Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 14 | Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

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A security guard checks construction workers of the Aeon Luxe Properties with a thermal scanner before letting them inside the Aeon Towers construction site on Tuesday. The real estate firm has been enforcing strict health safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Davao hotels, inns offer rooms to frontliners, BPO workers T

By MAYA M. PADILLO he owners and management of hotels and lodging houses in Davao City demonstrated acts of good Samaritans by offering rooms to the city’s frontliners such as nurses and workers of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies.

The list of hotels and lodging houses that

opened their doors are Blue Lotus Hotel, Apo

View Hotel, Oyo Hotels in Davao Airport View, Circle-B Suites, Chateau Cinco Dormitel, D’Airbus Inn, Yellow Pad, Sharana Pensionne, Capital O World Palace and Oh George! Drive-Inn. The management of Eurotel-run Apo View Hotel has likewise opened its rooms as temporary residence of

the 50 frontliners of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) to avoid possible contaminations in their household.

“The management already opened our doors last week. This is in support to the frontliners who are working very hard and risking their lives for us. This

is our way to help and support to the government with its battle against COVID-19,” said Apo View Hotel manager Leah Adolfo in a text message.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president John Carlo Tria expressed his thanks to the different hotels that have

answered to their call to accommodate frontliners and BPO workers.

“We are thankful for them for allowing the nurses and BPO workers to stay. They will allow them safer and easier access to their workplaces while complying with government requirements he said,” Tria said in a statement.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go assures that President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for Congress to grant him additional powers to respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country will stay within bounds. Lean Daval Jr

4 BPO firms face closure

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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our Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) companies in Davao City are facing closure after failing to comply with the provisions of lean workforce system and work from home scheme by the city government of Davao.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio issued on Monday evening the latest directive, Executive Or-

der No. 20 on additional guidelines in the implementation of community quarantine beginning

196 attendees to Malaysian religious event identified

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he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Inter-Agency Task Force (BARMM-IATF) on 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has already identified 196 of the 215 “tabligh” or Islamic preachers who attended a recent religious gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that is linked to the increase of Covid-19 cases in the region.

In a press briefing here on Monday, BARMM-IATF spokesperson Asnin Pendatun said they managed to obtain the passport numbers of the preachers who are now considered as persons under monitoring (PUMs).

Six of the Tabligh are reportedly Malaysian nationals who are now under quarantine in the province of Basilan.

“We have to validate this yet as not all of those

who went to Malaysia have returned home and are also not residents of BARMM,” Pendatun said.

Early on, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos has reported that 19 of the 215 Muslim religious leaders from the Philippines are currently held in isolation facilities in Malaysia after testing positive for the disease.

“What is important is that we know their names and passport numbers so we can easily track them,” Pendatun said.

Pendatun said that 35 of the 215 Islamic preachers are currently in the BARMM and is closely being monitored by the IATF. “Most of them are asymptomatic and are on a 14-day quarantine status,” Pendatun said. He added that the IATF is also validating reports that 16 of the 215 religious

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‪from 5 a.m on Thursday, March 26, to ‪11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2020, unless further extended, modified or withdrawn.

Mayor Sara cited Memorandum 20-08 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that provided options for the BPOs to remain open. The first option is for BPOs to provide a skeletal workforce, strictly observing social distancing, appro-

priate temporary accommodation arrangements within the vicinity of their workplace, plus shuttle service; and the second option is the work from home arrangement.

In an interview on government-run Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Tuesday, Mayor Sara disclosed that from the 55 BPO companies that were inspected, 33 have met the require-

ments, 11 needs revalidation, 10 voluntarily closed, and four companies are recommended for closure.

She said there are still 24 call centers scheduled for inspection.

The mayor also emphasized the need for each BPO personnel to have personal headsets, microphones, and keyboard covers.

She reiterated the

conduct of regular handwashing breaks and disinfection in their establishments must also be followed.

The mayor warned that if BPOs cannot follow the guidelines, they will be shut down.

She said this has been the recommendation of doctors working closely with the city government on COVID-19, the new coronavirus 2019.

An online tutor talks to her students at a call center office in Davao City. Call center agents are cashing on overtime as students from China, Japan etc. turn lockdowns into opportunities to enhance their English. Lean Daval Jr

VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

3

Kapa’s Apolinario faces arrest anew for syndicated estafa

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Market goers walk by some of the city government of Davao’s reminders posted at the main entrance of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

PRRD’s ‘additional powers’ to stay within bounds: Go

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enator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday assured that President Rodrigo’s request for Congress to grant him additional powers to respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country will stay within bounds.

During a special Senate session, Go co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1418 or the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” seeking to enhance the government’s capabilities to better address the health crisis.

He said the proposed measure will ensure that the Constitution and all other laws that protect the rights of the people will remain in full force and ef-

fect.

“The authority to be given to the President must be for a limited period only, subject to restrictions, and solely to be exercised within what is deemed necessary to put an end to this crisis and to support those who are affected by it,” Go said in his co-sponsorship speech.

He said once approved, the proposed bill will “em-

Mati LGU prepares ration food packs for Matinians

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he City of Mati LGU is preparing to ration 37,000 food packs for the residents of the city whose livelihood are affected by the ongoing implementation of the community quarantine since March 19.

The food packs contain rice and canned goods and will distributed to each identified households care of the barangay officials down to purok and sitios.

Aside from the 37,000 food packs, the provincial government is also giving 32,000 foodpacks more while Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also donated 21,000 foodpacks to be received in three tranches of 7,057 per tranch.

If this is still not enough, the City Government of Mati will also be preparing additional 13,000 more foodpacks.

To avoid convergence of crowd, the city is devising a way on how to effectively

distribute the food packs.

Repacking is presently ongoing and foodpacks will be distributed once repacking is done which is estimated to be over the weekend.

Mayor Duterte’s donation will be the first to be distributed with specific parameters that beneficiaries would be heads of the families who are out of work due to the no work/ no pay scheme, self-employed without work, and those without work due to Covid-19 closures and ban.

Duterte’s donation is set to arrive in the City of Mati anytime today, March 23.

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat urged every Matinians to cooperate and wait in their respective houses for any advise from their barangay officials regarding the food ration schedule.

The barangay health workers have already iden-

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power and give the government the flexibility it needs to address the present health emergency.”

It also seeks to grant authority to the President to fund measures to address and respond to the threats of Covid-19 and the economic impact that comes with it.

“This measure also allows for needed realignments in the budget of concerned agencies so they can prioritize the provision of immediate healthcare needs, as well as food and cash assistance to affected Filipinos, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sectors,” he said.

He, meanwhile, urged the Executive Department to ensure the implemen-

tation of the proposed bill is done “in the most transparent manner” and that “every centavo should be accounted for.”

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, he said while Filipinos are expected to stay home to comply with the Luzon-wide quarantine, it was government’s responsibility to provide for their needs.

“We want everyone to ‘stay home’. But for that to happen, we have to make sure that we are able to sufficiently provide them with the necessary means to take care of their families and ensure the security they need in order to remain in their homes,” he

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apa-Community Ministry International (KAPA) Founder and President Joel A. Apolinario is again facing arrest – this time, for the non-bailable offense of syndicated estafa.

The Cagayan de Oro City Regional Trial Court Branch 21 on February 18 issued a warrant of arrest against Mr. Apolinario, along with eight other people connected to KAPA, for syndicated estafa.

The other respondents are Junnie G. Apolinario, Maria Pella B. Sevilla, Cristobal R. Barabad, Nonita S. Urbano, Nelia V. Nino, Jouelyn A. Del Castillo, Joji A. Jusay and Albert P. Buhangbuhang.

The Bislig City Regional Trial Court Branch 29 earlier issued warrants of arrest against Mr. Apolinario, together with KAPA Corporate Secretary Reyna L. Apolinario, Trustee Margie A. Danao and promoters Reniones D. Catubigan, Marisol S. Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico and Moises Mopia, for violations of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

On February 27, Mr. and Mrs. Apolinario, and Catubigan surrendered and posted bail for their temporary liberty while facing the investment fraud charges filed by prosecutors at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In separate Informations, the DOJ has accused KAPA of “willfully, unlawfully and criminally” engaging in the selling or offering for sale or distribution of securities in the Philippines without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the SEC. Accordingly, the DOJ charged KAPA, Mr. and Mrs. Apolinario and Danao of violating Sections 8(8.1), 26.1 and 28 of the SRC. It also indicted Diaz, Fernandico, Mopia and Catubigan for violation of Section 26.1 of the SRC for

promoting the investment scam.

The DOJ further charged Diaz before the Antipolo Regional Trial Court for violation of Section 28. It filed similar Informations against Mopia and Fernandico with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 93, which then issued Warrants of Arrest against the respondents on December 2, 2019.

The criminal proceedings stemmed from the complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 18, 2019 against KAPA, after finding the group to have enticed the public to invest at least P10,000 in exchange for a 30% monthly return for life, without having to do anything other than invest and wait for the payout.

The SEC also found KAPA to have employed a Ponzi scheme, an investment program that offers impossibly high returns and pays investors using the money contributed by later investors.

Under Section 8(8.1) of the SRC, securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution within the Philippines without a registration statement duly filed and approved by the SEC. Section 26.1 further provides that it shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, in connection with the purchase or sale of any securities to employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud.

Section 28 adds that no person shall engage in the business of buying or selling securities in the Philippines as a broker or dealer, or act as a salesman, or an associated person of any broker or dealer unless registered with the SEC. In a resolution issued on September 25, 2019, the DOJ found probable cause to bring charges against KAPA, affirming the findings of the SEC. (PR)

Residents sit less than a meter apart, which the requirement of social distancing policy, while waiting for their turn outside a money-transfer services company along MacArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

An employee of Aeon Luxe Properties gets thermally scanned before entering the premises of the FTC Towers.

Aeon Luxe issues T advisory for clients

Rice stock 'more than enough' during COVID-19 crisis: NFA

D

avao City-based developer Aeon Luxe Properties on Tuesday issued an advisory to the public on business transactions with the firm as well as its initiatives to ensure a safe workplace.

“With the rise of COVID-19 cases across the country, we would like to assure the public that the health and well-being of our employees remains our priority. We are making all possible efforts to safeguard them at all costs as we attend to the needs of our valued customers,”

Aeon Luxe’s statement read.

Aeon Luxe management said the company has been proactive in supporting the Philippine government’s mandate to have precautionary measures in place in all establishments.

It has limited face-to-face interactions in its offices

until the national health emergency has been lifted.

As part of our business continuity plans, Aeon Luxe said it will be of service to customers, partners and stakeholders from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Designated digital channels are also ready to address customers’ concerns at their own convenience.

Aeon Luxe can be reached through the following: phone number: +63-82-287-4291; email address: customerservice@aeonluxe.com.ph; website: aeonluxe.com.ph;

and Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/AeonLuxeDVO/.

“Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. continues to stay committed in delivering optimal results for our customers. Thus, we strive to be productive in our business operations while exercising vigilance in responding to the need of any health crisis,” the statement further said. “We pray for the safety of everyone and we believe that with our unified efforts, we will overcome these trying times.

Thank you very much for your continued support.”

and exports from China due to the Covid-19 epidemic that started from Wuhan, China last December.

“While these transmissions channels are still in place, we now believe that the most significant drag on growth will come from quarantine measures in the country following a severe outbreak,” it said.

The government placed Luzon, the country’s largest island group, under enhanced community quarantine from March 17 to April 12 to contain the rise of Covid-19 cases.

This was done two days after Metro Manila was placed under community quarantine to address

the rise of Covid-19 cases.

Fitch Solutions said its decision to cut the growth forecast for the Philippines was in line with its global economic outlook, which “has become more pessimistic.”

“We now expect a sharper downturn, exacerbated by the tightening of global financing conditions,” it said.

The report said the combination of these headwinds will cap domestic demand and investment, as well as export activity over the coming quarters.

“However, we do think that fiscal stimulus will play a large role in supporting the economy and a pipeline of public in-

frastructure projects will help support a rebound once the outbreak is contained,” it said.

Last week, the government announced a PHP27.1-billion stimulus program for the affected sectors.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has also announced its decision to tie-up with the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) to purchase up to PHP300 billion worth of government securities with a maximum repayment period of six months.

Proceeds of the debt paper sale will be used to augment government funds intended for Covid-19-related programs. (PNA)

Fitch Solutions slashes ‘20 growth forecast for PH

E

conomic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on the Philippine economy is expected to slow down domestic expansion, with Fitch Solutions cutting its 2020 growth projection from 6 percent to 4 percent.

In a report dated March 20, 2020, the unit of Fitch Group said its growth projection is the slowest for the country since 2011, referring to the 3.7-percent output that year.

Earlier, Fitch Solutions traced the risks to growth of tourism, remittances, supply-chain disruption, and weaker foreign direct investments (FDIs) after stoppage of production

he Philippines has enough rice supply as the 1-month lockdown of Luzon island drives demand for the staple grain, the National Food Administration (NFA) chief said Tuesday.

There are 9.3 million bags of rice lodged in NFA warehouses across the country, NFA Administrator Judy Carol Dansal said.

"Lahat po ng bodega ng NFA punong-puno last year so we have a good inventory to start this year.

At kahit na nangyari yung sakuna sa Taal, sobra-sobra pa rin tayo [ng supply]," Dansal said.

(All our NFA warehouses are full since last year so we have a good inventory to start this year. Even if the tragedy of the Taal happened, we still have more than enough.)

The NFA also has unmilled rice on standby in case the country needs

more, she said.

"We have exerted effort na tuloy-tuloy po ang milling dahil malaki po ngayon ang demand ng ating local government units at sa Department of Social Welfare and Development," she said, without disclosing demand figures.

(We have exerted effort to have a continuous million because there is high demand from local governments and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.)

Local government units are not expected to hoard rice for their constituents because they don't have enough storage facilities, the NFA chief said.

Luzon's borders were temporarily closed since last week to limit the entry and exit of possible coronavirus carriers. The transport restrictions don't apply to food, medicine and frontline workers.

BTr rejects T-bill tenders on higher-than-expected yields

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he Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) auction committee on Monday rejected bids for all treasury bill (T-bill) tenors after noting the general demand for high yields and undersubscription.

BTr offered PHP20 billion worth of securities for the auction on Monday at PHP6 billion each for the three and six-month paper and PHP8 billion for the one-year paper.

Data released by the BTr showed that total bids for the 91-day paper amounted to PHP7.53 billion; the 182-day bill, PHP4.12 billion; and the

364-day paper, PHP2.85 billion.

In a Viber message to journalists, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon dubbed the tenders submitted during the auction as “throw away bids” and attributed this to investors’ preference to hold cash amid coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

She expects this to continue as the country is seeing rising numbers of Covid-19 cases.

As of 12 noon March 23, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 82 new cases, bringing the to-

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VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5 DA-11 shifts registration for food pass through online

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A foodpanda delivery man traverses along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. The leading mobile food delivery company is planning to expand its reach in Davao City despite the current COVID-19 crisis. Lean Daval Jr

Food delivery firm expands reach, deploys bicycle riders

By MAYA M. PADILLO

W

hile not classified as frontliners in the middle of the Covid-19 catastrophe, food delivery service companies like foodpanda are performing a critical role in this time of emergency.

No less than Mayor Sara Z. Duterte was quoted telling Dabawenyos not to worry as Foodpanda is exempted from restrictions on movements like curfew and lockdown.

Foodpanda has recently expanded its reach and started delivering food in Toril District with over 30 restaurants in the platform on March 23 this year to cater more Dabawenyos while the city is under mandatory community quarantine.

Previously, Foodpanda delivered food as far as Puan in the south and Panacan in the northern area.

Reynaldo Rubio, PR manager of Foodpanda, in an email interview said on a regular day, the service is open 24/7 in the regional key cities in Cebu and Davao. Other provinces along with Metro Manila

B

ig companies in the country have raised over PHP1.5 billion to help the urban poor amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Project Ugnayan targets to distribute PHP1,000 gift certificates to over one million households in the poor communities of the greater Manila area,” the companies said in a joint statement.

Project Ugnayan is supported by Aboitiz Group, ABS-CBN/Lopez Group, Alliance Global/Megaworld,

from 6 a.m. up to 3 a.m. the next day.

However, given the situation of the breakout of Covid-19, Rubio said they adjusted their operating hours (depending on the city) following the mandated enhanced quarantine by the central government.

In Davao City, Foodpanda has hundreds of riders serving daily and will be launching the bicycle riders soon as well.

Rubio said they have more than a thousand riders nationwide, with 10 percent of it being the bicycle riders.

“Becoming a foodpanda rider is very easy. To apply to Foodpanda from facebook, website, email or just come to our office. We require our delivery couriers to have all necessary legal requirements to drive a motorbike and no historical charges,” he said.

Rubio cannot disclose some numbers such as sales because Foodpanda is a publicly listed company.

Foodpanda started in June 2014 with the aim of bringing food lovers around the Philippines with their favorite meals from curated local restaurants. Since its creation in the Philippines, the on-demand delivery service has grown to more than 2,500 restaurant brands alone in more than 30 cities across the Philippines.

“Foodpanda is the sole delivery platform that focuses on food alone and this sets us apart from other delivery platforms already. Our backend process of delivery from restaurant to customers also sets us apart - wherein our riders just pick up the orders when they arrive at the restaurant, no waiting in queues,” Rubio said.

Foodpanda started off with a very small team in Singapore in 2012, then launched its operations in the Philippines in June 2014. Delivery Hero is the parent company of Foodpanda and acquired it in 2017 from Rocket Internet.

Delivery Hero is a leading global online food ordering and delivery marketplace with number one market positions in terms of restaurants, active users and orders in more countries than any of its competitors across 40 countries in Europe, the Middle East & North Africa (MENA), Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. It also operates its own delivery service in more than 200 high-density urban areas around the world. The company is headquartered in Berlin and has over 21,000 employees.

Rubio said Foodpanda is also active across Asia Pacific regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan and Bangladesh. It belongs to the group of Delivery Hero, which is the worldwide leader of food delivery industry - with the goal to create an amazing takeaway experience.

“Given that food is our passion, we, at Foodpanda, focus on acquiring the best restaurants to provide variety and to have something for each customer to

AY Foundation and RCBC, Ayala Corporation, Caritas Manila, Century Pacific, Concepcion Industrial Corp, DMCI, Gokongwei Group of Companies/Robinsons Retail Holdings, ICTSI, Jollibee, Leonio Group, Mercury Drug, Metrobank/ GT Capital, Nutri-Asia, Oishi/Liwayway Marketing Group, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, PLDT/Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, Puregold, San Miguel Corporation, and SM/BDO, Sunlife

of Canada, and Suyen Corp.

“In compliance with social distancing guidelines, gift certificates delivered door to door will be redeemable for food items from accessible groceries and supermarkets,” the firms added.

Project Ugnayan is partnering with Caritas Manila’s Project Damayan and ABS-CBN’s Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program for the distribution of the gift certificates.

“We are grateful for the

support of the business community and hope that this initiative will inspire more acts of kindness in this time of crisis. Now is the time for our communities to help as one,” Caritas Manila Executive Director, Fr. Anton Pascual said.

Project Ugnayan is currently in talks with other companies that can pledge their support for the program.

There are now four pilot areas for the project of the big firms. (PNA)

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o ensure that the clients of the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) are safe from the threat of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the agency has shifted the registration of food pass accreditation through online application.

As of Friday (March 20), food lane accreditation has already served some 1,250 clients from various parts of Region 11 wherein applications are still expected to increase. However, the usual walk-in application has already been halted by the agency due to precautionary measures.

"This is in adherence to social distancing as well as to ensure that the health and safety of both our processors and applicants for food lane pass will not be compromised, all registration will be done online,” said DA-11 Director Ricardo Oñate, Jr. In a previous interview, Noel Provido, DA-11 information chief, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the food lane accreditation aims to ensure unhampered delivery of food and other agricultural commodities amid the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine in the region due to the Covid-19.

Provido said the "Food Lane Conduct Pass" is open to food suppliers, farmer cooperatives, farmers’ associations, truckers or logistics, and other distribution entities.

The accreditation covers suppliers and truckers

with the following commodities: rice, agricultural commodities (fresh fruits and vegetables), livestock and poultry, frozen meat and processed food products, feeds, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs and fishery commodities.

Applicants must have valid business permits, must not have an existing complaint against their consumers and must be duly registered. Handler’s license and accreditation of transport carriers issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and accreditation of meat transport vehicles issued by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) is also required for those with livestock, poultry, and by-products.

In a statement on Monday, DA-11 said applicants may apply by filling up certain forms at http:// agribusiness.da.gov.ph and attached the needed requirements such as business permits.

For those with livestock, poultry, and by-products, the applicant must attach a scanned copy of handler’s license and accreditation of transport carriers issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and accreditation of meat transport vehicles issued by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

Once approved, online applicants may pick-up the food pass stickers at the DA- Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) office located at F. Bangoy St. here. (PNA)

NEDA proposes three-phase approach to counter COVID-19

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he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has proposed a threephase approach to mitigate the social and economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the Philippines.

In a statement on Tuesday, NEDA said the government response to the global health crisis should be holistic and should balance both social and economic factors.

"This public health emergency brought about

by COVID-19 shows us how crucial it is for us to have a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing the challenge," said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

"The response measures should delicately balance the health and economic objectives, particularly as the impact varies by economic class. Otherwise, the situation could deteriorate to a social and political crisis," he elaborated.

Under its proposal, NEDA has suggested a three-phased approach, with the first phase primarily for health efforts.

Phase 1A will involve clinical and medical response, the early detection and diagnosis, effective quarantine systems, ef-

fective management and treatment protocol, and research and epidemiological studies.

Phase 1B is for public health responses such as travel ban, promotion of proper hygiene, ban on crowded gatherings, school closures, work suspension, flexible work arrangements, and work continuance in essential sectors.

Meanwhile, Phase 1C will be for the short-term augmentation of the Philippines' health systems capacity, such as establishing makeshift outpatient consultation facilities with specimen harvesting, and the increase of supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and remote quarantine facilities (RQF).

This will be followed

by Phase 2 which will rebuild consumer and business confidence.

"To maintain appropriate protective distancing even beyond the ECQ, businesses may implement staggered working hours.

Provision of emergency loans may also be resorted to address balance sheet problems of both the business sector and consumers," Pernia said.

Lastly, Phase 3 will involve the resumption of a "new normal" state of economic activity more pre-

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

EDITORIAL Work as one In this fight against an unknown enemy like the coronavirus, time is of the essence.

As the Philippines continue a disorganized battle for survival amidst the pandemic that has claimed thousands of lives around the world, it is obvious that this nation is not headed to a successful war. Reason is simple, the people are not united, many are confused, and selfishness and discord still prevail. These are the very ingredients of failure. Worst, time is not on our side.

Weeks into the coronavirus pandemic, there is just to much confusion brought about by disinformation, fake news and irresponsible people.

Instead of battling this deadly virus early to contain it, it appears everyone is just content of the chaos it brings and the fear it sows.

It is best to go down bluntly to specifics.

People in the government, private sector and even the church must collaborate to keep people safe. At this point, the safest place is inside their homes. It is disturbing to see many people still going about their normal lives--reporting to work and socializing. Not one should be allowed to breach the rules of community quarantine. Hence, law enforcers must have to carry out their sworn duty where people do not

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ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Layout/Cartoons Cartoonist 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 D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

obey the rules in this extraordinary times.

Of course it is understandable that people go out because they need to earn and buy food to survive. Which leads us to the sworn duty of government, specifically the local government units, to practically feed the people by using government financial resources. If people are served with their basic necessities by government, they will stay at home. Davao City will initiate this food rationing beginning Monday as announced by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Other LGUs must follow suit. Banking or hoarding food supplies and resources for what some politicians say, when the need arises, will only force people to get out of their homes. So why not distribute the relief goods now? And perhaps, best to omit the photo ops.

Finally, this is the time to work together whether one belongs to the administration or not. It is time to be in the same train together and work as one. Politicians and their supporters, trolls included, should get their acts together. The opposition can transcend beyond political differences to offer their hand and help.

Everyone should keep in mind that this unknown, unseen enemy best subsists in chaos.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARER’S NON-DEPLOYMENT DUE TO REPLACEMENT IS A BREACH OF CONTRACT Failure to deploy a seafarer due to replacement by another seafarer is considered a breach of contract entitling him to damages.

The Supreme Court awarded the seafarer his nine months’ worth of salary in the case of Abosta Ship Management, vs.

Wilhilm Hilario {G.R. No. 195792 , November 24, 2014} when the employer unjustifiably failed to deploy the seafarer in accordance with the POEA-approved contract of employment .

Records showed that the foreign principal had already chosen the seafarer from among the other candidates as bosun. The manning agency then entered into an employment contract and hired the seafarer. Subsequent communications, though, show that the foreign principal approved a different candidate for the position of bosun, The case revolved on the issue of whether such breach would entitle the seafarer to the payment of actual damages for the failure of the employer to comply with the latter’s obliga-

tions in accordance with the employment contract.

It is the contention of the manning agency that the seafarer’s non-deployment was due to the foreign principal’s management prerogative to promote an able seaman. This exercise of management prerogative supposedly is a valid and justifiable reason that would negate any liability for damages.

The Supreme Court, however, noted that there was a violation of the contract at the time that the foreign principal decided to promote another person.

The vacancy for the position of bosun ceased to exist upon the execution of the contract between the employer and seafarer that was subsequently approved by the POEA. There was no longer a vacancy when the foreign principal changed its mind, since the position of bosun had already been filled up by the seafarer.

The contract was already perfected on the date of its execution, which occurred when the employer and seafarer agreed on the object and the cause, as well

as on the rest of the terms and conditions therein.

Contemporaneous with the perfection of the employment contract was the birth of certain rights and obligations, a breach of which may give rise to a cause of action against the erring party.

The POEA contract must also be recognized and respected since neither the manning agent nor the employer can simply prevent a seafarer from being deployed without a valid reason.

The promotion and choice of personnel is indeed an exercise of management prerogative so long as they are exercised in good faith for the advancement of the employer’s interest, and not for the purpose of defeating or circumventing the rights of the employees under special laws or under valid agreements.

However, there are limitations on the exercise of management prerogatives, such as existing laws and the principle of equity and substantial justice.

Under the principle of equity and substantial justice, the Supreme Court underscored that

change of mind is not a valid reason for the non-deployment of the seafarer .

He lost the opportunity to apply for other positions in other agencies when he signed the contract of employment with the employer. Simply put, that contract was binding on the parties and may not later be disowned simply because of a change of mind of either one of them.

The unilateral and unreasonable failure to deploy the seafarer constitutes breach of contract, which gives rise to a liability to pay actual damages.

The sanctions provided for non-deployment do not end with the suspension or cancellation of license or the imposition of a fine and the return of all documents at no cost to the worker. They do not forfend a seafarer from instituting an action for damages against the employer or agency that has failed to deploy him.

The failure to deploy a seafarer was an exercise of a management prerogative that went beyond its limits and resulted in a breach of contract.

In tum, the employer’s breach gave rise to the seafarer’s cause of action to claim actual damages for the pecuniary loss suffered by the latter in the form of the loss of nine months’ worth of salary as provided in the POEA-approved contract of employment.

The same principle was applied by the Supreme Court in the cases of Santiago v. CF Sharp Crew Management, Inc (527 SCRA 165) and C.F. Sharp & Co. Inc vs Agustin and Minimo (G.R. No. 179469 February 15, 2012).

Despite the fact that the employer-employee relationship has not commenced due to the failure to deploy the seafarers in both cases, the Court declared that they are entitled to rights arising from the perfected Contract of Employment, such as the right to demand performance by the employers of their obligation under the contract.

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).

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FAMOUS FOOTBALLERS VS. COVID-19 “The pandemic is accelerating. It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases, 11 days for the second 100,000 cases and just 4 days for the third 100,000 cases. You can see how the virus is accelerating.” – WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus *** To combat the SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the international governing body of football has teamed up with the United Nations health agency by launching a new awareness campaign led by world-renowned footballers.

FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) and the World Health Organization have joined forces in calling on all people around the world to follow several methods to stop the spread of the disease.

The “Pass the message to kick out coronavirus” campaign promotes five key steps for people to follow to protect their health in line with WHO guidance, according to a press release dated March 23 which EDGE Davao obtained.

“Many football matches have stopped – but our col-

laboration has become even more important during these difficult times,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the virtual launch of the campaign at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. “In fact, it’s given us the opportunity of working together more closely than we imagined. Football can reach millions of people, especially younger people, that public health officials cannot.”

“We need teamwork to combat the coronavirus,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “FIFA has teamed up with WHO because health comes first. I call upon the football community worldwide to join us in supporting this campaign to pass the message even further. Some of the greatest players to have played the beautiful game have put their names to the campaign and are united in their desire to pass the message to kick out COVID-19.”

The key messages are as follows: Hands: “It starts with your hands,” says Alisson Becker, WHO Goodwill ambassador for health promotion, Liverpool FC and Brazil goalkeeper, and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, 2019.

“Please wash your hands fre-

quently with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution.”

The WHO says: Such frequent washing with soap and water, or preferably with an alcohol-based hand solution, kills viruses that may be on your hands. It is simple, but it is very important.

Elbows: “Cover your nose and mouth with a bent elbow or tissue when you sneeze or cough,” says Carli Lloyd twotime FIFA Women’s World Cup winner from the United States. “Dispose of tissue immediately and wash your hands.”

Droplets spread the coronavirus, according to WHO. By following respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from contracting viruses, such as cold, flu and coronavirus.

Face: “Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the virus from entering your body,” adds FC Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, The Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2019, and a multiple FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.

Hands touch too many surfaces and can quickly pick up viruses, the UN health agency contends. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your face, from

where the virus can move inside your body, making you feel unwell.

Distance: “In terms of social interaction, take a step back,” says Han Duan, who represented China PR 188 times in an international career that spanned 11 years.

“Stay at least one-meter distance from others.”

By maintaining such social distancing, the WHO maintains, you are helping to avoid breathing in any droplets from someone who sneezes or coughs in close proximity.

Feel – know your symptoms: “If you feel unwell, stay home,” concludes Samuel Eto’o, former FC Barcelona and Cameroon striker, who represented his country 114 times. “Please follow all instructions provided by your local health authorities.”

The WHO says that if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, you need to seek medical attention and call in advance.

“Keep informed as local health authorities provide the latest information on the situation in your area,” the WHO urges. “Please follow their specific instructions, and call in advance to allow them to direct you to the appropriate local health facility.

This serves to protect you and to help prevent the spread of virus and other infections.”

Twenty-eight players are involved in the video campaign, which is being published in 13 languages.

Aside from those mentioned above, the other players who appeared in the campaign were: Sami Al Jaber (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Emre Belözoğlu (Turkey), Jared Borgetti (Mexico), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Sunil Chhetri (India), Youri Djorkaeff (France), Radamel Falcao (Colombia), Laura Georges (France), Valeri Karpin (Russia), Miroslav Klose (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Gary Lineker (England), Mido (Egypt), Michael Owen (England), Park Ji-sung (Korea), Carles Puyol (Spain), Celia Sasic (Germany), Asako Takakura (Japan), Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast), Juan Sebastián Verón (Argentina), Sun Wen (China) and Xavi Hernández (Spain).

FIFA, which was founded in Paris, France, have also pledged $10 million to support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, a secure way for individuals, philanthropies and businesses to contribute to the WHO-led effort to respond to the pandemic.

– ###

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

A FIGHT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS

“

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Tuberculosis (TB) is perhaps the greatest killer of all time. (It) rose slowly, silently, seeping into the homes of millions, like an ageless miasma. Once arrived, TB stayed (and become) a stealthy predator.” – Dr. Frank Ryan, author of Tuberculosis: The Greatest Story Never Told Although coronavirus disease 2019 – or COVID-19 for short – is dominating the world’s attention, there’s another respiratory disease that is both preventable and treatable, but which kills 1.5 million people every year - and that disease is the old-timer, tuberculosis.

“The world is rightly responding to COVID-19 with urgency and purpose,” said Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of World Health Organization (WHO) at the press briefing at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. “We call on the global community to harness that same urgency and purpose for the fight against tuberculosis – and for a healthier, safer, fairer world for everyone.”

Despite the availability of drugs that can beat TB, the disease is still a health burden in Southern Mindanao. In 2016, 13,330 TB cases were detected in the region. In the first two quarters of 2017, as many as 7,000 people in the region had TB. The Philippines is among the countries with the highest burden of TB in the world, based on the WHO study. Dr. Willie T. Ong, in his Philippine Star

column, ‘Mind Your Body,’ agrees. “TB is the number six leading cause of death in the Philippines, with 75 Filipinos dying every day of it,” he writes.

The Department of Health (DOH) says sixty percent of those who die of TB occur among the productive age group of 15-64 years old. Some P8 billion is lost annually from sickness and deaths due to TB. Currently, an estimated 200,000 to 600,000 Filipinos have active TB. “This is alarming since each person with active TB can spread the disease to 10 other Filipinos each year,” deplores Dr. Ong, who is an internist-cardiologist and author of several health books.

Multiply the number of Filipinos with active TB by 10, and you get the idea.

“Just imagine how much TB is being spread yearly,” Dr. Ong points out. “Hence, if someone in the household has been diagnosed with TB, all the other members of the household should get tested for TB, too.”

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the microorganism that causes TB, divides every 16 to 20 hours, an extremely slow rate compared with other bacteria, which usually divide in less

than an hour.

“Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a wily foe,” explains Dr. Ann Ginsberg of Rockville, of the Maryland-based Aeras, a non-profit biotech pharmaceutical. “A third of the world is already infected with this bug and some 10 percent will get sick and pass it on to others.”

The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but it can also attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. A person with TB may demonstrate some or all of the following: persistent cough for at least two weeks; significant weight loss, with or without loss of appetite; fever and night sweats (persistent low grade fever of more than a month); chest pains (breathlessness) or back pains; and, hemoptysis (blood-tinged sputum).

“Symptoms depend on the organ affected,” says

Dr. Ong. “TB of the spine causes severe back pain, while TB of the kidneys can cause bloody urine. Hence, TB should be checked and treated as early as possible.”

TB is a contagious disease. Like the common cold, it spreads through the air. “When infectious people cough, sneeze, talk or spit, they propel TB germs into the air,” the United Nations health agency reminds. “A person needs only to inhale a small number of these to be infected.”

“With most infectious diseases, a person becomes sick right after the microorganism enters the body and is noticeably ill within one or two weeks,” points out The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

More often than not, few people become sick immediately after the TB bug enter their body.

“Many TB bacteria that

enter the lungs are immediately killed by the body’s defenses,” the Merck manual informs. “Those that survived are captured inside white blood cells. In 90-95 percent of cases, the bacteria never cause any further problem, but in 5-10 percent of infected people they start to multiply. It is in this active phase that an infected person actually becomes sick and can spread the disease.”

More than half the time, activation of dormant bacteria happens within the first two years, but it may not occur for a very long time. “Doctors do not why the dormant bacteria become active, but it often occurs when the person’s immune system becomes impaired – for example, from very advanced age, the use of corticosteroids, or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).”

Unknown to many, the TB bacteria can live only in human beings. “It cannot be carried by animals, insects, soil, or other non-living objects,” the Merck manual states. “A person can be infected with TB only from another person who has active disease.

Touching someone who has the disease does not spread it, because the bacteria are transmitted only through the air.”

Cough is the most common symptom of TB. The cough may produce a small amount of green or yellow sputum in the morning. Eventually, the sputum may be streaked with blood. Other signs and symptoms include: unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chills, and loss of appetite.

Government health of-

ficials admitted that many of those who are suffering from TB refuse to consult a doctor because of the stigma attached to the disease. “The problem is that most Filipinos ignore their symptoms, continue to roam around, and spread the infection,” says an official of the health department. “Oftentimes, they consult only when there is blood coming out when they cough.”

The DOH lists diabetes as the ninth leading cause of death among Filipinos today. In twenty years, the country is expected to be among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest numbers of people with diabetes. Currently, one out of every five adult Filipinos is suffering from diabetes.

According to the WHO, people with diabetes face a much higher risk of contracting TB than non-diabetics, according to results of a study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization.

The study, done in medically-underserved communities on both sides of the border of Mexico and the United States, found that people with diabetes face three to five times the risk of contracting TB than non-diabetics living in the same settings.

Although the link between diabetes (primarily type 1) and TB has been known since the beginning of the 20th century, it had largely been forgotten by the 1950s as diabetes could be controlled by insulin and drugs to treat TB became available.

Unlike in the past, TB can be cured now. “The usual treatment course

FTUBERCULOSIS, P10

EDGEDAVAO

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leaders are positive from Covid-19.

"As of now we don’t have an official statement from the DOH so we cannot confirm that yet,” Pendatun said. Meanwhile, he said that the IATF is also currently monitoring around 400 Filipino-Muslims who were deported from Sabah, Malaysia.

“Some 200 of those (deportees) are from the province of Basilan, while

the rest are from different parts of Mindanao,” Pendatun said.

Pendatun said that 27 of the deportees are persons under investigation (PUIs) while 93 are PUMs and are now under quarantine in Basilan.

BARMM’s health minister Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan said that the region currently has two confirmed Covid-19 cases, 157 PUIs, and 5,112 PUMs. (PNA)

added.

He said government must also focus on providing immediate healthcare to defeat the virus and, and at the same time, to provide cash and food assistance to those who are affected the most in this crisis.

Daily wage earners such as vendors, Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers and the like should be compensated, he said.

He added that health workers and other frontliners like police and military should also be entitled to hazard pay and necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

“This is the least we could do to help them,” he said.

Go appealed to his fellow senators to work together with the Executive Branch of the government to “strengthen” the fight against what he described as “invisible enemy” that must be defeated.

“We, as legislators, must provide the executive branch the authority and the resources to further enhance our government’s capabilities to better address this threat,” he said.

The Bayanihan Act was sponsored by Senator Pia Cayetano. (PNA)

tal number of cases in the country to 462.

The DOH also report-

ed eight additional deaths and new one recovery case. (PNA)

pare for another possible pandemic.

"During a crisis, it is best to plan ahead and avoid the worst-case scenario. We have crafted a comprehensive program of actions, learning from experienced and insights from various sectors and countries," said Pernia.

"This program requires close collaboration among government instrumentalities from national to local, the business sector from micro to large, NGOs, and citizens alike. It is also necessary for us to think ahead even while we ad-

dress the most urgent and critical challenges," he added.

Economists at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) have earlier warned of a possible economic recession this year, as the Luzon-wide quarantine against the spread of the COVID-19 threatens growth.

From 12:00 a.m. on March 17, the entire Luzon was placed on enhanced community quarantine until April 13, 2020, restricting travel within the region in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

encourage them to order through Foodpanda. We are continuously leveraging on deals and discounts promotions from our restaurants to bring the best to our customers,” he said.

Rubio said Foodpanda is not only committed to providing an assortment of food choices, on-time food delivery but also all about protecting the environment.

“We’re aware that food waste is one of the causes of climate change that’s why we’re all about providing sustainable choices to our consumers,” he said.

Last year, the company launched the “Go Green Campaign” including the opt-in/out cutlery initiative (an option to not have sin-

gle-use plastic utensils to go with the order) and bike delivery service.

Rubio said the campaign helped the company eliminate more than 50,000 pairs of cutlery that save the restaurant take away cost while saving the environment.

“Walkers as part of the delivery fleet might also happen soon. We also deliver love to our friends in need which is called Global Soup Kitchen. An example is the Tagaytay eruption and Tacloban calamity wherein our riders decided to skip work for a few hours and disrupt their plans to help and give away goodies and deliver food from our restaurant partners and bring love and smile to the families affected,” he said.

His fast hands and knockout power brought him to the public’s attention, but it’s his kindness, his humanity, his gener-

osity and his willingness to put the best interests of his countrymen above all which has made him an icon.

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FOOD DELIVERY... FROM5

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A meat vendor prepares pork cuts at a stall inside Agdao Public Market in Davao City. Hog Farmers Association of Davao Inc (HOGFADI) says there are no reports of new cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) but hog farmers

9

in the region still experiencing slow business brought by the regionwide quarantine due to the COVID-19 threat. Lean Daval Jr

Senate passes bill granting PRRD special powers against Covid-19

T

he Senate on Tuesday approved on third and final reading an urgent measure authorizing President Rodrigo Duterte to exercise additional powers necessary to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation in the country.

Senate Bill No. 1418, titled "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act," was approved by all 12 senators who were physically present in the plenary.

Led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, the other senators present were acting Majority Leader Sherwin Gatchalian, Senators Pia Cayetano, Christopher "Bong" Go, Francis Tolentino, Panfilo Lacson, Lito Lapid, Manny Pacquiao, Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., and Richard Gordon.

Meanwhile, eight senators manifested their respective votes via phone patch.

Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sonny Angara, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay, and Francis Pangilinan voted in the affirmative, while Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed a negative vote via the phoned-in manifestations.

Introduced by Sotto and Cayetano, SB 1418 au-

thorizes President Duterte to "reprogram, reallocate, and realign any appropriation" in the 2020 budget which will be used in the fight against Covid-19.

The measure also empowers the President to "direct the operation of any privately-owned hospitals and medical and health facilities, including passenger vessels, and other establishments to house health workers, serve as quarantine areas, quarantine centers, medical relief, and aid distribution locations."

Should private business owners "unjustifiably refuse or signified that they are no longer capable of operating their enterprises" as directed by the executive department, the President “ may take over their operations subject to the limits and safeguards enshrined in the Constitution".

Private entities that will be "directed" by the executive department must be given "reasonable compen-

sation for any additional damage or costs incurred by the owner or the possessor of the subject property solely on account of complying with the directive."

SB 1418 also authorizes President Duterte to, among others, expedite and streamline accreditation of testing kits and facilitate prompt testing; ensure that all Local Government Units (LGUs) are acting in line with the rules issued by the national government; continue to enforce measures to protect the people from hoarding, profiteering, injurious speculations, manipulation of prices, product deceptions, and cartels; and prioritize the allocation and distribution of medical supplies to coronavirus-referral hospitals, public and private laboratories, and health facilities that have capacities to test and care for suspected Covid-19 patients.

It also authorizes the President to ensure the availability of credit to the productive sectors of the economy; liberalize the grant of incentives for the manufacture or importation of critical or needed equipment or supplies; require businesses to prioritize and accept contracts, subject to fair and reasonable terms, needed to boost government's fight against

tified the recipients in every barangays. The distribution will be strictly monitored by the LGU to ensure that those who receive the food packs are really those who need it the most.

The barangays would also start distributing Home Quarantine Pass (HQP) to each households that would identify the person tasked on purchasing food and medicines for

the entire members of the household.

Once implemented, no one can go out of their houses without a HQP except for those who are still going to work.

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Covid-19; regulate and limit the operation of all sectors of transportation through land, sea or air, whether private or public; conserve, regulate and ensure an adequate supply of power, fuel, energy and water; and undertake such other measures as may be reasonable and necessary to enable the President to carry out the declared national policy subject to the Bill of Rights and other constitutional guarantees.

The President's authorized powers "shall be valid for three months, unless amended by Congress".

President Duterte will be required to submit a weekly report to the Congress of all actions he performed under the proposed law.

SB 1418 also aims to provide “emergency subsidies” - amounting between PHP5,000 and PHP8,000 per month for two months - to some 18 million indigent families whose livelihood are severely affected by enhanced community quarantine being implemented in Luzon.

The bill also guarantees that public health workers tending to Covid-19 patients and other related procedures will be entitled to additional compensation on top of their usual hazard pay. (PNA)

Senior citizens, persons with disability, and pregnant women are encouraged not to go out of their houses for any reasons except on emergencies. (CIO MATI)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

COMPETITIVE EDGE

GSIS advances release of pension

I

ABOITIZ AIDS COVID-19 FRONTLINERS. Last March 18, the Aboitiz Group, led by its CSR arm Aboitiz Foundation, turned over 5,700 N95 masks to representatives of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Aboitiz donates critical medical supplies to frontliners nationwide

T

he Aboitiz Group immediately mobilized its resources and donated critically-needed medical supplies and resources for health and security workers across the country amid the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

“The Aboitiz Group is one with the government and our brave medical and security frontliners who are working hard to defeat COVID-19. We are committed to supporting the COVID-19 frontliners for the long term. Rest assured, we will continue to find ways to help our fellow Filipinos whose health and lives are at risk due to this pandemic,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer.

On March 18, N95 masks were turned over to the Department of Health (5,000 masks) and to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (700 masks).

Outside Metro Manila, the Aboitiz Group aims to send surgical gloves, infrared thermometers, folding beds, nitrate and latex gloves, N95 masks, laboratory and disposable goggles, personal protective

equipment (PPE) gowns, and tents.

A portion of these will be turned over to security checkpoints of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police and to local governments in Cebu, Davao, Iligan City, Capas, Tarlac and other parts of Luzon. These checkpoints are manned by personnel whose health is also at risk as they work during the national state of calamity due to COVID-19.

Aboitiz food business unit Pilmico will also donate, through the Aboitiz Foundation, surgical masks to hospitals in Cebu, Tarlac, Iligan City, and Cagayan de Oro. As an added boost to the frontliners, the company also pledged to donate bread packs to police and military checkpoints and hospitals in Capas, Tarlac and Iligan City. These items will help address the urgent nutritional needs of personnel implementing

the community quarantines in these areas.

Meantime UnionBank, the banking and financial services arm of the Aboitiz Group, is also providing support to frontliners by partnering with Caritas Manila. It is also working on the procurement of medical ventilators as proactive assistance to government hospitals, which might see a spike in patients needing respiratory aid, especially for patients testing positive for COVID-19.

Identified by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases as one of the basic services that should remain open during the enhanced community quarantine, branches of UnionBank and its subsidiary CitySavings are open to serve customers nationwide while strictly implementing social distancing and health precautionary measures.

UnionBank is encouraging its customers to use the bank’s mobile app and other digital banking services as the most effective and efficient way to do bank errands during this time.

UnionBank is one of the first banks to waive online Instapay transfer fees until April 14. UnionBank is also

for TB is between six and nine months of continuous medicines,” informs Dr. Ong. “Once active TB is treated with the appropriate drugs, the person is no longer contagious after three weeks. That is why those who are being treated for TB are advised to rest during the first month.”

Because TB bacteria are very slow-growing, the antibiotics must be taken

for the whole duration of the treatment. “Treatment must be continued long after the person feels completely well, otherwise, the disease tends to relapse because it was not fully eliminated,” warns Dr. Dominic Garcia, an infectious disease specialist.

“Treatment of TB may not change a person’s chest x-ray results back to normal,” says Dr. Ong. Studies

show that once treatment for TB is completed, a repeat chest x-ray may show the following results: 30 percent of chest x-rays will revert to normal (good news), 30 percent of chest x-rays will improve but will still show a scar (still can’t pass job test), 30 percent of chest x-rays will remain the same.

Treating typical TB is a long process, with patients

TUBERCULOSIS... FROM3

offering a 30-day extension with no late fees for credit cards, housing loans, auto loans, and quick loans to qualified customers.

All these efforts are part of the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to help the government in enforcing COVID-19 precautionary measures by addressing the immediate concerns of courageous frontliners and the communities the Aboitiz Group serves.

Fundraising through KINDer The Aboitiz Foundation also immediately set up a COVID-19 fundraising page (Help Our Health Workers Fight COVID-19) through the online donations platform KINDer by Aboitiz (KINDer.aboitiz.com).

This donation page will help raise funds for PPE in coordination with the University of the Philippines Medical Foundation and The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service Foundation.

Readers are encouraged to donate as this effort will go a long way in the fight against COVID-19.

Last March 17, Luzon was placed under an enhanced community quarantine until April 13 as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

needing to take a cocktail of antibiotics for six months.

Many fail to complete treatment and that has given rise to drug resistance.

In the past, TB was regarded as a romantic 19th century disease. After all, its famous victims include fiction writer Edward Bellamy, poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, novelist Franz Kafka, composer Frederic Chopin, inventor

n response to Senator Bong Go’s appeal for GSIS to help its members and pensioners, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet today assured the public that the state pension fund will extend all the necessary assistance to its members and pensioners.

Senator Go, who chairs the Committee on Health and Demography, specifically asked GSIS to (1) waive penalties for delayed remittances, (2) release pensions early and (3) grant emergency loans.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa concern ng ating butihing Senador para sa kalagayan ng aming mga miyembro at pensionado.

Nais ko pong ipabatid kay Senador Go na nagawa na po ng GSIS ang dalawa sa tatlong kahilingan niya.

Una, nagbigay na po kami ng extension o ‘grace period’ sa lahat ng premium remittances at loan payments na dapat bayaran nitong Marso. Puwede po itong bayaran sa May 10 na walang karampatang penalty,” Macasaet said.

GSIS likewise extended the due date for housing loan payments and rental payment for investment properties falling due this March. “Babayaran din po ito sa May 10 na walang penalty,” Macasaet said.

“Para naman po sa mga

pensyonado, maaga po nilang matatanggap ang mga pensyon nila ngayong Abril.

Karaniwan po sa April 8 dumadating ang pensyon.

But we will release it before April 8,” the GSIS chief added.

“Doon naman po sa Emergency Loan, maglalabas po ang GSIS ng emergency loan para sa aming mga myembro at pensionado. Humihingi lang po kami ng konting panahon dahil inaayos namin yung aming systems para ma-activate ang nationwide implementation nito.”

GSIS offers a Php20,000 emergency loan to active members and pensioners with an interest rate of 6%, payable in three years.

At present, all GSIS offices nationwide are closed to the public until 12 April 2020. However, GSIS continues to accept loan applications for Conso-loan, Policy Loan and Pension Loan through the GSIS kiosks. GSIS has nearly 1,000 kiosks installed in government agencies, GSIS branch offices, provincial capitols, city halls, and municipal offices as well as selected SM and Robinsons malls all over the country. Loan applications of active members require prior approval by Agency Authorized Officers or Liaison Officers (AAOs / LOs) before GSIS can credit the loan amount to the individual borrower’s account.

Alexander Graham Bell, entertainer W.C. Fields, and nurse Florence Nightingale.

Brazilian poet Manuel Brandeira contracted TB in 1904 and expressed the effects of the disease in his life in many of his poems. American author Dashiell Hammet got the disease during World War II. American country composer Jimmie Rodgers sang

about the woes of TB and ultimately died of the disease days after a New York City recording session.

World leaders were not spared from TB: Charles IX of France, Edward VI of England, American presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Andrew Jackson, Louis XII of France, Napoleon II of France, Pedro I of Brazil, and Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon.

Temporary halt of agrarian case proceedings

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epartment of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John R. Castriciones ordered the suspension of the running of the reglementary periods for the commencement of actions and the filing of pleadings as well as the cancellation of all hearings, inspections and meetings of all cases involving agrarian law implementation (ALI) and adjudication of tenurial and other disputes from March 15, 2020 to April 13, 2020.

“The measures were adopted in compliance with Proclamation Nos. 929 and 922 (Series 2020) and the various Memoranda issued from March 16 to 18 by the Executive Secretary mandating the enhanced community quarantine over the entire Luzon. This, as a result of the health emergency brought about by the need to control and eradicate the COVID-19 virus and the similar measures adopted by certain local government units outside Luzon,” Castriciones said.

The suspension of ALI and DARAB case proceedings will apply in Luzon

as well as in areas outside Luzon with related health emergency measures.

DAR Memorandum Circular Number 01 pertaining to all ALI cases and Memorandum Circular Number 02 pertaining to proceedings and processes on DARAB cases were both signed by the DAR Secretary on 18 March 2020.

Castriciones issued the memorandum circulars upon the recommendation of Legal Affairs Office Undersecretary Luis Meinrado C. Pangulayan and in consultation with the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB) members and the Bureau of Legal Assistance (BALA) leadership.

“The Agrarian Legal Sector has reported a zero backlog of all DARAB and ALI cases last February of this year.

The preparation, review and formulation of the recommendations for the actions to be taken on pending incidents in both ALI and DARAB cases will continue. This is based on the alternative work arrangements adopted by the Agrarian Legal Sector,” Pangulayan noted.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 14 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

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Pacquiao showing true leadership: Iole

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evered boxing writer Kevin Iole paid tribute to Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in a recent article on Yahoo Sports.

Manny Pacquiao (right) reaped praises from renowned boxing writer Kevin Iole (left).

Olympics postponement inevitable, says IOC exec

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enior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official Dick Pound said Monday a postponement of this year's Tokyo Olympics is now inevitable as the world reels from the coronavirus pandemic.

The IOC said on Sunday the body would wait four more weeks before announcing its decision on the fate of the July 24-August 9 Games, amid mounting calls for them to be rescheduled.

Pound however believes the IOC -- which ruled out a cancellation of the Games -- is now laying the groundwork for a postponement.

"My interpretation of the IOC's communications is they don't want to cancel, and they don't think they can continue with the July 24 date," Pound told AFP. "So you're looking at the 'P' word - postponement.

"They're going to explore options with the Japanese of course, and then there all kinds of stakeholders -- international federations, NOCs, athletes.

"And then in four weeks they're going to try and come out with a plan B and make it as specific as they can make it in that time period."

An IOC spokeperson did not respond directly to the substance of Pound's remarks, saying only in a statement: "It's the right of every IOC member to

interpret the decision of the IOC EB (Executive Board) which was announced yesterday."

Pound, who is Canadian, said the "astonishing" spread of COVID-19 across the globe left the IOC with no other choice.

"This is not something that's going to clear up by July 24," Pound said.

"And this thing isn't going to go away by September or October. A lot of the biggest countries in the world are just about overwhelmed, and it's just starting to take root in Africa. It's a no-go in my view."

A one-year postponement to 2021 remained the most likely option, Pound added.

"I think the one-year postponement is the most feasible because it gives you the most time to organize," he said.

A number of Olympic committees and sports federations have already indicated unwillingness to participate in Tokyo if the games are held in July as planned.

On Sunday the Canadian Olympic Committee became the first national olympic committee to declare they would not participate if the Games took place in July.

In the United States, both the governing bodies of track and field and swimming have called for the Games to be postponed.

Iole, in his column entitled "Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao showing true leadership in fight against coronavirus" praised the eight-division world champion and concurrent member of the Philippine Senate for his acts of charity.

Iole wrote: Sometimes, the passion the Filipino people have for Manny Pacquiao can be perplexing. Take, for instance, an online conversation about the greatest punchers in boxing history.

If Pacquiao isn’t mentioned in the conversation, it’s all but a guarantee that a number of his countrymen will join the chat to complain.

It’s at times like these, though, when the eight-division world champion and Filipino senator is donating coronavirus test kits, protective equipment for healthcare workers and even buses to move the

workers around to where they are needed that their worship of him is more easily understood.

Pacquiao, who currently holds a version of the WBA welterweight title, has stepped up in a big way in the battle against the global pandemic. There have been 462 cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines and 33 deaths, according to worldometers. info.

Pacquiao has not only put his boxing career on hold and donated his own money in the fight to help defeat the virus, but he told the Manila Bulletin he’ll work with Filipino citizens wherever he has to, even at some risk to his own health. He said he needs to be front-and-center in the fight against the coronavirus.

“If you are a leader, you have to be a front-liner,’’ Pacquiao said in a newspa-

per interview. “You have to lead people and let people see that you are with them.

I grew up poor. I know what they feel.”

It is his boxing skill that first brought him to the forefront in his nation of 100 million people. But Pacquiao has become an icon at home with his devotion to his fellow citizens and his willingness, and eagerness, to share his wealth to help those in need.

He’s spent his money on housing, hospitals, schools and churches, among other things, in the Philippines. Rarely, though, does he put himself at personal risk like he is doing in the coronavirus fight.

He told media that he is not afraid to die, and wants to be where his help is needed most.

He needs to follow the advice of the medical experts, as well, though, because he is so critical to the country’s sense of well-being.

He’s a leader in the truest sense of the word, though.

FPACQUIAO, P9

Boxing, wrestling card in Davao cancelled

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eteran promoter Rey Rodis made a separate cancellations in boxing and wrestling matches this month due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Rodis was supposed to have a promotion in boxing in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro on March 5 followed by Tagum, Davao del Norte in March 7 in boxing.

The Nabunturan

event was tentatively headlined by super featherweight Charly "King's Warrior" Suarez of San Isidro, Davao del Norte while the Tagum promotion was supposed to be top billed by Jenel "The Demolition Man" Lausa of Makati against a Thailand fighter.

He was also supposed to have a wrestling match led by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

Hall of Fame Rikishi on March 25 in Davao City.

Rodis is planning to move the wrestling match on August in the Kadayawan Festival if the situation has improve.

"No choice sa Kadayawan if the situation improves," said Rodis.

Rikishi Phatu, an American professional wrestler is a one-time Intercontinental Cham-

pion, two-time World Tag Team Champion, and one-time WWE Tag Team Champion.

He is a member of the Anoaʻi family of Samoan wrestlers. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his sons, wrestlers Jey and Jimmy Uso, in 2015.

Rikishi appeared on WWE for the RAW Reunion show in 2019.

Japan in talks with IOC over likely postponement

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OKYO - Japan's government is negotiating with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to postpone the Tokyo Olympic Games by a maximum one year, the Sankei newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold talks over the phone with IOC President Thomas Bach later on Tuesday, the paper

said, citing a senior Japanese government official.

While the IOC has jurisdiction over the date of the Olympic Games, the unidentified official said the Tokyo Games "will be postponed," according to the Sankei.

With the Beijing Winter Olympics looming in 2022, any postponement of the Tokyo Olympics will be "a year at the longest,"

the official was quoted as saying.

The IOC has decided to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games because of the coronavirus pandemic, IOC member Dick Pound said on Monday, as a window slowly began to open that would allow the showcase to be staged next year.

An Olympics postponement would be a blow for

The Japanese government is buckling down under global pressure to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

host country Japan, which has pumped in more than $12 billion of investment, and huge sums are also at stake for sponsors and broadcasters.

Finding a new date could also be complicated as the summer 2021 sporting calendar is already crowded, while 2022 will see the soccer World Cup as well as the Beijing Winter Olympics.

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PBA extends break on practices due to Covid-19

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The PBA has imposed a shutdown on all team activities like practices.

he Philippine Basketball Association has extended the break it imposed on all teams regarding practices and other league-related activities due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation.

"In light of the country's current situation, the Office of the Commissioner is extending all its member teams' two-week break from practices, scrimmages, and other related activities... until further notice," Commissioner Willie Marcial said in a memorandum on Monday.

A few days after he postponed the Philippine Cup,

Marcial imposed the break from training, which was initially scheduled to end on Friday.

But with Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine, the commissioner opted to stretch the break until the Covid-19 pandemic eases.

"We ask your full cooperation and compliance and encourage everyone to stay fit and healthy in the confines and safety of their homes," Marcial added.

The league only played one single game so far in the season-opening conference, the San Miguel-Magnolia match, before postponing play indefinitely.

(PNA)