The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (March 20-26, 2023)

Bangsamoro people hail approval of Electoral Code

COTABATO CITY – Muslims and Christians, including the Indigenous tribes OTABATO CITY – Muslims and Christians, the tribes in the autonomous region in Mindanao, lauded the Bangsamoro Parliament in the autonomous in Mindanao, lauded the Bangsamoro Parliament for unanimously approving the BTA Bill No 29 or the Bangsamoro Electoral for approving the BTA Bill No. 29 or the Bangsamoro Electoral Code which will ensure that regional elections are honest, credible, just and free Code which will ensure that elections are and free.

Russia reportedly supplying enriched Plutonium to China

VARIOUS OPEN-SOURCE outlets reported how Rosatom is providing highly enriched uranium for Chinese fast breeder reactors, said a U.S official during a recent posture hearing at Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5

China warns Philippines over EDCA

CHINA HAS strongly warned the Philippines after it signed an accord with the United States allowing access to several military bases in the country. Continue on page 6 Continue on page 6 Soldiers practice ambush techniques during training at Lightning Academy, Hawaii, Feb. 23, 2023. (Photo by Army Pfc. Mariah

Warning out on lead painted water bottle

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition said it has found another stainless steel water bottle that is coated with dangerous lead-containing paint.

“We are warning consumers not to buy one yellow painted stainless steel water bottle featuring a Rilakkuma-like Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping (Ramil Sitdikov/ POOL/TASS)

Philippines spy agency signs cyber -security accord with NGCP which is 40% owned by China

DAVAO CITY – The Na-

tional Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) has signed an agreement with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to protect the Philippines against any attacks in cyberspace, particularly on energy infrastructure.

on page 7 Continue on page 7

Camiguin resort offers luxurious vacation

CAMIGUIN - Basking under the sun, filling bellies, and threading clear waters are among the things

Continue on page 7 Continue on page 7

ing

Coalition

holds a water bottle his group alleges containing lead paint.

Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament surround Chief Minister Ebrahim and BTA Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong following the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 35, or the Bangsamoro Electoral Code of 2023.

A member of the EcoWaste

wear-

a gas mask

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing on

2023 of the memorandum of understanding between the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, citing its importance in fending off cyber attacks on energy infrastructure. (PCOO)

Bangsamoro people hail approval of Electoral Code

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Marcos Jr. to enact the Bangsamoro Electoral Code in the first quarter of 2023.

Presiding Chair Deputy Speaker Atty. Omar Yasser Sema banged the gavel at 11:58 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, to approve the region’s electoral law that will prescribe the structural, functional, and procedural principles of the elections, referenda, and recall proceedings in the BARMM. The measure was approved with 64 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions. It was approved on second and final reading on the same day, despite the three-day rule, because it was certified as urgent by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.

Chief Minister Ebrahim and BTA Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong led the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 35, or the Bangsamoro Electoral Code of 2023.

The 11-article final version of the electoral code consists of introductory provisions, the Bangsamoro electoral office, regional political parties in the Bangsamoro, elective positions in the Parliament, elections upon dissolution of the Par-

liament, the voters, election administration, election offenses, legal fees, transitory provisions, and final provisions. The electoral law will encourage the formation of genuinely principled political parties in the Bangsamoro region.

Chief Minister Ebrahim said that the MPs made a commitment to establish a government deserving of the name “Bangsamoro” when they took the oath of moral governance at the beginning of the transition period. He said that they also made a commitment to enact an electoral code that would help pave the way for more democratic elections in the region, in which genuinely moral political parties would be able to participate, adding, “in fact, the Bangsamoro Electoral Code’s adoption is a major step towards realizing such a promise.”

As he voted to approve the Code, Speaker Balindong said: “It is an opportune time for us to set a new stage for our future leaders to lead our people by exemplifying honesty, equality, and empowering the true voice of democracy.”

The BTA Bill No. 29 was introduced in Parliament in September 2022 and referred

to the Rules Committee. Led by a woman Bangsamoro lawmaker, Floor Leader Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, the committee held a tenday deliberation, examining the provisions in the proposed code line by line, prior to the Code’s approval in the plenary.

From October 2022 to January 2023, the BTA held 12 public consultations in Manila, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City, and the BARMM Special Geographic Area to ensure that all stakeholders were involved in the legislation process.

During the transition period, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-led interim government is tasked with enacting priority codes such as administrative, civil service, education, electoral, local governance, revenue, and indigenous peoples’ rights.

To date, the Parliament has passed administrative, civil service, education, and electoral codes.

“This is the fourth priority Code that we have enacted; let us build on this positive momentum to finish the remaining priority codes and other important legislation as soon as possible,” said Chief Minister Ebrahim.

Citing the Bangsamoro Organic Law, he said the Bangsamoro government shall adopt an electoral system that is consistent with national election laws, allows democratic participation, encourages the formation of genuinely principled political parties, and ensures accountability.

The Bangsamoro government ensures that elections at all levels of government in the Bangsamoro are free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible, reflecting the genuine will of the electorate, according to Chief Minister Ebrahim.

In accordance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, a Bangsamoro Electoral Office (BEO) will be established by and under the direct control and supervision of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The BEO will supervise all national, regional, and local elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and recall proceedings within the Bangsamoro region to ensure compliance with election laws and other pertinent rules of the COMELEC.

According to the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, regional political parties must have at least 10,000 members who are residents

and registered voters. Members should be distributed throughout the various provinces and cities that comprise the Bangsamoro territory, provided that all parties establish provincial and city chapters in all provinces and cities, as well as municipal chapters in the majority of municipalities that comprise each province, in the Bangsamoro region. All parties intending to register as political parties should submit applications to the BEO through the Bangsamoro Registration and Accreditation Committee.

COMPOSITION OF THE THE PARLIAMENT

Under the Code, the Parliament is composed of 80 members with 50% party representatives, 40% district representatives, and 10% sectoral representatives. A member of the Parliament must be at least 25 years old on Election Day, be able to read and write, and be a registered voter in the Bangsamoro region. At the time of the voting, a candidate for youth representative must not be older than 30 years old or younger than 18.

Party representatives are registered regional political parties with at least 4% of the total valid votes cast in the party system election.

In terms of party representation seat allocation, only parties receiving at least 4% of the total valid votes cast in the party representation elections are eligible to participate in the allocation of party representation seats. A candidate for district representative must be a registered voter in the district in which he is running and has lived in the district for at least one year prior to the election. Not more than 40% of MPs should be elected from single-member parliamentary districts apportioned to the areas and in the manner prescribed by Parliament. The district representatives should be elected by registered voters in the parliamentary districts using a direct plurality vote.

Sectoral representatives should make up at least 10% of the MPs, with two seats reserved for non-Moro indigenous peoples and settler communities. Women, youth, traditional leaders, and the Ulama will each be assigned one seat. The first regular election for the Bangsamoro Government will be held and synchronized with the 2025 national elections, as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Pagadian cops hunt gunmen

PAGADIAN CITY – Police are hunting two gunmen who shot and killed a Muslim security guard and wounded his wife in a recent attack at their home in Santa Lucia village.

Police did not say whether it has identified the attackers who killed Abdul Macaumbang Bakar, 44; and wounded Glaiza Galace Bakar, 36. The duo was cooking meals on March 11 when the gunmen shot them several times.

The assailants es-

caped after the attack, according to the police.

“Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, both victims were cooking outside their residence, when allegedly, two unidentified male suspects appeared from behind and suddenly shot the victims hitting on the different parts of their bodies,” said Maj. Shellamie Chang, a regional police spokesperson.

Two victims were rushed to the hospital, according to Chang, but Ab-

dul died while being operated on. His wife survived the attack.

Chang said the suspects fled onboard a big bike and headed towards Santiago village. The motive of the shooting is still unknown, but police deployed a tracker team to arrest the gunmen.

Gun attacks are not uncommon in Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur province, due to the presence of hired killers. (Mindanao Examiner)

Stakeholders support proposed Bangsamoro Local Governance Code

tion, women’s participation, and revenue.

Professor of Local Government Law in the Ateneo de Manila School of Law Atty. Alberto Agra commended the BLGC drafters for creating an ‘innovative’ code.

She said that the government targets passing the local governance code in the second quarter of the year.

MANILA Representatives from the national government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations who participated in the fifth and final leg of public consultations for the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code have expressed full support for the proposed law.

Trisha Baraan of the Department of Budget and Management pledged to ful-

ly support the Bangsamoro Parliament’s initiatives and efforts to create an inclusive local governance code.

She added that they will “work closely with the regional government and extend assistance to ensure the effective and efficient management of public funds, particularly those that will be sourced from the national government.”

Georgina Ann Hernan-

dez Yang, executive director of Galing Pook Foundation, lauded and expressed support for the passage of the code. The BLGC, she said, is a vehicle for the general welfare of the Bangsamoro people.

Many of the stakeholders expressed support for the enactment of the proposed code, and others are pushing for stronger provisions on devolution, decentraliza-

MPW adopts resolution creating district office

COTABATO CITY – The Committee on Public Works adopted a resolution supporting the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to create and organize a district engineering office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (MPW) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Director Salonga Sumampao, of the Ministry of Public Works, also presented an overview of their programs, activities, and projects for 2023. He also highlighted the ministry’s Expanded Bangsamoro Advanced Road Mapping and Management system, which serves as an online repository for MPW-BARMM proj-

ects.

According to the Bangsamoro Expenditure Program, the BARMM government allocated a P16.4 billion budget for the ministry in 2023.

MPW is mandated for planning, designing, constructing, rehabilitating, and maintaining infrastructure, including roads and bridges,

flood control projects, water supply projects, and other public works facilities.

CPW Chair Hussein Muñoz said that another meeting would be scheduled to discuss other proposed resolutions referred to the committee. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Committee on Public Order and Safety addresses crimes

samoro Human Rights Commission, and Minister of Public Order and Safety MP Hussein Munoz.

He further recommended that the proposed code should have a clear provision defining the regional autonomy, the local autonomy of constituent local government units, the fiscal autonomy of BARMM, and regulation.

With all the consultations, the CLG has gathered 42 position papers from various stakeholders in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur and del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City, and the BARMM Special Geographic Area.

CLG Chair Atty. Raissa Jajurie said that the committee will gather all the input and recommendations from the consultations to ensure that it best reflects the ideals of the Bangsamoro people.

The CLG has also extended the submission deadline for position papers until March 31.

With the timeline of the committee, she said, they will have ample time to review and scrutinize the proposed code, as the BLGC is a crucial measure that will define the relationship between the local government units and the regional government.

BTA Bill No. 30, or the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, aims to strengthen the supervisory power of the Bangsamoro Government through the MILG.

It applies to all constituent provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays, and other political subdivisions, as well as officials, offices, or agencies of the Bangsamoro government.

The BLGC has four books, which are: general provisions, which contain statements of policies, principles, processes, and mechanisms for effective local governance; local taxation and fiscal matters, which contain the taxing powers,

and other revenue-raising powers of the constituent local government units and the corresponding administrative structures and processes necessary in the exercise of such powers; Bangsamoro constituent units, which contain the structure of the constituent government units and the powers and duties of constituent units and elective officials; and lastly, miscellaneous and final provisions, which contain penal provisions, provisions on review and implementation mechanisms, and transitory provisions.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority, which serves as the interim government of the region, is mandated to enact the local governance code during the transition period along with other codes such as administrative, civil service, education, electoral, revenue, and indigenous peoples’ rights.

The administrative, civil service, and education codes are among the priority legislation enacted into law already. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

BTA to educate Bangsamoro on electoral code

COTABATO CITY - The Bangsamoro Parliament is steadfast in its campaign to educate its constituents on the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, said Floor Leader and Rules Committee Chairman Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba.

“We want everyone to be involved and understand the law so that we can exercise our right to vote for the leaders we want to represent us,” Chairman Dumama-Alba said.

Deputy Speaker Atty. Nabil Tan emphasized that the Bangsamoro Electoral Code reflects the sentiments of the Bangsamoro people.

The Bangsamoro Parliament unanimously approved on March 8 the Bangsamoro Electoral Code that

will prescribe the structural, functional, and procedural principles of the elections, referenda, and recall proceedings in the BARMM.

Regional political parties are required to engage in activities that educate voters in their communities, schools, and institutions about the electoral code and other election laws, rules, and guidelines, either on

their own or in collaboration with Commission on Elections, other political parties, organizations, institutions, civil society, or individuals.

The Bangsamoro Electoral Code is one of the priority codes that the Parliament should enact during the transition period.

(LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

COTABATO CITY - The Bangsamoro Parliament’s Committee on Public Order and Safety (CPOS) conducted a parliamentary investigation into the recent killings and alarming security situation in Maguindanao and the BARMM Special Geographic Area.

Member of the Parliament Mohammad Kelie Antao, who presided over

the hearing, said that the committee seeks to identify the root cause of the killings in order to prevent them from occurring again and to strengthen public order and safety in the region.

Among the invited resource persons were members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, local chief executives, the Bang-

The majority of the killings in Pikit and Maguindanao, according to Antao, were caused by rido or clan wars, and that they will work to address the issues. The CPOS will hold another round of committee hearings with barangay captains, local prosecutors, and judges to also hear their input. The hearing held by the committee was prompted by the resolution adopted by the Parliament.

(LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Committee on Justice System wants Shari’ah Bar integration, more judges

COTABATO CITY - The Bangsamoro Parliament Committee on Justice System (CBJS) adopted two resolutions requesting the Supreme Court of the Philippines to create a committee on Shari’ah Bar integration and for the High Court to activate all existing Shari’ah courts and fill the vacant judge seats.

CBJS Chairman Atty. Jose Lorena said that this resolution gives the

Shari’ah counselors the opportunity to form a corporate body. (LTAIS-Public

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Russia reportedly supplying enriched Plutonium to China

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the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

Rosatom is a Russian state corporation that specializes in nuclear energy.

"It's very troubling to see Russia and China cooperating on this," John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, replied.

"They may have talking points around it, but there's no getting around the fact that breeder reactors are plutonium, and plutonium is for weapons. So I think the Department is concerned. And of course, it matches our concerns about China's increased expansion of its nuclear forces as well, because you need more plutonium for more weapons," Plumb added.

China and Russia have placed nuclear weapons, space warfare and long-

range strike at the center of their strategies to counter the United States and its allies and partners, he said.

"China is engaged in a significant and fast-paced expansion and diversification of its nuclear forces. Also, Russia and China view space as a war fighting domain, he said.

China also has an ever-growing inventory of sophisticated long-range strike systems putting U.S. forces at risk at greater and greater distances, Plumb said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's irresponsible nuclear saber rattling has further underscored the importance of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, which is the bedrock of national security, he said.

The National Defense Strategy identified four priorities for the department, he said:

• Defend the homeland

• Deter strategic attacks

• Deter aggression while preparing to prevail in conflict, particularly with China and Russia

• Build a resilient joint force

"All four of these priorities rely heavily on our space systems, our missile defenses and our nuclear forces. Cooperation with allies and partners is also a core element of the NDS. Our allies and partners are an asymmetric advantage that neither China nor Russia can ever hope to match," he said.

Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, commander, U.S. Strategic Command; Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander, U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command; and Army Gen. James H. Dickinson, commander, U.S. Space Command, also provided testimony.

(David Vergun)

Warning out on lead painted water bottle

Senate wraps up probe on controversial COVID-19 procurement

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character. The yellow paint contains over 40,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead that is way above the country’s lead paint standard of 90 ppm,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

The 260 ml. reusable water container measuring 16 cm. tall has the name “Rilakkuma” written on it along with an image of the fictional Japanese character. The group said it bought the bottle from a retailer for only P100.

However, it was unknown whether the product is an official merchandise or a counterfeit. The box packaging contains information in foreign characters.

Based on the screening conducted by the group using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer, the surface paint of the water bottler contains 40,490 ppm of lead.

“Lead is toxic if ingested and young children are most vulnerable to the adverse health effects of lead exposure. As a precaution, consumers are advised to immediately stop from using the said lead painted water bottle,” Lucero said.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources A.O. 2013-24, or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, bans the use of lead in the manufacture of paints and a host of consumer products, including school supplies, to protect human health from lead exposure.

Lucero said the lead-containing yellow paint on the exterior of the “Rilakkuma” stainless steel water bottle will deteriorate over time due to regular use and wear and tear of the product. "The lead on the paint may end up being ingested by a child and posing a health and safety hazard," she said.

The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint

(or the Lead Paint Alliance) also said that many children who ingest smaller amounts of lead may not have immediate acute symptoms but may be still at risk of behavioral problems, poor school performance, and lower IQ later in life.

The World Health Organization said the young nervous systems absorb 4-5 times more lead than adults, which can cause intellectual disability, underperforming at school and behavioral issues. “In adults, lead exposure increases the risk of ischaemic heart disease and stroke. In pregnant women, lead exposure damages many organs but also affects the developing fetus,” WHO said.

As pointed out by the WHO, lead is toxic and is harmful to everyone and young children are most vulnerable, noting there is no safe level of lead exposure.

To avoid lead exposure, Lucero reminded consumers, especially adults, to be inquisitive and vigilant when buying painted items such as reusable water bottles, school supplies and toys, and select items that are certified as lead-safe. (Mindanao Examiner)

THE SENTE’s Blue Ribbon Committee investigating the COVID-19 purchases has wrapped its probe on the controversial procurement contract of the government, especially on the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Lawmakers have said that the Department of Health (DOH) refused to release the details of the vaccine procurement contracts on the pretext of a supposedly existing NDA.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also repeatedly called on the DOH to waive the NDA in the name of transparency, saying the NDAs with private manufacturers have outlived their purpose. “At this point, COVID vaccine NDAs are useless and have out lived their purpose, dahil tapos na ang isyu ng price competition. It is now simply a violation of the public's right to know how our money was spent. NDAs should no longer stand in the way of accountability and transparency," she said. The senator said the fact that the DOH submission of documents only covered the loan agreements with Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and those with limited permissions from select vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer and AstraZeneca."What about the agreements with other vaccine manufacturers, like Sinovac? Bultobultong bakuna pa naman mula sa Sinovac ang binili ng na-

karaang administrasyon para sa national vaccination program. Paano magsasagawa ng complete audit ang COA (Commission on Audit) kung patuloy na magtatago ang mga kompanya sa likodng NDA clause ng kontrata?," She asked. "If we allow this to happen now, it is precedent-setting. Baka sa susunod na pandemya mauulit na naman ito, at posibleng maabuso.”Hontiveros also said that this non-compliance of foreign vaccine manufacturers with the country's government processes is alarming."There is too much unnecessary secrecy surrounding this. Hindi naman dapat ituring na state secret ang presyo ng bakuna dahil pera ng bayan ang ginamit para ipambili nito. Pinipilay lang ng mga NDA na ito ang mandato ng COA na usisain kung nakasulit ba tayo sa bilyun-bilyong pisong inilabas natin noong panahon ng pandemya," Hontiveros said. She said that after some 44 million vaccine wastage, it is high time the real cost is disclosed to the public. "Pwede bang i-undermine ng pribadong sektor angating konstitusyon dahil lang mayroon silang NDA sa government contracts?

Ofcourse not. Panahon na para makipagtulungan ang mga vaccine manufacturers sa audit ng COA," she said."Istand by my call to completely release all information with regards to the COVID-19

vaccine procurement to the public. I have been saying this for over a year. There is no reason for this to be done behind closed doors. We deserve to know how every centavo was spent, lalo na ngayong panahon ng resesyon. Managotang dapat managot, at huwag magtago sa likod ng NDA," she added.

Senator Francis Tolentino, chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, said they would come out with policies that would benefit the people.

He urged the COA to have a reference to environmental harm that can becaused by a product purchased, and the Solicitor General to come out with aprovision concerning possible environmental degradation as to the products purchased and disposed of by the government. He also said the societal acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines is one of the factors that led to the wastage of some 44million doses of vaccines. “I think we have explored the nitty-gritty and the continuing nuances concerning the wastage, the 44 million (doses of expired vaccines) that would probably balloon into a bigger amount... I hope that the lessons learned here will be implemented. We will be coming up with the committee report after receiving the Office of the Solicitor General's position paper,” Tolentino said. (Voltaire F. Domingo and Mindanao Examiner)

China warns Philippines over EDCA

is uncertain and grows increasingly complex and his administration has been working hard to steer the country to a highgrowth trajectory in the past seven months.

RUSH SALE P 600,000

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It also reacted to the recent statement U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson’s on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the United States and the Philippines, including the tension on the South China Sea, also known as the West Philippine Sea.

Washington and Manila in February agreed to expand America's military presence in the Philippines following the visit of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. This was also reported by the Voice of America which said the U.S. now has access to four more Filipino bases.

The accord comes as the U.S. seeks to counter China’s increasingly aggressive actions toward Taiwan and in the disputed South China Sea. The agreement aims to support combined training, exercises and operations. As part of the agreement, the U.S. has budgeted $82 million toward structural improvements at five current EDCA sites. The U.S. will also expand its military presence to four new sites in strategic areas of the country, the statement said.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippine said the U.S., to secure its hegemony and selfish geopolitical interests and out of the cold-war mentality, keeps upgrading military cooperation with the Philippines by adding EDCA bases and military deployment in this country.

It said the U.S. claims that such cooperation is intended to help the disaster relief efforts of the Philippines and some Americans even tout the EDCA sites as driver of local economy, it is plain and simple that those moves are part of the U.S. efforts to encircle and contain China through its military alliance with this country.

“To bundle the Philippines into the chariots of geopolitical strife will seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability. On the South China Sea issue, there is no problem of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” the Chinese Embassy said.

“When talking about free and open waterways, what the U.S. has in its mind is actually the freedom of rampage of its warships in the South China Sea. The U.S. military has been coming all the way from the other side of the Pacific

to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and ganging up with its allies from other parts of the world to flex muscle in the South China Sea,” it added.

Warning

It also warned that by doing these, the U.S. has not only heightened tension, driven wedge between China and the Philippines, but also has disturbed and upset the joint effort of countries in this region to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

“Now that China and the Philippines, among other countries of the region, are at a critical juncture of postCOVID recovery, we should keep to the right track of maintaining good-neighbourliness and attaining mutual benefit rather than getting distracted by forces who are fanning the flame and driving a wedge between us, even less inviting a bully into our community. We need to focus on cooperation and development, and truly safeguard, promote and build peace, stability, and prosperity of our region and bring more tangible benefits to people of our two countries,” it added.

But Beijing’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea continues with Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Chinese maritime militia ships harassing Filipino patrol boats and fishermen. Marcos to fight for territories Marcos to for territories President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said the Philippines will not cede an inch of its territory in the West Philippines Sea largely being claimed by Beijing following repeated harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard vessel at a Filipino patrol delivering supplies to BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) inside Filipino waters.

Marcos promised to work with the nation’s allies to ensure the safety of Filipinos. “The country has seen heightened geopolitical tensions that do not conform to our ideals of peace and threaten the security and stability of the country, of the region, and of the world,” he said.

“This country will not lose one inch of its territory. We will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our Constitution and with international law. We will work with our neighbors to secure the safety and security of our peoples,” he added.

Marcos noted that the current operating environment

He said as the Philippines continues to develop its internal resources, the country must pursue a path of prosperity that contributes to goals shared with the international community. “We have cemented our bilateral relations with our allies, with partners, with our friends. And as we work on translating these investments into material benefits for our people, we must ensure that we continue to preserve the security and the safety of our nation,” he said.

Harassment

Last August, China also prevented Philippine Coast Guard ships from coming closer to the Ayungin Shoal while providing security to a Philippine Navy resupply mission. The Philippine Coast Guard said the Chinese Coast Guard vessel even readied its 70 mm cannon when BRP Teresa Magbanua came close to Ayungin Shoal at a distance of 2.5NM.

The Chinese Coast Guard vessel, together with two Chinese maritime militia ships and another Chinese Coast Guard vessel with bow number 5102, blockaded and prevented the Filipino vessel from reaching BRP Sierra Madre manned by troops.

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Artemio Abu said regardless of this challenging situation, they remain steadfast in protecting the sovereignty and rights of the country and Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.

“The PCG will continue to exercise due diligence in protecting the country's territorial integrity against foreign aggression. The AFP can always rely on the PCG to support their resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal. Despite the dangerous maneuver of the much larger CCG ships and their aggressive actions at sea, the PCG ships will always be in the West Philippine Sea to sustain our presence and assert our sovereign rights,” Abu said.

The Pentagon said the United States and the Philippines have agreed to resume joint patrols in the South China Sea following a decision reached during the recent meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Filipino Defense chief Carlito Galvez in Manila. The Philippines also allowed U.S troops in several areas in the country.

China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea continues because the government allows it, especially during the time of then President Rodrigo Duterte who even publicly said that he loves President Xi Jingping and likened the relationship with China to a blooming flower. “I simply love Xi Jingping,” the former strongman said in April 2018 before heading to Beijing with her daughter Sara, now the Philippines Vice President. (Mindanao Examiner)

PhilHealth expands services

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) said it has expanded its coverage for all its active members after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered the agency to roll out more services that will benefit some 69 million beneficiaries.

PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. - who recently met with Marcos - said for the short-term plan, they have increased the hemodialysis coverage from 90 to 156 sessions, repealing the pay-whichever-is-lower corporate policy in payment claims and increasing the case rate of the top four packages covering 25 percent of filed claims.

With its widened dialysis coverage, he said PhilHealth will increase dialy-

sis support to three times a week for outpatients, equivalent to full weekly coverage annually.

Also part of the state health insurer’s shortterm plan, Ledesma said they also introduced the PhilHealth mobile app and short message service confirmations, as well as implementation of new benefit packages.

Under its new packages, PhilHealth is looking to introduce the outpatient mental health benefit package, outpatient package for severe acute malnutrition for children below five years old and strengthen its Konsulta package.

Ledesma said PhilHealth plans to rationalize the COVID-19 in-patient packages, reverse transcription polymerase

chain reaction and rapid antigen tests, as well as isolation packages.

For its mid-term plan to be introduced in 2024, Ledesma said PhilHealth will carry out general amnesty for employers and government agencies with missed premium payments, which will cover businesses, employers and individuals, especially small and medium enterprises that cannot afford to pay the 3% interest on missed premium payments.

He said they also plan to impose penalties on erring doctors and hospitals instead of revoking their accreditation, amend the Universal Healthcare Law and increase the case rates of top 10 packages with the highest claims filed.

“An anti-fraud system will also be introduced and a reorganization of PhilHealth will also be implemented to ensure proper manpower complement, especially for claims processing and frontline services,” Ledesma said.

For its long-term plans, he said PhilHealth will be pursuing digitalization and the construction of PhilHealth-owned buildings and facilities.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Powerful 2.2 diesel engine, manual transmission, 2-inch lift, Robinson suspension, 20-inch Black Rhino rims, thick tires, only 85,000 mileage. As is condition. First owner.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr with PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.

Marines participate in aerial lift training at Landing Zone Phoenix, Okinawa, Japan, March 1, 2023. (Photo by Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sydni Jessee)

Philippines spy agency signs cyber -security accord with NGCP which is 40% owned by China

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

Marcos even witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between NICA and NGCP on March 13 in Malacanang Palace. “Since the NGCP is in charge of a very critical aspect of the daily lives of Filipinos, when it comes to war strategy, “we do –we conduct our wars in the same manner that we conduct our business,” Marcos said.

He even raised the parallelism between the previous global wars and industrial development at the time with the current advancements in business through cyberspace, adding, “And that is why we are continuing to shore up our defenses when it comes to cyber-security.”

“And since NGCP is a critical part of our security, of our ability to continue to function as a society, then this is an important day because now we have made more robust the defenses against any possible attacks on our power systems,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the signing of the memorandum is a very good step as the country develops its cyber systems to secure collected data and information and prevent external

actors from using them against the Philippines.

Under the agreement, NICA is tasked with integrating collected intelligence information from various government instrumentality, make an analysis, assess the data, and recommend actions in safeguarding NGCP’s transmission assets.

The NGCP, on the other hand, can share vital information on energy-related security issues and provide technical advice to the NICA. Through the memorandum, NICA commits to supply the NGCP with intelligence information to support the protection of power transmission assets that NGCP operates and maintains across the country, while it commits to provide technical assistance to NICA to support and strengthen its cyber-security capability.

The NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s state-owned power grid, an interconnected system that transmits gigawatts of power in thousands of volts from generators to consumers. On the other hand, NICA is the primary intelligence gathering and analysis arm of the

government carrying out overt, covert, and clandestine intelligence activities. NICA directs, coordinates, and integrates all government activities involving national intelligence and serves as the focal point for the preparation of intelligence data of local and foreign situations which serve as inputs and guide to the day-to-day decision and policy-making functions of the President as well as other entities.

It was unclear whether Marcos was aware that China controls four of the ten NGCP board seats and represented by Zhu Guangchao, the Vice Chief Engineer and Director General of International Cooperation Department of the SGCC; Shan Shewu, Director General of the Philippine Office of SGCC and Board member of State Grid International Development; Liu Ming, the SGCC Chief Representative of China's Africa Office; and Liu Xinhua, an engineer with a master's degree and a topnotcher in the CPA Board Examination in China.

And Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea continues against Filipino Coast Guard vessels and Filipino fishermen.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Camiguin resort offers luxurious vacation

Marcos administration to campaign vs. fake news

MANILA – The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said it will implement a Digital Media Literacy campaign this year, seeking to equip the most vulnerable communities with knowledge and tools to discern the truth.

PCO Undersecretary Cherbett Karen Maralit noted that Congress has tasked the PCO to address the growing concern on misinformation and disinformation, especially in the digital landscape.

“Backed by the budgetary support from the Philippine Congress and its confidence in the leadership of the PCO, we took the opportunity to develop mechanisms through which we can bring the online experiences of females of all ages into focus,” she said, noting that crucially, in this age of plenteous and insistent information, the rights of women and girls continue to be undermined by disinformation and misinformation.

“The PCO, therefore, is positioning itself as a pillar that upholds the rights and welfare of women and girls through a Digital Media Literacy Campaign that will focus on our most vulnerable communities,” Maralit pointed out.

tion,” Maralit said, adding, that PCO “wishs to achieve this goal with both sensitivity, balance and respect for constitutional rights.”

Maralit said a thorough study will be conducted this month throughout the country, which seeks to refine the target communities where media literacy is most needed; determine the social media platforms through which these communities are most susceptible to fake news; and identify the contents and topics on which these misinformation and disinformation focus.

The study also hopes to identify the profiles of fake news peddlers; understand the influences that open these communities to deceptions and understand the practices and habits of the target communities that create the opportunities for exposure to disinformation and misinformation.

“When we have gathered the results of this study, expectedly by the middle of this year, we will be implementing a nationwide media literacy campaign that will focus on the areas identified,” she said.

Google, and the Philippine Commission on Women, among others, will be invited “in the hope that they will share equal commitment to this cause.”

Maralit also reported that pieces of legislation on media literacy have also been introduced in both Houses of Congress. She said the measures seek to institutionalize the effort of our Department of Education to include Media and Information Literacy (MIL) as a core subject in the current curriculum of basic and secondary education.

Maralit said the challenges in integrating MIL in the basic education curriculum, such as the misconception about the MIL course as an educational technology-related subject, the lack of training for MIL teachers, and the need to consider MIL as a core subject by tertiary education institutions.

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

one can enjoy at Haruhay Eco-Beach Tavern at Mambajao town in Camiguin province. "Haruhay Eco-Beach Tavern, buot pasabot peaceful, luxurious. At peace ka diri sa Camiguin, mao na siya gitawag nako siya og Haruhay, and Daos is a Kinamigin word for "to eat," and na-establish ni siya atong November 2022," said resort owner Wilven Pinili. An affordable and accessible getaway, Haruhay is mainly designed as an eco-conscious tourist destination, giving importanceto environment protection, Pinili said. "Minimal kaayo ang atoang mga activities para wala kaayo ta'y environmental impact, so karon peaceful

kaayo atong mga activities karon. At night, naa lang ta'y pwede mag-bonfire para sa mga guests, pwede pud mag-swim sa beach," he said. Currently, camping and tents are not yet allowed in the area, as they are still working on the amenities of the resort, said Pinili, but he was quick to say that pet lovers will also enjoy the resort, as they allow pets provided the owners will responsibly look after their fur babies. Pinili said those who could notdetach from their work or personal matters will be at peace since Haruhay offers free WiFi for their guests. A spacious parking lot is also available. Thus, those who bring with them their vehicles to roam the island will

not have a hard time securing their cars. “Food can't be brought in or cooked at the resort, but Daos Beach Bistro serves delicious vegan food. Among the most sought-after plate specials in the bistro are the surol, which is a Kinamigin "vegified" chicken stew in coconut milk,” he said, adding, they also serve veganized pork blood stew, Kare-Kare, mushroom crisps, sisig, dinakdakan, pasta, and house blend beverages. Pinili said they only let people in who are fully vaccinated because the local government makes businesses follow strict health rules. Aside from ensuring well-sanitized facilities, Haruhay's personnel are also fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (RTA)

“Taking a context-based and factual grassroots approach, we intend to reach out to, and equip, these communities with knowledge and skills and tools that will enable them to discern the truth as they engage in various social media channels and platforms,” she added.

Maralit said the twofold path involves the active collaboration by PCO with the private sector, including the stakeholders of the broadcast industry, to establish effective mechanisms against fake news.

The PCO will also guide the public toward a place of strength where they have the ability to understand and identify false, incomplete or inaccurate information, she said.

“We will work to improve the citizenry’s ability to think critically and analyze information. The first step towards this end is identifying reliable and credible sources of informa-

By the end of this year, Maralit said, the PCO will be closing the campaign with a Media Literacy Summit, where speakers from organizations such as Facebook,

“The PCO shall work with the public [education] sector to help address these challenges. We need the help of MIL experts, specialists, and established organizations to lend their strengths and help us in achieving the kind of Filipino society we wish to see where all are free to realize their best,” she said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Vegan dishes are offered at Daos Beach Bistro, and among the most sought-after plate specials in the bistro are the Surol, Vinuguan, and Kare-Kare. (JME)

Pictures in the News

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Negros now bans pigs from Cebu

testing.

The local government of Carcar has sealed the slaughterhouse where the virus was detected. Despite the presence of ASF in Carcar City, the provincial veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy assured Cebuanos of enough pork supply in the province.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has also ordered biosecurity measures in seaports and airports by establishing strict border control and veterinary quarantine efforts, as well as cargo and passenger inspections in all ports of entry within the province.

International Airport Authority, as well as airline companies and shipping lines to implement the executive order.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama also ordered the adoption of Bantay ASF in 80 villages here to strictly prohibit the entry of live hogs, pork, and pork products and by-products whether raw, processed or cooked, and all other meat, chicken, fish, or any other food products that are mixed with pork meat.

and Bird Flu in an effort to protect the province’s multi-billion swine and poultry industry, and the livelihood of Negrenses.

“We’re very serious (with bird flu) as serious as we are with ASF. Anything that will threaten our livelihood, especially livestock. Whether it’s pork or chicken, we will continue to protect it. You must remember that losing this industry could have a very long-term effect on the province that we cannot afford,” Lacson said.

African Swine Fever has been spreading globally for several years and since the first reports of the virus into China in August 2018, there has been increasing concern over this disease in Asia and the Pacific. With over 60% of the world’s domestic pig population the impact of this disease in the region cannot be underestimated. (World Organization for Animal Health)

“All livestock transport passes issued for livestock transport vehicles and refer vans from the Island of Negros are hereby revoked and cancelled until further notice,” she said.

DUMAGUETE CITY

After Cebu province bans live hogs and pork products

She also ordered the mayors, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Cebu Port Authority, the Mactan-Cebu

Dr. Jessica Maribujoc, head of the Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, said their team is conducting an information drive in the villages. She said traders, producers, and importers need to secure documents of their live hogs, pork, and pork products.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson previously vowed to sustain the fight against the ASF

This was Lacson’s assurance after veterinary quarantine personnel disposed of some P1.4 million worth of undocumented eggs that entered Bredco port in Negros last month. The seized shipment of 240,000 pieces or 8,000 trays of eggs arrived on a delivery truck en route to Iloilo. (Mary Judaline Partlow, John Rey Saavedra and Nanette Guadalquiver)

The ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. In its acute form the disease generally results in high mortality. ASF is a different disease to swine flu. The virus does not affect people and there is no impact on human health.

Ophelia Felisilda, chief operations officer of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said the total ban will be in effect for the next 45 days.

“(The late) Governor Dega-

two Negros provinces – Oriental or Occidental – the pigs came from.

UMAGUETE CITY – After Cebu bans live and from Negros Island, now the provincial government of Negros Oriental also from Negros Island, now the government of Negros Oriental also imposed a total ban on pigs, pork, and by products from Cebu province fol- a total ban on and from Cebu following the first reported African swine fever (ASF) case in Carcar City the first African swine fever case in Carcar City. mo signed and issued the executive order on the total ban even before the news of the ASF cases in Carcar City came out, to prevent the swine industry in Negros Oriental from being affected by the animal disease,” she said.

The Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed the first ASF case in Carcar City after 58 of 149 pig blood samples tested positive last March 1. The BAI did not specify which of the

Felisilda said Negros Oriental remains ASF-free based on reports submitted by 17 of the 25 local governments in the province. She said last month, the BAI also conducted a seminar-training on pig blood sampling for local governments, adding, her office has an animal diagnostic laboratory in which they can run blood samples for animal disease

PAL flies Laoag to Cebu

CEBU - Direct flights between Laoag City and Cebu are expected to start in May this year in time for Ilocos Norte’s month-long fiesta celebration.

Vicente Sotto Hospital to put up Renal Care and Transplant Center

CEBU CITY – The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) is putting up a new Renal Care and Transplant Center for kidney patients with the construction of a new building, according to the Department of Health.

“As of the moment, we are finalizing our collaboration with PAL for the start of Laoag-Cebu direct flights,” said Ilocos Norte Provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel Raquel, noting that the proposed direct flights between Laoag and Cebu would connect the northern gateway of Luzon to the Central Visayas region for business and tourism.

Raquel said the president of Philippine Airlines Stanley Ng visited Ilocos Norte recently. She said even in pre-pandemic times, they have been constantly receiving inquiries should the airlines consider adding new flights, such as for the Laoag-Cebu route.

She said there are two options to travel to Ilocos Norte from Cebu: Fly to Manila and catch a connecting flight to Laoag or take a flight from Cebu to Clark in Pampanga and then ride a bus for approximately eight hours to Laoag. (Leilanie Adriano)

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH regional director, has assured patients they will not be displaced and will continue to receive their dialysis treatment during the construction of the new building that will begin in April and is expected to finish in the next 18 months.

The regional hospital here has about 300 dialysis patients.

“We have arranged for the assigning of patients to our partner dialysis clinics,” Bernadas said, adding that local government-run hospitals with renal facilities are tapped to provide the services to VSMMC patients.

Dr. Gerardo Aquino Jr., VSMMC hospital director, said the new Renal Care and

Transplant Center building will serve as an apex specialty center to cater to a number of kidney-related diseases for the people of Cebu and of the Visayas region.

He also said the dialysis service at the VSMMC will continue, however, this will only accommodate a few patients due to downscaling of operations to accommodate hospitalized patients and patients in need of emergency dialysis. “As part of our preparations for this project, we have begun communi-

cating and coordinating with our current patients and health facilities in the healthcare provider network for contingencies,” he said.

The hospital has trained staff members at the dialysis centers of provincial hospitals in Cebu that will cater to the needs of patients, according to Aquino, adding “we shall be working with local government units in localizing renal care for their constituents.” (John Rey Saavedra)

The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center building in Cebu City. (PNA Photo by John Rey Saavedra)