Manila Standard - 2021 June 23 - Wednesday

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Delta strain: ‘Scary, dangerous’ Fleeting contact enough to infect people, variant potential India-like surge

By Willie Casas

T

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JUNE 22)

1,367,894

HE Delta variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is "very dangerous" as it can spread with just "fleeting contact," a health expert warned on Tuesday.

"What’s scary for me is...what’s being reported by the health department in Australia is that it only takes fleeting contact with people who are infected for other people to get infected," said Dr. Edsel Salvana, an infectious disease expert who also advises the government on COVID-19.

During President Rodrigo Duterte's address to the people late Monday evening, Salvana said the Delta variant has the potential to lead to a massive "India-like" surge.

"The Delta variant is really very scary and this is all the more reason why we really should police our borders.

It only takes one variant to get in and we can have an India-like surge. A person infected with the Delta variant can infect up to 8 more people while those infected with other variants can infect only two," Salvana said.

Experts have maintained that COVID-19 can be contracted after 15 minutes of close contact with an infected individual, but this new variant seems different, he said.

"This is fleeting contact.

What that means is that you really have to protect yourself at all times, otherwise,

TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

3,666 52,696 NEW

ACTIVE

23,809

60

1,291,389

6,810

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

Cebu gov backs down, withdraws local health rule

By Vito Barcelo and Rey E. Requejo CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, deferring to President Rodrigo Duterte's policy statement, withdrew her order warning stakeholders in her province of possible punishment should they violate the swab-upon-arrival ordinance.

Garcia said she "looked forward" to the scheduled meeting between the Provincial Board and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases, including its chairperson, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, on June 28.

“This EO, I am now setting aside in deference to the President even as we look forward to the scheduled meeting this 28th of June with Sec. Duque and Next page

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Rody: Get a jab or get arrested DOJ: Can’t be done, needs a law

SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER. Tribal members and local police personnel help out in bayanihan fashion in transferring a house to its new location in Sitio Vira Alao in Tineg, Abra. Dave Leprozo

By Joyce Pañares, Vito Barcelo, Rey E. Requejo, Willie Casas, Macon RamosAraneta and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night threatened to have people who refuse to be vaccinated arrested and forcibly inoculated, saying they are potential carriers of COVID-19.

“Don’t get me wrong. There is a crisis being faced in this country. There is a national emergency. If you don’t want

to get vaccinated, I’ll have you arrested and I’ll inject the vaccine in your butt,” Duterte said.

“So to all of you Filipinos listening: you have been warned: Don't force my hand into it. If you will not agree to be vaccinated, leave the Philippines. Go to India if you want or somewhere, to America."

Duterte's own spokesperson, the Department of Health and the Department of Justice, however, acknowledged that there is no law to back the arrest order, Next page

PH to buy 50m Moderna shots

GRAND DAME RESTORED. Workers put finishing touches to the Metropolitan Theater on June 22, 2021, in Lawton,

THE government has reserved 50 million doses of Moderna booster shots for 2022, Philippine Ambassador to Washington D.C. Jose Manuel Romualdez said Tuesday.

“Moderna already informed us about the booster shots that are being developed now. We've reserved 50 million doses for next year," he said in a Malacañang briefing.

Romualdez said the vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer are "still very effective" against the emerging variants of concerns, including the highly contagious Delta variant first detected in India.

"Pfizer specifically is very effective against the Delta variant, they are 88 percent effective and we expect the Next page

Manila for its soft opening today (Wednesday). The art deco theater was originally scheduled to open on June 12 but was postponed “due to the recent surge of COVID cases and in line with the regulations under the prevailing General Community Quarantine with restrictions.” Danny Pata

Duterte won’t stand trial before ICC JUSMAG equips AFP with P183m

By Rey E. Requejo worth of arms PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is never going to face trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his administration's crackdown on illegal drugs which started in 2016.

Duterte, in a pre-recorded speech Monday night, lambasted the ICC after former prosecutor Fatou Bensouda sought authorization to allow the conduct of an investigation into the alleged crime against humanity committed during the administration’s drug war.

“This ICC is b*llsh*t. Why would I defend or face an accusa-

tion before white people? You must be crazy. They used to be colonizers. They have not atoned for their sins against the countries that they invaded including the Philippines.

And now, they’re trying to set up a court outside our country and making us liable to face them,” he said.

Fatou Bom Bensouda, a Gambian lawyer and international criminal law prosecutor, has been the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor since June 2012, after having served as a Deputy Prosecutor in charge of the Next page

THE Philippine military has received P183 million worth of weapons and equipment from the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines (JUSMAG), the United States Embassy in the Philippines said.

The defense assistance came amid reports that more than 100 new vessels —likely Chinese—were detected this month in the West Philippine Sea. According to US-based geospatial imagery and data analysis firm Next page

HELPING HANDS. Coast Guard personnel deliver boxes of relief goods for residents of Maimbung, Sulu on June 22, 2021.

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News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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this is going to get out of hand," Salvaña said.

Salvana said the Delta variant, which originated from India, was reported to be "about four times more infectious than the original virus from Wuhan, and two times more infectious than the UK variant."

He said it also "seems to make people sicker and also younger people are getting sicker.”

Salvaña said 17 cases of the Delta variant were from returning overseas Filipinos but there is no community transmission yet.

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and that free and prior consent is needed before vaccination.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Tuesday said arresting people who refuse to be inoculated can only be done once a law is passed even as he acknowledged that the state has inherent police power to implement policies that could violate human rights in the name of safeguarding public health.

Roque, however, said Duterte should not be taken literally as he was merely trying to encourage people to be inoculated to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has already killed more than 23,000 people in the Philippines and more than 3.7 million people around the world.

“Do not take him literally. He was just saying, go to other jurisdictions because in the Philippines, we want our people to be vaccinated,” Roque said.

“It is the President’s way of convincing the people to get vaccinated.”

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also played down Duterte’s threat to arrest people who refuse vaccination, saying the President was merely trying to emphasize the need for people to get inoculated.

He said the President has no intention of jailing those who refuse to get a jab,

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the same technical experts who had advised the President last night as regards the need to implement IATF guidelines (in Cebu),” said Garcia.

Garcia made the announcement through a live Facebook video from the Capitol’s media arm, Sugbo News, on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said all local government officials, who are constitutionally under the supervision of the President, must align their policies, resolutions, and ordinances in accordance with the directives of the Chief Executive.

“Otherwise, there will be chaos and disorder in our society,” Guevarra said.

The DOJ chief was referring to two Cebu lawyers' move to question before the court the government policy requiring Filipinos from abroad to undergo a 14-day quarantine even if they test negative for COVID-19.

Guevarra, however, said they were “most welcome” to contest the IATF as it may prevent similar legal tussles in the future.

"The filing of a case by Cebu lawyers is most welcome. It provides a judicial forum for the settlement of an important legal issue that may crop up again in the

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same thing from Moderna because the technology they used is the same," he said.

The Philippines recently signed a supply deal for 40 million doses of Pfizer vaccine, which has been approved for use on individuals aged 12 and above.

About 7.5 million doses will arrive in the third quarter of the year while the remaining 32.5 million jabs will be delivered in the last quarter.

Moderna's shot uses mRNA technology to teach the cells how to make a protein that would trigger an immune response inside the body.

The US-based company was among the leading vaccine manufacturers to start

Duterte...

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Prosecutions Division of the ICC since 2004.

Duterte, a former prosecutor in his hometown of Davao City, said it was impossible to attain justice before the international court.

“Our laws are different. Our criminal procedure is very different. How are you supposed to get justice there?” he said.

He said he would only answer to local courts, adding he is ready to defend

“Our quarantine protocols did protect us. It doesn’t seem to have made itself into the community yet, and we want to keep it that way,” he said.

The problem then is if there are places which do not observe the quarantine guidelines, which instruct 10 days of isolation at a facility and four more days at home, he said.

"It only takes one to see another spike and it can be at the level of what happened in India. We know that lots and lots of people died. This has to be a whole of nation approach. One person can save us or one person can doom all of us," he said.

The Delta variant caused a catastrophic wave of coronavirus cases in India that overwhelmed its healthcare

system.

It is fast becoming the globally dominant variant of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said last week. In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) termed it a "variant of concern," citing its high transmissibility.

The Philippines banned travelers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, and Oman this month as it aims to keep out this variant of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo said the current COVID-19 vaccines are still “useful” even though they may be less effective against some coronavirus variants.

Domingo said data from Pfizer showed that for the Alpha variant, the coronavirus variant first reported in the United Kingdom, shows that its vaccine retained its high efficacy rate of 93 percent.

For the Delta variant, Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine's efficacy rate slightly decreased to 88 percent.

For AstraZeneca, its efficacy rate against the Alpha variant is at 66 percent, while its efficacy against the Delta variant is at 60 percent.

“We could still use it. It could still give protection," Domingo said.

He said studies on the efficacy of vaccines from Janssen, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm and Sputnik V against the Delta variant are still ongoing.

Domingo urged the public to get vaccinated as this is added protection against the respiratory illness.

The Philippines logged 3,666 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, but the Department of Health traced this to the low turnout of laboratories on June 20.

The latest figure, however, brought the total coronavirus infections in the country to 1,367,894.

The DOH reported 60 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 23,809, or 1.74 percent of all cases.

The number of new recoveries was pegged at 6,810, bringing total recoveries to 1,291,389 or 94.4 percent of total cases.

Active cases stood at 52,696 or 3.9 percent of all cases.

because as a lawyer, he knows there is no law that compels people to get vaccinated.

“I believe that the President merely used strong words to drive home the need for us to get vaccinated and reach herd immunity as soon as possible,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters. “As a lawyer he knows that not getting vaccinated is a legal choice.”

“There is no law as yet that compels vaccination against COVID-19, much less criminalizes it,” he added.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said free, prior, and informed consent is a requirement for COVID-19 vaccination.

The DOH said that President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to arrest people refusing to get vaccinated against the disease was merely “born out of passion.”

“Our vaccines require free and prior informed consent, that’s why a consent form must be signed first,” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said in Filipino.

Duterte on Monday night said people who refuse to get inoculated run the risk of spreading COVID-19.

"For as long as you are here and you are a human being and can carry the virus, then get vaccinated. Otherwise, I will order all the barangay captains to have a tally of the people who refuse to be vaccinated. Then I will let you take the ivermectin for pigs," the President said.

Duterte said he will task the Department of Interior and Local Government to look for those who have been refusing to get their COVID-19 shot and convince them to get inoculated or he will order their arrest.

"I am just exasperated by Filipinos not heeding the government. Anyway, we have no other intention but public good.,” he said "If you are not vaccinated and you are a potential carrier, then to protect the people, I have to sequester you in jail.

Choose: Get the vaccine or get imprisoned?"

"I will think it over very hard, legally, of course. But if you do not want to get vaccinated, I will have you arrested.

That is in pursuance of our policy amid this health crisis." the President added.

Over 6.2 million Filipinos have been vaccinated as of June 20. A Social Weather Stations poll earlier found that 35 percent of Filipinos remain unsure about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

An advisor to the Department of Health and an infectious disease expert said making vaccination mandatory would be “difficult.”

“It’s difficult to make vaccinations mandatory with an EUA (emergency use authority) vaccine.

There still has to be an element of concern,” Dr. Edsel Salvana said in an interview on ANC.

An EUA is issued for drugs and vaccines during a public health emergency.

“As a doctor, I would rather that people understand why they need to get vaccinated -- not just to protect themselves but to protect other people,” Salvana added.

In other developments: • Senator Nancy Binay said the lack of COVID-19 vaccines is the reason so many Filipinos are not yet vaccinated.

“We have a problem with the supply.

It’s not as if our countrymen don't like to be vaccinated," she said. “At this point, I think vaccine hesitancy is not the problem. Vaccine supply is the biggest problem so we need to arrest that,” Binay said.

• Senator Risa Hontiveros slammed Duterte for threatening those who refused to be vaccinated. She said there is no need to sow fear if there is enough supply of vaccines.

• Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles urged the government to lift stringent safety protocols for vaccinated people to encourage others to be vaccinated. As it is, vaccinated people are treated no differently than those who have not been vaccinated, so there is no incentive to get the jabs, Nograles said. He said fully vaccinated individuals should be allowed to return to physical activities that are currently disallowed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

future," he told reporters via text message.

Guevarra said the Office of the Solicitor General will handle the case for the government after lawyers Clarence Paul Oaminal and Valentino Bacalso Jr. on Monday asked that the IATF protocol for returning overseas Filipinos be declared “ineffective and inapplicable” in Cebu province.

The lawyers asked the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City to issue a 72hour temporary restraining order and to order the IATF to “cease and desist” from implementing Resolution 114 that mandates Filipino travelers from abroad, including overseas workers, to undergo quarantine for two weeks regardless of COVID-19 test results.

The order covers the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City.

The province’s swab-upon-arrival policy allows travelers to go home if they test negative but they will be tested again after seven days.

Cebu officials, led by Governor Garcia, met with President Duterte and Duque on May 31 in Malacañang to discuss the arrival policies.

Guevarra said the IATF resolution remained in force as it was adopted by the President through an enabling executive order.

“As such, these IATF resolutions apply with equal force in every nook

and cranny of our country. The IATF is a creation of the President. It is therefore a qualified political agency of the President. Its actions are the actions of the President, unless reprobated by the latter,” he said.

In related developments, the Department of Labor and Employment said it would appeal to the government’s antiCOVID-19 task force for the reduction of the quarantine period for returning overseas Filipino workers who were vaccinated outside the country to just seven days.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said he would try to convince the Inter-Agency Task Force on the government’s COVID-19 response to reduce the quarantine period for vaccinated OFWs in the country where they come from.

“Currently, OFWs have to stay in a quarantine facility for 10 days and get swabbed on the 7th day. They are also required to observe 4 more days of home quarantine,” Bello said in a radio interview.

The Labor chief said he was hopeful the IATF might grant his request for a seven-day period for returning already vaccinated abroad.

He said vaccination cards or proof of vaccination was enough to ease quarantine protocols for returning OFWs so that they can spend more time with their families and truly enjoy their stay in the

country.

Earlier, the IATF allowed travelers who are fully vaccinated in the country against the novel coronavirus to undergo a seven-day quarantine upon entering the Philippines. However, the new rules do not apply to OFWs. Bello said shortening the quarantine period for OFWs inoculated abroad might also speed up the turnover of quarantined individuals, allowing the decongestion of quarantine facilities.

Meanwhile, Malacañang denied flip-flopping on the face shield policy, saying it was because of the “supervening events” such as the detection of the more infectious Delta variant.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said there was nothing wrong with changing and adjusting policies because the government had to adapt to the mutations and variations of the coronavirus disease.

“We should know how to adapt with whatever science discovers. This is not flip-flopping because we have to adapt in protecting ourselves as the virus mutates,” he said.

“It will continue, the process of adapting, as this disease further develops and mutates, that will continue. And there’s no flip-flopping there because we’re just implementing policies to protect ourselves in accordance with how the virus mutates,” Roque said.

Simularity, the number of vessels rose from 129 to 238.

JUSMAG officials delivered the equipment Monday, which included nine M3P .50 caliber heavy machine guns and 10 mortar tubes, among others, at the Clark Air Base.

The announcement came as Manila's ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez told a Malacañang briefing the United States government was pleased that President Rodrigo Duterte decided to postpone the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement, raising hopes the agreement would continue.

"Of course, we're very happy about that, as you know both countries have sat down and I wouldn't really call it a negotiation but clarifications of the terms of agreement which was completed," Romualdez said.

Duterte relayed his decision to suspend the termination last June 14 while he studies the issues and both sides address his concerns about some aspects of the security pact.

Hoping for its continuation, Romualdez underscored that the VFA had been one of the many aspects of the "very important" Philippine-US bilateral relations.

The US embassy said the delivery of the weapons and equipment sought to enhance the AFP’s counterterrorism and maritime security capabilities.

“The United States will continue to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capacity-building efforts through joint training and key military equipment transfers,” JUSMAG chief Col. Stephen Ma said in a statement.

“Our mutual security collaboration remains a cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added.

The US had provided over P48.6 billion security assistance to the country since 2015, making the Philippines the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Romualdez, for his part, said the VFA is a "mutually beneficial" treaty.

"The VFA I think has benefited our military of which [Defense] Secretary [Delfin] Lorenzana has confirmed on several occasions. We are hoping this will continue and of course, the US government, especially the US military establishment is very pleased with this development that the president has extended it for another six months."

"We're hoping that it will perhaps be better than it ever was in terms of the kind of agreement that we had with them and (that) it will be mutually beneficial for both our militaries," he added.

developing booster shots as an added protection against virus mutations and to bolster immunity from the first two jabs.

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel previously told Axios that booster shots may be necessary as early as September 2021 especially for those at high risk (senior citizens and health care workers) who received their first round of jabs in December 2020 and January 2021.

Romualdez confirmed that the initial shipment of 249,600 from the 20 million Moderna vaccine doses the country earlier ordered will arrive on June 27.

He said the rest of the doses would be spread across several delivery dates to the Philippines until the latter part of 2021.

"Next month that will probably be close to a million, then down the road up to around November, we will be getting the entire 20 million from Moderna," he said.

He also said the Philippines is getting

"close to 800,000 to 1 million" from the 80 million-dose global vaccine commitment of the United States.

"We're going to get something like close to 800,000 to 1 million doses of either Moderna or AstraZeneca from their stockpile, which is expected to be given to us by next month," he said.

The Philippines is among the countries that will receive a portion of the 500 million vaccine doses Washington will procure for donations, he added.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, meanwhile, said the Philippines will receive an additional 2.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the COVAX facility Wednesday, June 23.

The vaccines will be allocated to health workers, senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, and the indigent population, she said.

Cabotaje said thousands of Moderna doses will also arrive this month.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said some 6.4 million doses will be delivered to the country within June.

On the other hand, Cabotaje said the inoculation of minors against COVID-19 will still depend on the country’s vaccine supply.

The Philippines recently signed a supply deal for 40 million doses of Pfizer vaccine, which has been approved for use on people aged 12 and above.

Cabotaje said 7.5 million doses will arrive in the third quarter of the year while the remaining 32.5 million jabs will be delivered in the last quarter.

Galvez previously said the vaccination of minors could possibly begin by the fourth quarter of 2021.

“While we have a plan to eventually include our children as part of B and C

classification… itt depends on the vaccine supply over the next few months whether we will include the child population,” Cabotaje said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Cabotaje also said 97 percent of health workers in priority areas have already been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Cabotaje said 2 million senior citizens, 2.1 million people with comorbidities, over 573,000 essential workers, and 76,412 indigents have also been vaccinated against COVID-19.

A total of 8.5 million doses have been administered nationwide, 6.4 million of which were first doses while 2.1 million were second doses.

Galvez Jr. had said earlier that the government is expecting Metro Manila and neighboring provinces to achieve herd immunity by November this year.

Willie Casas

himself from a possible investigation into his anti-illegal drugs campaign.

“We face white people? I will readily face a court being accused in a Philippine court before a Filipino judge,” he added.

Duterte again noted the ICC had no jurisdiction over him since the Rome Statute was never published in a newspaper of general circulation or on the Official Gazette in the country.

He also defended his drug war, emphasizing that many local officials continued to be involved in the illegal drug trade because it gave them easy money.

“This is narco-politics. There are mayors, some of them are dead…Now we are

not saying we are killing them. We kill them because they fight back,” he said.

The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute that created the ICC after a preliminary examination into the drug war was initiated by Bensouda in February 2018.

The country’s withdrawal from the ICC became official in March 2019.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said there were 81 criminal cases involving deaths arising from illegal drugs operations which are now pending before the courts or are undergoing preliminary investigation before the Department of Justice.

“That number may increase as the review panel (led by DOJ) proceeds with the task before it,” Guevarra said in a text message.

Guevarra stressed that the cooperation of the victims’ families and their witnesses is crucial in the prosecution of the cases in courts and during the preliminary investigation.

“Unless they come forward and testify, it would be extremely difficult for our investigating agencies to build up cases against erring law enforcers,” he said.

Nonetheless, the DOJ chief assured that the DOJ-led panel would continue

to review cases concerning deaths that resulted from the drug war operations.

The Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency have turned over to the DOJ the records of about 200 cases where deaths occurred during their illegal drugs operations.

As part of its commitment before the United Nations Human Rights Council, a DOJ-led panel has been reviewing since last year cases involving deaths during anti-illegal drugs operations that have taken place since 2016 under the Duterte administration.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021

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Comelec reminds voter listing ends on September 30 FILIPINOS have only 100 days left within which to register as voters in the May 2022 elections, the Commission on Elections on Tuesday said.The registration deadline is on September 30, 2021, the poll body said.

“Today is June 22, 2021, and it is 100 days before the last day of voter registration! #MagpaRehistroKa na!”

Comelec said in a Facebook post.

It added that applicants may file their registration forms at all Office of the Election Officer (OEC) in the city or municipality where they intend to vote from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

Applicants may also file their registration forms at any satellite registration sites in their areas. The schedule of satellite registration activities may be viewed on the Comelec website, www.comelec.gov.ph.

Registrants must be at least 18 years of age on or before election day on May 9, 2022.

He/she must be a resident in the Philippines for at least one year and in the place where the applicant intends to vote for at least six months on or before election day.

Apart from applications for new registrants, local Comelec offices are also accepting applications for transfer and reactivation of voter records, and the change of name or correction of entries on record.

They also accept requests to include a person’s record in the book of voters and the reinstatement of a person’s name on the voter’s list.

The Comelec is expecting to register some four million new voters for next year’s polls.

Villar invites youth to join her advocacy ACKNOWLEDGING the significance of biodiversity conservation, Senator Cynthia Villar, who has been at the forefront of protecting the Las Pinas- Paranaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), on Tuesday enjoined more advocates, especially the youth, to join her in this endeavor.

In her keynote address during the 3rd Anniversary of LPPWP as a Protected Area, Villar expressed hope the momentum of what “we have been doing to protect LPPWP all these years “ can be sustained.

LPPWP, formerly known as Las PiñasParañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), has been included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in May 2013. It was declared a protected area by virtue of the enactment of RA No. 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018.

“While LPPWP is indeed a showcase of biodiversity conservation in Metro Manila, we envision it to be the premiere learning environment for urban wetlands in the Philippines,” stressed Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources.

According to the senator, a staunch environmentalist, all efforts are being exhausted to make LPPWP a model of sustainable eco-tourism at its best, “while ensuring that its natural ecological attributes are not compromised.”

“I have been involved in the conservation of the wetland park for two decades now. I was taken in by its simple but scenic natural attributes and its functionality. It is the lone natural wetland park in the entire Metro Manila and its lush mangrove cover has been giving the residents of my city protection against flooding, high tides and storm surges,” noted the Nacionalista Party senator.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

ROAD WATCH.

A personnel of the MMDA monitors motorists who would be entering the yellow lane along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 22, 2021). The penalty for yellow lane violators has also been raised toP1,000 from P500 for private vehicles and P300 for public utility vehicles.

Jess M. Escaros Jr.

EXPRESS JAB.

Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno oversee the vaccination express set up by the Office of Vice President and Manila City Hall for tricycle, pedicab and delivery service drivers at the CCP Complex bay parking in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Norman Cruz

MP2 MONEY MAKER

Pag-IBIG members save P10.6b P

AG-IBIG Fund members collectively saved P10.67 billion under the agency’s voluntary Modified Pag-IBIG 2 Savings program in the first five months of the year, setting another record-high despite the ongoing health crisis, top officials of the agency said.

“We are happy to report that despite the impact of the pandemic to our economy, the amount saved by our members in the MP2 Savings from January to May of this year has reached P10.67 billion.

This amount is a record-high for any January to May period in our history and hence, speaks highly of the trust that our members have in Pag-IBIG Fund. We would like to assure our members that we will continue to safeguard their savings and do our best to gain the best possible return for every hard-earned peso they save with us. This will also go a long way in helping us serve more mem-

bers by providing funds for their cash loans and home loans, all in line with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s directive to help uplift the lives of more Filipinos especially during these difficult times,” said Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

The MP2 Savings is Pag-IBIG Fund’s voluntary savings program that has a 5-year maturity period and a minimum savings requirement of only P500.

Made available to members in 2010, the

MP2 Savings has seen phenomenal growth over the last 5 years due to the program’s consistently high dividends.

In 2020, amid the pandemic-induced economic slowdown, the program still posted a 6.12% annual dividend rate.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti cited the MP2 Savings’ remarkable growth, noting that even amid the pandemic, more members continue to save in the program.

“It was only in 2017 when collections from our MP2 Savings surpassed the P1 billion-mark, which was then a historic feat. By the end of 2020, in a span of just three years, MP2 Savings reached a record-high P13.28 billion, surpassing the previous high of P12.01 billion saved by our members in 2019 – an 11% growth.

Lucky Chinatown becomes the first mall establishment in Manila Chinatown to receive the Safety Seal from the City Government of Manila.

Leading the ceremonial turn over of the safety seal are Bureau of Permits Head-Manila Levi Facundo, Manila City Administrator Felixberto Espiritu, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Vice President and Head of Marketing and Business Development, Tefel Pesigan-Valentino and Lucky Chinatown Regional Mall Marketing Manager Joy Militante. The safety seal certification is issued by the local governments and the DILG to buildings and establishments that are compliant with the Minimum Public Health Standards set by the government. Norman Cruz

Isko: Too early to talk politics, mum on LP offer NO POLITICS yet for Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso aka Isko Moreno, saying the country still grapples with issues to put a stop to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“At this point in time, I’m not entertaining political matters,” said Domagoso who earlier admitted he will run in the upcoming 2022 national and local elections.

However, Domagoso declined to say if he will seek reelection in Manila or seek higher position.

The name of Domagoso has been floated as possible contender for president or vice president in next year’s election.

The Manila mayor noted that all talk of coalition or any political talk is untimely and premature.

“Fighting Covic, feeding Manilenos and strengthening our economy are my only concern,” he emphasized.

Right now, the Manila mayor said he is more focused on vaccinating 1.1 million Manilenos in 22 vaccination centers.

He said he would dispense all the available doses they bought plus the vaccines coming from the national government.

“I am also focussed on the 700k family food packs to ensure that nobody in Manila will go hungry,” he said.

Looking forward, he assured that Manila is prepared to “Bounce Back” once we achieved herd immunity soon.

Manila was among the cities with the higest number of Covid-19 cases as Metro Manila was then the epicenter of the new coronavirus.

Metro Clark sanitary landfill renews 3 ISO quality seals METRO Clark Waste Management has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and quality management by renewing three ISO certifications in 2021.

MCWM bags certifications on Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), Occupational Health and

Safety (ISO 45001:2015), and Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) for the sixth year in a row since it has secured the global standard credential in 2015.

Securing an ISO certification is an arduous process, something MCWM accomplished during a pandemic, and while in the middle of a major expansion of its

facilities, such as a new leachate treatment facility, an expanded final disposal area, and all the supporting infrastructure.

“These ISO certifications are a testament not only to our commitment to our stakeholders but also to uplifting the standards of the waste management industry in the Philippines. We aim to

become an example to our peers as we ensure strict adherence to RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, as well as emulate the best waste management industry practices from around the globe,” said MCWM’s Chairman and Director for Technical Services, Holger Holst.

3 evac sites to rise in Batangas

By Rio N. Araja

HOUSING czar Eduardo del Rosario on Tuesday has firmed up his plan to build a new evacuation center for towns in Batangas that were affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption in 2020.

He led the signing of a memorandum of agreement and groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an evacuation center in Mataas na kahoy, less than two months after the finalization of the Taal commitment agreement between the Department f Human Settlements and Urban Development and 15 municipalities affected by last year’s eruption.

Under the arrangement, DHSUD

shall provide financial assistance for the construction of three strategically placed evacuation sites in Batangas through the utilization of the incentivized compliance of developers to balanced housing program.

Del Rosario lauded the efforts and coordination of the 15 Batangas local government units, particularly the Mataasnakahoy for its relentless and swift efforts in allotting a property where an evacuation center will be built.

A second such facility is likewise slated to be built in the municipality of Sta. Teresita, while the area in which the third evacuation center would be erected.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021

4th year in row: Makati gets COA high audit rating

By Joel E. Zurbano

WATER EXERCISES.

Members of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council train new emergency responders in water search and rescue operations at the La Mesa Dam in Lagro, Quezon City on Tuesday.

Manny Palmero

Health workers bang pots, pans to show hunger

By Willie Casas

HEALTH workers from different public hospitals in Metro Manila initiated a “noise barrage and die-in protest” in front of the Department of Health (DOH) gate on Thursday.

They expressed their anger and frustration regarding “the insincerity and negligence” of the DOH to health workers’ welfare by not releasing the funds for their meals, accommodation, and transportation benefits.

The benefits are stated under Republic Act 1494 or Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, in recognition of the health workers’ contribution in the mitigation of COVID-19 pandemic.

They also rattled empty pots and expressed that more delays in providing this benefit would cause them more misery and hunger.

A list of the DOH hospitals in NCR that are forced to return funds compliance to DOH Department Order No. 2020-0759 and the amounts they returned include: • Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center – P56 million • Tondo Medical Center – P20 million • Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital -P59 million • National Center for Mental Health – P62.4 million • Philippine Orthopedic Center – P35 million • National Children’s’ Hospital –P10 million • Research Institute for Tropical Medicine – P57 million

Extend Bayanihan 2, solons plead anew

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

LBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda has renewed his appeal to the House leadership on the need for both chambers of Congress to hold a special session to extend the validity of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2.

The law’s validity expires on June 30, 2021.

Also, Senator Francis Pangilinan on Tuesday urged the immediate release of the COVID-19 funds specified in Bayanihan 2.

He said the law specifies where the funds should go, and these funds will not be reverted to the general funds if obligated on or before June 30.

In his aide memoire to Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez dated

June 21, Salceda said that without an extension to Bayanihan 2, “provinces potentially face a situation of having their contact tracing and healthcare response capacities drastically reduced for at least 26 days during a period of COVID-19 case surges.”

“The extension is a matter of life and death in many communities, as contact tracers and augmented human resources for health were hired under Bayanihan 2 contracts that will also expire by June 30,” Salceda said.

If Bayanihan 2 expires, this will also mean P15.2 billion in various economic support programs to expire, he added.

Salceda also noted that as of May 31, more than P18.4 billion in unobligated funds for critical pandemic response and recovery programs are about to expire.

As chairman of the House committee on ways and means, Salceda asked the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to release around P4.6 billion that the government owes to service contractors such as bus and jeepney operators under the transport service contracting program funded by Bayanihan 2.

As confirmed by the LTFRB in a June 17 briefing, Salceda said only P1 billion of P5.5 billion allotted for the program has been distributed to service contractors.

ARTIFICIAL REEFS.

Artificial coral reefs are lined up on the beaches of Rosario, Cavite on Tuesday. About 4,000 of these reefs were installed from 2008 as the Rosario local government and Bantay Dagat teamed up with volunteer environmentalists for the benefit of local fishermen, who used to employ blast fishing. JR Josue

‘Add P10,000 ayuda to 5-yr. economic plan’ Win: Bank account for all who register for nat’l ID FORMER Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has appealed to the government to include the annual distribution of the P10,000 cash assistance for every Filipino family for a minimum of three years in the country’s five-year economic plan.

Cayetano told a radio interview that the distribution of the P10,000 cash assistance per family should be included not only in the proposed Bayanihan 3 law, but also in the five-year economic plan and in the 2022 budget.

“I think we should do the distribution of the P10,000 cash assistance at least once a year for three years, because we need to circulate money and keep the economic activity going, and the people need cash in their pockets,” he said.

The Taguig-Pateros lawmaker said the proposal is similar with the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), only there is a greater need for social amelioration now that more Filipinos are hungry and more Filipino students are not able to access education.

Cayetano also emphasized the importance of planning the next five years for the country, especially in light of the upcoming 2022 national elections. Maricel V. Cruz

By Macon Ramos-Araneta ALL Filipinos who have registered in the national identification (ID) system will own a bank account to access government’s financial services starting January 1, 2023.

This was contained in Senator Win Gatchalian’s proposed Senate Bill No.

2251 or the “One Filipino, One Bank Account Act.” Gatchalian’s bill seeks to mandate the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to open and maintain a bank account, free from any opening and maintenance fees or charges, for every Filipino citizen beginning Janu-

ary 1, 2023.

Under the bill, the LandBank and DBP shall automatically open and maintain a bank account for Filipino citizens who have successfully registered with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) upon presentation of the national ID or PhilID. Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Commission on Audit gave the City of Makati another highest audit rating for its consistent compliance with auditing rules and procedure on its financial statements.

Makati now holds the record of earning COA’s highest audit rating for four consecutive years.

“This latest achievement is immensely gratifying and does justice to all the efforts of the city government to keep transactions and spending above board at the height of the pandemic,” said Mayor Abigail Binay.

“We made sure that even our emergency purchases for COVID-19 response were done by the book. We also prioritized our fund allocations to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable sectors severely affected by the crisis,” she added.

The city government received the good news through a letter dated June 16, 2021, signed by COA director Omar Roque.

“The Auditor rendered an unmodified opinion on the fairness of presentation of the financial statements of the City.

Based on the attached Independent Auditor’s Report, Makati’s 2020 financial statements were in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards,” Roque said.

Binay thanked the Commission for what she described as “fair and impartial” evaluation of the city’s financial statements since she came on board in June of 2016.

The city earned the first COA “unqualified opinion” for 2017, the first full year of Mayor Abby Binay in office. The term has since been changed to “unmodified opinion.”

Since June 2016, the city government has been implementing reforms and innovations to promote transparency and efficiency in its operations.

These include a Business OneStop Shop (BOSS) established at the ground floor of Makati City Hall Building II, which has served as a common site to process applications and payments and issue licenses, clearances and permits.

VP Leni deploys jab site for 5k delivery riders

By Rio N. Araja VICE President Leni Robredo on Tuesday partnered with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to open an antiCOVID-19 vaccination express site at the Cultural Center of the Philippines for delivery riders and other transport drivers in the city.

“We are targeting to target at least 3,000 to 5,000 drivers until Wednesday,” she said.

The Vice President thanked the University of the Philippines-Manila, University of Sto. Tomas and Far Eastern University “for helping me out.”

“Bakuna para sa mga on-the-go nating drivers at delivery riders! Ito ang layon nating gawin sa unang rollout ng OVP #VaccineExpress, isang inisiyatibong hangad ilapit ang pagbabakuna kontra COVID sa mga sektor at komunidad,” her Facebook post read.

“Tricycle, pedicab, o delivery rider ka ba? Taga-Maynila ka ba? Magpreregister na sa https://www.manilacovid19vaccine.ph, tapos tara sa Vaccine Express! June 22 at 23 sa Cultural Center of the Philippines!” Robredo said.

“Thank you kay Mayor Isko at sa mga kasama niya sa Manila LGU! Thank you, partners— CCP, UBE Express, Smart! Thank you sa ating mga volunteers at long-time #AngatBuhay partners,” Robredo added.

She said she and Moreno have a plan to vaccinate vendors right within their vending sites against COVID-19.

MMDA reopens EDSA U-turn slot

NEW U-TURN. Workers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority put up a

sign for the reopened Dario Bridge U-turn slot in Quezon City to help ease traffic congestion on the northbound lanes of EDSA. MMDA photo

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has decided to reopen another U-turn slot to help ease traffic congestion on the northbound lanes of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the reopening of U-turn slot at Dario Bridge aimed to decongest traffic and reduce motorists’ travel time in the area.

“This would benefit the motorists because they can make a U-turn easily with a shorter route,” he said.

Abalos also said the MMDA has already coordinated with the private contractor of the Common Station connecting the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit, a project of the Depart-

ment of Transportation, which is located between SM North Edsa and Trinoma in Quezon City.

“I have requested BF Corporation to move back their fences at their work area to open more lanes for passing motorists and filled it with gravel so traffic obstruction could be avoided,” he stressed.

The MMDA chief said the U-turn slot was previously closed to give way to the EDSA Bus Carousel. However, traffic studies showed that opening them would improve traffic flow in the area.

Four months ago, the MMDA decided to reopen some U-turn slots on EDSA it earlier closed due to complaints from affected residents and motorists. Joel E. Zurbano

Opinion More vaccines coming

Play or ploy they mentioned?

Did they get prior acquiescence from the six names to participate in their process, and abide by their terms and conditions for choosing? Did these personalities sign up for the 1Sambayan’s benediction?

Or was the 1Sambayan coalition just playing with these six, when in fact, they have long READING between the lines of political decided that it would be a Robredo-Trillanes statements or finding some meaning in the tandem?

But wait! Vice-President Leni Robredo nonsense spewed by political players in this country is a case of guessing whether it is a forthwith announced that “we must be open to other personalities.” What did that statement play or a ploy.

Play means “naglolokohan lang”, as in say- make of 1Sambayan’s ploy?

Or at the end of the day, will it be a case of ing something for the moment, perhaps for a nice soundbyte that the media will capture, only former senator Sonny Trillanes standing?

Play or ploy? without really meaning whatever is said. *** Ploy, on the other hand, is more calculatWill Mayor Inday Sara Duterte Carpio run ed. It is designed to create a set of events that or not? She said “no” before. Her father, the would work to the advantage of the creator.

Take 1Sambayan’s naming of political per- president, (mismo!), said “no”.

But all over the sonalities as their country, groups presidential nomare orchestrating a inees, who, after Strange is the way “clamor” for her to going through their run, Sara, run. process, something we deal with politics Tarpaulins here they have not spelled in the land of the and there, billboards out to the public, along highways, would finally get benighted. collaterals such as their collective nod T-shirts and coffee and be proclaimed mugs, conferences the “opposition” bet in major cities, moin 2022.

After a grand political debut in March of torcades galore…who sanctioned these?

Is it play or ploy? this year, they came up with six nominees and If it is a ploy, who pays for the hundreds announced these on our Independence Day. Within the hour, they got four of the nominees of millions in expenditures? Surely this isn’t organic. Somebody is playing, and paying. disclaiming their nomination. *** Was the 1Sambayan listing just a ploy to But the Davao City mayora keeps reiteratget their loose coalition recognized as political kingmaker for the opposition? Or were they ing her father does not want her to run, among toying, rather, playing with the personalities others, because “she is a woman”. Is she play-

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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province, obviously to unWE HAVE good news leash a fusillade of hateful on the health front, parcomments in social media ticularly with regard against critics of the adto our COVID-19 reministrations, with special sponse. attention, no doubt, against We’re glad that the the standard bearers of the government has already opposition, whoever they signed a contract for may be. the delivery starting this We’re not surprised at all by this revelation.

October of 40 million doses of the vaccine developed by American multinational Pfizer We’ve expected a development such as this, Inc. and German biotechnology company Bi- considering that the same tactic was employed in the 2016 and 2019 elections. oNTech SE. But to say that we’re not surprised is not to According to Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force Against say that we should simply concede and accept COVID-19, this is the “biggest and most deci- that previous elections and those in the future sive deal we have for 2021. The vaccines from cannot but be contested in social media and Pfizer will significantly boost our national therefore should now be seen as an ineluctable immunization program and will enable us to part of the political landscape.

What we find disturbing is that the troll realize our goal of achieving herd immunity farms are likely to be bankrolled—you by year-end.”

The target, of course, is acquiring herd im- guessed it—by taxpayers’ money, with no acmunity by inoculating up to 70 percent of the countability on the part of its key operators.

We therefore supcountry’s estimated port the initiative of 110 million popua militant party-list lation, hopefully by group in the House the end of this year.

The target is to of Representatives What we know is to seek an investithat the government increase the daily gation of the alleged has already purvaccination rate from involvement of the chased 113 million Cabinet undersecrevaccine doses this the current 322,929 tary in the creation year, including the to 500,000 in the next of internet troll 26 million Corofarms for the 2022 naVac, 10 million few months. elections, with the Sputnik V, 20 milHouse Committee lion Moderna and 17 on Public Informamillion AstraZeneca tion urged to conduct the investigation. doses.

“The Philippines has become a haven The COVAX global vaccine pool has also committed 44 million doses, which brings the for internet trolls. The young, educated, total number of expected doses to 157 million, English-speaking workforce that made or more than the number of doses needed to the Philippines a global call center hub has become a go-to center for influencing achieve herd immunity.

The country has so far received 9 million political campaigns. The use of governCoronaVac, 2.6 million AstraZeneca, 2.5 mil- ment funds for such projects is not only lion Pfizer and 180,000 Sputnik V vaccine reprehensible but also an illegal [use] of people’s money. Government officials doses.

Moreover, negotiations are ongoing for the involved in this sinister act that aims to supply of an estimated total of 16 million dos- undermine and subvert our democratic es from US companies Novavax and Johnson process should be revealed, exposed and be subject to a prompt and impartial in& Johnson.

More than 8 million Filipinos have so far vestigation,” the lawmakers said.

We agree: The manipulation of inforbeen inoculated, but only 2.1 million have received their second dose, according to the mation in social media “threatens internet freedoms” and could lead to further National Vaccination Operations Center.

The target is to increase the daily vaccina- “Red-tagging” that “has resulted in action rate from the current 322,929 to 500,000 tual killings or incarceration of many, including activists, lawyers, and other in the next few months.

Is the target doable? We really don’t government critics.”

And further: “The use of paid commenters know, considering the delays in the arrival of and bots to spread anti-democratic propaganvaccines for one reason or another.

And here’s the not-so-good news, accord- da and suppress dissent is dangerous to our ing to the UK-based think-tank Pantheon democracy and people...Most importantly, Macroeconomics: “The relatively slow pace these troll farms that deliberately peddle lies of vaccination in the Philippines implies that and disinformation clearly undermine and early 2023 probably is the best the archipelago subvert our democratic processes and institutions, which Congress should not only decan hope for (achieve herd immunity).” nounce but stop.”

More trolls coming While at this, we might as well ask: Will the The bad news is on the political front.

We’re referring to the revelation by Sen. Pan- International Criminal Court also seek out the filo Lacson that a certain undersecretary in an trolls who defended the alleged murders in the unnamed department is now busy—sub rosa, administration’s bloody war on drugs? Hmm. Email:ernhil@yahoo.com definitely—organizing two troll farms in every

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Forcing consent

Y NOW it should be apparent to us that the things President Duterte says in his late-night speeches must not be taken at face value, and that they are at best only indicative of what preoccupies him at the moment and of how his mind works.

His very own spokesman has time and again warned us against taking the President literally.

We need this knowledge to save us from distraction and unnecessary time wondering if Mr. Duterte really meant -much less knew -- what he was saying.

His latest pronouncement Monday night, for instance, was that individuals who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 should be arrested.

“Magpabakuna kayo or ipakulong ko kayo sa selda (Get vaccinated or I will lock you up in jail),” he threatened.

As is customary, top officials immediately scrambled to explain what the President really meant.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Mr. Duterte “merely used strong words to drive home the need for us to

get vaccinated and reach herd immunity as soon as possible.”

The Department of Health said the President’s words were just “born out of passion,” as it reiterated that free, prior, and informed consent is a requirement for vaccination.

Address the fear and uncertainty that cripple the people and prevent them from making the enlightened next move.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte made the statement “to emphasize what the State can do.”

Roque also acknowledged that at the very least Congress has to pass a law to support such arrests.

Even so, Roque felt the need to say that the state has inherent police power to implement policies which could violate human rights in the name of a greater interest, in this case public health and safety.

Anyone in his right mind would acknowledge that the choice not to get vaccinated is a personal decision exercised out of free will and informed consent.

Survey after survey has shown many Filipinos’ reluctance, if not outright refusal, to get jabbed with the COVID-19 vaccine -- but this is because of fear and uncertainty, not a mad desire to deliberately inflict harm upon others.

In the face of overwhelming scientific and practical evidence that vaccines are crucial to beating COVID-19, the task ahead is clear: Address the fear and uncertainty that cripple the people and prevent them from making the enlightened next move. If done correctly and effectively, continued education and information campaigns, cascaded to communities, will change people’s hearts and minds and impress upon them the importance of getting vaccinated, for their own -- and their families’ and their communities’ -- immense benefit. This is where our officials should spend precious hours, resources and thought.

The prospect of throwing more people in jail, when it’s precisely in congested areas where the virus thrives, should, like many of the President’s ramblings, not be taken seriously -- especially since the COVID-19 situation remains seriously real and deadly.

Breakthrough THE chief of the Philippines’ economic team, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, has told business journalists that while the Philippines may be behind other regional economies at this time in bouncing back from the malaise of the global pandemic, “the country’s recovery will be stronger on the back of its sound economic fundamentals.”

This optimistic forecast is anchored on the structural and tax reforms implemented and are being put in place during President Duterte’s watch, along with “what did not happen” to the economy, which is as important as what did, Dominguez told economic journalists on Tuesday, June 15.

“We might appear to be behind our neighbors for now, but our recovery will be stronger because of our sound fundamentals,” the Finance chief said.

He said the COVID-19 vaccination program, which “has been rolling out quite well …. gives us hope that we can now fully reopen our economy.”

Indeed, per retired IATF point man Gen. Carlito Galvez last Monday, June 21, the Philippines has hit the 8-millionth-mark in vaccinations. The government now has 14.205 million doses, including the 5.876 million that arrived in the first half of this month. Before June ends, 4 million more doses are arriving.

Over the next three months, 5 million doses will arrive. Target vaccination sites will be 5,000 from 3,000 at present.

Galvez and Finance Secretary Dominguez have scored a coup of sorts; they wangled from Pfizer a contract for 40 million doses, up from 15 million previously negotiated. Galvez told President Duterte Philippine Ambassador Babe Romualdez and the State Department helped in securing the 40-million-dose deal.

The breakthroughs in the vaccine rollout have given added swagger to Duterte. He now threatens to arrest the vaccine non-believers or boot them out of the archipelago. Vaccination is mandatory for everyone.

The President warned the courts not to ining to the women’s votes, especially the feminists who cannot stand misogynistic remarks?

Or is it another DDS ploy to put down another woman --- the vice-president whom they cannot stop hating?

Meanwhile the President backtracks from his refusal of the PDP-Laban’s “clamor” for him to run as VP in 2022, with the right to choose his presidential candidate, a heretofore unprecedented political practice, by saying “it’s a good idea.”

Is he just being playful, which is in character?

What about mentioning Majority Floorleader Martin Romualdez as a vice-presidential candidate he would support, as previously promised? If so, it clearly would be a team-up with Inday Sara, n’e c’est pas?

Is he playing too, or is it a ploy to blunt attempts of some “kingmakers” to match his

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more deadly.

Why the restrictions? Duterte’s scientists cite science. In the case of face shields, other countries do not believe in its science, apparently. Face shields, some scientists claim, add 10 percent more protection to what face masks do.

As for having 14-day quarantines for visitors from abroad, UP-educated Dr. Edsel Salvana claims the Delta virus takes up to 14 days to gestate or manifest its presence in a person’s body. Other scientists claim it takes only five days for the COVID virus to manifest itself.

So visitors, expect to endure mandatory extended isolation when arriving in the Philippines. From the airport, you ride in a government selected shuttle vehicle, stay in a government-mandated hotel for a minimum of 10 days, undergo government-mandated swabs, and isolate yourself in your room, because you are not allowed visitors.

Meanwhile, at the EJAP forum, Dominguez pointed out the country did not suffer the fiscal downturn that typically accompanies an economic crisis even with the massive expenditures government has incurred as a result of the Covid-19 global economic and health crises.

When the pandemic-induced crisis struck

last year, Dominguez recalled, the government “did not have to go back to the drawing board in order to plan for the country’s economic recovery” because “much of the spadework was done” over the last five years of the Duterte administration.

“Clearly, we avoided a lot of trouble. All the strengths that became evident when the challenges were greatest are not due to a stroke of good fortune. This was not luck. This was readiness,” said the Finance chief. “They are the results of many years of fiscal discipline, forward-looking policy reforms, and continuing improvement in our administrative systems—especially through the adoption of new digital technologies.”

The pandemic dealt the Philippines a “heavy blow,” Dominguez conceded, but that is not the full context of the country’s story.

Examples of other aspects of the Philippines’ pandemic narrative: • The government did not fail to collect revenues even when people could not go out of their homes to file their income tax returns and pay their tax dues.

Annual income tax returns (ITRs) filed electronically soared to 90 percent in 2020 and to almost 100 percent last April, from just 10 percent in 2015; • The government achieved a two-decade high revenue effort at 16.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 compared to only 15.1 percent in 2015. This 2019 feat helped bring down the debt-to-GDP ratio for that year to a historic low of 39.6 percent from 42.7 percent in 2015; • The Philippines kept its high credit rating of BBB+; • The government never ran out of cash resources and has managed to meet the huge spending on its COVID-19 response despite weakened revenue collection resulting from the on-and-off strict lockdowns; • The government’s total revenue loss amounted to P1.4 trillion in 2020; P709 billion was financed by borrowings and ODA; and • The government did not suffer constrained fiscal space despite the recent increase in borrowings as the affordability of the national debt remains manageable. biznewsasia@gmail.com

daughter Inday Sara with Martin’s first cousin Bongbong? *** Remember 2015, the year leading to the elections of May 2016, where contrary to the prognostications of many pundits, Duterte stole the show from veteran pols like Mar Roxas and Jojo Binay?

The Davao City mayor kept saying he was not running, even missed the deadline for filing at the Comelec offices, then finally on the night of his dear friend and fraternity brother Atty. Alferdo Lim’s birthday gathering, declared he was running after all?

Was that rigmarole a play, or was it a ploy all throughout?

Whatever, it worked. *** Will Ping Lacson run for president, or will he go for a certain re-election to the Senate?

He has declined a senate re-run with finality, saying it’s either the presidency this time, one last try, or retirement to his farm in Cavite.

Is that play or ploy? The man is always serious, so play isn’t in his vocabulary.

And then there is Senate President Tito Sotto, who has already announced he is available for the vice-presidency, with his colleague Sen. Ping as presidentiable. Notice again, that it is the vice-president proclaiming his presidential candidate, just like the PDP-Laban giving Pres.

Duterte carte blanche to pick his president.

Is this the new modus?

In which case, would it be a Manny Pacquiao for president and Tito Sotto for vice, with Ping Lacson going into retirement?

In the other corner, would it be a Bong Go for president, with PRRD his vice-president?

Play, ploy, whatever. Strange is the way we deal with politics in the land of the benighted.

terfere, meaning, do not issue temporary restraining orders to stop government agencies from rounding up non-believers for forced inoculation. In other democracies, forced vaccination is a violation of human rights. “To hell with the criticisms,” blurted Duterte.

Face shields, which no other country in the world uses, are still mandatory. Visitors to the Philippines must undergo a ten-to-14-day quarantine to block our borders from the entry of the vicious Delta or Indian variant which is 60 percent more infectious and 40 percent

Our recovery will be stronger, says the Finance Secretary.

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India eyes drone flights to deliver COVID vaccines AN AVIATION firm has carried out the first tests in India of longer-range drone deliveries, as hopes grow that they could deliver medicines as well as COVID-19 vaccines to remote areas.

Greater use of drones could be a game-changer for medical services in the South Asian nation’s hard-to-reach rural areas where healthcare is limited and roads often poor, experts say.

Throttle Aerospace Systems is among 20 organizations granted permits by the government since May to conduct experimental flights beyond the current limit of 450 meters.

Two drones—one that can carry up to one kilogram for 20 kilometers or nearly an hour, and another that can lift two kilos for 15 kilometers—were tested on Monday in the southern state of Karnataka.

“Medicines was the payload here and... 2.5 kilometers were covered in seven minutes and it delivered the medicines at the designated point and the drone returned,” Throttle’s co-founder, Sebastian Anto, told AFP at the test site in the southern state of Karnataka.

The government this month also invited bids from drone operators to help set up a pilot project for the delivering of medical supplies as it seeks to bolster its faltering coronavirus vaccination drive.

The closing date for expressions of interest was Tuesday, although the government has yet to announce when such projects would become operational.

The epidemiology chief of the Indian Council of Medical Research, Samiran Panda, told The Hindu daily newspaper that the technology could help vaccinate priority groups in hardto-reach places.

“We need smart vaccination instead of mass vaccination to stem an epidemic,” Panda told the newspaper last week.

India lags behind many other nations when it comes to drones—or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles—both in terms of their uses and the regulatory framework. AFP

Vatican wants Italy to stop anti-homophobia law: report

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HE Vatican has made an “unprecedented” formal diplomatic objection to a draft Italian law against homophobia, a news report said Tuesday.

The so-called Zan law, which is currently being debated in Italy’s parliament, seeks to punish acts of discrimination and incitement to violence against gay, lesbian, transgender and disabled people.

According to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, the Vatican argued in a formal note that the bill violates the Con-

cordat, the bilateral treaty between Italy and the Holy See. “It is an unprecedented act in the history of relations between the two states —or at least, there are no public precedents,” the daily said.

Pope Francis’ de facto foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, delivered a letter, or “note verbale,” to

the Italian embassy to the Holy See on June 17, the paper said.

The letter suggested that the Zan law would breach the Concordat by curtailing Catholic freedom of belief and expression.

This is because Catholic schools would not be exempted from an obligation to take part in a newly-created national day against homophobia, lesbophobia and transphobia.

The letter also expressed concern that Catholics could in the future face legal action for expressing opinions against LGBTQIA rights, Corriere said.

Crackdown brings resignations at outspoken HK newspaper HONG KONG’S embattled pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily has been hit by a wave of resignations as authorities push to silence the outspoken tabloid and staff mull whether to leave or stay until the bitter end.

On late Monday afternoon, Apple Daily’s 1,000-odd staff got the news they had long expected given Hong Kong’s hardening political climate: the 26-year-old paper was on its last legs.

The board had met that day and announced the paper was almost certainly going to close unless they found a way to unfreeze its assets, with a final decision to be made on Friday.

Section heads then gathered staff and told them they could decide whether to resign immediately or stay until the final day—whenever that might be—according to three employees who were present.

“I hastily decided to hand in my resignation letter after my team meeting,” a reporter who asked just to use the name Joanne, told AFP. “I believe the risk of being arrested is real... I do not want to see anyone else being

rounded up anymore,” she added.

Apple Daily has long been a thorn in Beijing’s side, with unapologetic support for the city’s pro-democracy movement and caustic criticism of China’s authoritarian leaders.

Those same leaders have made no secret of their desire to see the paper shuttered.

Its owner Jimmy Lai is in jail, among the first to be charged under a new national security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong last year to root out dissent after the financial hub was rocked by huge and often violent democracy protests in 2019.

Then came last week’s hammer blow —the charging of two more executives under the powerful security law and the freezing of Apple Daily’s assets by the city’s security chief.

The latter left the paper unable to pay staff, vendors and suppliers. Advertisers and supporters who tried to deposit money into its accounts were unable to do so.

Authorities say the police action was sparked by articles over the last year that allegedly supported the imposition of sanctions on China and Hong Kong. AFP

WORLD’S LARGEST GRAIN PRODUCER. Photo taken on June 22, 2021 shows farmers planting rice in a paddy in Haian, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province. AFP

Stocks climb; GMA Network, GT Capital up

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TOCKS bounced back Tuesday as concerns about the pace of expected Federal Reserve monetary tightening eased, while oil prices briefly pushed to new two-year highs above $75 on demand optimism.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 43.24 points, or 0.6 percent, to 6,870.41 on a value turnover of P5.2 billion. Gainers beat losers, 122 to 69, with 53 issues unchanged.

GMA Network Inc., the biggest broadcasting firm, surged 8.7 percent to P13.80, while GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty Group, advanced 3.1 percent to P614.50.

Aboitiz Power Corp. of the Aboitiz Group climbed 2.7 percent to P24.90, while Jollibee Foods Corp, the largest fast-food chain, added 2.1 percent to P206.40.

Most Asian markets, meanwhile, rebounded Tuesday from the previous day’s sell-off.

Regional investors were sent scurrying Monday as they contemplated the US central bank’s latest projections for hiking interest rates in light of the country’s blockbuster economic recovery and sharp spike in inflation.

The Fed’s “dot plot” forecast indicated liftoff in 2023—a year earlier than first flagged—with some policymakers eyeing the end of 2022, while discussions on winding down its vast bond-buying program are likely in the next few months.

Ultra-loose monetary policy by the Fed and other central banks, along with massive government spending, have been key pillars of the rally across global equities enjoyed since their nadir in April last year.

Observers said sharp losses in New York on Friday were largely reversed at the start of this week as traders may Manila

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Corriere noted that even if the Holy See had “never before” taken such a step against a draft Italian law, the Concordat gives it the right to do so.

Neither the Vatican nor the Italian foreign ministry responded to requests for comment on the Corriere report, published four days before Rome’s 2021 Gay Pride parade.

The Zan law was passed by the lower house of parliament in November, but its final approval is far from guaranteed as it faces stiff opposition from rightwing parties in the Senate. AFP

have felt they had oversold, with the general consensus still that the world economy is well on the recovery track and accommodative policies will remain in place for the time being.

“The bigger picture is that the Fed is just beginning to adjust its policy stance,” Chris Iggo, at AXA Investment Managers, said. “The overall level of rates and liquidity should stay supportive for markets, but maybe less so than has been the case over the last year.”

Tokyo led Asian gains, rallying more than three percent and almost wiping out Monday’s losses, while Sydney and Jakarta were up more than one percent.

Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, Wellington, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta also rose, though Hong Kong and Singapore struggled.

“If there is one thing the last 15 months has taught us, it is the power of the buy the dip strategy as central banks continue pouring free money into the world’s financial system,” said OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley.

Analysts said there was a lower level of angst on trading floors after less hawkish comments from a number of Fed policymakers. With AFP

Fed chief offers more assurances on US economy

Wirecard report. President of the Bundestag Wolfgang Schaeuble (center) poses

with Kay Gottschalk (left), chairman of a parliamentary inquiry committee investigating the collapse of payments firm Wirecard, and committee vice-chairman Hans Michelbach (right) during the handover of the committee's report, on June 22, 2021 in Berlin. Once a rising star in the booming fintech sector, Wirecard filed for bankruptcy in the year 2020 after admitting that 1.9 billion euros ($2.3 billion) was missing from its accounts. AFP

Brazil’s Congress green-lights sale of state-owned Eletrobras RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil―Brazil’s Congress passed a bill Monday paving the way to privatize the biggest electric utility in Latin America, state-controlled company Eletrobras, a victory for far-right President Jair Bolsonaro’s privatization agenda.

The bill, which sets up a share issue that will dilute the government’s stake in the company, passed the lower house by a vote of 258 to 136.

Lawmakers must still vote on a series of amendments before sending it to Bolsonaro.

It had already passed in the Senate Thursday.

The legislation will reduce the government’s stake in Eletrobras from 51.82 to 45 percent, via a share issue penciled in for early next year that the state estimates will raise 60 billion

reais (around $12 billion).

Of that amount, 25 billion reais would go to the company’s coffers and the rest to government programs, experts estimate.

The government will retain a “golden share” in the company, giving it the final say on strategic matters.

Created in 1962, Eletrobras is one of Brazil’s “big four” state-controlled firms, along with oil company Petrobras and banks Banco do Brasil and Caixa Economica Federal.

It supplies around one-third of the electricity consumed in Brazil, Latin America’s biggest economy.

But critics complain it is inefficient, bloated and needs more cash to invest in modernizing its assets.

“Without privatization, Brazil’s energy system is going to end up in chaos,” Bolsonaro had warned. AFP

NEW YORK―The US economy remains on a positive trajectory even as it contends with higher inflation, according to congressional testimony released Monday by the head of the Federal Reserve.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in prepared remarks ahead of a House hearing Tuesday, reiterated that the central bank will continue its supportive stance to ensure that the “sustained improvement” since the depths of COVID-19 pandemic is extended.

The labor market has improved, but progress has been “uneven,” said Powell, in remarks consistent with his response to questions at a news conference last week.

“We at the Fed will do everything we can to support the economy for as long as it takes to complete the recovery,” Powell said in the testimony.

Powell acknowledged that inflation has “increased notably in recent months” due in part to higher oil prices and the hit from supply chain disruptions.

But he restated that higher prices are due to “transitory” factors, adding that “inflation is expected to drop back toward our longer-run goal.”

Powell’s appearance before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis comes less than a week after the US central bank moved up its timeframe for lifting interest rates to 2023.

The Fed’s monetary policy committee said it will not begin to withdraw the stimulus measures implemented at the start of the pandemic until progress is made on reducing unemployment and keeping inflation above their two percent goal.

At last week’s news conference, Powell warned that the “recovery is incomplete” and improvement has been “uneven,” with employment in hardhit sectors well below pre-pandemic levels. AFP

China port backlog will take several weeks to clear—Maersk BEIJING, China―A backlog at China’s largest container terminal caused by a COVID-19 outbreak among port workers will take several weeks to clear, the world’s biggest shipping firm said Monday.

Yantian port, in China’s southern trade hub Shenzhen, stopped accepting new export containers in May after a local infection cluster involving port workers―stifling trade at a key point of the stressed global shipping network.

Port authorities, who stopped processing the new containers for six days, have said operations will be back to normal by the end of June.

Maersk―which operates in 130 countries and employs about 80,000 people―told AFP it would take a “few weeks” for the backlog to clear at the port, the world’s third-largest terminal.

It comes a week after the firm warned Yantian was “the most promi-

virus pandemic, including a combination nent bottleneck right now.”

“The Yantian Port Authorities have of jammed networks and surging demand.

Yantian’s halt on processing announced that productivity willCYAN be MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK congradually increased as more workers re- tainers exacerbated challenges which turn to work and more berths reopen,” left shipping giants, manufacturers and logistics firms reeling.

Maersk said Monday.

“It was already hard to find containers Based on this, it added, the “backlog will be gradually cleared in the before, and the situation is even scarier now,” said Alfred Wong, CEO of D&S next few weeks.”

The shipping industry has faced huge Products Manufactory, which produces challenges since the start of the corona- goods in Shenzhen.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Budget deficit reached P566b in 5 months IN BRIEF AC Energy opens 120-MW solar plant AC ENERGY Corp. said Tuesday the 120-megawatt GigaSol Alaminos solar project in Laguna province, one of the country’s largest, is now operational and started exporting renewable energy to the Luzon grid.

AC Energy said the GigaSol Alaminos solar project is the company’s second solar farm to go online this year, contributing to its rapidly expanding renewable energy portfolio.

“We are pleased to add much-needed capacity to the grid as electricity supply remains tight. AC Energy has already added 183 MW of solar capacity to the grid earlier this year, and we also expect to start the operations of the 150-MW Ingrid Power quick response thermal plant in Pililla, Rizal in the next few weeks,” said AC Energy president and chief executive Eric Francia.

“We have another 276 MW of renewables capacity under construction in the Philippines, with plans to double this capacity before the end of the year,” he said.

The GigaSol Alaminos solar farm can power about 80,000 homes while avoiding 111,034.37 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases.

Alena Mae S. Flores

By Julito G. Rada

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HE budget deficit reached P200.3 billion in May and P566.2 billion in the first five months as the government raised funds to support economic recovery efforts and the vaccination program.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed Tuesday the budget shortfall in May was slightly lower than the P202.1billion deficit registered in the same month last year. Expenditures rose 29.15 percent while revenue collections jumped 69.26 percent in May. The Treasury said the May 2021 fiscal performance resulted in a cumulative budget deficit of P566.2 billion, higher than the P562.2-billion budget gap recorded a year ago.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said in a report the country was on track to post a full-year budget deficit to GDP ratio of 9.4 percent.

“We can expect the Philippines to continue to post budget shortfalls for the balance of the year as revenues fall short due to lackadaisical economic activity and the fallout from CREATE [Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act], with the government curtailing spending likely to limit the hit on the overall

debt-to-GDP ratio,” Mapa said.

Mapa said with the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio close to 60 percent (the supposed threshold of ratings agencies) and debt continuing to pile up at a time that growth remains anemic, “we could begin to see ratings agencies question whether the Philippine economy is truly its old self or merely a shade of its once promising potential.”

Mapa said it appeared for now that the Philippines remained in the good graces for the ratings agencies. “The Big 3 [S&P, Moody’s and Fitch] have cited above-average growth and still healthy fiscal metrics as their reasons to like the Philippines and for the time being the trio appear open to letting a year or two of lackluster growth slide.”

Revenue collection in May jumped 69.26 percent to P256.4 billion from a weak base a year ago, driven by the 60.99-percent growth in tax collections.

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC. TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS: Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting(ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 26 July 2021, Monday, at 2:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at http://bit.do/ SoldivoASM2021. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

Jollibee eyes more US stores in 5 years JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. chief executive Ernest Tanmantiong said Tuesday the company aims to increase its stores in the United States over the next five to seven years as part of a plan to become one of the five largest restaurant companies in the world.

“The US, being the world’s largest economy in quick service restaurant market, is a key part of achieving our mission. We have over 500 stores in the US, across six brands, including the Coffee Bean and Tea leaf, Smash Burger and Tortazo, on top of our fave Philippine brands Jollibee, Chowking and Red Ribbon,” Tanmantiong said during the “Make It Happen” Philippine-US business dialog organized by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. The US has the most number of Jollibee stores outside the Philippines, with 19 more planned in 2021. Globally, Jollibee has more than 5,800 stores despite the closure of 486 branches in 2020 due to the pandemic.

JFC recently acquired American Chinese fastfood chain Panda Express and intends to expand the chain this year, together with American franchise Burger King. Othel V. Campos

Vivant bags 25-year Cebu water contract VIVANT Corp. said Tuesday a unit bagged a 25-year bulk water project in Cebu province.

Vivant said in a disclosure to the stock exchange wholly-owned subsidiary Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc. obtained the contract from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District.

The company said earlier the project had an estimated cost of P1.5 billion to P3 billion.

The company said MCWD concluded a successful bid for the Cordova Bulk Water Supply Project through a solicited proposal with VHHI as the private sector proponent and Watermatic Philippines Corp. as its technical partner.

Under its proposal, VHHI will build a utility scale desalination plant that will augment the limited bulk water supply of MCWD by 20,000 cubic meters per day of treated and potable water.

“This investment in bulk water supply is a key milestone for the Vivant group to deliver on its promise to provide forward-looking and adaptable solutions for its communities,” the company said. Jenniffer B. Austria

This brought the five-month revenue haul to P1.244 trillion, up by 12.92 percent from the previous year’s outturn.

Tax collections, which grew by 27.07 percent year on year, contributed 91 percent to total revenue while 9 percent came from non-tax sources.

Collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue surged 60.54 percent to P183.7 billion in May from P114.4 billion a year earlier.

This brought the agency’s cumulative uptake to P872.4 billion for the five-month period, 29.49 percent or P198.7 billion better than P673.7 billion in the same period in 2020.

The Bureau of Customs raised P48.6 billion for the month, 58.05 percent higher than P30.8 billion in the same period last year on improve valuation and collection.

BOC collections grew 18.57 percent in the five-month period to P249.6 billion from P210.5 billion a year earlier.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows: 1.

2.

3.

NLEX greening. Government officials and NLEX Corp. executives spearhead the planting of 3,181

saplings at the Harbor Link Interchange aimed at contributing to cleaner air and healthier ecology along the expressway. Leading the greening initiative are (from left) Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional executive director Jacqueline Caancan, House Deputy Speaker and Valenzuela City 2nd District Rep. Eric Martinez and NLEX Corp. president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista.

DTI likely to rescind auto safeguard duties

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Trade and Industry will likely rescind the provisional safeguard duties imposed on imported vehicles after the Tariff Commission issued a staff report rejecting the Philippine Metalworkers Association’s claim of a surge in imports since 2014, a source said Tuesday.

The petition is still pending with the Tariff Commission while waiting for clear guidelines from the DTI. “With the TC staff report, it’s possible that the case may be dismissed,” a source in the DTI said.

Automotive dealers in February started imposing provisional safeguard duties of P70,000 per unit of imported passenger cars and P110,000 per unit of light commercial vehicles, on top of the regular tariffs, following an order from the Trade Department based on the petition of PMA, a local industry group.

The TC staff report noted that imports of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles did not increase dramatically to warrant safeguard measures. The period covered by the investigation was 2014 to 2020.

The staff report said the increase in the volume of importation could not be considered “recent, sudden, sharp and significant”, The DTI in February acted on the petition for safeguard measures filed by the PMA which raised concern on increasing importation of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

Under Republic Act 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act, anybody may file with the DTI a verified petition requesting that action be taken to remedy the serious injury to the domestic industry caused by increased imports of a like or directly substitutable product.

The DTI forwarded its comments to the TC staff report last week, signed by DTI Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo.

It also sought the removal of the 2020 data as the pandemic year was an unusual case that should be considered in the light of the investigation, the source said.

The source said that while the DTI may exercise its authority to issue an order of dismissal, PMA as the petitioner, may appeal the secretary’s decision to the Court of Tax Appeals.

Manila

Solons: Bloomberg and FDA may have breached PH laws LAWMAKERS said several laws may have been violated when the Philippines Food and Drug Administration solicited and received grant money from The Union, a foreign nongovernment organization funded by anti-tobacco advocacy Bloomberg Initiative.

House Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, Rep. Jericho Nograles and Rep. Sharon Garin said among the laws that were possibly violated by the FDA were the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act of 1960, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, the Lobbying Act of 1957 and Batas the Foreign Agents Act. , “I believe that the committee report must look at the violations of RA 1827, RA 3019, RA 6713, RA 9211 and Batas Pambansa Bilang 39. We will take note of these possible violations because, as correctly pointed out, clarification and harmonization will help the FDA and other agencies to avoid this kind of misunderstanding,” Nograles said in the final hearing conducted by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on the Bloomberg donation.

“It was so obvious that the donation was made to influence the FDA, that was tantamount to bribery. We could not be puppets of institutions that are not even Filipinos. This is not only a violation of the laws that we have, it is a violation of our Constitution,” Garin said.

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Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 24 August 2020 4. Management Report 5. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements of the Corporation for the Year Ended 2020 6. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting 7. Election of Directors for the year 2021 to 2022 8. Approval to increase authorized capital stock from Seven Hundred Fifty Million Shares at PHP 1.00 per share to up to Two Billion Five Hundred Million Shares at PHP 1.00 per share 9. Amendment of Article 7 of the Articles of Incorporation and the Registration Statement to reflect the increase in authorized capital stock 10. Appointment of Standard Chartered Bank as Primary Custodian and Fund Accountant 11. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2021 12. Other Matters 13. Adjournment In accordance with the By-Laws, the record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual shareholders’ meeting has been set at 31 May 2021.

Given the current circumstances and in order to ensure the safety and welfare of our stockholders in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation will dispense with the physical attendance of stockholders at the meeting and will allow attendance only by remote communication and by voting in absentia or voting through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy.

Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should notify the Corporation by email to customercare_ mutualfund@atram.com.ph on or before 16 July 2021, Friday.

(Sgd.) ATTY. TRANQUIL S. SALVADOR III Corporate Secretary (MS-JUNE 23 & 24, 2021)

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC.

TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS: Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders' Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 26 July 2021, Monday, at 2:00PM CYAN via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at http://bit.do/ SoldivoASM2021. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

CONCEPCION INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION (formerly Concepcion Airconditioning Corporation) NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO:

ALL STOCKHOLDERS

Notice is hereby given that CONCEPCION INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION (formerly Concepcion Airconditioning Corporation) (the “Corporation”) will conduct its Annual Stockholders’ Meeting virtually via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZUrdOirpj8qHNEAGLCr9J4neml3ojd_uQ50) on 14 July 2021 at 10:30 a.m., at which meeting the following matters shall be taken up: 1.

Call to Order;

2. Certification of Existence of Quorum; 3.

Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders held on July 15, 2020;

4.

Report of the Chairman;

5.

Approval of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2020;

6.

Election of Directors;

7. Appointment of External Auditors 8. Ratification of All Actions taken by the Board and Management; 9.

Other Matters; and

10. Adjournment.

The record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the said meeting is fixed at the close of business hours on 14 June 2021.

To ensure the health and well-being of our stockholders during this COVID-19 pandemic, stockholders may only attend the meeting by remote communication and/or vote in absentia or through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy. Stockholders who wish to participate by remote communication or vote in absentia or by proxy should notify the Corporate Secretary by email to cic.secretary@romulo.com from 29 June 2021 to 4 July 2021.

Successful registrants will receive an electronic invitation via email with a complete guide on how to join the meeting. For any registration concerns, please get in touch with the Corporation through cic.secretary@romulo.com.

All stockholders who wish to vote through a proxy or in absentia shall submit the duly signed proxies or ballots, as the case may be, to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the 21st Floor, Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City and/or by email to cic. secretary@romulo.com not later than 4 July 2021. The proxies and ballots submitted shall be validated on 9 July 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

We are not soliciting proxies.

The Information Statement which contains a brief explanation of each item on the agenda and procedures for attending the meeting via remote communication and for casting votes in absentia, Management Report, and Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020 in SEC Form 17-A are posted on the Corporation’s website at https://cicasm2021.cic.ph and PSE EDGE. The meeting shall be recorded in audio and video format and copies thereof shall be retained by the Corporation.

1.

2.

3.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 24 August 2020 4. Management Report 5. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements of the Corporation for the Year Ended 31 December 2020 6. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting 7. Election of Directors for the year 2021 to 2022 8. Approval to increase the Corporation’s authorized capital stock from One Billion Eight Hundred Million Shares to up to Five Billion Shares at PHP 1.00 per share 9. Amendment of Article 7 of the Articles of Incorporation and Registration Statement to reflect the increase in authorized capital stock 10. Appointment of Standard Chartered Bank as Primary Custodian and Fund Accountant 11. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2021 12. Other Matters 13. Adjournment In accordance with the By-Laws, the record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual shareholders’ meeting has been set at 31 May 2021.

Given the current circumstances and in order to ensure the safety and welfare of our stockholders in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation will dispense with the physical attendance of stockholders at the meeting and will allow attendance only by remote communication and by voting in absentia or voting through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy.

Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should notify the Corporation by email to customercare_ mutualfund@atram.com.ph on or before 16 July 2021, Friday.

(Sgd.) ATTY. TRANQUIL S. SALVADOR III Corporate Secretary

JAYSON L. FERNANDEZ Corporate Secretary (MS-JUNE 22/23, 2021)

(MS-JUNE 23 & 24, 2021)

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Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

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A woman stands in front of the Olympic rings in Tokyo. The journey to this year’s Olympic Games has been like no other. After a historic pandemic postponement, organizers refused to pull the plug, despite infection risks, travel restrictions and persistent public opposition. AFP

Fernandez to NSAs: Get LGU godfathers Rep. Manny Lopez

Araw ng Maynila Racing Festival returns Thursday THE Araw ng Maynila racing festivities return to the Manila Jockey Club in Carmona, Cavite this Thursday, with nine trophy races that will have added cash prizes and trophies to the winning horse owner, and medals to the victorious jockeys and trainers.

Araw ng Maynila races, historically the most anticipated and exciting racing day in the yearly calendar of the horse racing industry, returns from a one-year absence through the efforts of Manila Tondo Congressman Manny Lopez.

“Taon-taon, isa sa pinaka-malaking paraan ng ating pag gunita sa Araw ng Maynila ay ang pagdaraos ng Araw ng Maynila racing festival.

Noon, kahit hindi natatapat sa araw ng karera ang June 24, ginagawan natin ng paraan upang maganap ang napakasayang araw ng karera para sa lahat ng bayang karerista at para maipagmalaki ng bawat Manilenyo.

Kailangan nating pahalagahan ang ating mga tradisyon at ang ating kasaysayan kaya’t ako’y nagsumikap upang maganap itong espesyal na pagdiriwang na ito,” said Rep. Lopez.

“I look forward to seeing all our bayang karerista in the Araw ng Maynila Racing Festival and I would like to greet all kareristas, happy racing. I would also like to greet the people of the City of Manila a meaningful 450th foundation day. Next year, with all your help and support, I look forward to seeing the return of the Gran Copa de Manila race and a stronger horse racing industry,” Rep. Lopez added.

T

HE Philippine Sports Commission has reiterated its call to the different National Sports Associations to look for other ways and means to help finance their respective campaigns the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi in November.

Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who is chef de mission of the large Philippine contingent to Hanoi, said the sports agency already has in its hands the proposed training budget of the NSAs vying in 39 of 40 sports in this year’s SEA Games.

“I almost fell off my seat,” said Fernandez upon seeing the amount of P184 million budget covering only 28 NSAs. “The PSC cannot finance all of this.

One NSA asked for P5 million and we have 39 NSAs. Baka mag-bangka (canoe) tayo going to Vietnam. We need the NSAs to step up also and look for LGUs (godfathers) to help them with facilities, billeting and food,” added Fernandez during the online Philip-

pine Sportswriters Association Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“Some have done, while the others are looking. Less than 20 NSAs pa lang ang nakakahanap ng host LGUs. The PSC cannot handle all the financial requirements during the pandemic,” the former basketball superstar said in the Smart-powered session, with Upstream Media as official webcast partner.

The Philippines won the overall title as SEA Games’ host in 2019 and is looking at fielding 626 athletes to Hanoi in its bid for a strong podium finish despite the pandemic.

Gilas needs to develop confidence

By Peter Atencio MORE adjustments are being done now that the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team has returned to practice on Tuesday.

New situations are being introduced to the squad after it emerged from a dayoff last Monday and went into scrimmages at the Angeles University Foundation Sports & Cultural Center in Pampanga.

National coach Tab Baldwin cut his 15-man roster to 13 players, with University of the Philippines cagers Javi Gomez de Liano and Jaydee Tungcab taken off the roster.

“I think it’s important for the players to learn how to figure things out for themselves. And we’re much in that stage. These players have got to develop a confidence in themselves, confidence that deserves to be there,” said Baldwin.

Gilas Pilipinas is preparing for a

Members of the Gilas Pilipinas team singing the national anthem. fiba.basketball

tuneup game on Wednesday with ChiThis is in preparation for two Olymna after completing a 6-game sweep of pic Qualifiers that the two squads will Group A of the recent 2021 FIBA Asia join next week.

Cup Qualifiers.

Gilas will be in Belgrade, Serbia,

Stop bashing the athletes SPORTS LOCKER RANDY CALUAG IT pains me so bad when people bash athletes for things they post on social media.

Well, maybe some deserve to be criticized. But most of the time, either they are just misunderstood or ill-advised.

But when athletes air their sentiments in relation to their being an athlete, or something that would affect their performance, for once, they deserve to be heard.

“Twenty-eight NSAs submitted their budget for bubble training and it already amounted to P184 million. The PSC only has a budget of P200 million for the SEA Games,” Fernandez said.

So far, LGUs from Ormoc (fencing and modern heptathlon), Dumaguete (archery), Zamboanga (weightlifting), Baguio (muay), Benguet (kickboxing), Taguig (volleyball and table tennis) and Tagaytay (cycling and chess) have heeded the call to help as well as Bohol, Cebu and Sta. Rosa in Laguna.

Fernandez said he’s keeping his fingers crossed that the Hanoi SEA Games pushes through as planned. He said the agency is awaiting the final word from the SEA Games Federation following reports that the Vietnamese government is considering moving the event to July next year due to the pandemic.

“We will cross the bridge when we get there,” said Fernadez, adding that so far, preparations for next month’s Tokyo Olympics are all in place.

“But just the same, we are ready,” he added.

Almost everybody uses social media to communicate. From business leaders, politicians, movie celebrities to an ordinary housewife griping about her husband, they all use social media to speak their minds out. So why can’t athletes do the same?

Keyboard warriors are like lions always looking for their prey. Some comment with good common sense, others post nonsense.

It’s easy to discount comments coming from netizens who don’t really belong to the inner community.

But what really hurts me is when the person commenting comes from within the sports circle, someone who is supposed to understand the athletes better.

Someone, who could empathize with them. Someone who would treat his own

child with love and compassion.

Why can I say this?

I know what I speak of as I happen to be part of the coaching staff of the Philippine national kickboxing team.

I have witnessed hundreds of aspiring athletes pour their blood, sweat and tears—all wanting to be part of the elite team.

We are currently in a bubble training and selection process for the athletes wanting to be part of the team that will compete in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam set in November.

Whether the biennial meet gets postponed or not, we are dead set on completing the final lineup.

Our selection process was programmed by our overall skills’ coach Mark Sangiao, yes the founder of the

famed Team Lakay, no less.

So expect the selection to be as hard as what the vaunted Team Lakay athletes go through their daily grind.

Aspirants come from different martial arts clubs, some as young as 18 years olds, who have been practicing since childhood, devoting countless hours in the gym, while other kids and teens spend more time on their gadgets.

I personally see their sacrifices.

They gring it out with two sessions of training and strenuous exercises daily, with tears mixed with sweat on their faces due to exhaustion and exasperation, not to mention sparring sessions that get bloody at times.

They’ve been doing this for years, hoping that someday, they would land a spot in the national circle of athletes that will carry the country’s banner.

My father, a former Manila Golden

Up to 10,000 fans allowed at Tokyo Olympics TOKYO—Up to 10,000 fans will be allowed at Tokyo Olympic events, organizers said Monday, warning competition could move behind closed doors if infections surge.

The decision, just weeks before the opening ceremony, ends months of speculation about whether domestic spectators would be able to attend the pandemic-postponed Games. Overseas fans were banned in March.

A lottery will determine which existing ticket-holders can attend a Games that will be unlike any other, with cheering banned, masks mandatory, and fans told to go straight home after the competition.

“In light of the government’s restrictions on public events, the spectator limit for the Olympic Games will be set at 50 percent of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people in all venues,” organizers said in a statement.

A decision on spectators at the Paralympics will be delayed until July 16, a week before the Olympics open.

And officials left open the possibility of a reversal if the virus rebounds. Tokyo was under a coronavirus state of emergency until Sunday.

“If there should be major dramatic change in the infection situation, we may need to revisit this matter amongst ourselves and we may need to consider the option of having no spectators in the venues,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said.

Senior medical experts, including top advisors to the government, have said holding the Games behind closed doors would be “ideal” from a health perspective.

They fear crowds of fans could fuel a new surge in infections in a country still racing to vaccinate its residents. Organizers said it was unlikely that negative virus tests would be required to attend.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach, speaking before the announcement, said he was “absolutely sure that it will be a decision to best protect the Japanese people and all participants”.

There will be some wiggle room on the cap, with organizers allowing sponsors and others dubbed “stakeholders” to attend above the 10,000 limit.

They said those spectators would travel separately from the public and pose less of a virus risk, but declined to specify how many people would come under that group.

School children invited as part of a special programme also won’t count towards the cap.

“People still talk about what they saw at the first Tokyo Olympics.

That’s how memorable this event is.

We want to offer the same experience to children,” Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said. AFP while China will head to Victoria, Canada, for two separate Olympic Qualifying Tournaments to be held from June 29 to July 4.

Baldwin said the players are now learning to deal with big leads that they establish, or those that their opponents get early in their games.

“They have to figure out the problems themselves,” said Baldwin, adding that in their coming games, he will not worry about the scores from the beginning of their games, whether they are leading by a big margin, or if they have fallen far behind.

“I’m much concerned about the score at the end of the game. I’ve seen many of today’s games. Too many big leads in a game disappear. In fact, I don’t trust that big lead if happens to be in our side, or that deficit. We’ll just play through it,” said Baldwin.

Dwight Ramos, Angelo Kouame and Justine Baltazar are among those who have remained, along with Kai Sotto, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Isaac Go, William Navarro, Mike Nieto, Geo Chiu, Carl Tamayo, Jordan Heading, and LeBron Lopez.

Gloves boxing champ and professional contender, who trained me and allowed me to compete in amateur boxing but prevented me from going professional, which at that time (during the 1970s) was the way to go for an aspiring boxer.

“Anak, ‘wag mo na ako gayahin.

Mag-aral ka mabuti. Luha, dugo at pawis para maging boxer,” he always told me.

My athlete pedigree is the main reason why I became a sportswriter. But I was an athlete first.

So much so that I really get hurt when an athlete takes a beating, not on the ring, but from keyboard warriors, for speaking out.

For the bashers out there, you don’t even know what these athletes have gone through.

Let them be. They deserve to talk.

They earned it.

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RHU REHABBED. Despite logistical constraints caused by COVID-19, BDO Foundation has successfully renovated four rural health units in three provinces for the benefit of more than 114,000 people. The corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank rehabilitated Rural Health Unit (RHU) San Enrique in Negros Occidental, Jiabong RHU, and Pinabacdao RHU and Birthing Facility in Western Samar, and RHU Cataingan and Birthing Clinic in Masbate. The foundation has rehabilitated a total of 110 rural health units since 2012.

DILG: 32m signed up for vax via LGUs; Año, PNP remind Pinoys of face shields O VER 32 million individuals have so far been registered for vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in their respective local government units (LGUs), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said on Monday.

“So far, we have 32,275,526 Filipinos who have been registered for vaccination with their LGUs based on the Vaccination Monitoring System of the DILG,” Año told President Rodrigo Duterte in a pre-recorded Cabinet meeting.

This came as the DILG ordered local officials to speed up vaccination registration activities and ensure that non-technology savvy persons and those who do not have mobile phones or internet access would be included in the government’s inoculation drive.

Meanwhile, Año also commended six LGUs for having the most vaccinated individuals.

In Metro Manila, Quezon City topped the list with 414,850, followed by Manila with 326,101 and Caloocan City with 238,768.

In terms of fully vaccinated individuals, Manila has 146,248, followed by Quezon City with 126,000 and Parañaque City with 79,111.

Outside Metro Manila, Baguio City has the greatest number of vaccinated individuals with 99,745, followed by Cebu City with 55,214 and Cagayan de Oro City with 43,462.

Out of these figures, Baguio City has 46,157 fully vaccinated individuals, Cebu City has 18,689 and Cagayan de Oro City has 16,859.

“We are now asking the public not to just believe any information coming from the Internet and social media [regarding the Covid-19 vaccines]. They must be always ready to check the credibility of any information especially those claiming that they are for

health and safety),” the DILG chief said in Filipino.

Año also reported a decline in the number of violators of the mandatory use of face masks for the past week -- from 51,607 for the period June 7 to 13 to 49,526 for the period June 14 to 20.

“I would also like to report that we have not reported any superspreader event for the past week. This is a good sign as many are now complying with the President’s orders on health protocols,” he said.

USE OF FACE SHIELDS STAYS Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday reminded the public to continue wearing face shields as a precaution against more Covid-19 variants.

“We ask the public to respect and follow our President’s directive on wearing face shields. This is for the safety of everyone, especially since there has been an increase in the number of Delta variants detected in the country,” PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

This came as President Rodrigo Duterte

decided to retain the policy requiring the use of face shields both indoors and outdoors “in view” of the more transmissible Delta variant of Covid-19.

“According to our experts, this variant is serious and we really need to be doubly careful,” Eleazar added.

So far, the Department of Health (DOH) said there are 17 cases of the Delta variant that have been detected in the Philippines.

Eleazar, meanwhile, assured the strict enforcement of minimum public health safety standards to prevent the spread of the more infectious variant.

“If more infectious variants have been detected in our country, we need more protection by following our health protocols,” he said.

He also reminded police personnel to comply with the mandatory use of face shields.

“My only instruction to our policemen is also to follow this policy because we will not have any credibility to apprehend violators if we ourselves do not follow it),” he said.

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10 ‘TikToker’ dads win bikes via Caloocan councilor’s tack

BACOLOD VACCINATION. The Emergency

Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) and the COVID-19 Vaccination Council (CoVaC), both chaired by Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia (inset), continues with the vaccine rollout for Bacolod residents under priority groups that include frontline healthcare workers (A1), senior citizens (A2), and adults with comorbidities (A3). The vaccines being rolled out at the SMX Convention Center are part of the 17,000 additional doses of Sinovac vaccines from the national government. It is being supervised by City Administrator Em Ang, executive director of EOC and coordinator of CoVaC, and OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Edwin Miraflor Jr. with the assistance of vaccination doctors.

Caloocan City “Millennial Councilor” Vince Hernandez

By Jun David

DA chief Dar leads rollout of Swine R3 credit program

By Jessica M. Bacud

I

LAGAN CITY, Isabela—The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DAACPC) in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) recently launched the Swine Repopulation, Rehabilitation and Recovery (Swine R-3) program in the province of Isabela.

“Thank you so much Governor Rodito Albano for opening Isabela as the pilot province under the Swine Repopulation, Rehabilitation and Recovery and I believe that with your support this undertaking will be a successful one,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

Dar said that under the program, DBP shall serve as the sole Partner Lending Conduct (PLC) of the DA-ACPC with an initial fund allocation of P500 million.

“As the PLC, DBP will identity qualified borrowers, evaluate and approve loan applications, release loan proceeds and collect loan repayments,” he said.

The DBP will finance bio-secured grow-out projects of small business enterprises, including start-up commercial hog raisers, with loanable amount of P5 million up to P15 million with zero interest, payable up to eight years with a grace period of up to two years.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar

Dar also cited that the first trials with an African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine are being conducted in 10 commercial swine companies in the country.

“While the country is elevating everything towards bio-security, the most important intervention to enhance recovery of the hog industry is the vaccination against ASF,” he said.

“The cases of ASF in the country are now declining. To date, there are only

19 barangays with active cases and 70% decrease in reported cases in the whole country,” the secretary added.

Dar is optimistic the hog industry can bounce back due to the whole-of-nation approach being employed by his department, brought about by the President’s recent declaration of a state of calamity in the entire country.

“We have enough money to rehabilitate the hog industry through DBP, ACPC and Land Bank loans for the public and private sectors to avail,” Dar said.

“In tandem with the Department of Agriculture, we are now testing a vaccine against ASF, and hopefully good results will be seen in 70 days,” he added.

He assured that through the implementation of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABayASF), Repopulation and Recovery Plan for the swine industry and other related programs, the swine industry can bounce back strongly.

TEN brave men of the house were given brand new bicycles from Caloocan City “Millennial Councilor” Vince Hernandez in celebration of Father’s Day. Hernandez personally delivered the bikes to the winning TikToker daddies in the “Bisikleta Ke Ama Ngayong Pandemya” TikTok Challenge.

The fathers who got the bicycle were Arvin dela Cruz of Bagong Barrio; Chibimaru Aber Razon of Brgy. 176; Carmelito Boncayo of Bagong Barrio; Renato Prado of Brgy. 169; Joselito Embiado of Brgy. 164; Danilo Mendoza of Deparo; Mario Dantes of Brgy. 177; Rocky Olabere of Brgy. Caybiga; Joey Vigo So of Brgy. 176; and Roderick Pelaez of Brgy. 171.

Apart from the bicycle winners, 10 other dads were also given P1,000 each, while everyone who entered was automatically given a “certified Tiktoker Dad” T-shirt and certificate.

Some live viewers on the day of the announcement of the winners also received various prizes in the raffle draw, including an Android tablet, 10 pocket wi-fi devices, and T-Shirts.

“Fathers have sacrificed a lot to support their families especially in this pandemic, so we want to pay tribute to them with our simple method,” Hernandez said.

“To the fathers, we thank you for all your efforts. There are not enough words to describe your endeavor. Happy Father’s Day to all of you,” added the Millennial Councilor.

Panglao hosts second Dive Festival after 6 years THE Municipality of Panglao in Bohol, one of the country’s top scuba diving sites, recently hosted the second Panglao Dive Festival in cooperation with the Department of Tourism-Central Visayas to showcase the island town’s rich underwater tourist attractions.

Held at the newly-opened Modala Beach Resort from June 16-21, the festival featured a dive trade and travel expo, underwater photography contest, the AIDA Panglao depth competition, coral reef restoration, community coastal cleanup, and discover scuba diving sessions.

Revived after six years of inactivity, the fest is now part of the DOT’s 1st DIVE7 Summer Event which showcases the world-class dive sites in the region such as Moalboal, Malapascua, and Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, Siquijor province, and Dauin town in Negros Oriental.

According to Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes Montero, the five-day event highlighted the need to cautiously revive the local tourism industry by balancing reopening business and public health.

Connected to Bohol mainland through two causeways, the town is home to among the world’s most-sought after dive sites, white sand beaches, rich marine biodiversity, cultural attractions and the Panglao Bohol International Airport, a modern eco-friendly aviation hub.

The festival is supported by the Province of Bohol, Tourism Promotions Board, Second District Congressional Office of Rep. Edgar Chatto, Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving, Balicasag Island Dive Resort, Moadto Strip, Bluewater Panglao, Alturas Mall, Amarela Resort, Bohol Beach Club, and Lite Ferries and Air Asia as official carriers.

At the opening ceremonies of the DIVE7 Summer event are (from left) Panglao Councilor and festival organizing committee chair Aya Montero-Caindec, Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes Montero, Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, Panglao Association of Dive Operators president Ivy BulayBulay Kung, DOT-7 Regional Director Shalimar Hofer Tamano, Modala Beach Resort president Engr.

Manny Mendoza, and resort general manager Rommel Gonzales.

An employee at Taganito Mining picks up eggs laid the night before hoping for more ducklings to add to the farm. SIFAS dreams to be able to produce balut soon to sell to the communities.

A ‘balut’ dream for Taganito Mining

Hybrid corn varieties show potential in Cebu’s Asturias THREE hybrid corn varieties of Bayer led by DEKALB 9118S topped a corn competition in Asturias, Cebu with a computed yield of 8.3 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha) and are seen to uplift farmers’ lives in Cebu’s biggest corn-producing town.

Developed to have good resistance against tough corn diseases, particularly foliar disease, banded leaf sheath blight (BLSB), and stalk rot disease, DEKALB 9118S seized the highest net income standing from the local government-organized corn derby in Asturias. On return on investment, it was pegged at 84.7% showing a net income of more than P45,000 per hectare.

The corn derby was conducted in a 4.5-hectare farm in Asturias, Cebu

owned by Virginia Farms. The group co-hosted the competition with the objective of assessing the performance of different hybrid corn varieties available in the market.

The municipality of Asturias and the provincial government of Cebu is aspiring to raise corn production while also helping raise the livelihood levels of farmers.

“Asturias is now the biggest in the whole of Cebu province in terms of land area planted to hybrid corn. We are also the highest corn yielding town,” according to Asturias Municipal Agriculturist Jade Mesias who co-administered the corn derby.

While the Cebu is not a major producer of yellow corn in the country,

the province has a huge demand and relies on neighboring islands for its requirements. Given that, Asturias’ target is to grow the corn area there to meet the needs of feed millers in the province.

“Agriculture is the lifeblood of Asturias’s economy. The impact will be very significant, both socially and economically if we’re able to plant more area with hybrid corn,” said Mesias.

From the corn derby, other Bayer varieties that ranked second and third were DEKALB 9919S and DEKALB 6919S, respectively. DEKALB 9919S had an ROI of 78.7% with 7.9 MT/ha, while DEKALB 6919S obtained 71.3% ROI at 7.5 MT/ha.

AS A fresh batch of ducklings hatch in an eclectic farm in Taganito Mining, the important step towards fulfilling a dream of having a balut production farm within the mine site began.

Filipinos love balut. As a matter of fact, balut is associated with the Pinoy’s exotic palate and is accepted as a national delicacy in the Philippines, our “national street food.”

The town of Pateros in Metro Manila is the acknowledged balut capital of the country, but agriculturists in Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC) believe there is a big market for balut in Claver, Surigao del Norte, so they started to dream of having their own balut production as means of livelihood for the communities in this mining area.

“Our main goal is to assist our partner communities and teach them to become producers of balut in the whole of Claver and adjacent towns, with lower prices so people can afford and enjoy Balut produced in their own backyards,” says Danding Elizalde, Agriculturist at TMC and the project’s overall coordinator.

A likely recipient of the balut production technology that TMC is developing is the Sapa Integrated Farmers’ Association (SIFAS), one of the people organizations (POs) that TMC supports under the mining company’s Social Development Management Program (SDMP).

SIFAS already has a duck farm, but they are selling their egg produce until they are able to produce balut to sell.

“TMC is our biggest support in terms of funding and know-how, and we cannot wait for our dream to have a balut production here in Claver,” says Mr. Virgelio Buyan, SIFAS President.

The critical first step is to grow a healthy batch of “breeders.”

Elizalde says ducks are one of the simplest animals to raise. They are resilient against unpredictable weather changes and do not consume a lot of time to nurture and grow.

TMC, a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp.

(NAC), has always been on the lookout for sustainable community projects to develop and to pass on to the residents of the company’s host communities.

The Environmental Department of TMC that takes care of the protection and enhancement of the environment in the mining communities came upon the exciting idea of balut production.

“After the initial learnings, we’ve warmed up to the system of caring for the ducks and we found out it’s a piece of cake really as we do the feeding and cleaning of cages in between our daily activities and would take turns in collecting the eggs that would be laid during night,” shares Elizalde.

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SMC, Bantay Dagat team up to protect seas, sustain lives

S

AN Miguel Corporation has partnered with “Bantay Dagat” (Sea Guardian) in Calatagan, Batangas as part of its corporate-wide initiative to promote healthy seas and ensure sustainable livelihood for small fishing communities, especially in areas where it operates.

PAGCOR-CALOOCAN CENTER. The groundbreaking ceremony and time capsule laying of the first ever Multi-Purpose Evacuation Center in Metro Manila to be built in Caloocan City is attended by PAGCOR Assistant VP for Community Relations Services Ramon Stephen R. Villaflor, Caloocan City Mayor Oca Malapitan, Congressman Along Malapitan, City Administrator Engr. Oliver Hernandez, and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Dr. James Lao. Jun David

PhilSys Step 2 nat’l ID listup at SM City Baliwag THE Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) has rolled out the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Step 2 Registration in SM City Baliwag, one of its mall registration site partners in Bulacan.

From June 16 onwards, registrants with an Appointment Slip or Application Reference Number (ARN) and were notified by PSA via text message may proceed to the PhilSys Registration Center located at the second level, Cyberzone area in SM City Baliwag.

To guide public on the registration process, SM City Baliwag and PSA have deployed detailed signages showing systematic procedure for smooth and orderly manner of registration.

PhilSys Step 2 registration process includes (1) Validation of appointment slip and supporting documents, (2) Verification of demographic information, (3) Capturing of biometric information such

as iris-scan, fingerprint, and front-facing photo, and (4) Issuance of transaction slip.

After successfully completing Step 2 Registration, registrants will be given a PhilSys Number (PSN). PhilID will be delivered to registrant’s chosen address via Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost).

To ensure public safety, SM City Baliwag in partnership with PSA adhere to strict implementation of the standard health and safety protocols set by the IATF and DOH. Registrants will be requested to observe a safe distance, especially when queuing.

Temperature checks upon entry, mandatory wearing of face mask and strictly no appointment, no entry will likewise be implemented to regulate registrants.

SM City Baliwag also assigned security and disinfection team for crowd management and maintaining sanitation pro-

tocols.

To usher the nation towards a digital society, PhilSys aims to provide valid and unique proof of identification to all Filipinos as to make public and private transactions fast and more convenient.

As such, citizens will be entitled to improved access of government services such as health, education, financial and social protection.

PhilSys Step 2 Registration at SM City Baliwag will last for a year, and target to accommodate at least 250 registrants per day. For safety and convenience, registrants may register online through https://register.philsys.gov.ph/ prior Step 2 registration.

Following SM City Baliwag, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is yet to announce start date of PhilSys Step 2 Registration at SM Center Pulilan, one of its assigned registration centers in the first district of Bulacan. Jun David

SMC has donated patrol boats to the Calatagan community task force that enlists fisherfolk in coastal villages to help enforce coastal and fisheries laws--particularly against the use of illegal fishing methods and illegal equipment.

A boat each was also given to the Municipality of Calatagan and the Philippine Air Force based in Batangas to boost patrolling in the area.

SMC also made a larger donation of 19 motorized boats for local fisherfolk groups, to be used primarily for their livelihood.

“With our humble contribution to the local Bantay Dagat task force, we hope to provide them additional tools to help curb illegal fishing and other activities that are destructive to marine ecosystems in this area,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said.

“Our goal is to help preserve and protect marine resources, so that local fishermen can sustain and even improve their livelihoods for the long-term. The sea is their primary source of food and income.

We want to help where we can make the biggest difference--in this case, empowering locals to better protect the seas and their livelihoods -- and bring tangible, sustainable benefits in communities where we operate,” he added.

Last February, the Provincial Government of Batangas honored the Calatagan Bantay Dagat as the best sea guardian group in the BRAVO (Batangas Recognition Awards for Verde Passage Outstanding Marine Protected Areas and Bantay Dagat) Awards.

The BRAVO awards recognize local government units in the administration of marine protected areas and Bantay Dagat groups in the protection of municipal waters.

Just beyond the Batangas coastline lies Verde Island Passage, a strait between Luzon and Mindoro that known around the world as among the richest in terms of marine biodiversity.

“Malaking bagay po para sa amin ang pagkakabigay ng mga bangka. Malaking tulong po sa aming operations, malaking tulong rin para sa maliliit na mangingisda,” said Vivencio de Guzman, a member of the Bantay Dagat in Calatagan, Batangas.

Some 57 fishermen will co-own the boats and benefit from the donation.

The fishermen, who have never owned their own fishing boats, are mostly relocatees from the towns of Calatagan and Balayan.

Ang underscored the importance of balancing livelihood and the need to preserve marine resources for fishermen.

“While providing them new homes has been our foremost priority, we also learned that many of the Balayan and Calatagan fishermen have never owned fishing boats. This has made both community patrolling and earning a livelihood very difficult for them. Fortunately, we were able to source these boats also from local communities, and we formed the fishermen into groups so they can share ownership and the upkeep of these boats,” said Ang.

QC’s tactical vaccine program leads way in COVID fight To bolster its vaccination efforts, the QC LGU brought its services closer to the households of its residents. Backed by the promise of Mayor Belmonte’s to ensure a fast and efficient vaccination process, COVID-19 vaccine roll-out was seen among designated vaccinations sites in barangays, churches, and

By Peter Paul Duran SINCE the start of the pandemic, this premier city in the country has faced its fair share of challenges in combatting COVID-19.

With a total of close to 3 million residents according to a 2015 census, Quezon City also holds the recognition of being Metro Manila’s largest city by land area.

And in the fight against an unseen foe, these two aspects inevitably make it hard for any local government unit to battle the coronavirus. But QC proved that no number is too high and no place too far when it comes to protecting its populace.

In its aggressive, tactical race against the clock to vaccinate its QCitizens, the QC LGU has utilized trailblazing innovations in their #QCProtekTODO campaign to inoculate

1.7 million of its residents.

Through barangay-assisted booking, online booking, drive thru vaccination, homeowners association vaccination, QCProtekTODO bus, and partnerships with private companies, the QC LGU is taking giant steps to realize this goal.

Here are just some of the key measures and methods the QC government utilized to lead the charge in securing the health and lives of its constituents.

Mega Vaccination Site: Araneta Center With a lofty goal in hand, it’s never wrong to think big.

QC partnered with the Smart-Araneta Coliseum to make the iconic venue the city’s first mega vaccination site, setting a new record recently with most number of doses administered in a single vaccination site in QC. 16 Malls Malls have also been tapped to act as vaccination sites with Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Fairview Terraces, TriNoma, UP Town Center, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Novaliches, SM City Fairview, SM City north EDSA, SM City Novaliches, SM City Sta. Mesa, Eastwood City, Elements at ETON Centris, Ever Commonwealth, Fisher Mall Q. Ave and WalterMart North EDSA serving as the city’s go-to vax sites.

Partnered with Home Owners Association (Additional Vaccination Sites)

homeowners associations. #QCProtekTODO Bus Launched by the QC government together with the DILG, and the QC DRRMO, QC Protektodo Bus and Mobile Hospital kickstarted in Barangay Payatas and has been roaming around hard-to-reach areas to vaccinate residents finding it hard to troop to the various vaccination sites. (having difficulty booking online, or unable to troop to various vaccination sites.)

Bakuna Nights

With the help of Plastic Bank incentives, Ronilo Cirujano, a collector, can provide food and assistance for his family despite the pandemic. Aside from improving the livelihood of local collectors, Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Ban empower communities through various training and skills development programs. The PJS Junkshop in Cavite is currently being improved as one of the main partner branches of the Plastic Bank ecosystem supported by Coca-Cola. The facility, together with Sison Junkshop as the second main partner branch, will receive infrastructure improvements and will serve as one of the partner branches where bottles are collected and then delivered to plastic processors.

Recognizing that many workers in the city cannot take off work or don’t have time to visit a vaccination site during the day, the Quezon City government has launched a vaccination program that opens at 6 p.m. or after working hours.

Dubbed as ‘QC Bakuna Nights’, the program aims to expand the reach of the city and immunize workers whose only free time is in the evening.

The first round of Bakuna Nights ran for four nights at the City Hall grounds, with about 8,000 workers vaccinated.

Among these are other breakthrough initiatives by the QC government led by its Mayor Joy Belmonte to beef up the city’s close to 40 vax sites so far: Drive thru Vaccination Barangay-Assisted Vaccination Sites Partnership with campuses and schools (UP and Ateneo) Bedridden vaccination Partnership with Big government agencies and companies Dedicated lines for QCitizen members of the LGBTQIA+ in vaccination sites in celebration of Pride Month.

Coca-Cola, Plastic Bank venture tracks ocean-bound plastic collection targets

PLASTIC pollution remains a pressing problem in the Philippines and around the world and requires the help and involvement of all sectors of society. Partnership is more critical than ever.

As partners, Coca-Cola Philippines, and Plastic Bank continue to mobilize the collection of ocean-bound plastic while improving the livelihood of local communities in the Philippines. Since their partnership was established in September last year, the partnership is 68% on track towards achieving their target collection of 100,000 kg of used recyclable plastic.

“Collective action to turn the tide on plastic waste is very important and our partnership with Plastic Bank is one of our various partnerships in the Philippines that help bring us closer to our vision of a world without waste. Our thrust is for more communities to look at recyclable plastic packaging as high value material that can be recycled and used multiple times, so it doesn’t end up in the environment. We are pleased with the progress the project has made in improving infrastructure for collection and recycling and provid-

ing partner collectors with additional livelihood while they take part in helping the environment,” says Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and VP for East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific.

Despite mobility issues caused by the surge in COVID-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021, Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank managed to adapt and collected 68,797 kg of plastic (or 3.4 million bottles), engaged and empowered 88 collectors, and positively impacted five communities and 316 household members.

“This pandemic has not only helped us grow to adopt more digital processes but also helped us reassess what was essential in achieving our mission. It was through this learning and adaptation within the past two quarter that we were able to stabilize our plastic collection, better plan out our development programs and look to consistently deliver our intended impact in the second half of our partnership with Coca-Cola,” said Paolo delos Reyes, Plastic Bank Philippines Customer and Partnerships Manager.