BusinessMirror April 08, 2021 by BusinessMirror

Dominguez seeks early meeting of FIRB B B D. N @BNicolasBM

INANCE Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III is calling for an early meeting of the new Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) once the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law takes effect this month. President Duterte signed Republic Act 11534 or the CREATE law on March 26. It was published on March 27, making it effective on April 11, or 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or

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a newspaper of general circulation. Since April 11 falls on a Sunday, the CREATE law will actually take effect on April 12, according to Department of Finance (DOF). The law’s implementing rules and regulations is still being finalized by the DOF and the National Tax Research Center. Dominguez chairs the reconstituted FIRB under the law together with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez as cochairman. The finance chief wants the FIRB to meet as soon as possible to discuss the body’s

expanded functions under CREATE. “I want to call a meeting right away,” Dominguez told Assistant Secretary Juvy Danofrata during a recent DOF executive committee (Execom) meeting. Danofrata, who heads the Strategic, Economics and Results Group (SERG) of the DOF, said the FIRB meeting can be held as early as the week of April 12 given the effectivity of the law. Under the CREATE law, FIRB’s functions are expanded to cover not only tax incentives given to govern-

ment-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), but also those granted by investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and other state-run agencies to their respective registered business enterprises. It is also tasked to review and approve fiscal incentives for projects with a total investment capital of more than P1 billion. As for the grant of tax incentives to registered or activities with investment capital of P1 billion and below, FIRB is delegating C  A

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Thursday, April 8, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 176

P.  |     | 7 DAYS A WEEK

PALACE CUTS PORK TARIFF ■

OVER SOLONS’ OBJECTIONS

A POLICEMAN in Parañaque City (right photo) ensures that proper social distancing is observed during the distribution of financial assistance approved by the President in areas affected by the enhanced community quarantine imposed for two weeks to stop the surge of Covid-19 cases in the NCR Plus. Left photo, Emmanuela Ocat, a resident of Brgy. Vitalez in Parañaque City, smiles as she shows the financial assistance she received on Wednesday. NONIE REYES

B S P. M

@sam_medenilla

RESIDENT Duterte has reduced the tariff for pork imports despite the objection of some lawmakers and local hog raisers. Critics had said it would unduly pad the profits of importers without resolving the inflationary impact of a pork supply crunch, and cripple the already reeling local sectors.

DOT, private sector back use of IATA Travel Pass B M. S F. A @akosistellaBM Special to the BM

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) and the private sector are supporting the adoption of a digital travel pass for foreign tourists arriving and Filipinos leaving the Philippines as a step towards the safe resumption of international travel. In a news statement, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said, “This move is parallel with the steps undertaken by other countries that have successfully relaxed borders to visitors amid the Covid-19 pandemic.” The DOT chief met with repre-

sentatives of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and local tourism industry leaders on Wednesday, where the association presented its IATA Travel Pass, a technology solution for international travelers. “The DOT recognizes the challenges that the country is currently facing due to the pandemic. The agency’s work is centered on the gradual and careful reopening of tourism destinations to support livelihoods, with health and safety as our top priority,” she said. “Albeit in its testing stage, the IATA Travel Pass, which offers safe and convenient travel, has so far been

In his Executive Order 128, Duterte temporarily adjusted the rate of duty of imported fresh, chilled or frozen meat of swine to address the shortage of pork in the country and stabilize its price in the local market. This, after the African swine fever (ASF) devastated local hog farms, which killed or led to the culling of thousands of pigs, straining the local supply of pork. The President’s move comes as the Department of Agriculture

(DA) is imposing a suggested retail price (SRP) on imported pork effective April 9, in a bid to keep prices stable as the price cap expires today (April 8). See related story on page A2 “The government recognizes the need to immediately address the current shortage in swine meat, and endeavors to strengthen food supply to ensure that Filipinos have equitable access to food, parS “P,” A

MULTINATIONALS WILL REMAIN IN ASEAN+3 REGION, SAYS AMRO B T J C. P @Tyronepiad

OST multinational firms are expected to stay put in the Asean+3 region, which accounts for the lion’s share of the world’s consumer market, despite the reconfiguration in global value chains. Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro) Chief Economist Hoe Ee Khor said in an online event on Wednesday that the Asean+3 blow has remained a competitive location for global supply chain. “No evidence so far of wholesale reshoring, nearshoring or transfers of manufacturing out of the Asean+3 region,” he said. This bloc is composed of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) members, China, Japan and Republic of Korea. In relocating a facility, Khor said that a firm is considering whether it is producing for domestic market or for export and where it will move if ever. But the multinational enterprises (MNEs) have been finding it “very easy” to just stay put in Asean+3 region, particu-

larly China, he said. Moving out of China might actually even be difficult because the company will risk losing links to existing suppliers, he said. The regional bloc has been very attractive as a global value chain destination, Amro said, citing the quality of infrastructure, availability of labor skills, labor costs and market size. “So on the demand side, a lot of MNEs are attracted to the region [because] of the large consumer market,” he said. Asean+3 accounts for 42 percent of the global consumer market. Asian Trade Centre Founder and Executive Director Deborah Elms agreed with the statement of Khor, saying: “Firms are not moving as quickly as people had originally expected. They don’t move for a number of reasons.” Given the current situation, Elms said that relocating is difficult and expensive. Replicating the current operations in another country is challenging and there are “not a lot of options that are attractive” for now, she added. C  A

C  A

PESO EXCHANGE RATES ■ US 48.5740

■ JAPAN 0.4425 ■ UK 67.1536 ■ HK 6.2464 ■ CHINA 7.4262 ■ SINGAPORE 36.2709 ■ AUSTRALIA 37.2125 ■ EU 57.6768 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 12.9524

Source: BSP (April 7, 2021)

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Thursday, April 8, 2021

WB TO GREENLIGHT $4B IN VACCINE FINANCING FOR 50 COUNTRIES IN ’21 C  A

Apart from monitoring the global economy and pushing for green growth, Georgieva said the IMF is also stepping its efforts to make financing available to all countries needing it. Georgieva said the IMF is providing 13 times more lending to low-income countries this year. The fi nancing is not only going toward efforts to fight Covid-19 but also addressing inequality in these countries and specific social needs such as women empowerment. She said, however, that it would be difficult to ignore debt sustainability and IMF is finding ways to provide more concessional funding and boost reserves, particularly for countries without market access. “We are focusing on giving everyone a fair shot. A fair shot in the arm everywhere so we can bring the pandemic to a durable end to underpin sustainable recovery. But also a fair shot to a chance for a better life for vulnerable people and for vulnerable countries,” Georgieva said.

As price caps expire, DA sets SRP on imported pork B T J C. P

@Tyronepiad

ITH the price cap expiring today, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is imposing a suggested retail price (SRP) on imported pork effective April 9. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar on Wednesday said that setting SRP on imported pork is the next step in stabilizing the increasing prices of the product based on consultations with the stakeholders. The existing price cap on pork and chicken, he said, will not be extended anymore. DA set the SRP of imported pork at P270 per kilogram (kg) for kasim and P350 per kg for liempo. New SRP will be implemented for local pork as well, Dar said, noting that no SRP will be placed on whole-

dressed chicken as it averages at P130 per kg or below the price cap. In February, President Duterte ordered a 60-day price ceiling for pork (kasim, P270 per kg; liempo, P300 per kg) and chicken (P160 per kg) to ensure that said food items remain affordable. Market monitoring last month, however, revealed that retail price of pork in Metro Manila wet markets has stayed above P320 per kg, even reaching P380 per kg. In placing the SRP, Dar said the agency considered the pork prices

ADB RAMPS UP HELP FOR DMCS TO COVER SDG BACKLOG C  A

ADB Executive Director Roger Fischer said ADB is well-placed to help DMCs in getting back on track to meet the global goals. He said it was worth noting that the world has less than 10 years to meet the SDGs and no one is on track to meet them. Fischer said ADB can help because it “knows about resilience” and can help partner countries improve on these efforts in this regard. This capacity of the ADB was already demonstrated in the creation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 20152030. Further, he said, ADB already had privileged access to the region’s decision-makers. He cited Clark, who said in the same dialogue that meeting the SDGs not only required resources but also political will. Fischer said with this, ADB can help policy-makers “connect the

dots” between and among issues such as the impact of trade policy on tax policy, what tax policy can do to infrastructure, and so on. “It’s not easy but necessary. I think access to decision-makers in different countries allow ADB to help countries connect these dots. Because without high level access, we wouldn’t find the opportunities to support [these efforts],” Fischer said. Fischer also said ADB is a convenor in the region and this bodes well for SDGs efforts in this part of the world. As such, the ADB can bring together varying points of reflection and help the region arrive at a “resilient consensus” to move all countries forward in their SDG commitments. However, Fischer said meeting the SDGs should not be the end of ADB’s engagement when it comes to the global goals. ADB should also help countries from regressing in goals or targets which they are

making good progress on or have already achieved. In a briefing last month, Rony Soerakoesoemah, head of Escap Sub-regional Office for Southeast Asia said the region is regressing in 18 SDG indicators except in SDGs 2, 5, 6, and 9. These indicators include resilience to disasters; substance abuse; road traffic accidents; equal access education; and the share of renewable energy. The list showed that the region’s performance is stagnant in 47 indicators in all SDGs except for SDG 13 and 16. The Asean was making progress in achieving 15 indicators in SDG 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9. This includes indicators such as resources for poverty programs; malnutrition; sustainable agriculture; communicable diseases; tobacco control; access to energy services; formalization of small and medium enterprises; and reduction in waste generation, among others.

DOT, private sector back use of IATA Travel Pass C  A

helpful to airlines that have adopted it for trial,” she added. The IATA Travel Pass allows passengers to upload the details of their vaccination and other pertinent information that may be needed by the destination country. To prevent the use of fake documents, the IATA proposed that only certified laboratories carry out vaccinations or required tests for travel, in which results will be directly uploaded to the passenger’s Travel Pass. As of April 4, some 20 airlines and airline groups have adopted the IATA Travel Pass on a trial basis. IATA is the global trade association of passenger and cargo airlines. In an interview with the BM, Tourism Congress of the Philippines President Jose C.

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Clemente said, “I think it will hasten the restart of travel and tourism, knowing that there is an app that can be used and contains all pertinent information needed to make travel easier for people.” Asked whether the Travel Pass will allow passengers to bypass the health and safety protocols of destination countries, such as quarantine and testing requirements, Clemente said he was not under that impression. “I think it will still be up to the destination country to decide on the entry of Travel App users.” He noted the Travel Pass can be embedded in an airline’s own app, “so passengers don’t need too many apps on his smartphone.” The DOT will set up meetings between IATA and the Departments of Transportation, and of Foreign Affairs to further discuss the Travel Pass. The IATA Travel Pass has four

open-sourced and interoperable modules which can be combined to achieve an end-to-end solution: ■ A Travel Pass app that will enable passengers to create a digital passport, verify their tests or vaccinations with regulatory authorities, and submit requirements such as test results or vaccination certificates to facilitate travel; ■ A registry of health requirements where passengers can get information on travel, testing, and vaccination requirements; ■ A registry of testing/vaccination centers which enables passengers to find Covid-19 testing centers and laboratories at their departure or arrival locations; and ■ A Lab app that will allow authorized Covid-19 testing centers and laboratories to securely send test results or vaccination certificates to passengers. “Once the country’s adoption of the IATA Travel Pass is put into motion, the DOT hopes to safely reopen our tourist destinations to international visitors and revive the tourism industry as a whole. But this will be done only when the time is right,” stressed Romulo Puyat. Founded in 1945, the IATA has 290 member-airlines, which account for 82 percent of the world’s total commercial air traffic. Its members in the Philippines are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

and other expenses including storage and transportation, as well as the margins of the importers and the retailers. “Aside from supermarkets and groceries, imported pork will be distributed also in wet markets in Metro Manila, particularly to retailers with freezers and/or chillers,” Dar said. The DA, through the Metro Manila local government units, will provide freezers to retailers who do not have one yet, allocating P45-million grant. The department intends to buy 2,500 units of P18,000 chest freezers with capacity of 150 kg each. In the first quarter, Dar reported that the Philippines imported around 38 million kg of pork: 18.2 million kg of the shipments were within the minimum access volume (MAV) while the remaining 19.7 million kg were outside the quota. Dar said this could help augment Metro Manila’s supply needs, of 15 million kg of pork every month. “With the availability of about 38 million kg, this will really further soften...inflation,” he added. The food index, particularly pork prices, has been driving the consumer price growth, Dar noted. To boost pork supply in Metro Manila, Dar said the DA will continue to supply and deliver surplus hogs from provinces free of African swine fever (ASF) outbreak across the country. A total of 264,000 hogs have been delivered to Metro Manila from various provinces as of April 7, on top of the 1.7 million kg of pig carcasses brought to the National Capital Region (NCR). The DA official said transport assistance to mobilize the hog supply to NCR plus bubble will be still be provided amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The DA intends to bring surplus hogs to Metro Manila until the proposal to increase the MAV and lower the tariff on pork imports are approved. President Duterte approved last week the recommendation

Palace... C  A

ticularly meat,” Duterte said in his two-paged issuance on Wednesday. His decision was based on the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board to adjust the most favored rate (MFN) on meats of swine falling under the Asean Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 2017 heading 02.03. During the first three months of effectivity of EO 128, the MFN rates of duty for in-quota pork will be reduced to 5 percent from its current rate of 30 percent. It will then be gradually raised to 10 percent during the 4th to 12th month of effectivity of the new issuance.

to increase the MAV from 54,210 metric tons this year by another 350,000 MT. The DA earlier requested this to address the anticipated pork supply shortage. The proposal was submitted to Congress for consideration, but just as lawmakers were to go on scheduled recess. If Congress fails to act after 15 days from receipt, the proposal shall be deemed approved. Meanwhile, President Duterte on Wednesday approved the proposal to reduce tariff on pork imports. See banner story on A1, “Palace cuts pork tariff over solons’ objections.” While these measures are necessary to stabilize pork prices, Dar explained that repopulating hogs, in addition to combating the ASF outbreak, remains to be DA’s priority to ensure enough supply.

Other commodities

DAR said that vegetable prices have significantly gone down recently. An average of 50-percent decline from February prices was observed, he noted. For the part of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, he said that prices for non-agricultural products, basic necessities and prime commodities have been stable as well. The DTI, he claimed, has not recorded upticks in prices since September 2019. Still, Lopez said the agency was evaluating the requests for price increases, including that of meat processors for the mechanically deboned meat (MDM). The BM recently reported that some members of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (Pampi) filed a price increase petition before the DTI amid increasing raw material prices. (Related story: https://busi-

nessmirror.com.ph/2021/03/29/ meat-processors-file-price-hikebids-with-dti/)

Pampi Vice President Jerome D. Ong said that the buying price for MDM of chicken has more than doubled to $1.5 per kg CIF (cost, insurance and freight). For out-quota pork products, the following rates will be implemented: 15 percent during the first three months of effectivity of EO 128; 20 percent during the 4th to 12th month of effectivity of the issuance. A year after the implementation of EO 128, the original tariff rate for in-quota and outquota imported pork will be reverted to their original rates at 30 percent and 40 percent, respectively. EO 128 will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives had urged President Duterte to reconsider lowering tariff since it could flood the local market with imported pork. They noted this will be detrimental to local hog raisers who are still reeling from the effects of the ASF.

Dominguez seeks early meeting of FIRB C  A

this to the IPAs. Nonetheless, FIRB is given the discretion to increase this threshold amount under the CREATE law. It is also assigned to determine the target performance metrics as conditions for enterprises to avail of tax incentives; and conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of investment and non-investment tax incentives, such as cost-benefit analysis to determine their impact on the economy and whether agreed performance targets are met. It is also responsible for reviewing the compliance of other government agencies administering tax incentives, with respect to the administration and grant of such tax perks, and impose sanctions, such as but not limited to, the withdrawal, suspension, or cancellation of their power to grant tax incentives. The new FIRB will have as members the Executive Secretary, the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). Its technical committee will be chaired by a DOF undersecretary, with the following members: the Undersecretaries or Assistant Secretaries from the Office of the ES, DTI, Board of Investments (BOI), and DBM; a Deputy Director General from Neda; the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of the Bureaus of Internal Revenue (BIR) and of Customs (BOC); Commissioner of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC); and the chairmen or administrators of IPAs whose scope will be limited to matters concerning their respective IPAs. The FIRB Secretariat will be staffed by the NTRC and headed by a DOF Assistant Secretary. Under CREATE, the corporate income tax (CIT) rate is reduced to 20 percent from 30 percent for domestic corporations with net taxable income of P5 million and below and have total assets of P100 million and below, effective July 1, 2020. All other corporations, meanwhile, will have their CIT rate reduced to 25 percent from 30 percent. The law also redesigned the country’s fiscal incentives system by making the grant of incentives performance-based, time-bound, targeted and transparent. The CIT cut and the rationalization of the tax incentives system are aimed at helping the country attract highvalue foreign direct investments by making the cost of doing business in the Philippines more competitive, especially at this time when the government is putting in place the country’s economic recovery program. Dominguez said the new menu of corporate tax incentives under CREATE will enable the government to attract the right kind of investors in the country, particularly those offering quality jobs and technology transfer, and introducing new industries that would allow the economy to flourish.

MULTINATIONALS WILL REMAIN IN ASEAN+3 REGION, SAYS AMRO C  A

She suggested that firms have a “clear sense” of their own supply chain and not wait for a disruption to strengthen it. However, Elms explained this does not mean that the firms should create double supply chains to ensure consistent supply of materials as this could be very inefficient. What the firms can do, she said, is identify which part of their supply chain is the most vulnerable. As a response, the firms may then need to stock more inventory of identified materials to cushion

anticipated bottlenecks or have another supplier ready if ever.

Applying technology

TECHNOLOGY is seen as a key driver in transforming the global supply chain, the Amro economist said, noting that digital adoption has been accelerated throughout the world in the past year. Khor said 3D printing, automation, artificial intelligence and Internet of things, among others, are seen to help in “reshaping the production process.” For his part, Denis Hew, Policy Support Unit director at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, said:

“Although the trend toward digitalization predates the pandemic, digital solutions have now become a necessity rather than an option for many firms. The digitization of GVCs [global value chain] can improve risk management and reduce logistical bottlenecks.” “However, enhancing the resilience of these value chains requires a rethinking of policies such as those on data security and human capital management,” Hew added. Earlier, Amro said the region is expected to grow by 6.7 percent while the Philippines could register 6.9-percent growth this year.

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Gen. Trias police chief relieved after death of Covid-rule violator By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) has relieved the chief of police of General Trias, Cavite after following Camp Crame’s confirmation that arrested quarantine violators under custody underwent physical exercise, an activity that reports said led to the death of one those arrested. Lt. Col. Mario Celero had been removed from his post as the PNP headquarters continue to investigate the events surrounding the case of Darren Peñaredondo, who died on Black Saturday after he was reportedly forced to do pumping exercise as a punishment for violating quarantine protocols. Peñaredondo was apprehended by village officials who turned him over to the General Trias police on Maundy Thursday, where, he, along with the other quarantine violators were reportedly forced to do the physical exercise. “The PD [provincial director], Cavite PPO [provincial police office] has relieved the COP [chief of police] of Gen Trias after finding out that two of the quarantine violators executed sworn affidavits that they indeed were made to do physical exercises [knee bender] by two policemen earlier relieved pending the investigation,” the PNP, through its spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, said on Wednesday. The two policemen were identified as Cpl. Jerome Vibar and Cpl. Kenneth Mercene. “The COP, who made a statement of denial earlier, and the two cops are now placed under the direct supervision and control of the PD who went straight to GT [General Trias] to validate for himself from vital witnesses what actually happened during that fateful night that may probably be one of the preceding causes of the death of Mr. Darren Peñaredondo,” Usana said. The PNP spokesman said the Cavite provincial police is looking at criminal and administrative charges against the policemen involved. “This is to also assure that the PNP does not tolerate any act that is inimi-

cal to the best interest of our people, particularly the aggrieved parties in the Peñaredondo case,” Usana said. “We only have to make it clear on the Cavite case that physical exercises are not bad. They are necessary for everyone to live a healthy life. But there is also such a thing as excessive physical exercise that could be harmful to a person with medical history,” Usana added. Meanwhile, PNP chief General Debold Sinas warned the public against faking RT-PCR tests and other health documents as this is not only dangerous but could also result to incarceration. He issued the statement after the PNP-Aviation Security Group (ASG) intercepted 15 people at the airport with falsified SARS-CoV-2 confirmatory test results. The individuals who were from Manila, which is under enhanced community quarantine, were bound for Davao and Zamboanga City. “Let me reiterate to the public that using fake laboratory results poses a danger to everyone. Our frontliners are risking their lives to save yours, a little bit of concern and cooperation is what we need to fight this unseen enemy,” Sinas said. At the Department of National Defense, Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana disclosed on Tuesday night to military reporters that he had been found positive of the Covid-19 virus. “The result of my RT-PCR test today, 06 April 2021, came up positive. I will be undergoing isolation, following the quarantine guidelines to avoid infecting others. Those who have been exposed to me have been informed. They have been advised to isolate and get tested for Covid-19 as well,” the defense secretary said in a news statement. Lorenzana assured the agency will continue to “operate with a skeletal work force to ensure continuity of service, with the prescribed health protocols strictly enforced.” “I would like to remind everyone that the threat of the virus is as real as ever, more so now due to the new variants. Let us all cooperate and abide by the prescribed health protocols to help in curbing the spread of Covid-19,” Lorenzana said.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, April 8, 2021 A3

US urged to conduct ‘more frequent’ FON patrols in SCS, warn China on incursions By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

O deter Chinese incursions into the Philippine maritime territories, a lawmaker on Wednesday urged the US to conduct “more frequent” freedom of navigation (FON) operations or patrols in the South China Sea (SCS), including the West Philippine Sea. Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez made the appeal in reaction to a report of the US Navy that one of its carrier strike groups entered the South China Sea last April 4 amid strong protests from the Philippines on the presence of hundreds of Chinese vessels in Juan Felipe Reef, which is within the Philippine 200mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Based on the report, Rodriguez said, the April 4 passage was the second by the US Navy this year.

“Two FON patrols in more than three months. They should crisscross that area more often to challenge China’s claim over most of the South China Sea, including international waters and a large part of the Philippine EEZ,” Rodriguez said. He said conducting more FON operations “is walking the talk on the part of our defense treaty ally, the US.” “They should support their statements of support for the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea dispute with actual actions on the ground,” he added. The lawmaker said more SCS crossings could deter further Chinese incursions in the Philippine EEZ and threats to other US allies in the region. “That would also show the readiness of the United States to come to the aid of the Philippines in case of conflict as provided under the 1951

Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries,” he added. Rodriguez also called for stronger and more explicit statements on the WPS on the part of the US. “Professions of support for Manila in very general language no longer suffice and are just being ignored by the party to which they are directed. There has to be a more direct statement or a warning that the other party will understand,” he said.

‘Demilitarize’

MEANWHILE, Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate called on China and US to demilitarize SCS. “China’s saber-rattling, through a threat of a ‘strong response’ against the Philippine military that protects the country’s territorial rights at the West Philippine Sea, and, the evident increase of military presence by west-

ern powers, like the April 4 entry of the US Navy’s Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group [TRCSG], could further heighten tensions in the contested area in the South China Sea,” said Zarate. “In this light we are calling for a complete demilitarization of the South China Sea amid the ramping up of military and naval presence by China, US and other western powers in the disputed maritime region,” he added. Zarate said while the “executive department should now take a more assertive stance against China’s expansionist moves, we also call on the House of Representative to register its collective voice against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.” “Congress should not stand idly by when there are infringement on our territory and sovereignty,” he added.

Facebook, Google, TikTok , Twitter PRC okays inoculation training for pharmacists help DOH fight pandemic fake news By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

HE Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy has accredited the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) to train and certify local pharmacists to administer Covid-19 vaccines and other vaccines to adults as the government steps up its inoculation program. A news statement said the utilization of pharmacists would be made possible through the PPhA Immunizing Pharmacist Certification Program. The PRC statement cited that under Section 4, Article I of RA 10918, a person practicing pharmacy can administer adult vaccines as approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), provided that they shall undergo the training on the safe administration of adult vaccines and management of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) for pharmacists and hold a certificate of training issued by an institution duly accredited by the PRC.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire welcomed the training program, noting that the government will be ramping up its Covid-19 vaccination program in the coming months. “We are expecting a greater demand for the human resources for health who will be administering the vaccines. We thank the Philippine Pharmacists Association for their initiatives and assistance during these challenging times,” Vergeire said. She added that as a long-time partner of the Department of Health (DOH) in advocating better health outcomes, they are looking forward to the accreditation of the PPhA as a training provider for pharmacists. “These collaborations with professional societies are instrumental to bringing an end to this pandemic,” the DOH official said. For her part, PPhA President Maria Gilda Sebua-Saljay, vowed to continue to collaborate closely with fellow health-care professionals in ensuring safe and effective vaccinations “as we work towards the full recovery of the Philippines.”

HE Department of Health (DOH) launched on Wednesday its #ChecktheFAQs campaign in a bid to encourage the public to factcheck information, especially the importance of accurate information amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The campaign was launched together with tech companies Facebook, Google, TikTok, and Twitter who all pledged their support to the initiative in line with their respective missions to help fight Covid-19 and vaccine misinformation online. Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, director of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau and the Health Promotion Bureau, said that as Covid-19 vaccination becomes top priority across the globe, there is also a need to fight “disinformation and misinformation” surrounding Covid-19 vaccines and the pandemic. “Spreading the right information can save lives. We, at the Department of Health, thank Facebook, Google, TikTok and Twitter for rallying together in our endeavor to spread the right information. Whenever you see or hear new information, we encourage everyone to #ChecktheFAQs. With the campaign

and by promoting this single message on social-media platforms, we hope to urge every Filipino to always verify any information regarding the vaccines they may come across,” Ho said The DOH noted that as many Filipinos spend a considerable amount of time online and that the Internet and social media have become major sources of news and information. In line with this, the DOH launched the “Check the FAQs” page on its website for Filipinos to have a source of trustworthy information about Covid-19 and its vaccines. Playing an important role in championing media literacy on vaccines, Facebook, Google, TikTok, and Twitter have committed to support the campaign, which includes helping build awareness for the initiative. “As access to Covid-19 vaccines expands, we will continue working closely with global and national health authorities, including the Philippine Department of Health, to make it easy for people to find authoritative Covid-19 and vaccine information across Facebook’s apps,” said Clare Amador, Head of Public Policy, Facebook Philippines. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Zambales tightens border entry through S-PaSS travel management system Lawyers seek By Henry Empeño

Correspondent

BA, Zambales—The Zambales provincial government has put into effect stricter border controls with the adoption of a travel management system to properly monitor the movement of people and help arrest further transmission of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the province. Gover nor Her mogenes Eb dane Jr. said the province is now using the Safe, Swift and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) Travel Management System, which requires even local residents crossing the border to register with the system and secure a personal QR (quick response) code for scanning at border checkpoints. In his April 1 executive order that directed all municipal governments in Zambales to adopt the system, Ebdane said the SPaSS would now be “institutionalized as the one-stop shop application and communication system for travelers.” “ The S-PaSS is meant to benefit not only the travelers, but also the authorities to properly monitor the movement of people in different locations in the effort to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus,” Ebdane explained. He added that the S-PaSS is also

adopted “with an aim to slowly open the province in a proper, safe and secure process.” Under Ebdane’s EO 10, the new travel protocol would require the use of digital documents like Travel Coordination Permit (TCP), which allows one to travel to a destination with travel restrictions, or a Travel Pass Through Permit (TPP), which allows one to pass through an area with travel restrictions. Both make use of a personal QR code. For monitoring purposes, Ebdane also directed all municipalities to establish strategic points where the QR codes of all travelers passing through LGU jurisdiction would be scanned, and to designate focal persons who will man the scan points and coordinate operations with the appointed provincial implementer and validation team. A public advisory issued by the Zambales Tourism Office indicated that the S-PaSS requirement would not apply to residents traveling within the province, who should only show proof of residence at the scanning points. However, the S-PaSS would be required from Zambales residents who pass through the provincial border, including those who seek medical services outside the province, or those who work in the Subic Bay Freeport or Olongapo City but

MOTORISTS pass through a special tourist/visitor lane at a checkpoint following the implementation of stricter border controls in Zambales.

come home to Zambales every day after work. In these cases, however, only a one-time registration for a permit valid for one month would be required. In the case of residents living in the Subic Freeport or Olongapo who wish to visit their hometown in Zambales, they would have to apply for S-PaSS, present proof of residence, and undergo an antigen test at the triage border point in Subic town before entry to Zambales. Border restrictions in Zambales also prohibit the entry of travelers less than 15 years of age and more than 65 years old. Last Sunday, Ebdane also extended the imposition of stricter health and safety protocols in the province until April 11 in line with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases resolution putting the National Capital Region and the nearby prov i nces of R i z a l , L a g u n a , Cavite and Bulacan under enhanced community quarantine for one more week. As of April 6, Zambales has registered a total of 1,313 confirmed Covid-19 cases, of which, 165 were active cases. Since last year, the province has also posted a total of 1,118 recoveries and 29 deaths from Covid-19 infection.

A4 inclusion in vaccination

HE Integrated Bar of the Philippines has asked the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) and the Inter-Agency Task Force against Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to include lawyers in the list of priority groups for Covid-19 vaccination. In a letter dated March 30, the IBP, through its national president Domingo Egon Cayosa, insisted that lawyers should be included in the A4 priority population, which includes frontline personnel in essential sectors, including uniformed personnel and those in working sectors identified by the IATF as essential during community curbs. Cayosa explained that lawyers are working as frontline personnel since the start of the pandemic by “proactively supporting Covid-19 patients, health workers and frontliners” as well as through collaboration with government agencies and local government units in “educating the public about laws and ordinances pertaining to the pandemic.” “More importantly, the presence of preferred counsel is constitutionally required especially for those charged with criminal offenses and lawyers are deemed essential officers of the court in their mandate to dispense justice, maintain peace and order, and safeguard public welfare under the rule of law,” Cayosa said. Joel R. San Juan

Economy BusinessMirror

A4 Thursday, April 8, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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DA lifts import ban on chicken MDM from The Netherlands By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has partially lifted the importation of mechanically deboned chicken meat, or MDM, from certain areas in The Netherlands that have been cleared of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The DA issued Memorandum Order (MO) 27 dated April 6, 2021, which would allow meat importerprocessors (MIPs) with thermal processing equipment to import MDM from the certain parts of The Netherlands that have declared as “free zones” by the Organization for Animal Health (OIE) from the HPAI virus. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the lifting of the import ban was meant to address the shortage

of affordable MDM in the country. He added the agency has considered the appeals by the MIPs for DA to reconsider on the acceptance of regionalization of countries, which have been recently suspended due to the presence of HPAI. Earlier, the DA issued Memorandum Order (MO) 03, Series of 2021, imposing a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day old chicks and eggs amid widespread outbreaks of HPAI in several areas in The Netherlands. “Regionalization or zoning surveillance measures are accepted practices recognized by the World Organisation of Animal Health and the World Trade Organization,” Dar said. According to Dar, the veterinary authorities of The Netherlands have

submitted documents to the Philippine government reflecting their ongoing disease-control measures and the different countries that continue to accept poultry products from them. He said a joint team composed of technical members of the Bureau of Animal Industry and National Meat Inspection Service will be created to conduct an evaluation of selected meat processing plants with available thermal processing equipment in their facilities. Dar said only accredited MIPs that were evaluated and have complied with the requirements shall be allowed to import MDM from HPAIfree zones from The Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of the country’s top sources of imported MDM of chicken, a raw material used in making processed meat products, such as hotdogs.

Earlier, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (Pampi) said some of its member-companies have filed a price increase petition with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) due to rising raw material prices caused by tight supply worsened by shipping delays. Pampi Vice President Jerome D. Ong has recently told the BusinessMirror their buying price for MDM has more than doubled to $1.5 per kilogram CIF (cost, insurance and freight) due to a series of bans on major import sources by the government. Ong said the price of MDM only ranged from $0.5 to $0.6 CIF from last year to $1.2 to $1.5 CIF today. “We are deeply concerned with the shortage of MDM because of the series of bans. The highly pathogenic avian influenza out-

breaks has resulted in countrywide bans across European countries, which are our major sources of MDM,” he said. The increase in prices of raw materials, Ong said, could lead to a price hike of as much as 25 percent—an inopportune time when the industry’s stockpile is dwindling as well. He also disclosed that the industry’s processed goods inventory is ranging from 21 to 30 days, while its raw material inventory is at about the same level. This means that after one and a half months to two months, local meat processors would be utilizing higher-priced chicken MDM, thus, forcing them to increase their prices. Since last year, the DA has suspended the importation of poultry products from European areas, which eventually expanded to country-

wide bans that have confirmed outbreaks of bird flu. To date, the European countries that are banned from exporting poultry products to the Philippines are Denmark, France, Sweden, United Kingdom, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland and Germany. Likewise two areas in two European countries are also banned: Menen municipality in Belgium and Kerekegyháza town in Hungary. Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data showed that Europe accounts for 60 percent of the country’s chicken MDM supply. With the suspensions in place, the country has lost half of its supply base, leaving Belgium as the lone European country where processors can source their chicken MDM. Belgium accounts for about 12 percent of the country’s annual chicken MDM supply.

Ban single-use plastics in food packaging, group tells government

3rd-party mediator defers advice on PHL-Thailand trade dispute

AYING diseases borne out of toxic chemicals in most food packaging is another pandemic waiting to happen, environmental and health groups on Wednesday reiterated the call to ban single-use plastics, especially those in food packaging. At an online webinar and news briefing, leaders of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific, together with #breakfreefromplastic, Greeners Actions (Hong Kong), Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia, and UPSTREAM warn the public against what they described as false industry narrative that singleuse plastics prevent virus transmission. Among others, they are calling to make alternatives to single-use plastics available by providing incentives to refilling stations and Zero Waste stores, put in place guidelines on toxic-free packaging to include elimination of chemicals in food packaging; and schedule the phase out for sachet use to be included in single-use plastics ban. Finally, they are also calling to promote the development of community-driven livelihood projects for alternative natural and local materials. The online event was held in time for the celebration of the World Health Day on April 7. “The dramatic rise in the use of single-use plastics in food service during the pandemic has been fueled by a false industry narrative that single-use plastics prevent virus transmission,” Miriam Gordon, UPSTREAM policy director said. The event is part of The Unwrapped Project: Exposing the health risks of plastics + food packaging chemicals. “Covid-19 research demonstrates the virus is transmitted from aerosolized droplets not by touching contaminated surfaces and the idea that plastic packaging makes us safer lacks any scientific basis,” she said. Jonathan L. Mayuga

USTRALIA has decided to conduct further investigations on the long-standing cigarette trade dispute between the Philippines and Thailand, proposing to submit its report to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) before July 31. Manila and Bangkok entered a facilitator-assisted discussion to settle their trade concerns in December last year, picking Australia as the thirdparty mediator. Ambassador George Mina of Australia took on the role of the facilitator. Mina, as a facilitator, is tasked with providing a potential settlement course, which should be approved by the parties. He shall also report to the DSB the results of the consultations and the resolutions consented by the Philippines and Thailand by March 31, with the WTO noting that the facilitator can extend the process until July 31. “[T]aking into account the current state of play, and having consulted with the parties, I am recommending the continuation of the current process up to 31 July 2021,” the facilitator communicated via a WTO document dated April 6. The facilitator said it was planning to virtually meet with the custom officials and representatives of both countries this month to further discuss the matter. “I am hopeful that these mutually supportive processes will progressively lead to the parties building up elements of agreement,”

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @TyronePiad

Mina said. According to the WTO document, the Philippines and Thailand have met with the facilitator on six separate occasions already since December last year. The third-party mediator, however, refrained from divulging any details on the progress of the meetings as these are still confidential. But he said that the consultations with both parties have been “valuable in providing [them] with an opportunity to present their respective views on ways and means of resolving outstanding issues.” In addition, the facilitator said it has been encouraging both parties to have direct engagements as well. “Promoting greater transparency and predictability in relation to issues under discussion remain important goals which I believe the dialogue between the parties can usefully promote,” he said. In February last year, the Philippines filed a petition before the WTO to suspend concessions and obligations to Thailand covering $594 million annually. This, as Bangkok still fails to comply with the WTO ruling on their cigarette dispute. Manila over a decade ago raised concerns over the inconsistent valuation by Bangkok on the cigarette shipments. While the WTO already ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2011, Thailand has yet to implement the provisions of the ruling. Thailand argued, however, that the Philippines needs to hold on its suspension of concession given that the Appellate Body—the one tasked

with rendering the decision—has no quorum yet.

Suspending concessions

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recently reiterated that the Philippines stands firm on its move to suspend concessions on Thai imports. “It is important that we maintain a credible and realistic threat to trigger a WTO rules compliant suspension of concession because it is important for us to be able to forge a comprehensive solution for example through the facilitator-led process,” DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said. In January, the Tariff Commissions held a public hearing where Thai trade executives and exporters asked the DTI to not suspend concessions on Thai imports, arguing that the WTO should decide on the matter instead. The trade department, in response, said that the Thai stakeholders should also convince their leaders to comply with the WTO ruling on cigarette dispute in 2011. If the suspension is approved, the Philippines will lift preferential tariffs on corn, milled rice, soya bean oil, mixed condiments and mixed seasoning and non-dairy creamers, as well as motor vehicles, agricultural tractors, fuel tanks, car accessories and motorcycle parts. Last year, Philippine shipments to Thailand amounted to $2.88 billion, which is 3 percent lower than $2.97 billion in 2019. Imports from Thailand, meanwhile, dropped by 31.3 percent to $4.79 billion in 2020 from $6.98 billion year-on-year.

DENR, Nestlé commit to a waste-free future for Filipinos Pag-asa Island residents get free Internet connectivity

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Nestlé Philippines have pledged to work together toward a waste-free future for Filipinos as outlined in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that includes building a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and educating communities on solid waste management in Caloocan City. “As a country that prides itself in natural resources, it is imperative that we prioritize efforts that are centered on caring for our environment, not only for our families, but also for the benefit of generations to come. Our partnership with Nestlé Philippines strengthens the government’s resolve to implement programs that address proper solid waste management in order to reduce pollution for a cleaner, safer and healthier Philippines,” Secretary Roy Cimatu of the DENR stated. Under the MOA, Nestlé

T Philippines will sponsor the construction of the MRF in Barangay 164 in Caloocan City. This is in line with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which mandates the establishment of the MRF to sort, segregate, compost and recycle wastes at the barangay level. For its part, the DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau in the National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), will provide

technical assistance needed by local government officials in the operation of the MRF. The MRF, according to Cimatu, will enable Barangay Captain Mila Uy and her constituents to comply with government regulations for the proper disposal of wastes in their locality. They will be also able to monitor and manage the inflow and outflow of wastes more efficiently that would help decrease pollution in the country.

HE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has installed satellite technology in Pag-asa Island, Palawan, to provide its residents with free Internet connectivity. DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said the agencydeployedvery-small-apertureterminal(VSAT) technology to connect the remote area to the Internet. He noted that this initiative is in line with the agency’s efforts to “provide Internet connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas across the country.” “As we bring connectivity to remote areas of the country, including unserved and underserved areas, we are empowering our citizens and enhancing their participation in the global digital economy. This year, we are intensifying the implementation of our connectivity programs to achieve more inclusive ICT access,” he said. Honasan said it also supports the Tech4ED Program of the DICT. Tech4ED refers to the initiative of the ICT department that aims to plug the digital and education divide through access points. Lorenz S. Marasigan

BusinessMirror

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5/f To 10/f, Tower 4 Pitx #01 Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City 1.

WANG, DECHENG Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

WEI, PEIBEI Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

ADP (PHILIPPINES), INC. 6/f-9/f Glorietta 2 Ayala Center San Lorenzo Makati City 3.

SIDHU, AMAR Canadian

CHAIRPERSON AND PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER

AXISCOVE INC. Unit 1 & 3 14/f Sshg Law Center Sycip Law Center 105 Paseo De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City 4.

CHEN, XUESONG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING I.T. TECHNICIAN

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. 5f-13f, Jiaxing Tower Building Aseana Avenue, Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City 5. 6.

KE, JIANJUN Chinese ZHANG, JIANZHU Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg. Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Brgy. 076 Pasay City 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

DONG, YAHUI Chinese

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

30.

TANG, YINGHAO Chinese