz, who won the gold in the Tokyo Olympics.

Ang also sees the middleweight Marcial, who turned pro last year, as one of the brightest spots in Philippine boxing as he beat American Andrew Whitfield in his professional debut last December before becoming the first Filipino pro boxer to compete and win a medal in the Olympics.

“Eumir’s first bout is impressive, considering that he turned pro and fought his first pro bout following a long layoff due to the pandemic. I see him reaching the greater heights like great boxers Flash Elorde and Manny Pacquiao, who have long been associated with San Miguel during and even after their professional careers,”Ang said.

“If he becomes a champion in his division in the coming years and also wins a gold medal in the Paris Olympics in 2024, then he will have the unique distinction of being the first

FGODFATHER, P10