Mindanao Times, June 30, 2021 by Mindanao Times Digital

OPINION Are they living Noynoy’s way of life?

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BY VIC N. SUMALINOG

on PAGE 6 V O L . 74

NO. 480

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

DAVAO CITY - PHILIPPINES

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JOSE DULLER, principal of Pablo Piatos Sr. Integrated School, receives his first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 as public school teachers of the city get inoculated against the virus at the Bernardo D. Carpio National High School. BING GONZALES

MECQ expanded

• Entire Davao Region placed under stricter classification BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire Davao Region under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) classification until July 15 due to the rising number of daily COVID-19 cases. The declaration of the of other parts of the region The order placing the President on Monday el- from General Community entire region under stricter evated the classification Quarantine to MECQ. classification is expected to

w w w. m i n d a n a o t i m e s . c o m . p h

regulate movement of people and arrest the spread of the virus. Before the latest order of the President, only the city was placed under

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MECQ initially between June 5 until June 20 and was eventually extended until the end of the month. The order placing the city under a stricter classi-

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fication earlier in the month was the result of the appeal of Mayor Sara Z. Duterte after receiving reports that the city has experienced a ( / MECQ / 10) mindanaotimes

News

MINDANAO TIMES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

PUBLIC school teachers from the Second District register for vaccination at the Bernardo D. Carpio National High School. The activity is also simultaneously held at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School and the Crossing Bayabas National High School. BING GONZALES

Expert: New lab to help RT-PCR test congestion BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

THE operations of the Los Amigos Laboratory as a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing center will help the city government provide faster test results, a city official said Monday. Dr. Michelle Schloss- Center) Molecular Labo- the year. er, City COVID-19 Task ratory, will be able to give Schlosser said the opForce spokesperson, said the turnaround of results erations of the laboratory the laboratory, which got its faster." will ease the burden of the license to operate from the Located at Purok 6, SPMC as the government Department of Health on B5, Los Amigos, Tugbok hospital has exceeded its June 22, “aside from decon- District, the laboratory, capacity in accepting RTgesting the SPMC (South- under its license, is allowed PCR swab samples. ern Philippines Medical to operate until the end of She added, "Mas ma-

Shabu inside ball seized at city jail DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) – Officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)Davao confiscated six sachets of confirmed methamphetamine or “shabu” worth P315,000 that were stuffed inside a basketball that was thrown from outside the Davao City Jail Male Dormitory (DCJMD) compound in Barangay Ma-a last Saturday.

Insp. Edo Lobenia, BJMP-11 spokesperson, said that the jail guards discovered 21 grams of the illegal substance, wrapped securely with electrical tape, inside the ball that fell off from the roof. Authorities found out during an examination that the object contained six sachets of white crystalline substance, particu( / SHABU / 10)

bilis ang testing with a new molecular laboratory at mas mabilis ang turnaround ng results (Testing is faster with a new molecular laboratory and turnaround of results is also faster)." The SPMC Molecular Laboratory usually releases RT-PCR test results in two days, but because of the sheer number of people

getting tested, releasing of results could get delayed even by five days. But with the operations of the Los Amigos Laboratory, Schossler is confident the turnaround time will be drastically reduced. "I hope we will be able to achieve two to three days. As much as possible, we want to give the results

PALACE:

Quarantine status still subject to LGUs' appeal MANILA – Local government units (LGUs) still have until Monday night to appeal the quarantine classifications that will be imposed within their jurisdictions beginning July, Malacañang said on Tuesday. “Ito po ay subject to appeal pa hanggang mamayang gabi po. ‘Yung mga

LGU na gustong mag-apela ay pupuwede po (The new quarantine status is still subject to appeal until tonight. LGUs who want to make appeal can do so),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in an online press briefing. This, after President Rodrigo Duterte announced in a pre-recorded Talk to the(

People on Monday night the recommended community quarantine classifications for the month of July. Duterte said stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) will be imposed in Cagayan, Apayao, Bataan, Lucena City, Puerto Princesa, Nagay City, Iloilo / QUARANTINE / 10)

right away aron dili kaayo maguol while waiting tong natest. They will also go on with their usual activities, secured that they are already negative. Para sa ilahang work requirements," she said, adding that the new laboratory will operate as soon as logistical requirements are completed. (

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Rebel surrenders in Sarangani A FORMER Bayan Muna Sarangani provincial coordinator who claimed he was also a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the soldiers of 73rd Infantry Battalion in Sitio Loot, Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan, Sarangani on Saturday, the military reported. The report identified the one who returned to the ( / REBEL / 10)

Business

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

MINDANAO TIMES

To heal, to recover, to arise THERE’S a negative the close supervision of connotation affixed to the President, by granting the term “COVID-19”. it emergency powers to When we hear it, we enaddress the COVID-19 vision a global economic pandemic. Bayanihan 1 slowdown, the Philippine has helped the health care economy breaking its alsector build and increase most three-decade record its capacity to cater to the of economic growth, cesrise of COVID-19 cases. sation of business activiThe measure also provides ties due to quarantine resocial amelioration and strictions, including steep cash-for-work programs to BY FRANCIS MATMAT declines in household households that had been income. disrupted by governmentWith the grim economic outlook imposed lockdowns and other similar spurred by the onset of the pandemic, the restrictions. so-called invisible hand, as envisioned To Recover: Capital infusion to under the economic theory, may not be boost liquidity in the economy and govable to give the economy a boost as eas- ernment assistance for key sectors ily as before. On September 11, 2020, the President Despite the not-so-rosy economic signed R.A. 11494 or the “Bayanihan to outlook and projections, the Philippine Recover as one Act” or Bayanihan 2 with government still has a few aces up its extended effectivity until June 30, 2021. sleeve. It has undertaken a number of Like Bayanihan 1, this measure initiatives geared towards improving the granted emergency powers to the Execugeneral welfare of the public and giving tive Branch to help combat the pandemic. the economy a much-needed boost. Here However, Bayanihan 2 places more emare some of these initiatives. phasis on economic response and recovTo Heal: Government aid for health ery. With businesses short in cash after sector to control the increasing number months of interrupted operations, the of COVID-19 cases Bayanihan 2 Act provides capital infuAfter the President’s declaration of a sion to government financial institutions State of National Emergency, Congress to boost liquidity in the economy through passed Republic Act 11469, otherwise low-interest loans and credit guarantees, known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One as well as regulatory relief for loans, rent, Act or Bayanihan 1. The measure’s ef- and utilities. Bayanihan 2 targeted vital fectivity date is from March 25, 2020, to sectors such as transportation, tourism, June 25, 2020. education, and small businesses that have It aims to better equip the execu- been seriously affected by the pandemic. tive branch of the government, under ( /LINE / 10)

LINE OF SIGHT

Public warned vs investment scheme

THE Securities and Exchange Commission-Davao Extension Office (SEC-DEO) has alerted the public that JC Pro Global Trading does not have any legal authority to solicit investments. The extension office Jaypee Halili, is engaged in scheme “is an investment made the announcement after investment taking activities contract because it involves the Commission raised an through its ‘compensation the offering and sale of securiadvisory on June 24 that the plan (complan)’. ties to the public where their entity, headed by one Jameskie The Commission said investors need not exert any Earl Cornelio also known as that JC Pro Global Trading’s effort other than to invest or

Heated tobacco products reduce cigarette sales The introduction of heated tobacco products (HTPs), considered a harm reduction approach, has reduced cigarette sales in Japan by 30 percent in a span of three to four years. “Since 2014, three heated tobacco products have been launched officially nationwide in Japan and these have been penetrating 25 percent [of total smoking population], and this product has been successful to reduce cigarette smoking in Japan so far by 30 percent in three to four years," Dr.

Kumamaru Hiroya, a preventive physician specializing in smoking cessation, said. Dr. Hiroya, the Vice Director of the AOI Universal Hospital in Kawasaki, said this decline in consumption was not observed after years of trying nicotine replacement therapy (NTP). He said in contrast with NTPs such as nicotine patches which proved ineffective in reducing the smoking rate in Japan, the commercialization

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place money in the scheme in order to earn profit. An “investment contract” exists when there is an investment or placement of money in a common enterprise with a reasonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others.

To engage in this kind of investment activity, JC Pro Global Trading must have a secondary license from the Commission and that any person or entity intending to offer and sell its investment contract are required to secure the necessary registration and/

or license from the Commission as well. The requirement is based on Section 3 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), which requires an entity to secure a secondary license if it wants “to solicit, accept or

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Fintech enables seamless bills payment option for VisMin clients FROM giving users in Metro Manila access to seamless payment solutions using their GCash app, the country’s leading e-wallet, is now extending its reach to the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) region by building partnerships and ecosystems with LGUs through GCash Pay Bills. True to its mission of providing “financial inclusion for all,” GCash has enabled VisMin customers in the said regions to pay their bills and send payments from the comfort and safety of their homes anytime, offering greater con-

venience and empowering a digital financial lifestyle in the region. “GCash remains committed to its mission to enable financial access for all consumers and merchants, including those in Visayas and Mindanao. Aside from financial inclusion, GCash continues to provide Filipinos with seamless access to their digital financial lifestyle and help keep them safe during the pandemic,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash. Traditionally, e-payment

penetration at VisMin regions have been low, particularly attributable to lack of access to proper infrastructure, and education and awareness on new payment technologies. But with GCash, both consumers and businesses can benefit because of the app’s easy to use nature for consumers, and an easier integration process for businesses. Recently, GCash has onboarded Lapu-lapu City as its first LGU bills payment partner in the VisMin region. With the partnership, Lapulapu residents and business

owners can now use GCash to pay for their real property tax, business tax, cedula and other fees. GCash currently covers 49 VisMin billers, including utilities, schools, real estate, loans, and regularly adds more. VisMin utilities include ANTECO, BACIWA, Balamban Enerzone, Boracay Water, CEBECO2, CEBECO3, CEPALCO, COWD, DASURECO, Davao Light, Davao City Water District, Dipolog Water District, Ilagan City Water District, Iligan

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Community

MINDANAO TIMES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

Back to Back water systems launched in Upi, Maguindanao On June 21 and 22, 2021, Charge d’ Affaires NAKATA Masahiro delivered separate video messages during the ceremonial hand over of two Level II water systems in Barangays Looy and Rifao in Upi Maguindanao. Those who attended the event were BARMM Environment, Natural Resources and Energy Senior Minister Abdulraof Abdul Macacua, BARMM Labor and Employment Minister Romeo K. Sema, BARMM Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Melanio Umbit Ulama, Upi Mayor Ramon Piang and BDA Executive Director Windel Diangcalan. In view of the pandemic, International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Khalid Hassan also delivered his messages through video footages. The first Level II water system launched on June 21, 2021 was in Barangay Looy, South Upi. Occupied by 70 percent indigenous people, the Teduray, this village rely heavily on shallow/dug well, river and rain for their water and sanitation needs. Over 500 households and around 900 schoolchildren will benefit from the water infrastructure in this barangay. In Barangay Rifao, a Level II water system consisting of eight tap stands that will serve 80 households and 425 school children was handed over on June 22, 2021. Fortyfive workers, all Tedurays were contracted to work on the water facilities. This Barangay, mostly inhabited by the Teduray will now have access to safe and reliable water. Using the local-resource based approach in generating employment during these challenging times, men and women in the community were engaged in the construction work. To ensure safety of the workers, COVID-19 occupational safety and health protocols were implemented. Moreover, the workers were trained on the Operations and Maintenance of the water system to ensure ownership and sustainability of the project. This initiative is under the ILO-Japan Water and Sanitation Project in the Bangsamoro Region, which was signed last March 6, 2019. The ILO intervention envisions to develop water infrastructure that will benefit an

estimated 11,814 households in the Bangsamoro region. Around 2,463 informal sector workers in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City and 63 barangays in North Cotabato will be provided emergency employment with social protection. To ensure the safety and health of workers, hand washing facilities are established in the work sites and COVID-19 responsive occupational safety and health protocols are in place. While the over-all goal of this undertaking is peace and development in Mindanao,

it will also contribute towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, as well as Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth. Since 1974, Japan has a longstanding cooperation with the ILO. In the Philippines, Japan has supported a number of ILO projects on disaster response, sustainable livelihood, peace and security, local economic development, among others.

Modern ways to wear Filipiniana at Kultura A CROPPED terno top worn with slim silk pants . . . Art Deco inspired black embroidery on a white silk terno top and ruffled skirt . . . an exquisitely embroi-

FEMININE hand painted silk cocoon barong top with puffed sleeves and is paired with a navy mikado silk ball gown skirt

dered capelet over a red shantung silk gown . . . a playful inabel terno top with pineapple designs. These are some of the Kultura Fili-

pino’s Modern Filipiniana designs for the contemporary Filipina. And you’ll be amazed how the traditional Filipiniana attire has been transformed into inventive and exciting new looks. The iconic butterfly sleeved terno gets a fresh new look worn with pants and other modern pieces. Natural materials like pinasilk and jusi are woven by local artisans into stylish pieces with exquisite hand painting and embroidery. Inabel fabric from the Ilocos region is updated with innovative designs. In this time that intimate events and special occasions with health protocols are now allowed, make that moment memorable and meaningful and dress up with fashionable Modern Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog from Kultura. The collection consists of both classic and modern silhouettes - tops, skirts and dresses that can be worn together or mix and match. Many of the pieces are embroidered or handpainted by artisans in our partner H AN D MA D E LU X U RY. E xquisitely communities of weavers, embroiderembroidered Barong Tagalog in silk ers, farmers and workers, making each cocoon. unique and a true labor of love.

THIS handwoven cropped Inabel terno worn with ivory shantung silk pants is an elegant yet playful option from Kultura’s Modern Filipiniana collection.

Perfect for small intimate events and special occasions, the Modern Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog collection is available at Kultura Stores. You can also shop thru our website: www.kulturafilipino.com or thru Call to Deliver 09175174096. Kultura ships here and abroad.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

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MINDANAO TIMES

Eleazar promises support for human rights program

MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Guillermo Eleazar conveyed the PNP’s “full commitment” to the United Nations (UN) Joint Programme on Human Rights, which aims to promote a human rights-based approach to combatting terrorism and illegal drugs. “This UN joint pro- ing the country. It calls for gramme is a critical mile- technical cooperation and stone,” said UN Philip- capacity-building for the pines Resident Coordinator promotion and protection Gustavo Gonzalez. “This is of human rights in the Philthe first ever UN joint pro- ippines. gramme on human rights in At a meeting with Gonthe Philippines, where we zalez, Eleazar said that put together the capacities “he appreciates the UN’s and resoruces of the UN in commitment to cooperate support of a wide range of with the Government of the national institutions. And Philippines”. the PNP is a central partner He added that “the PNP in this undertaking.” has opened its office to any The UN joint pro- queries on human rights gramme is in line with from the Department of Human Rights Council Justice (DOJ) and the DeResolution 45/33, adopted partment of Foreign Affairs on 7 October 2020, which (DFA), and that the PNP is reaffirmed the commitment committed to give its full of the Government of the support to the joint proPhilippines to engage ac- gramme.” tively with the international Aside from the PNP, community to address hu- the UN joint programme is man rights challenges fac- being co-implemented by

the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Presidential Human Rights Committee, the Dangerous Drugs Board, the Anti-Terrorism Council and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Civil Society Organizations as well as the Academia will also be core partners in the implementation of the programme. Four UN agencies, including the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNOHCHR), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN Office on Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are part of the technical cooperation. The UN joint programme will strengthen cooperation between the Government and non-government organizations, in

order to protect civic space. It will also reinforce the Government’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms. The UN joint programme will support the Government’s efforts to combat terrorism, applying a human rights-based approach, and supporting the CHR in monitoring compliance in the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. At the same time, it will apply a human rights-based approach in combatting illegal drugs, including through alternatives to detention, alleviating prison overcrowding and long pre-trial detention. “Now is the time to reset, to rebuild and recover better, guided by a strong commitment to human rights," said Gonzalez. "The new UN joint programme is expected to contribute to such national endeavour.” PR

Name corrupt or ‘I’ll campaign against you’, PRRD to Pacquiao MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday dared Senator Manny Pacquiao to name corrupt agencies and officials or else he will campaign against the country’s boxing superstar in the 2022 elections. “So I’m challenging him, ituro mo opisina na corrupt at ako na bahala within one week, may gawin ako. Maglista ka Pacquiao at sinasabi mo two times kaming corrupt, ilista mo yun mga tao at opisina na dapat inilista mo pa noon at ibigay mo sa akin (name the corrupt office and I will do something within one week. You make a list Pacquiao and you said we’re two times corrupt, list those

people and offices that you should have listed before and give them to me),” Duterte said in his Talk to the People. Duterte said Pacquiao should prove that he is not just politicking amid reports that the world boxing champion is gunning for the presidency in the 2022 elections. “If you fail to do that, I will campaign against you, because you are not doing your duty. Do it, because if not, I will just tell the people, do not vote for Manny Pacquiao because he is a liar,” Duterte said. He said the Department of Public Works and Highway “really had notoriety” for

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Opinion

MINDANAO TIMES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

DON’T TRY

Are they living Noynoy’s way of life? HERE is a quote by Nelson Mandela, a modern-day leader who could have easily continued governing his country with the all-out backing of his people. But he made good his commitment to be President of South Africa for only one term. The South Africans were more than willing to have their savior from the apartheid rule stay several years more, or perhaps even Mandela’s lifetime. After all, their Constitution does not have provision that expressly prohibits an incumbent from running for reelection. According to the South African leader, “When you are at the top, be careful with the monster called PRIDE. Pride will make you look down on people who haven’t attained your level of success. When you are at the bottom, be careful with the monster called BITTERNESS. Bitterness makes you jealous and think that other people are the reason you haven’t made it. When you are on the way to the top, be careful with the monster called GREED. Greed will make you impatient and make you steal or seek shortcuts. When you are on your way down, be careful with the monster called DISPAIR. Despair will make you think it is all over. Yet there is still hope.” Mandela died a few years after he went back to private life. But one indelible hallmark of his leadership is his having lived every aspect of his quote till the end. So, he may have died over two decades ago but his memory lives on all by itself and not with the aid of expert history re-writers or allowing his name in to be used in a necropolitics game to paint a picture of human perfection in the hope that a saintly appreciation of a departed political leader can rub in on the feat of some aspiring or come-backing politicians. This situation is exactly what the opposition is trying to build on the death of the late former President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. But unlike Mandela’s case in PNoy’s death saga it is the opposition and its supporters who are exerting all efforts to paint the late former President as the epitome of leadership in the Philippines. And this the opposition cannot deny because no less than one of their highest leaders in Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has personally admitted in a media interview which was posted in the social media platform Facebook, that the opposition is hoping that PNoy’s death would influence the outcome of the 2022 election in favor of the opposition candidates. Drilon

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though, admitted that the outcome they are hoping for depends on how the opposition would effectively capitalize on Noynoy’s demise. Personally however, we subscribe to the thinking of some people that the late former national leader was really a humble and simple person. That he may have thought he had done well for his country and people during his term not thinking that negative repercussions of some of his decisions could come arise in the long term primarily because of changing global politics. That Noynoy may have thought that the men and women working with him were all like him and were beyond temptation for their self-interest. For certain they were the ones who made PNoy decide on things and adopt actions that were later to lead him and his administration to the road to perdition. In other words the late former President, in every crossroads he arrived at in his administration’s journey, may have taken the wrong direction. No, not because it was the right direction he personally have thought to be, but because he was made to believe it was on the advice of the men and women around him who may have their own selfish agenda. And these men and women in his circle may also be the ones with the loudest cries in his wake and the most vocal appreciation of his good deeds but are the most silent of the former president’s unfortunate actions that they may have strongly influenced on him. Indeed it is most unfortunate for the late former President that he is not anymore around to discern who his true friends are and who are only acting to be his friends because he is no longer around to confront them. Yes, in the opposition’s efforts to build its advantage over the administration using Noynoy’s death as vehicle it is also betraying their true character. What with their blatant comparison of Noynoy’s governance to that of the sitting President? Some of them are twisting truth to create fiction if only to sell their idea that their would-be candidates are having the qualities of the departed former President. If only to flesh a statement in the context of Mandela’s quote to describe the ongoing efforts of the opposition, may be this is worth a read, “If the opposition or the administration’s critics are thinking that they are on their way up because of PNoy’s death, think again.” They might be overdoing in capitalizing on the late former leader’s death. The opposition might end up compromising its own strategy.

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IN SEVERAL short notes to friends, the late German-American writer Charles Bukowski had preached of ‘don’t try’ so much that it had become synonymous with his rambling and supposed- beatnik perspective. As such, when he passed away in 1994, the two words were eventually etched in his epitaph. Since then, other writers and biographers had used it to describe his life philosophy and approach to writing and poetry. As for myself, “Don’t try” has indeed, become an adopted valuable life lesson. Of course, you have to take it in the context that, when you find yourself trying too hard at doing something and then, nothing as yet is attainable, stop awhile. This is simply that part where you don’t push it. Don’t try. It does not mean to ‘be idle’ or really stop at what you are doing or pursuing at the moment. On the contrary, what it actually means is go ahead and ‘just do it’, no matter what. Trudge on. Going back to Bukowski, his wife Linda had explained this, when asked to explain those infamous two words by the writer. She said, “Don’t try, do. Because if you’re spending your time TRYING something, you’re not doing it…so DON’T TRY.” How useful is this? Whenever I reach a dry spell in writing, I just go and write streams and whatever. Eventually, I get back on track and continue on. The same is true in music. Whenever something becomes too technical and it feels difficult to proceed, it pays to be lost for a while. This is akin to trance-like walkabouts where one just lets the music flow like Bruce Lee’s water. In the 80s, similar themes have likewise appeared through several books, notable of which were Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and (of all things) a tennis book, The Inner Game. If one had heard of the now-used term “in the zone”, this is precisely what’s talked about in these paperbacks (especially the latter). The premise is, in order for one to excel or be adept at a particular task, one has to stop being conscious when doing it, and then, just trust in the process that you already possess innately. The perfect analogy would be the touch typist. As he encodes a document, his thought process is not really in the conscious reading of each text but, relying on his already-honed skill of typing. In sports, some call it muscle memory. I guess this can also work for other processes in daily life. Prove me wrong. Another similar process is Ouido (pronounced as widow). Basically, it refers to the ability to play a musical instrument or a song after listening to it without relying on tabs or notation. Jamming is another more popular relative. In all, the above concepts do manage to take away stress a bit, don’t they? Let’s just sum these all up in an old folk song: “Be not too hard, for life is short, And nothing is given to man. Be not too hard when his soul is wrought And he must manage for what he can.” As parting words, Linda says again… So, don’t try. “It’s Monday. Get out there. Just do it. But patiently. And don’t break a sweat.”

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

MINDANAO TIMES

American Democracy in Danger “JESUS therefore said … If you abide in my word, you shall be my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31 -33) The opposite of truth is lie. God is truth. Satan is lie, like will imprison us. The current Republican Party led by former President Donal (Duck) Trump perpetrates its “Foundation of Lies”, courtesy of the great majority of Republican voters and leaders who still strongly believe Trump’s lies of Conspiracy Theory and Election Frauds”. And now they are champagning anti-democracy voters suppression! Sad to say, the Republican Party has been converted from being the bulwark of traditionalism or conservatism to right-wing extremism, racism of “White Supremacy”. It is a political Party of Michevillian orientation espousing victory at all means and costs., It is a political Party where the end justifies the means,” clearly the “Retrumplican” Party encourages violence and is a big threat to American Democracy! Can a “Disunited States of America” the world known “Icon of Democracy”, Survive the on-going confrontations. This remains to be seen. Some unscrupulous members and leaders of this new Satanic Political Party, justify their support of Trump because they consider him as a “Fighter”. Well – meaning Americans asked. “Fighter for what?” A “Devil’s Warrior” Trump seems to me. We are, however, dumbfounded to hear the expression of blind loyalty of many Republican Party members and leaders interviewed by CNN. For several years now American Democracy has experiences a relentless attack from these “Retrumplicans” using Hitlers propagandist’s tactic of continuous lying

RANDOM THOUGHTS

CHITO R. GAVINO III

until the lies are accepted as truth by the listeners. No doubt Trump is the Hitler of the 21st century that brings profound damage to the American nation. It is a sad commentary to say that the moral and spiritual degradation of the Republican Party of Lincoln is beyond imagination, Uncle Sam also must be shaking his head in heaven. Obviously the Retrumplican Party has declared its independence from God and its dependence on the Devil. “Qanon” is now the “Retrumplican Party’s “official religion. A “spiritual civil war” in our observation, is now happening in America. May God’s Holy Spirit guide Americans in their challenging times. While Democracy is not a perfect system of government, it is still the best in the world today. John Adams, one of the framers of the American Constitution and second President of USA then wrote. “This (1787) Constitution was made only for a moral and

a religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the governance of any other.” Wow! “Grabe!” The devil’s temptations, undoubtedly, are now rampaging the American people more dangerous than the pandemic COVID 19. Well-meaning American people must pray harder for the survival of democracy in this nation in this trying era. President Joseph Biden must consider introducing amendment(s) to the American Constitution to be more responsive and adequate to the needs of a rapid technical advancement and worsening moral degradation in their society. History is now watching America. Noted evangelist and writer Pat Robertson in his 1990, book titled. “The New Millennium”, Chapter 7 with subtitle “The Undermining of America” wrote: “For 70 years America has experienced a relentless attack from its own elites. If dramatic change does not occur in this decade the process of decay will be reversible.” Undoubtedly, America was able to come back in the past three decades (1990-2020). Will America survive the undermining now of “Retrumplicanism”? Will America have enough spiritual and political strengths to overcome this attack? Is the big question. “YES” is our reply. In the Philippines, “the 2016 Economic Intelligence Report categorized our country as a ‘failing democracy’,” per former Chief Justice Reynato Puno in 2017. The concrete proof of this is our very sick Philippine society. If we do not reform our exclusive/extractive political and economic systems soon, our country might experience its downfall.

Courage. Perseverance. Collective strength. THESE are lessons learned in this school year as the Lumad Bakwit School (LBS) holds its graduation and moving up this 17th of july, marking a year of challenges and affirmation of the Lumad's right to education. This is the third batch of this alternative makeshift school since its beginnings in 2017. Its establishment was in response to the president's pronouncement to bomb Lumad schools and the closure of Salugpongan Schools in Davao which was manipulated by the NTFELCAC. Since then, bakwit schools with the help of advocates and academe have been launched in Davao, Cebu, and Metro Manila. The disruptions of this school year include the closures of schools as the country faced the pandemic. While schools go online or adapted blended learning, we have seen more forced closures of Lumad schools in Southern Mindanao - the Community Technical College of Southeastern Mindanao (CTCSM) in Maco and MISFI Academy, where local government and NTF-ELCAC repeated the same red tagging schemes. More than 178 Lumad schools in Mindanao are now shut down, disenfranchising nearly 10,000 Lumad students. Lumad students in Davao City, hosted by UCCP Haran, had to withdraw their enrollment from nearby DepEd schools in December 2020 as more than 200 students did not have access to gadgets and learning materials that are necessary for them to continue schooling. The Cebu Bakwit School was disrupted by a raid last February 15 which police and government agenices claimed was a "rescue operation", when in fact the students were already transitioning to return to their communities. The dropping of baseless charges on the LBS leaders are a cause of celebration. But we still press on to call for the release of 18 Cebu Bakwit School students who are being held in Talaingod and Koronadal, despite the claims of the government that they are home. The UCCP Haran, an ally and advocate of the Lumad, had their back accounts frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Group based on the mere allegation that it is funding “terrorist communist groups”, the same predicament faced by another advocate, the Rural Mis-

STATEMENT sionaries of the Philippines. We are shaken by the massacre in Lianga on June 15 that included the siblings Angel Rivas, age 12 and Lenny, age 20, who were once students of the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS). These events took a toll on the well being of students and teachers, who see that the attacks on schools and the Lumad are relentless. In all this, we believe that the attacks on indigenous communities are because of resource based conflicts. Given that Mindanao has still many frontiers that are abundant in mineral, forest, biodiversity, and agricultural resources, the indigenous communities have been firm in resisting the entry of large-scale mining and agribusiness plantations that may encroach on their ancestral domain and destroy our ecology. It is unfortunate that the Philippine government deemed the fundamental assertion of rights by communities as detrimental to it’s thrust of opening Mindanao to mining and agri-business, such as the China-funded Hydropower Dam in Pulangi River and the Tampakan mining project. The Save Our Schools Network has made efforts to protect Lumad schools, students, and teachers against unbelievable wave of attacks. We will continue to do so, Aside from providing logistical support, members of

the network are among the petitioners to the Supreme Court calling for the repeal of the Anti-Terror Law. It also facilitated and appeared in congressional hearings to challenge red-tagging and attacks on Lumad schools. Recently, it called on lawmakers to confront and defund the NTF-ELCAC for its baseless accusations. It has also supported the call to institutionalize the UP DND Accord. Today, we are in heightened alert and preparing for possible attacks against the Lumad Bakwit Schools. This is an act of desperation and will be repelled. Lumad school students, teachers, and defenders are determined to finish the school year. We will defend our right to education and self-determination as recognized both by Philippine and international law. As we saw in Cebu, we are on the right side of the law and of history. We call on our longtime supporters as well as all citizens to join us in resisting these planned attacks and to condemn them as violations of human rights. As the Lumad children and teachers will be returning to their communities after the ceremonies, the campaign for their right to education will continue. We ask our supporters and citizens to stand with the Lumad students as they are being persecuted. Let us stand with our indigenous communities in Mindanao for a better future for them and their children. Save Our Schools Network

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2021 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31,30, 2016

All pawned items items that expired during the month All pawned that expired during theof APRIL 2021, if not renewed or redeemed on or before month 2021 of MAY, notpublic renewed or reAPRIL will be2015 sold toif the on JUNE 16, deemed on or before JULY 14, 2015 will be 2021 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

sold to the public on JULY 16, 2015 at 9:00 Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ABRIL ang 2021.tanan Ang tanan ibaligya Gipahibalo na prenda ang FIRST sa publiko karong HUNYO 16, 2021 sa alas COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa 9:00 tanansa buntag.

nga nag-expired sa bulan sa MAYO 2015. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong HULYO 16 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

DAVAO FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP

#47 Lao St., Toril, Davao City Tel. No. 295-2460

9GEMS Pawnshop Inc. Egger Bldg., Matina Crossing Davao City Tel. No. (082) 285-7069

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE A L L PAW N E D I T E M S EXPIRED ON APRIL 2021 AND GADGETS THAT EXPIRES ON MAY 2021 WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC AUCTION ON JUNE 22, 2021 AT 9:00AM.

All pawned items that expired during the month of APRIL 2021, must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00am. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVALUE PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ABRIL 2021. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES AUCTION DATE TEL. NOS. BAJADA JUNE 02, 2021 321-8705 (Beside NBI Office) BABAK SAMAL JUNE 18, 2021 301-4019 SAN PEDRO JUNE 08, 2021 227-6772 CABAGUIO JUNE 26, 2021 321-6223 TIBUNGCO JUNE 28, 2021 222-2494

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the month of APRIL 2021, must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior to the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 a.m. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang NARDING PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ABRIL 2021. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES Lapu-lapu, Agdao Matina Crossing Tibungco

AUCTION DATE JUNE 09, 2021 JUNE 22, 2021 JUNE 18, 2021

TEL. NOS. (082) 327-2104 (082) 297-5786 (082) 296-413015

PANABO’S PAWNSHOP, INC. Panabo (Main) JUNE 30, 2021 (084) 628-8418 Panabo (Branch) JUNE 15, 2021 (084) 628-842

ROSEGOLD PAWNSHOP & JEWELLER Main – San Pedro Cor. Anda Street Davao City Tel. Nos. (082) 221-1477; (082) 221-0355; (082)222-5039 Email us @ rosegoldpawnshop@gmail.com Valuable Items Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3% Wholesaler and Retailers on all kinds of jewelry Rosegold Pawnshop Lapu-lapu Street, Agdao Davao City Tel. No. (082) 225-3637

Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre St., Davao City (Fronting Limso Hospital) Tel. No. (082) 222-2104

Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre Street, Davao City (Beside NCCC Hardwaremaxx) Tel. No. (082) 295-6199

Rosegold Pawnshop KM6 Crossing Buhangin, Div. Road, Davao City Tel. No. (082) 241-2355

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All Jewelry and other articles pawned at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main, Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre, Rosegold Pawnshop Bolton, Rosegold Pawnshop, Agdao and Rosegold Pawnshop Buhangin from JANUARY 16, 2020 to FEBRUARY 16, 2021. If not redeemed or renewed on or before JULY 16, 2021 will be sold to the Public Auction on JULY19, 2021 at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Toy Bldg., Lapu-lapu St., Agdao, Davao City

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the month of MAY 2021 must be renewed or redeemed two (2) days before the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 A.M.

All pawned items that expired during the month of APRIL 2020, if not renewed or redeemed on or before JUNE 15, 2021 will be sold to the public on JUNE 16, 2021 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises. Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang AL-JOS PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ABRIL 2020. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong HUNYO 16, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang DIAGOLD PAWNSHOP INC., magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan MAYO 2021. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa na nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. EXPIRY DATES

AUCTION DATES

MAY 2021

JULY 08, 2021

GOLDSTANDARD PAWNSHOP

San Pedro street, Davao City (Fronting Queen Bank) Tel. No. (082) 222-1561 ; (082) 321-0128 Email: goldstandardpawnshopofdavao@gmail.com

Accepts: Jewelry, Appliances, Watches, Cellphones and any valuable items Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3% Wholesaler and Retailers on all Kinds of Jewelry

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All jewelry and other articles pawned at Goldstandard Pawnshop San Pedro, Goldstandard Pawnshop Ilustre from

JANUARY 16, 2020 TO FEBRUARY 15, 2021 if not redeemed or renewed on JULY 16, 2021 will be sold to the Public Auction on JULY 19, 2021 at our Pawnshop premises from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All pawned items that expired during the Months of MAY 2021 (Regular Items) and JUNE 2021 (Gadgets) must be redeemed or renewed two (2) days prior to the Auction date schedule as stated below. If not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on its respectively auction date schedule at its premises at 9:00 AM. BRANCHES: San Pedro (Main) Agdao Toril Bolton Digos City

AUTION DATE JULY 15, 2021 JULY 15, 2021 JULY 15, 2021 JULY 15, 2021 JULY 15, 2021

Tel. No. 327-8832 327-6275 327-8503 392-3022 333-9945

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items at METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP that expired during the months of APRIL 2021, if not renewed or redeemed on or before the scheduled dates of auction below will be sold to the public on the following dates as stated below. Ginapahibalo ang tanan na ang METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ABRIL 2021, kung dili malukat, ibaligya sa publiko niining mga musunod na mga adlaw. EXPIRY DATES APRIL 2021

AUCTION DATES JUNE 22, 2021

EURO CIRCLE PAWNSHOP SAN PEDRO ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-0521

EURO MAIN PAWNSHOP ILUSTRE ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-7511 MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL - TEL. NO.: 306-0665

EURO STAR PAWNSHOP ILUSTRE ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-0667

EURO SUN PAWNSHOP

SAN PEDRO ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-3321

Roque Bldg., Matina Crossing, Davao City Tel. # 234-6367

PAWNS NOT REDEEMED/RENEWED WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER EXPIRY D AT E S W I L L B E A U C T I O N E D O N JULY 16, 2021 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE RESPECTIVE PAWNSHOPS WHERE THE ITEMS WERE PAWNED.

All pawned items of GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC. that expired during the month of ABRIL 2021, if not renewed or redeemed it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 a.m. Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC. maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expire sa bulan sa APRIL 2021. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES

AUCTION DATE

General Lao, Toril

JUNE. JUNE. JUNE. JUNE. JUNE. JUNE. JUNE.

Agton. Toril Buhangin Magallanes Tagum Saavedra, Toril Agdao

15, 2021 16, 2021 11, 2021 04, 2021 22, 2021 15, 2021 17, 2021

2nd Level, Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City Tel. No.: (082) 221-3355 • (082) 305-9496 2nd Level, SM Lanang Premier, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City Tel. No.: (082) 295-1505 • (082) 321-0525 email: jrosejewels@yahoo.com • www.jrosejewels.ph

TEL. NO. 291-2406 291-2952 241-0223 224-3138 216-3425 291-1349 327-2348

GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP INC. / GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC. TEL NO.: 321-2185 / 234-4844

All pawned items that expire during the month of APRIL 2021 must be renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will be sold to public on its respective auction schedule and premises @9:00a.m. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC. magasubasta sa tanan nga nag expire sa bulan sa ABRIL 2021. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES

AUCTION DATE

TEL. NOS.

SAN PEDRO

JULY 16, 2021

321-2185

ILUSTRE

JULY 01, 2021

234-4844

BILLBOARD FOR LEASE

Along University Ave., Juna Subd. Matina, Davao City

Call (0932) 372 7799

MINDANAO TIMES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

QUARANTINE...

(from page 2)

City, Iloilo, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, the entire Davao region, Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur until July 15. On the other hand, general community quarantine (GCQ) “with some restrictions” in Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bulacan, and GCQ “with heightened restrictions” in Laguna and Cavite will be until July 15. Baguio City, Ifugao, City of Santiago, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Batangas, Quezon, Gui-

maras, Aklan, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Antique, Capiz, Zamboanga Sibugay, City of Zamboanga, Iligan City, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Cotabato City will be placed under GCQ for the whole month of July. The rest of the country will remain under the least restrictive modified GCQ (MGCQ). No 2nd Talk to the People Roque said Duterte

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

will not hold a second Talk to the People this week to announce the final quarantine classification in July. He said members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) are set to meet Wednesday to discuss the possible appeals from LGUs. He said he might be the one to announce the final quarantine status. “Wala munang schedule ng (There will be no scheduled) second Talk to the People during the week. Pero, baka tayo na po ang mag-anunsiyo ng final (Perhaps, I will be the one to announce the final [quarantine classifications]),” Roque said. (PNA)

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules on Court of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MA. LUZ AGULTO IBALIO, who died intestate on September 28, 2015, while in vacation at Bacolod City, died at Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital and buried at Rose Lawn Memorial Park, Bacolod City. During her lifetime residency at 230 Solar Street, GSIS Heights, Matina Davao City, left a certain parcel of land which is conjugal and owned in common with her spouse, situated in Davao City described as follows: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE T-316776, situated in the City of Davao, containing an area of One Hundred (100) Square meters more or less, has been the subject EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE made and executed by and among her heirs per Doc. No. 190; Page No. 39; Book No. CLV; Series of 2021 of the Notary Public Godofredo M. Duremdes III of Davao City. (MT- June 23, 30 & July 7, 2021)

MECQ...

(from front page)

surge in the daily number of COVID-19 cases. Health experts of the city government, aside from taking notice of clustered cases especially in the workplaces like those of government offices and call centers, also attributed the increase in the number of cases to the intensified testing of people experiencing symptoms of the virus. Among those who were tested included those working in public places like

LINE...

public utility drivers and public market vendors. On Monday, the Department of Health Davao Center for Health Development reported that the region had 670 new cases, bringing the active cases to 10,250. The report said that of the new cases, 422 were from the city, 90 from Davao del Norte, 73 from Davao de Oro, 38 from Davao del Sur, 30 from Davao Oriental, and 17 from Davao Occidental.

EXPERT...

SHABU...

(from page 2)

"As soon as we have addressed the backlog or as soon as we decongest the SPMC at hindi na ma maximum or exceeded limit ang molecular laboratory, pretty sure Saturday and Sunday swabbings will resume," she said based on the report of the City Information Office. As proof that the burden of SPMC has become huge, Schlosser said that weekend swabbing has been suspended because

its laboratory has been overwhelmed by the samples taken from those who underwent testing. Swab testing has been done the entire week at the Sta. Ana Health Center, Crocodile Park, and Magsaysay Park, but Sta. Ana Health Center has been placed on quarantine following reports that some of its employees contracted the COVID-19 virus. Schossler said the facility is expected to resume this week.

(from page 3)

Furthermore, it provides significant assistance to the agricultural sector to improve the country’s food supply, thereby boosting our long-term resilience to future unforeseen disasters. To Rise: Increased government spending to stimulate and lead the economy to full recovery As the pandemic continues to wreak fiscal and economic havoc, the legislative and the executive branch of the government further introduced and implemented various laws to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the Bayanihan 1 (to Heal) and Bayanihan 2 (to Recover), which were hailed as effective measures

in a research conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund or UNICEF, our legislators are seeking to enact another similar measure, the Bayanihan 3, into law. On June 1, 2021, the House of Representatives, voting 208-0-1, passed House Bill 9411 otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Arise as One Act” or Bayanihan 3. This bill is a P401-billion stimulus package aimed to provide “direct emergency and social amelioration program” to Filipinos hit directly by the pandemic. The authors of the proposed law, Stella Luz Quimbo, Representative of the 2nd District of Marikina

who is also an economist, and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, have introduced the idea of increasing a welltargeted spending to increase household consumption by promoting busines, consumer confidence, and welfare. This idea is in line with the Keynesian Economics Theory, which contends that government should increase demand to boost growth. The centerpiece of this proposed legislation is the P216-billion funding for two rounds of cash aid worth P2,000 to be given to 108 million Filipinos regardless of age and economic status. The bill also contains allocations for wage sub-

sidies, emergency assistance to quarantine-affected households, assistance to displaced workers, national nutrition, financial assistance to the agri-fishery sector and cooperatives, medical assistance to indigents, local government support, free COVID-19 testing for seafarers and other overseas Filipino workers, pension and gratuity fund for retired military and uniformed personnel, and support for basic and higher education. To date, the said bill now is in the hands of Senate for action. On this note, the Senate has to concur or present its version of the bill prior to the adjournment of its session. Else,

(from page 2)

larly, methamphetamine or “shabu.” Lobenia said they believed that the object was thrown from a vacant lot located on the other side of the concrete fence in front of the jail facility. He said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-11 took custody of the contraband for proper verification and tagging. He said authorities are

REBEL...

conducting an investigation to identify the violators behind the incident and the supposed recipient of the illegal drugs. “The BJMP will intensify security measures in the area and apprehend individuals who will be caught trying to sneak any contrabands into the jail facility,” Lobenia added. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

(from page 2)

folds of the law as Marvin Magrano alias Loloy, who, aside from being a former official of the progressive organization, was also a member of the NPA. Major Jerry Lamosao, 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the battalion, the Sarangani Provincial Police Office, and Malapatan Municipal Police Station facilitated Magrano's surrender.

Magrano also turned over four Claymore mines, a rifle, a rifle grenade, a homemade explosive and a detonating cord. Magrano claimed that the mines were intended for the employees of the local government and soldiers who were conducting programs in hinterland barangays of the province. By Rhoda Grace B. Saron

the enactment into law of this promising legislative measure will remain a bleak hope in these challenging and changing times. Mr. Matmat is a Junior of the Tax Advisory and Compliance Division of P&A Grant Thornton

Cebu Branch. P&A Grant Thornton is one of the leading audit, tax, advisory, and outsourcing firms in the Philippines with 24 partners and more than 900 staff members. Email your comments to pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com.

MINDANAO TIMES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

SSS reports 12.3 million paying members as of May 2021 THE Social Security System (SSS) recorded over 12.3 million paying members as of May 2021, 13.6 percent lower than the 14.2-million count in the same period of last year. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio attributed the decline in paying members to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that pushed some establishments to close their businesses and let go of their employees. The latest paying member tally comprises 9.6 million employed members, accounting for 78% of the total. It is followed by 1.9 million voluntary paying members, 476,000 self-employed members, and 333,000 Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members. “PSA data as of April 2021 showed that about 3.44 million Filipinos are jobless. It appears to hold water, particularly if we compare this with the SSS data that about 3.28 million members failed to pay their monthly contributions in 2020. To assist our members in this period of financial uncertainty, which affected their payment capacity, we extended contribution payment deadlines by up to five times since the start of the government-imposed lockdowns in March 2020, so they can maintain their active membership,”

PUBLIC...

(from page 3)

take investments/placements from the public or to issue investment contracts and other forms”, and Section 28, which provides 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 as such with the Commission.” The Commission said that based on reports that it has gathered, JC Pro Global Trading has a “system” “apparently designed to `take care of everything’ which include, trading, buying and selling of cryptocurrency which provides daily income and which provides daily income and a guaranteed profit of at least 200% in 20 days or double-your-money in 20 days which provides a no-risk

NAME...

Ignacio explained. The SSS chief also reminded members and employers that several SSS payment channels are available for secure and convenient remittance of contributions. They have the option to make use of over-the-counter transactions in partner banks and nonbanks, internet banking, mobile facility, My.SSS account and SSS Mobile App via PayMaya and BPI Online. Employers can also make overthe-counter SSS contribution payments through partner banks, and via internet banking thru the banks’ web facility, and eGov BancNet and nonbank collecting partners. They are also reminded that a Payment Reference Number (PRN) is needed when remitting SSS contributions. Information on how to generate PRNs may be accessed through this link http://bitly.ws/e9Vj. The complete list of SSS payment partners is available in this link http:// bitly.ws/e5Kc. For more information, visit any of the following SSS social media accounts like the SSS official FB Page at “Philippine Social Security System – SSS”; SSS Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates”; Instagram at “mysssph”; twitter at “PHLSSS” and YouTube at “MySSSPhilippines.”

investment because profits are assured.” Based on its online posts, a basic “complan” requires an investment of P500 per account with a P50 income daily or P1,000 in 20 days. The investment can be between P500 and P100,000. Aside from the profits of the account owners, they are also offered 50% direct commission from new accounts. To promote its scheme, JC Pro Global Trading is using Facebook where its agents post campaign materials to lure more investors. The entity is assuring its investors that its scheme is successful because its “system” will do the trading. The Commission said the investment scheme of the entity is a “Ponzi Scheme” where the entity takes money from the public to allegedly invest it

to generate high returns but in reality, merely pays the initial investors with the money paid by subsequent ones. “This investment-taking scheme cannot be sustained and inevitably will result in the collapse of the business,” it added. In the same advisory, the Commission also warned that it will impose penalties to those who have violated the SRC, the Revised Corporation Code, and such other rules and regulations that it is enforcing. Penalties can be up to P5 million or 21 years in prison, based on Sections 28 and 73 of the SRC. Aside from facing possible penalties, identities of those who are involved will also be reported to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) so that the appropriate penalties and taxes be assessed.

“Yan din ang payo ko sa mga Pilipino, kung may alam kayo magsabi kayo (That is also my advice to the Filipino, if you have information, let me know), and I will be transparent, I will investigate them,” he said. Duterte said many government officials and employees have been charged before the Office of the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan due to corruption. He said at least 73 immigration personnel have been removed due to his gov-

ernment’s campaign against corruption. “Gaya ng sa Customs, masakit sa akin dahil meron 37 years in the service pero (Like in the Customs, it’s painful to me because there is someone who are 37 years in the service already but) the temptation to go to graft, is very strong,” Duterte said. Duterte promised to fight corruption as well as illegal drugs and criminality when he ran and won by 6 million votes in the 2016 presidential election.

(from page 5)

corruption before when he became president. “Pero wala ako nakita ngayon na corrupt (I find no corrupt now),” he said. “Every administration will have a share the problem of corruption. Do not ever think that if you will win as president na wala nang corruption dito sa Pilipinas (that corruption will be eliminated in the Philippines.” He called on everyone to join Pacquiao if they have also information about corrupt government offices and officials.

Davao Ros-Ver Pawnshop, Incorporated Ilustre St., Davao City Tel # 224-1204; 222-6086

AUCTION SALE! The DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. and NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP will be having its JOINT AUCTION on all unredeemed pawned items left during the month of Mayo 2021. The said items will be sold to the public at the following VENUE AND DATE. Gipahibalo ang publiko na ang DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. og ang NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP; magsubasta sa tanang prenda nga naremata atong May 2021. Ang tanang prenda dungan nga ibaligya sa publiko sa mga sumusunod nga dapit og petsa:

FINTECH...

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Light, Tagum Water District, Dipolog City Water District, Butuan City Water District, SAMELCO I, SAMELCO II, LEYECO5, Mactan Electric Company, Inc., CDO Water, Metro Cotabato Water District, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water Inc., MORESCO – 1, and ZAMCELCO. GCash covers the following schools: Ateneo De Davao University, University of Mindanao, St. John Paul II College of Davao, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Universidad de Zamboanga, University of San Carlos, and University of San Jose-Recoletos. Additionally, GCash covers billers for finance, properties, real estate and other services,

HEATED...

namely FICCO, Flexi Finance, Tagum Coop, Premio Finance, RAFI Microfinance, PHCCI Dumaguete, EMCOR, SAMULCO, Mindanao Consolidated Cooperative Bank, Aboitiz Land, AppleOne Properties, Johndorf Ventures, Cosmopolitan CLIMBS Life Plan Inc, Gothong Shipping Lines, and A Brown Company Inc. To stay up to date on the latest billers on GCash, visit https://www.gcash.com/partners/billers. To pay their bills using GCash, customers simply need to download the GCash app on their mobile phones via the Google Play or App Store. After registering your number and setting up your

4-digit password, click the “Pay Bill” option. From there, GCash users just need to click which bill categories they need to pay for ─ whether it’s electric, water utilities, telecommunications, cable/ internet bills, credit cards, loans, government process fees, insurance, transportation, real estate, healthcare, school, or payment solutions like housing finances fees. “With GCash, Filipinos in the VisMin area need not travel physically anymore to payment centers to pay their bills. They can simply use the app and pay, saving them precious time while keeping them safe from the pandemic,” added Sazon.

about 30 percent among Japanese male smokers and 25 percent among female smokers, while dual use of cigarettes and HTPs remains low at 6.9 percent among male smokers and 4.8 percent among female smokers, noted Dr. Hiroya. Meanwhile, the initiation to HTP use among 60,000 Japanese junior high school students was very low at just 0.1 percent belying fears of youth uptake, according to a study by Tottori University Medical School funded by Ministry of Health and Welfare. Mark Dougan, Director of Transformational Health of the business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, said the case of Japan, being the world’s largest market of HTPs, deserves to be studied because of the significant reduction in cigarette sales in the country. He said they we’re focusing on the Japanese market because novel nicotine tobacco products (NNTPs) have been commercially available in Japan since 2014. It’s by far the world’s largest market. Dougan noted that HTPs are based on the principle of eliminating combustion by heating tobacco at about 350

degrees Centigrade or less instead of burning. “While these products are clearly not risk-free, they do have the potential to serve as a complementary strategy to existing smoking-related interventions” for smokers who are otherwise unable or unwilling to quit cigarettes, said Dougan. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death globally with more than 7 million people dying of smoking-related diseases each year. Dougan said the number of tobacco users worldwide declined only marginally from about 1.4 billion in 2000 to 1.34 billion in 2018. “There is a significant group of smokers in both developed and developing countries who are unable or unwilling to quit using current approaches which is often quite ineffective in actually helping people to quit,” Dougan said. The use of NNTPs, according to Dougan, is often seen as an appropriate intervention for helping them to stop smoking. “The use of NNTPs is based on the principle of harm reduction, specifically tobacco harm reduction.” he said.(PR)

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of HTPs like IQOS from Philip Morris International (PMI) in 2014 led to a significant decrease in cigarette sales. HTPs are non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes that closely mimic the rituals of smoking without combustion process. These electronic devices heat, instead of burn, specially-designed tobacco units to release nicotine-containing tobacco vapor. Results of scientific studies show that tar and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, causes the death and disease associated with smoking, and not nicotine. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the marketing of IQOS, the tobacco heating system of PMI, as a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) on July 7, 2020. The FDA authorized the marketing of IQOS in the US with the information that the IQOS system heats tobacco but does not burn it, and scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to the IQOS system significantly reduces the body’s exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals. HTP users account for