BusinessMirror April 13, 2021 by BusinessMirror

ECONOMIC TEAM SEEN

n Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 181

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 18 pages |

TO LOWER ‘21 GDP GOAL

A marshall inspects passengers’ compliance with health protocols inside a Philippine National Railways train at Tutuban station (main) in Manila as operations resumed on Monday (April 12). Only 10 to 12 trains will be operational. Passengers are not allowed to eat, talk to fellow passengers or make or accept calls on their mobile phones while inside the train. ROY DOMINGO

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

CONOMIC managers will likely revise their growth target for the year as the country reverts to stricter movement and travel restrictions to address the rising Covid-19 cases in major economic hubs in the country. This was bared by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno on Monday, in his appearance at the Lagina Handa

virtual briefing. “[Our] original forecast approved by the DBCC [Development Budget Coordination Committee]

BSP: FDI grow 41.5% in Jan on more upbeat mood

OREIGN investors mirrored the optimistic sentiment of Filipino firms in the first month of the year, as long-term investments made by global players grew in January 2021, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported. Foreign direct investments (FDI) net inflows reached $961 million in January this year, up 41.5 percent from the $679 million seen in January last year. FDI are investments made by foreign players to the Philippines with hopes of long-term return. Since these are in the country for a longer term compared to their short-term counterpart, the foreign portfolio investments (FPI), FDI usually create jobs for Filipinos

and have a multiplier effect on the economy. Broken down, the increase in FDI during January was supported mainly by the 116-percent expansion in foreign net investment in debt instruments to $535 million from $248 million in the same month last year. There were also significantly less equity withdrawals in January this year, from $24 million in 2020 to $10 million in 2021. Equity capital placements during the period emanated largely from Singapore, Japan, and the Netherlands and were channeled mostly to financial and insurance, manufacturing, and professional, scientific, and technical industries.

last December 3, 2020 was that our economy will likely grow by 6.5 to 7.5 percent this year. This growth will be pushed higher by 2022 and was earlier expected to reach 8 to 10 percent,” Diokno said. “However, because of the recent restrictions on the economy because of the implementation of the ECQ [Enhanced Community Quarantine] in NCR Plus, it is likely that the DBCC will revisit that original forecast of 6.5 to 7.5 percent this month,” Diokno said. Earlier this month, the govern-

ment put the National Capital Region—along with its neighboring provinces—into stricter lockdowns as Covid-19 cases rose. The policy covered the areas under the so-called NCR Plus, which includes Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, and Rizal. This was then lowered to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) effective April 12. The Department of Health (DOH) reported 11,378 new Covid-19 cases on Monday. Continued on A2

GOVT INFRA SPEND RISES TO P107.4B AS OF END-FEB—DBM By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

TATE infrastructure spending as of end-February surged by 14.4 percent to P107.4 billion from last year’s P93.9 billion, data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed. The budget department said the pickup in infrastructure spending was attributed to payments for completed infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways which were started late last year, as well as the mobilization costs for the current year’s projects, such as road-widening, rehabilitation and improvement and flood control. “The construction of farm-tomarket roads of the Department of Agriculture [DA] under the Bayanihan II, as well as the payables related to the provision of farm machineries and equipment [e.g., tillers, tractors, seeders, threshers, rice planters, harvesters] to qualified farmer organizations as provided in RA 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law [RTL] also contributed to the higher infrastructure and other capital expenditures,”said DBM in its end-February National Government Disbursement Performance Report.

Overall state spending as of endFebruary this year rose by 18.3 percent to P610.3 billion from last year’s P516 billion last year. For February alone, state infrastructure spending also went up to P56.1 billion this year, jumping by 23.1 percent from P45.6 billion in the same month last year. During the month, overall state spending spiked by 37.3 percent to P335.5 billion from P244.4 billion in February 2020. For the rest of this year, DBM said it expects the continuous implementation of infrastructure projects to be one of the major drivers of government spending growth. Apart from this, it also sees state spending growing on the back of the release and distribution of the Social Amelioration Program for 80 percent of the low-income population affected by the reimposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine for National Capital Region Plus, as well as the ongoing implementation of Bayanihan 2. The government projects disbursements by the end of this year to hit P4.66 trillion. This is 7.5 percent higher than last year’s actual disbursement performance of P4.34 trillion.

See “BSP,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 48.5790

n japan 0.4429 n UK 66.5872 n HK 6.2460 n CHINA 7.4133 n singapore 36.2233 n australia 37.0075 n EU 57.8090 n SAUDI arabia 12.9551

Source: BSP (April 12, 2021)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, April 13, 2021

DTI: Nearly 95% of NCR firms comply with health protocols

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

EARLY 95 percent of the business firms and establishments in the National Capital Region (NCR) were found to be compliant with the minimum health protocols amid the pandemic during the first quarter. In a statement on Monday, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) reported that 94.7 percent of the establishments in Metro Manila are following the much-needed health protocols during the health crisis. DTI-FTEB inspected 1,077 establishments in the first quar-

ter in NCR, 931 of which were found complying with health protocols. It ordered 146 firms, which were found to be in violation, to take corrective actions; 89 have responded already within the prescribed period. Forty-six of these cases were endorsed to the local government units for further investigation

while the remaining 11 are awaiting corrective actions. The violations observed among erring establishments include the lack of mandatory contact tracing, health declaration forms and thermal scanner upon entry. The Trade department reported that some personnel were also not wearing their face masks and face shields properly while on duty. In addition, the monitoring revealed that several customers in non-compliant establishments were not following at least 1-meter physical distancing. DTI-FTEB said that it has continued its monitoring activities on health protocol compliance as the country reverts to stricter lockdown measures from general community quarantine previously. “By protecting our workers, our customers, and ourselves from the virus, we are also protecting and restoring our economy conscious-

ly,” Trade Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group Ruth B. Castelo said. C a ste lo, i n add it ion, sa id that, “as the pandemic continues to have a significant disruptive effect on the economy and its people, a minor lapse such as non-compliance with health protocols could greatly contribute to the negative impact of the health turmoil on the country.” DTI-FTEB Director Ronnel O. Abrenica also urged businesses to always enforce minimum health standards to avoid further spread of the coronavirus. On Sunday, the government eased the lockdown measures in NCR, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) effective until the end of this month. The City of Santiago and Quirino in Region 2 and Abra were also placed under the same measure.

DOTR BID TO INCLUDE SEAFARERS ON VACCINE PRIORITY OK’D

ILIPINO seafarers get a closer shot at getting vaccines against Covid-19 as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) had approved the recommendation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to include them in the priority recipients listed in the government’s national vaccination rollout. “This is a very good development for our maritime industry champions— our seafarers. Now, our Filipino seafarers will be given priority to be vaccinated. [I have repeatedly pictured our] maritime work force [as the] silent workers [of the nation]. They work silently, yet their contribution is as crucial as keeping the economy thriving. Not only are they frontliners, but they are undoubtedly HEROES, too,” DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said. The proposal and justification to include mariners among priority for inoculation was presented in a meeting with the IATF by Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr., the DOTr OIC Assistant Secretary for Maritime who also chairs the In-

ter-Agency Working Group tasked to firm up the DOTr’s proposal on the priority vaccination of Filipino seafarers in recognition of the vital role they play amid the present global crisis. “The working group is in the unified position to push for the prioritization of Filipino seafarers in the country’s Covid-19 vaccination program to secure their employment, and to ensure the safe shipping operations of essential goods amid the pandemic,” Vingson said. Aside from DOTr, the working group is composed of officials from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO). It also represents the local Licensed Manning Agencies through the membership of the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies

(ALMA), Joint Manning Group (JMG), Filipino Association for Mariner’s Employment (FAME), and the Philippine Association of Manning Agencies and Ship Managers (PAMAS). From falling under B3 (Other essential workers) or B5 (Overseas Filipino workers) in the Vaccination Priority Framework, the Inter-Agency Working Group has requested for the reclassification of Filipino seafarers to A4 (Frontline personnel in essential sectors, including uniformed personnel and those in working sectors identified by the IATF as essential during ECQ). This makes seafarers move at the top 4 priority groups to be vaccinated. With the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines in the country, the IATF adopted early this year the prioritization framework and criteria of the national immunization rollout to allocate the first tranches of vaccines given its limited global supply. The prioritization of seafarers for vaccination is based on these grounds: Filipino seafarers are declared key workers globally

and locally; Filipino seafarers are considered mobile, who, as part of their jobs, frequently enter various ports across the world; and shipping companies prefer their work force to be vaccinated to ensure that their operations will remain smooth, unhampered, and somehow immune to the severe effects of Covid-19. To further determine the specific population to be prioritized, the Working Group classified seafarers into two. Top priority will be given to active seafarers or those with recorded sea service within the last three years, while new seafarers or those with last recorded sea service beyond 2018 shall be ranked second. Per Marina and POEA data, there are a total of 549,000 active seafarers registered in their system, with around 497,000 deployed overseas and 51,000 serving locally. Meanwhile, a total of 181,000 seafarers are without updated sea service within the last three years. In summary, 730,651 Filipino seafarers are for consideration in the A4 category.

INVESTING IN HEALTH COULD HAVE SPARED PHL BILLIONS IN LOSSES Continued from A10

With this, Wong said the combined effectiveness of face coverings is only 69 percent in the Philippines. Ideally, it should be 80 percent. In terms of testing, Wong said the country is only able to test 1 in 5 of people who need to be tested. The current positivity rate of the country is 20 percent. This means in order to achieve a 5 percent positivity rate—recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) which signifies that the outbreak is under control —the country needs to do 200,000 tests per day. “If we can find them, we can isolate

and quarantine them,” Wong said. Monsod also lamented that apart from the lack of health capacity, with meager resources, the government could not even spare funds for Filipinos who will not be able to work, especially during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). On Sunday, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) placed the National Capital Region (NCR), epicenter of the pandemic, under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) which is less stringent as it allows greater mobility among citizens compared to the ECQ. “What is our challenge today? We need to convince officials and

stakeholders who are concerned for the economy and for economic recovery to focus on capacitating public health systems so that we can get out of this hole. This is a big ask because they’re not just accustomed to thinking in that way,” Monsod said. On Thursday, the DOH explained that the P9-billion funds for the construction of health infrastructure under the Bayanihan I and II were spent, emphasizing that the funds were utilized to construct temporary medical isolation and quarantine facilities, field hospitals, dormitories, and expand government hospital capacities through the procurement of various medical equipment.

Of the P4.5 billion provided under Bayanihan II, P3.88 billion has been utilized as of December 31, 2020 for the construction of temporary medical isolation and quarantine facilities, field hospitals, dormitories for frontliners and expansion of government capacity all over the country. On the other hand, the DOH said, of the remaining P617 million, P308 million has been utilized to procure essential Covid-related equipment such as mechanical ventilators, portable X-ray machines, hemodialysis machines, high flow nasal cannula oxygen machines, and other equipment necessary for increasing laboratories’ testing capacities.

ECONOMIC TEAM SEEN TO LOWER ‘21 GDP GOAL Continued from A1

Diokno said his personal assessment shows that the growth target will be lowered to around 6 to 7 percent. The governor, however, did not bare any more details on the schedule of the next DBCC meeting. The BSP governor also said the government should focus on

creating more jobs, as well as giving support to certain industries such as health care, construction and business process outsourcing (BPO). Earlier, Fitch Solutions slashed its 2021 Philippine growth forecast from 7.6 percent down to 5.8 percent, with risks “very much tilted to the downside.”

“We expect the lockdown measures to be extended given the continued surge in cases and the prolonged impact on hospital capacity,” Fitch Solutions said. “The likelihood of further outbreaks in other regions remains high and given the slow vaccination rollout in the country as less than 1 percent of the population has been

vaccinated as of end-March, we believe the Philippines’s recovery will continue to be hampered by the pandemic,” it added. Moody’s Analytics—the research arm of Moody’s Group—also earlier said the Philippines “stands out as the laggard” in the region as it faces a surge of new infections and fresh lockdown measures.

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CDC says it abides by COA guidance, explains side on 2020 Observations

HE management of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) on Monday replied to key points raised from its 2020 Commission on Audit (COA) Observations, saying it has always abided by state auditor guidelines. CDC noted news articles published on Monday “are presumably based on the audit observations posted on the website of the Commission on Audit (COA). The articles cited figures and recommendations contained in the audit reports.” CDC said that, “like all other GOCCs and government agencies,”it“abides by and is guided by the observations of COA.” It vowed to comply with EO No. 24 series of 2011. Executive Order 24 sets the guidelines on the compensation of directors of government corporations.” CDC President and CEO PBGen Manuel R. Gaerlan (Ret.), who assumed office on January 14, 2021, directed management to review CDC’s policies pertaining to the use of vehicles and staff houses by individuals and government offices, including the COA auditor who enjoys the same privilege. The review started since the audit observations were received earlier this year. Several communications have already been exchanged between CDC and COA towards the resolution of this concern. The news reports actually came out after the audit observations were discussed as a special agenda in the board meeting held on April 8, 2021. Meanwhile, the CDC noted that in the same audit report, COA commended all CDC officials (past and present leadership) and employees for their quick and proactive response to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak in the CFZ and nearby provinces. COA observed “CDC played a very significant role in the provision of temporary quarantine facilities, personal protective equipment, supplies, in-kind assistance and free transportation services all geared towards the mitigation of the effects of the Covid-19 in

BSP…

On the use of vehicles and staff houses

The board of directors are provided transient houses and vehicles since on top of BOD meetings, they attend other meetings and official functions in Clark, CDC explained. “The BOD’s functions are not limited to attending meetings as they have to know what is going on and what is happening on the ground. Their presence in Clark is needed from time to time on top of meetings, committee work and other functions.” It is more cost effective for the directors to use the transient houses rather than stay in hotels or other accommodations, CDC added. “The abnormal times also call for actions that may deviate from set policies but ensure the efficiency and welfare of our officials. The directors attend face-to-face meetings until recently, they need to travel in safety and to have a place to stay when in Clark.” It clarified the aggregated amount of P1.23 million spent for utilities. “The reckoning periods of the individual house utility expenses vary from three months to 41 months. The total does not represent a uniform assessment of expenses. When extrapolated to monthly averages, the utility expenses for the 10 houses in the COA report range from P758 to P20,000 a month, with an average of P5,503 per month. The management has already ordered the recall of the vehicles which will be pooled for the use of the entire organization, CDC said. In an executive session, a majority of the board members signified the willingness to lease the houses themselves so they can continue to have a safe place to stay when in Clark.

Continued from A1

Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings declined by 9.2 percent to $74 million from $82 million in January 2020. The BSP attributed the positive foreign sentiment towards the Philippines to the gradual reopening of the economy early in 2021. “This development reflects the investors’ optimism at the start of the year due in turn to the gradual reopening of the economy under the ‘new normal’ condition, easing of lockdown measures, and positive news about the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines,” the BSP said. The optimism of foreign inves-

Senators… This, as senators were told at least 60 importer companies were linked to spurious permits using a “modus including tampered permits to consignees” covering shipments for delivery.

All intel, no arrests?

Meanwhile, Senator Richard Gordon, whose Blue Ribbon committee had earlier investigated smuggling of food items, griped that authorities have yet to nab those involved in the racket. “Puro [Purely] intelligence gathering but no arrests. Kunyari may nahuli [You pretend someone was arrested] but case not closed.” Lacson likened the Palace’s Executive Order 128 to a “merciless killing of the local hog industry” that will render hog traders “double dead.” Lacson lamented that the local hog industry is on the verge of death as imported pork floods the markets, even as government revenue suffers from the tariff reductions.

Pork holiday

CFZ, including the NCC.” Moreover, CDC said it also registered a financial performance that exceeded the figures of the first 22 years in just five years.

At the start of the Committee of the Whole hearing Monday, Senator Joel Villanueva reported to the panel that a “pork holiday” was widely felt in the markets. Reporting his findings, the senator recounted in Filipino: “The effect was felt up to the carinderias and the household table. This issue is really close to the stomach

tors parallels the more upbeat outlook of local businesses. Earlier this month, the BSP reported results of the quarterly survey, indicating that local businesses are growing more optimistic about economic opportunities in the country, as more and more firms adapt to the “new normal.” In particular, the overall confidence index (CI) for the first quarter of the year rose to 17.4 percent from 10.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020. This is the second consecutive quarter that confidence in the business community grew based on the survey. Bianca Cuaresma

Continued from A10

of Filipinos.” Underscoring the urgency of the related food-security issues that prompted the COW hearings, Villanueva asserted that “once a crisis hits prices and food supply, Filipinos know the accountability is on the government.” The senator added: “First, we want to know if there was negligence that triggered skyrocketing prices of pork amid the outbreak of the African swine fever [ASF].” He recalled that “way back July 2019, even before Covid-19, we were already hit by African Swine Fever in our piggeries.” Still, ASF spread out in 40 provinces in the region. Villanueva said the second reason for the crisis to flare was “neglect.” He recalled that, since 2018, officials of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) allowed the entry of imported pork from countries previously banned in the Philippines because they had ASF outbreaks. But, he also acknowledged the “bigger tragedy” when some businessmen made noise that the only solution to the supply problem triggered by the ASF onslaught on local farms was simply to “import pork.” He stressed the need to find alternative solutions, including their suggestion to reconsider EO 128. “Government must lay down concrete plans. We need real aid that will help save our local pork industry,” he said in Filipino.

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Ex-MILF critic Piñol throws support to extend BARMM By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—A former critic of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), who now heads the government’s socioeconomic planning unit in Mindanao, is throwing his support to the revolutionary organization on the management of an autonomous region for Filipino Muslims in the south. “We must give them a little leeway and understanding given the fact that they are former rebels who are thrust into a new task of governing a huge political territory for the first time,” Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, chief of the Mindanao Development Authority, said. In a statement he titled “Let’s give peace a chance!” Piñol said his call to support the extension of the transition period for the MILF in the BARMM “would come as a surprise to many observers given my reputation as one of the fiercest critics of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the past.” During his tenure as multi-term governor of North Cotabato, Piñol was a staunch critic of the MILF and had filed court cases and petition with the national government to castigate the revolutionary group for attacks on non-Moro communities. “The Mindanao Development Authority, officially, and I, in both my official and personal capacity, support the move to extend the transition period of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for another three years,” he said. Indeed, he said, “the performance of the current officials of the BARMM is far from excellent but they are evidently trying their best.” Piñol said “from using guns to impose and pursue a dream, they now utilize the law and government instrumentalities to provide their people a better life.” “Their capabilities in running a huge government bureaucracy still leave a lot of room for improvement. They are sometimes slow and too cautious in their decision-making but I would personally rate their performance as ‘better than most’ with no intent to denigrate the previous leaders of the Bangsamoro Region,” he added. The BARMM was constituted from the previous Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to form part of the package to the MILF to persuade them to sign a peace agreement with government, and agree to lay down their weapons and decommission their estimated 40,000 armed followers. The MILF was given three years as transition period to transform the nascent BARMM into a working autonomous regional government. The MILF and the BARMM transition authority argued that time was

materially short to produce basic laws and legal codes to govern the autonomous region, what other autonomous regions in other countries were able to do in more than 10 years. On March 18, the 53rd anniversary of the infamous Jabidah Massacre of young Moro Army recruits in Corregidor, peace advocates and civil-society organizations submitted the petition for extension of the transition period. This contained the signature of more than 1 million residents in the BARMM and other residents from as far as Northern Luzon, and from religious and Congressional luminaries outside of the Muslim communities. The organizing groups are still awaiting word from Malacañang which they sought for a Presidential certification as urgent bills that are already pending in both houses of Congress. Piñol said some of the MILF leaders and followers “are still afflicted with ‘this is ours’ syndrome where they claim exclusive right to govern the BARMM because they fought for it.” This is something which must be corrected because they must work with the other stakeholders in the region to succeed, he added. From the outside, Piñol said, “I see a group of former rebels working hard to deliver the dreams that they shared with their people, including the former combatants who lost loved ones in their halfcentury struggle.” “Operating and moving inside the autonomous region, I could smell the fresh air of hope for peace, tranquility and progress,” he said. Piñol said that while he was considered Public Enemy No. 1 of the MILF when I was governor of North Cotabato, “I could now freely travel even at night in formerly perilous areas within the region in the performance of my job as MinDA chairman.” Outside of the BARMM, he said, “people, especially in my home province of North Cotabato, enjoy new-found stability and a sense of security.” “Gone are the ambuscades, the attacks on villages, the kidnappings, the bombings and other atrocities in the past which were part of the realities of a revolutionary struggle,” he said. “So, instead of questioning their capability to govern, let us support them. Rather than despise the slowpaced and cautious implementation of projects, let us help empower them,” he said. “The gains of peace are simply too clear and the effects so comforting to ignore.” Piñol said the peace pact forged by the government under President Duterte “is a defining moment in our history as a nation.” “We must not squander this chance of enjoying the blessings of peace in Mindanao. This is the best legacy that our generation could bequeath to the Filipinos of tomorrow.”

Lanao del Sur clash leaves extremist subleader dead, 7 cops, soldier hurt

EVEN policemen and soldier were wounded, while a subleader of an extremist group allied with the Islamic State (IS) was killed following a clash with security forces in Lanao del Sur on Monday. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas identified the suspect as Usop Nasif, alias Abu Usraf, subleader of the Daulah Islamiyah Lanao, a local terrorist group linked with the IS. Based on a report sent by the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the PNPSpecial Action Force, a team of policemen and soldiers served a warrant of arrest against Nasif, but he and his group decided to shoot it out with the operating team. The operation against Nasif, who was wanted for murder and frustrated murder, was carried out at around

3 a.m. in Barangay Guimba, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The report said that instead of yielding to the members of the team serving the warrant, Nasif, who was backed by his group, engaged the policemen and soldiers in gun battle, wherein he and his wife were wounded. “Abu Asraf [Nasif] and his wife identified as Khalil Mufliha were discovered injured after the encounter and immediately brought to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, but Abu Asraf was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician,” Sinas said. “The rest of the armed suspects were able to escape in the midst of the armed confrontation,” he added. Seven policemen and an Army officer were also wounded during the 30-minute gun battle. Rene Acosta

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, April 13, 2021 A3

PhilHealth to probe reports of ‘upcasing’ of minor respiratory ailments to Covid-19 By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

HE state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Monday said it will probe allegations of “upcasing” following the proliferation of video posts that health-care providers allegedly collude with patients to declare minor respiratory symptoms such as asthma as Covid-19 to claim higher benefits. The state health insurer also urged on Monday those who posted the videos to provide the necessary proof and fully cooperate with the probe. As a form of health-insurance fraud, upcasing refers to claiming for a related illness or procedure of higher severity or complexity to gain higher benefit payment. It is punishable with

a fine of P200,000 for each count, or suspension of contract up to three years of the health-care provider, or both. It also constitutes a criminal violation punishable by imprisonment for six months and one day up to six years upon the discretion of the court in accordance to Section 38 of the Universal Health Care Law. “PhilHealth reminded the public that protecting the PhilHealth fund is also a responsibility of every member. It appealed to everyone who is in possession of credible information on such unethical acts to report directly to PhilHealth together with evidence so that the agency can act swiftly,” PhilHealth said in a news statement. However, it also reiterated that the National Health Insurance Fund is considered a public fund and that any form of abuse should be dealt

with in accordance with the law. At the same time, it also warned against posted information without any proof to support their claims, especially at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. “They instead malign and compromise the reputation of hospitals, doctors and even the agency itself, acts that may lead to legal actions such as cyber libel and violation of Article 154 of the Penal Code criminalizing publication of false information that may endanger the public order or cause damage to the interest or credit of the State,” it said. Whistle-blowers and concerned citizens are encouraged to report cases of upcasing or any form of health insurance abuse through: Face-to-face meetings (observing minimum health protocols); nearest PhilHealth offices e-mail:whistle-

blower@philhealth.gov.ph; actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph;opceo@philhealth.gov.ph Mail: Room 1711, 17th Floor Citystate Centre, 709 Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City Telephone: (02) 8441-7442 PhilHealth also assured the public of utmost confidentiality of reports, as well as protection and possible assistance to the whistleblower as provided for by law. Last year, corruption allegations hounded the state health insurer. Its former anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith claimed that some corrupt officials from the agency pocketed P15 billion. But PhilHealth last month said 98 percent of this amount released under Interim Reimbursement Mechanism had already been properly accounted for.

Solon pushes household SC says courts in MECQ areas physically closed until April 18 lockdowns instead of community quarantines By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

ITH the country’s limited resources, an economist-lawmaker on Monday proposed to the national government to impose household lockdowns instead of widespread community quarantines. Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo asked t he Inter-A genc y Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to shift to a more targeted approach of household lockdowns. She said the IATF needs a pivot in the approach of implementing lockdowns, stressing that an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) is simply too broad in implementation. “Equally important is that under a household lockdown approach, we will not need to close down the economy. We need a more targeted approach. The attack requires a surgical and not a shotgun approach,” she said. “Our resources are limited, so let’s be strategic about using them. Only affected households will be required to adhere to a strict stayat-home policy, and given the corresponding assurance that necessary ayuda [assistance] is guaranteed and health care will be provided, whether at home or in the hospitals as needed,” Quimbo added. In her proposal, Quimbo said the wheels of the economy can go on turning and ensure that workers can keep their jobs, their liveli-

hoods are preserved while, at the same time, ensuring their safety and health. “A household lockdown allows the virus busters to be pro-active. Ito ang isang paraan para maunahan natin si Covid,” she said. “The virus is unfortunately moving faster than policy. I have some apprehensions on the effectiveness of an MECQ in controlling the further spread of Covid while jump-starting the economy,” she added. Last Sunday, the government decided to ease community lockdown in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its surrounding provinces, which are currently the epicenter of infections in the country. The President approved the recommendation of the IATF to downgrade the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the said areas to a modified ECQ instead. Moreover, Quimbo said that besides the targeted household lockdowns, the government should implement the swift and effective rollout of the vaccine program without any delay. “We need to ensure that the vaccine supplies are forthcoming as planned, without any delay and that these are swiftly and safely distributed to the public,” she said. “The IATF is lifting the ECQ at a time when the number of deaths is at a peak, with 401 deaths reported just last April 9. We must keep in mind that we must do this with a more responsive plan in place,” she added.

Judges may conduct fully remote videoconferencing hearings on pending cases and other matters, whether urgent or not, regardless of their physical location and without prior permission from the Office of the Court Administrator.

SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Supreme Court has ordered the physical closure of courts in the provinces of Abra and Quirino and Santiago City in Isabela until April 18 following their inclusion on the list of areas placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). The physical closure of the courts in the said areas was ordered by SC Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez through Circular 2021 issued Saturday evening. Earlier, the SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo issued a directive for the continued physical closure of the courts in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its nearby provinces, or the so-called NCR plus, bubble at least until April 18 to stop the surge in Covid-19 transmission. “Considering that the City of Santiago, and the provinces of Quirino and Abra have been placed under MECQ, together with Metro Manila, and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, where the courts and judicial offices shall remain physically closed until 18 April 2021, and upon ap-

proval of Chief Justice Gesmundo, the provision of Administrative Circular 21-2021, dated 10 April 2021, shall extend to and cover the courts in the City of Santiago, and the provinces of Quirino and Abra,” Marquez’ directive read. While all these courts in areas under MECQ are physically closed, the High Court said these could still be reached through their hot lines and e-mail addresses. These courts would also continue to operate via videoconferencing. “Judges may conduct fully remote videoconferencing hearings on pending cases and other matters, whether urgent or not, regardless of their physical location and without prior permission from the Office of the Court Administrator,” said Chief Justice Gesmundo. During this time, the time for filing and service of pleadings and motions would be suspended and shall resume after seven calendar days, counted from the first day of physical reopening of the relevant court. The Chief Justice also ordered that essential judicial offices should maintain the necessary skeletal staff to attend to all urgent matters.

‘Don’t take Cavite ship collision incident lightly’

IVIL-SOCIETY organizations expressed alarm on Monday over reports of a possible disastrous oil spill hitting the country’s shores following the collision last week of two foreign-listed vessels off the waters of Cavite. The groups said they are not taking lightly the collision between the Marshall Island-registered cargo vessel MV Ivy Alliance and Thailand-flagged MV Rich Rainbow, which happened some three nautical miles from Cavite City at past 9 p.m. on April 7. Rich Rainbow was loaded with gasoline while Ivy Alliance, registered under the flag of Marshall Islands, was loaded with coal when the accident occurred. The PCG said there have been reports of oil leaks from the two

crippled vessels. Reacting to the mishap, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) is taking the companies that own the vessels to task and demanded that these firms immediately conduct an initial assessment on the potential effects of the reported oil spill on the marine environment and the people living near the area. Likewise, Pamalakaya national chairman Fernando Hicap said that should an oil spill occur, the provincial government of Cavite should demand for compensatory damages from the vessel owners as the incident might cause a long-term adverse effect on the environment and livelihood of small fisherfolk. “The provincial government should utilize whatever funds the

vessel owners would release as compensation and rehabilitation for the damage wrought by its oil spill to the small fishing communities and the environment.” Hicap said. Sought for reaction, ocean conservation advocacy nongovernment organization Oceana, meanwhile, expressed deep concern that the maritime accident involves the transport of fossil fuels. “Although no leaks have been observed so far, it is important for our government to ensure that the cargoes of these vessels are secured to avoid damage to our fisheries and marine resources,” Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana in the Philippines told the BusinessMirror. “In this time of pandemic, a healthy ocean is more than ever a

lifeline not just to our fisherfolk and coastal residents but to so many who have lost their jobs and went back to their hometowns,” she added. According to Ramos, it is also disconcerting to know that accidents such as the collision off the waters of Cavite still happen when there are already measures available for ensuring safety at sea using technology. “We need to embed a culture of safety and improve our monitoring, control and surveillance systems to avoid future accidents, as well as to monitor vessels that are plying our waters. We are already experiencing the effects of climate change and our government should implement fully our laws and stop our dependency on fossil fuels and adopt programs that promote renewable and sustainable energy,” she said. Jonathan L. Mayuga

Economy BusinessMirror

A4 Tuesday, April 13, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

NCR plus ECQ displaces 17K workers in two weeks–DOLE By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

VER 17,000 workers lost their jobs during the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its surrounding areas, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The figure is lower compared to the projected 252,000 job losses of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), when NCR Plus, which includes Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan and Rizal, was placed under ECQ. From March 29 to April 11, DOLE tallied 14,995 employees who were retrenched by 923 establishments, while the remaining 2,334 became displaced due to the permanent closure of 90 companies. The industries with the biggest job losses were construction; other services and activities; transportation and storage; and manufacturing. The government provided cash aid and temporary employment to the affected workers.

Coping mechanism

DOLE registered 141,529 employees who were temporarily displaced for the duration of the ECQ in NCR Plus. “In order to cope with the community restrictions along with the economic impact, various establishments have adopted flexible work arrangements,” DOLE said. It noted 77,658 of the workers were engaged in flexible work arrangements implemented by 2,835 establishments, while the remaining 88,781 were affected by the temporary closure of 3,531 employers. The government placed NCR Plus under ECQ last month in its attempt to slow down the increase in daily Covid-19 cases, which breached the 10,000 mark that time. During the ECQ, some establishments were temporarily shut down and non-essential movement and mass gathering were prohibited. Prior to the imposition of ECQ, NCR Plus was placed under a “travel bubble” from March 22 to April 4, 2021, wherein 8,785 workers already became permanently displaced. On Monday, the restrictions were slightly eased after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) opted to place the NCR Plus under modified ECQ (MECQ).

Cautious projection

LABOR Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay remains cautious when it comes on the possible impact of the community quarantine restriction easing in NCR Plus, especially since some establishments are still not allowed to operate in the said area.

PORK ON THE RUN

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Salceda sees panel level approval of Bayanihan 3 this week or next By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

LEADER of the House of Representatives on Monday said the lower chamber is now working on the May 17 target passage of the P370-billion Bayanihan 3, whose funding would be derived from “obese” government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) along with tax other measures. In an interview, House Committee on Economic Recovery Cluster co-chairman Joey Salceda said they are now working with the economic managers to find ways to craft “deficit neutral” lifeline measures under the Bayanihan 3. “The Bayanihan 3 now stands at P370 billion.... All in all, I think we can raise about P140 billion which is deficit neutral. We’re on putting on standby P166 billion for Phase 2 and another Phase 3 for P63 billion depending on revenue performance,” said Salceda following a recent meeting on Covid-19 relief between lawmakers and Department of Finance, National Economic and Develop-

ment Authority, and Department of Budget and Management. The leadership of the House of Representatives has earlier proposed for the passage of P420-billion “Bayanihan to Arise As One Act,” or the Bayanihan 3. “The joint committee [of economic affairs and appropriations] will approve it I think this week or next week. It should be available on May 17, [But] I think there’s no appetite for [a] special session, so May 17 it should be and the Committee on Rules is empowered to meet. The joint committee will meet to discuss the Bayanihan 3 substitute bill,” he added. Congress is expected to resume session on May 17. Salceda said the current draft of the technical working group (TWG) on Bayanihan 3 includes P108 billion for universal basic income of P1,000 per head, with another P108 billion in standby funds; P12 billion in direct funding for assistance for individuals in crisis situations (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and P3 billion for Medical Assistance for Indigent Pa-

tients (MAIP). He said the third Bayanihan measure, composed primarily of what Salceda describes as “lifeline measures,” would be funded in a way that does not increase the country’s deficit. “In all likelihood, there will be a third Bayanihan measure. It will be deficit-neutral, if my work with [Finance] Secretary Carlos Dominguez succeeds,” said Salceda. He said these lifeline measures would immediately alleviate poverty and hunger. “We can’t do full-blown stimulus just yet because we have not yet maximized mobility. When the velocity of money is slow, it is unwise to infuse liquidity for growth. But we need to feed our people. So, actually, Bayanihan 3 will not be stimulus, but mainly lifeline,” Salceda said.

Oil firms slash gasoline, kerosene fuel pump price; diesel unchanged

Vaccination of A4 priority group likely to start in May–Neda exec

We need CIOs in business today!

@joveemarie

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

IL firms will slash prices of petroleum products starting Tuesday morning. Gasoline prices will be reduced by P0.25 per liter and kerosene by P10.10 per liter. There will be no change in diesel prices. Pilipinas Shell, Phoenix Petroleum, PTT Philippines, Total Philippines, Petron Corp., Seaoil Philippines said they will implement their respective price adjustments at 6 a.m. of April 13. Cleanfuel will implement its price rollback at 8:01 a.m. Other oil firms are expected to implement the same price reduction. Last week, oil firms raised fuel prices by P0.65 per liter of gasoline, P0.05 per liter of diesel and kerosene by P0.05 per liter. They adjust their pump prices every week to reflect movements in the world oil market.

A couple buys shops for meat from a wet market vendor at the Powerline Market in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, on Monday, April 12, 2021. President Duterte issued last week Executive Order 128 temporarily modifying the rates of import duty on pork products to address the impact of the African swine fever (ASF) on the country’s hog industry. PNA/BEN BRIONES

GOCCs

HE said one of the proposals is to increase the dividend remittances from GOCCs as among the set of other measures to pay for additional Covid-19 assistance. “The question of funding was

ATIONAL Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon on Monday said that the “best-case” scenario to start the vaccination of the A4 priority group is by May. “The best-case scenario is we can start in May and it can actually slide to June. There is this first and second dose so it can be June, July, and August,” Edillon said during the media forum of Department of Health. Edillon noted that workers in the economic sectors have “high levels” of interaction with or exposure to the public. “Economic sectors that are needed to ensure security, consumer and worker safety, and those working in priority government projects,” she said. She also stressed the need for partnership with the establishments, agencies, organizations (EAOs) : The group belonging to A4 are the following: A4.1: Commuter transport (land, air, and sea), including logistics A4.2: Frontline government workers in justice, security, transport and social protection sectors A4.3: Public and private wet and dry market vendors; frontline workers in grocery, supermarkets; delivery services A4.4: Workers in manufacturing for food, beverage, medical and pharmaceutical products A4.5: Frontline workers in food retail, including food service delivery A4.6: Frontline government workers A4.7: Frontline workers in financial services A4.8: Teaching and related personnel in medical and allied medical courses of HEIs, including personnel handling laboratories A4.9: Frontline workers in hotels and accommodation A4.10: Priests, Pastors, religious leaders regardless of denomination A4.11: Construction workers in government infrastructure projects A4.12: Security guards/personnel assigned in the establishments, offices, agencies, and organizations identified in Table 1 A4.13: Overseas Filipino workers not classified above, and scheduled for deployment within two months. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

By Henry J. Schumacher

LOT has changed since the first Chief Information Officer (CIO) roles emerged in the 1980s. Personal computers became mainstream (I was so proud when I bought my first PC). Automation emerged to streamline menial tasks. And data storage shifted to the elusive, omnipresent cloud. As technology changes, so do the responsibilities of CIOs. From mainframes to bring your own device to Internet-based applications, CIOs lead the enterprise through adapting to new technologies. The latest change for CIOs has been toward omni-channel digital transformation continuing to change businesses, letting CIOs gain more strategic influence over business outcomes. CIOs—and other tech-related positions such as CTOs and chief digital officers—really evolved over these past three to five years to be more outwardly focused. The responsibilities of the CIO’s role differs depending on who you ask. If you ask a CIO, they’ll say communication, business and management are important to the job. But if you ask people outside of the function, they’ll typically bring up technical proficiencies. In reality, however, it’s a combination of the technical and leadership skills making up members of IT leadership. Becoming a CIO requires a multidisciplinary toolkit: a technical background and data acumen coupled with a strategic vision of the business is necessary to be a modern CIO. If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that the IT function itself is absolutely core to the execution of the business strategy. CIOs are under

very tangled, but what cut the Gordian knot is the proposal to increase mandatory dividend remittance of GOCCs from 50 percent to 75 percent, temporarily. This will require an amendment of RA 7656, or the Dividends Law. This is probably worth P70 billion,” Salceda added. Salceda also proposed to allow the DOF to make capital withdrawals from “obese” GOCCs. “There are GOCCs that have accumulated more retained earnings over the years than they can deploy, especially now. Authorizing a distribution in excess of dividends, in favor of the government would allow us to mobilize ‘sleeping money’ for Covid-19 response without hurting our overall fiscal standing,” Salceda explained. “This is a suggestion I made to the DOF, which will then survey the full list of GOCCs for possible capital withdrawal,” Salceda added. Salceda added that there would also likely be some room for the P54billion Pension and Gratuity Fund that the Speaker is prioritizing. “Stimulus will be much more effective later when we begin returning

a new spotlight as they prove their value through business continuity in response to the pandemic. The expectations of a CIO can vary depending on who they report to. For example, reporting to the CFO, the CIO may have specific duties around cost and operations. But when CIOs report to the CEO, we see that the revenues are actually even higher and their ability to grow and scale is higher because that CIO truly is a part of the decision-making and the discussions on the opportunity. Some business leaders recommend CIOs have a seat at the C-suite or board-level table to partner on enterprise-wide decisions. When CIOs are relegated further down the organization, it becomes harder to take IT seriously and do transformational work. The CIO becomes an “order taker,” slowing down and prohibiting progress on technology. As appreciation grows for what technology can do, companies have maintained CIOs as a decisionmaker higher up in the company. Companies that fail to realize the importance of technology— and of their CIOs—will struggle to keep up with transformation. CIOs encompass five major areas: • The operator: keeps the lights on • The technologist: evangelizes new tech capabilities • The strategist: partners with the business • The catalyst: leads disruptive change to how an organization works • The mentor: convinces people in operations that they become part of transformation in business. The phases shift to accommodate business needs, but generally a CIO needs to operate in all five spaces proportional to enterprise conditions. Businesses seek communication skills, entrepreneurial tendencies, systems thinking and other core leadership competencies in CIOs today. That brings me to the top 5 data and analytics (D&A) technology trends for 2021 that can help organizations respond to change, uncertainty and the opportunities coming up at the horizon. D&A leaders should use the following 5 trends as mission-critical investments that accelerate their capabilities to anticipate, shift and respond. It is understood that CIOs are part of these trends!

Trend 1: Smarter, responsible, scalable AI THE greater impact of artificial in-

to normalcy. Our top priority now is to keep our people alive,” he said. “The tug-of-war was between those who wanted ayuda by increasing our debt, and those who said we could not borrow anymore. We need ayuda, so I mediated by providing options that will not increase our deficit, including more GOCC remittances, capital withdrawal from GOCCs, and taxes on POGOs [Philippine Offshore and Gaming Operations] and e-sabong. That intervention appears to have broken the gridlock. We will have Bayanihan 3,” Salceda said.

Tax measures

SALCEDA also said that the DOF will soon endorse on the Senate the passage of taxes on offsite cockpit betting operations or e-sabong, and POGOs. The House has already passed its versions of these tax reforms. He said the Senate is likely to pass POGO taxes as soon as session resumes, and will discuss the e-sabong taxes soon as well. “We think we will have bicam on these measures by May or June,” Salceda added.

telligence (AI) and machine learning (MI) requires businesses to apply new techniques for smarter, less data-hungry, ethically responsible and more resilient AI solutions.

Trend 2: Data fabric is the foundation

WITH increased digitization and more emancipated consumers, D&A leaders are increasingly using data fabric to help address higher levels of diversity, distribution, scale and complexity in their organizations’ data assets. The data fabric uses analytics to constantly monitor data pipelines.

Trend 3: From big to small and wide data

THE extreme business changes from the Covid-19 pandemic caused ML and AI models based on large amounts of historical data to become less relevant. At the same time, decision making by humans and AI are more complex and demanding, requiring D&A leaders to have a greater variety of data for better situational awareness.

Trend 4: Data and analytics as a core business function

INSTEAD of being a secondary activity, D&A is shifting to a core business function. In this situation, D&A becomes a shared business asset aligned to business results, and D&A silos break down because of better collaboration between central and federated D&A teams.

Trend 5: Graph relates everything

GRAPHS form the foundation of many modern data and analytics capabilities to find relationships between people, places, things, events and locations across diverse data assets. D&A leaders rely on graphs to quickly answer complex business questions which require contextual awareness and an understanding of the nature of connections and strengths across multiple entities. D&A leaders can use these trends to enable greater data management flexibility, speed, governance, and resilience. While experts like D&A leaders and CIOs are needed to drive companies forward, let’s understand that we have to train our people in operations to be able to convert new technologies into innovation. People come first! I look forward to your feedback; contact me at hjschumacher59@ gmail.com

News BusinessMirror

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Third placer: Philippines’ vaccine rollout catching up with Asean peers–Palace By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ALACAÑANG on Monday said the Philippines is now the third country in Southeast Asia with the most number of people who got their first jab of novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine. This after the government was able to breach the 1-million mark in terms of the number of people covered by its inoculation drive. Citing collated data from Microsoft, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said 1.1 million people that were vaccinated in the country as of Sunday, which comes next to Indonesia (14.7 million) and Singapore (1.7 million). “Despite our shortage in the sup-

ply [of Covid-19 vaccine], we are still the third in Asean [in terms of vaccination],” Roque said. Last Tuesday, Chief Implementer of the government’s national policy on Covid-19 Carlito G. Galvez said 2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines are expected to arrive this month. Of these, 1.5 million will come from Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech, while the remaining will be purchased from the Russian company, Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology. Galvez said the government has already deployed over half of its 2.5 million doses of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines. The government is targeting to vaccinate 50 million to 70 million people within the year.

DOH official disputes HPAAC’s view on ECQ By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

N official of the Department of Health (DOH) disputed on Monday a statement issued by the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against Covid-19 (HPAAC) that the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) had “gone to waste.” “I cannot say really, hindi ko masasang-ayunan ang HPAAC dito na sinasabi nilang [I cannot agree with what HPAAC has been saying] it has ‘gone to waste’ because we have implemented measures,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media forum on Monday. Not only that measures were implemented, Vergeire said, but the government had even expanded the bed capacity of hospitals and treatment centers for Covid-19. “We have also mobilized our local government units,” she added. Vergeire also reiterated that the effects of the ECQ will be felt in the next “10 to 14 days.” The HPAAC on Sunday urged the government to save the nation from the continuous “suffering” and warned that if their demands would still be ignored, the country will remain in the “vicious cycle” wherein “the sick will die unattended, the people will continue to face hunger, and the economy will plummet into further recession.” In a statement, the HPAAC has expressed alarm over the “critical

bottlenecks to long-term solutions have not been addressed, and necessary changes to systems and processes have yet to be implemented.” These bottlenecks, they said, that “have yet to be acknowledged” with the same sense of urgency currently experienced by their colleagues in every “congested” emergency department. The group also reemphasized that the mobility restriction is but a “short-term intervention, and yet it seems to have been wasted again.” “The government still has no clear plans and efforts to fix the root causes, and the nation continues to suffer because of this. This ECQ may have slowed down the spread, but the numbers are still perilously high,” the group pointed out.

Covid cases

A TOTAL of 11,378 additional Covid-19 cases were logged on as of 4 p.m. of April 12. The total number of infections stood at 876,225. There were also 267 recoveries and 204 deaths. Of the total number of cases, 18.0 percent (157,451) are active cases, 80.3 percent (703,625) have recovered, and 1.73 percent (15,149) perished. Moreover, 34 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation. Six laboratories were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System on April 11, 2021.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 A5

Drive-through Covid shots available soon at Nayong Pilipino–DOT chief By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

GAME changer. That is how Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat described the temporary vaccination center that will rise at the Nayong Pilipino property in Parañaque City. In a news conference on Monday, she said, “We’re hoping in 40 days, we have a temporary mega-vaccination, drive-through facility in the remaining portion of Nayong Pilipino.” The facility, a public-private partnership, is expected to vaccinate at least 12,000 people a day. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases ratified the Department of Tourism (DOT)-endorsed initiative for the construction of the vaccination center. It will rise on a vacant lot owned by the Nayong Pilipino Foundation Inc. (NPFI), a DOT-attached agency. Separate sources confirmed to the BusinessMirror that the project was proposed by ICTSI Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the ICTSI, a publicly listed global port operator chaired by business mogul Enrique K. Razon Jr. Sources who declined to be identified as they had no authority to speak on the matter said, “The exact area is still being finalized with the National Task Force [on Covid-19], but it should be around 5 to 6 hectares, depending on the design.” While ICTSI Foundation will be the sole importer of the Moderna vaccine under the tripartite agreement with the government, the vaccination facility “will not be exclusive” for the foundation’s use. Other institutions will also be able to use it and jab their own vaccines, according to separate sources. Asked what other establishments will be allowed to use the facility, the

FILE photo shows a Las Piñas senior citizen receiving his AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab, as the local government steps up its inoculation program in 10 different vaccination areas. NONIE REYES

same sources said, “It will depend on the MOA [memorandum of agreement] between the NTF [National Task Force on Covid-19] and the Nayong Pilipino Foundation Inc.” Romulo Puyat said, “We’re grateful” the NPFI board approved the use of their property for the much-needed vaccination facility. “The temporary use of the NPFI property affirms the DOT’s continuing commitment to support the vaccination program, consistent with its earlier endorsement and approval as well by the NTF of allowing tourism frontliners to be on the priority list,” she stressed in a separate news statement.

58 percent availment of cash aid for tourism workers

MEANWHILE, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said he does

not think that more funds will be needed for the cash-aid program for tourism workers. In a joint news conference on Monday with the DOT, Bello said in a mix of Filipino and English, “I don’t think so, because when we were accrediting the qualified beneficiaries, the numbers were quite poor. That’s the reason we even liberalized the requirements, to the extent that we included in the application tricycle drivers who serve was tour guides, even restaurants are now qualified as part of the tourism industry…to be able to spread the funds [which amount to] P3.1 billion. It’s so huge.” As of April 6, 2021, a total of 355,797 workers from 13,752 establishments, organizations, and associations nationwide, as well

as 12,321 tourism workers who applied individually, have been approved to receive financial assistance amounting to some P1.84 billion. This is about 58 percent of the total funds allocated for the cash-aid program. The actual disbursement or payout amounts to P1.2 billion. For the NCR Plus area (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal), DOLE has approved some P336.74 million in financial assistance to 67,347 tourism workers. During the DOT-DOLE event, 35 tourism establishments and organizations with 8,251 workers/ members were awarded certificates representing P41.26 million in cash aid. Beneficiaries receive P5,000 per person.

Palace outlines rules on HCF availment of PhilHealth’s new ‘debit-credit’ scheme

NLY health care facility (HCF) with still unsettled payments and a clear record will be allowed to avail of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) new debitcredit scheme. Malacañang gave the assurance of President Duterte ordered the state health insurer last week to fast track its payments of claims of public and private hospitals

within the National Capital Region (NCR) plus, which includes Metro Manila, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said PhilHealth’s DebitCredit Payment Method (DCPM) is different from its controversial Interim Reimbursement Mechanism Fund (IRMF). Under the IRMF, he noted PhilHealth allocated large amount

for HCFs last year to pay for the services availed of by supposed Covid-inf licted members even in areas, which have no reported cases of infections. For the DCPM, the Palace official said, only HCFs located within the NCR plus and will need to pass stringent qualifications to avail of the DCPM. The DCPM will also only apply to “in process” claims made between

March 8, 2020 and April 7, 2021. Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said the DCPM will allow the hospitals to get paid immediately so they could afford to expand their dedicated beds for Covid-19 patients. Last year, the government ordered the suspension of the IRMF amid allegations it was being abused by some unscrupulous individuals to get cash from PhilHealth. Samuel Medenilla

PhilSys Step 1 registration draws 28M, PSA reports Philippines, US begin 36th Balikatan Exercises in Luzon

MID the public health crisis, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) was able to accommodate more than 28 million Filipinos who participated in the Step 1 registration phase for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). The data include some 17.3 million individuals who signed up for PhilSys this year. The PSA initially rolled out the PhilSys mass registration to targeted low-income Filipinos in October last year. Maria Loreta Umandap, a PhilSys registrant from Quezon province, said she is looking forward to easier access to government and banking services. “Malaking tulong po talaga ito para sa amin dahil, example na lang po ang nanay ko. Siya po kahit pwede po siyang mag-apply sa ibang benefit, hindi po siya makapagapply kasi nga po kulang lagi siya ng ID [It would be a huge help for us. An example is my mother who may be qualified to apply

for other benefits but usually can’t because she lacks identification],” she told PSA. Step 1 registration for PhilSys involves the collection of demographic information such as full name, gender, date, and place of birth, blood type, and address. The Step 2 process includes the validation of supporting documents and capture of biometric information. Through the PhilSys, the government aims to promote ease of doing business as it will help uniquely identify each registered person at a national scale with a high level of assurance, eliminate identity fraud, and strengthen the integrity of functional identification registries. The PSA earlier guaranteed that all information stored in the PhilSys registry will be secured and protected. It said the national identification (ID) or the PhilID will serve as valid proof of identity in both government and private transactions.

Once an individual is done with Steps 1 and 2, the PhilID card will be issued in Step 3. The PhilID, a non-transferable card, contains all records collected and encoded. The national ID is free for all Filipinos. Through PhilSys, the Philippines can move away from inefficient and expensive physical documents, processes, and credentials. Signed into law by President Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens. The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrolment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts. It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present the ID during transactions. PNA

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States military formally opened on Monday the Balikatan exercise amid the security tension in the West Philippine Sea with China that was borne by the presence of Chine maritime militia vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef. The two-week military exercises involving 1,700 Filipino and American troops was this year’s 36th iteration of the war games following its cancellation last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “The Balikatan Exercise, since its launching in 1991, has been a treasure trove of learning opportunities for both Filipino and American soldiers and in recent years would also include our other allies here in the Indo-Pacific region,” said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. The ceremony was also at-

tended by US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law; Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, who is this year’s exercise director; Col. Stephen Ma, Joint US Military Assistance Group chief and US defense attache’ and Col. Aaron Brunk of the US III Marine Expeditionary Force, Officer in Charge for Exercise Support Group. “The United States is proud to participate in the Balikatan Exercise, and we thank the Armed Forces of the Philippines for hosting US troops in ways that maintain the health and safety of both our militaries,” Law said. “Joint exercises like Balikatan demonstrate our shared commitment to peace and stability and the adaptability of US and Philippine forces. The United States will continue to seek ways, even during the pandemic, to strengthen our security cooperation,” he added. This year’s Balikatan includes a bilateral staff exercise,

close air support training, subject matter exchanges, maritime security training, and humanitarian and civic assistance activities, which would be all held in the areas of the Northern Luzon Command and Southern Luzon Command. As part of the humanitarian and civic assistance activities, Filipino and American troops are building two classrooms and a daycare center in Plaridel, Bulacan as well as a classroom in Atimonan and health center in Mauban, both in Quezon. “Though this year’s exercises are toned down because of the prevailing health crisis, which has affected not only the Philippines, but similarly the entire world—these circumstances, will however, not diminish nor hamper the real intent of the Balikatan Exercises—that is to foster a stronger and more robust military relationship, and interoperability between our two Armed Forces,” Sobejana said.

BusinessMirror

A6 Tuesday, April 13, 2021

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24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 5th-6th-7th Flr. 81 Newport Bl Newport City Brgy. 183 Pasay City CHEN, SHUIMING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CHINESE ACCOUNTS)

GENG, KUN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CHINESE ACCOUNTS)

LIU, LEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CHINESE ACCOUNTS)

NO.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

NO.

42.

XU, CHEN Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

76.

43.

XUE, MENG Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

44.

YAN, LINGJUN Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

45.

YAN, DAIJIN Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

46.

YANG, MO Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

47.

YANG, CHAO Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

48.

YU, BO Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

49.

ZHAI, WEIXIN Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

50.

ZHANG, YANNI Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

51.

ZHANG, XUNAN Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

52.

ZHANG, YANGYANG Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

83.

53.

ZHU, LINGXIAO Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

84.

WANG, JINLIU Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

85.

XIANG, BAOJUN Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CHINESE ACCOUNTS)

WOO KHAR CHUN Malaysian

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CHINESE ACCOUNTS)

ZHAO, YANQIU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CHINESE ACCOUNTS)

AMUSETECH BUSINESS OUTSOURCING 2/f Rivergreen Residences 2217 Pedro Gil St. 096, Bgy 880 Santa Ana Manila

10.

ZHU, MENGYUANDE Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CHINESE ACCOUNTS)

54.

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

LIU, YUPING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. Eastfield Center Cbp1, Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

11.

CHEN, ZIYANG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

55.

DENG, JIAJUN Chinese

12.

YAN, XUEDONG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

56.

LIANG, MENGJIAO Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

57.

WANG, HUANYU Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

13.

YAN, HONGLEI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

14.

YANG, HANLIN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

58.

ZHENG, BINHONG Chinese

15.

YANG, CHAO Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

59.

CHEN, HUAYAN Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

16.

ZHAN, WEN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

60.

SUN, HAO Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

17.

ZHAN, YAN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

18.

ZHANG, CHI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

19.

ZHANG, FUCHENG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

20.

ZHANG, MENG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ZHANG, MENGCHAO Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ZHANG, QING Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING PROGRAM DESIGNER

21. 22. 23.

LI, YONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

24.

LI, HONGCAI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

LIU, HAIPING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

25.

26.

MAY LI PHWAY Myanmari

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

27.

NGUYEN HOANG PHUC Vietnamese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

28.

THANDAR AUNG Myanmari

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

ZHAO, GANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

30.

HUANG, LIANG Chinese

31.

BYLT-AX SYSTEMS INC. U-303 3/f Vistamar Dive Center Bldg. 7805 Mayapis Cor. St. Paul Sts. San Antonio Makati City 61.

STJÄRNE, CARL JOAKIM Swedish

62.

MAK REN YI THOMASS Singaporean

PROJECT MANAGER

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 5th And 6th Floors, 8/10 Upper Mckinley Building Mckinley Hill Cyberpark Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 63.

LALL, AMIT Indian

DGM - TRANSITIONS

64.

LIN, YI-CHING Taiwanese

SENIOR PROCESS EXCUTIVE

CROWDPULSE INC. 3rd Floor Polar Center B Ldg. Edsa Cor. Cornell Brgy. Wack-wack Mandaluyong City 65.

MA, XIAOLI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CXLOYALTY PHILIPPINES, INC. 10f W Fifth Building 32nd St. Cor. 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 66.

GUERRERO NOVA, GUIOVANY Colombian

SPANISH CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST

DAXIFA CORPORATION Mpire Center 93 West Avenue Project 7 Bungad 1 Quezon City 67.

LYU, XINLIANG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

68.

SUN, HAO Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE

HUANG, LINENG Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

FAST PROCESSING DATA TECH INC. 747 N. Padilla St. 067 Bgy. 646 San Miguel Manila

32.

HUANG, KECHENG Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

69.

LIU, XING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

33.

LI, SHENGSI Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

70.

ZHONG, JIAXIONG Chinese

CHINESE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

34.

LIU, XIAOLIN Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

FLY ASIAN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Eighty One Newport Blvd. Newport City Va, Brgy. 183 Pasay City

35.

MENG, KEKE Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

36.

NAY MYO MIN Myanmari

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

37.

SUN, ZHONGWEI Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

38.

SUN, ZHEZHE Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

72.

MA, YA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

39.

WANG, JUWEI Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

73.

PAN, MIAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

40.

WU, JIXIANG Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

74.

SONG, XIAOWEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

WU, GUOWEI Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

75.

WANG, JIANGBO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

29.

41.

71.

HSIEH, KUN-TING Taiwanese

POSITION

NO.

XU, ZHENMIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

106.

77.

JESSICA Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE

78.

ROSTIYANI Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg. Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor Silver City 4, Ortigas East Ugong Pasig City 79.

80.

81.

82.

MARKETING CONSULTANT (MANDARIN SPEAKING CLIENTS)

FUXINGYING CAIYUN HENTONG, CORP. 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Floor Eton Ewestpod Chino Roces Avenue Cor. Yakal & Malugay Streets San Antonio Makati City

CAO, ZEHONG Chinese LI, ZIPENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

LONG, QILIN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

MA, QINGGUO Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

SHANG, JIAOLIAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

86.

HAN, MINGHUA Chinese

SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER FOR TARGET TRANSPORTATION NETWORK PLANNING AND MULTISERVICES CONVERGENCE FOR PLDT AND GLOBE PROJECT

INFOVINE INC. 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Brgy. 076 Pasay City

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

YANG, XIAOGANG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING ADMIN ASSOCIATE

107.

CHEN, CAIMEI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

108.

FU, LEI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

109.

HU, ZHIYUN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

110.

HUANG, WANZHONG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

111.

LI, YE Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

112.

LIN, SHUYUAN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

113.

LIU, YANGYANG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

114.

LIU, ZHIWEI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

115.

PENG, JUNSHENG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

116.

WANG, XIAOLI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

117.

XU, XINWANG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

118.

YANG, DAIZHI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

87.

GUO, KAI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

119.

ZHANG, RONGJIE Chinese

88.

LI, JIA Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

120.

ZHANG, HUI Chinese

89.

QIN, YIHUA Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

121.

ZHU, SHANSHAN Chinese

90.

QIU, CHUNJIA Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

91.

SHI, WENQI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

92.

XU, QIAO Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

93.

XU, PENGFEI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

94.

ZHANG, WUJUN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

95.

ZHANG, LINGZHI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

96.

ZHAO, JUN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

97.

ZHENG, PENGYUN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

98.

ZHU, GUOMI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

BUSINESS MANAGER FOR EUROPE MARKET

CHAN CHUN CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES CORPORATION L2b B8 Belvedere St. Doña Manuela Subd Pamplona Tres Las Piñas City

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

LU, LIYUAN Chinese

www.businessmirror.com.ph

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Floor Six West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

MINDSCAPE CREATIVES INC. Unit 19-o, Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City 122.

SHANG, LINGREN Chinese

MANDARIN TECHNICAL SUPPORT

123.

YUAN, KAI Chinese

MANDARIN TECHNICAL SUPPORT

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower C4 Rd. Edsa Ext. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 124.

CHEN, CHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

125.

CHONG HOCK HONG Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

126.

FENG, XIAOPING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

127.

GUO, JUNMING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

128.

HUANG, HAIXIA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

129.

HUANG, LIYING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

130.

JIANG, MEIXIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

131.

LI, GEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

132.

LI, JIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

133.

LIANG, JIAXIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

99.

YANG, WUMING Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

100.

WANG, WEI Chinese

QA(QUALITY ASSURANCE) SPECIALIST

134.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

101.

ZENG, WANNI Chinese

QA(QUALITY ASSURANCE) SPECIALIST

LIU, MINGJUAN Chinese

135.

PENG, ZHOU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

136.

PI, JINAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

137.

SHI, LINZHONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

138.

VO PHAN PHONG Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

139.

WAN, XIAOYONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

140.

WANG, LONGLI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

141.

WANG, CANHE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

142.

YANG, LEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

143.

YULONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

144.

ZHANG, WENBIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

145.

ZHAO, YANGYANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. U-608 Eastfield Ctr. Moa Comp. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 102.

WANG, ZHENXI Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg. #48 President Avenue Bf Homes Parañaque City 103.

KIM, MINSU South Korean

KOREAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

JONES LANG LASALLE (PHILIPPINES), INC. 19/f Nex Tower 6786 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City 104.

DRYLIE, STEVEN Chinese

REGIONAL WORKPLACE LEAD

LAN TIAN ZI XUN INC. Rm. 2510 25/f Zen Tower 1111 N.lopez St., 071 Bgy. 659 Ermita Manila 105.

CHEN, YANFANG Chinese

CHINESE IT SPECIALIST

LARKSPUR INC. 19/f Marco Polo Hotel Manila Sapphire Road Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City

www.businessmirror.com.ph

News BusinessMirror

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 A7

Leechiu: Office space demand slowly rising; BPOs still key takers

Per Leechiu, the BPO sector still accounts for much of the uptake in the property sector, and there is a discernible trend in going outside Metro Manila. FILE PHOTO FROM THE CONTACT CENTER ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILS.

By VG Cabuag @villygc

EECHIU Property Consultants on Monday said office space demand is slowly improving, but a chunk of these are still being taken up by business-process outsourcing firms, though locators are looking outside of Metro Manila. Office space take-up for the first quarter of the year hit 109,000 square meters, still down 31 percent from the previous year’s 158,000 square meters, but 22 percent higher than the previous quarter's 89,000 square meters. David Leechiu, the company's CEO, said there are still 266,000 square meters of live requirements by locators that will most likely be concluded this year. BPOs will take in some 88,000 square meters, while Philippine offshore gaming operators, which had no transactions since last year due to several issues, are seen to return with 31,000 square meters of possible expansion projects.

The company said for the first time in history, BPO take-up from the provinces accounted for 43 percent of the total back office take-up in the country. “Iloilo accounts for the biggest BPO takeup in the entirety of the Philippines with about 48,000 square meters worth of transactions,” the company said.

Improving confidence

Leechiu said the trend of decreasing contractions supported by quarter-on-quarter increases in office demand were signs of improving investor confidence. Meanwhile, vacancy rate across Metro Manila is at 11 percent,

amounting to 1.4 million square meters most of which are in Quezon City and in Ortigas. “But it is worth noting that the vacant spaces are spread or fragmented across 330 buildings. Of that total, only 40 buildings have vacancies larger than 10,000 squae meters,” the company said. The residential sector, on the other hand, is also bouncing back from its lowest point in 2020. “Recovery in the upper middle to luxury segment has been significant. In contrast, the stricter 2021 quarantine measures from March 29 to April 30 (MECQ) will most likely continue to affect demand in the mid-income and lower segments,” the company said. Capital values at the same time have remained steady as developers were quick to strategize on launching new projects to maintain market velocity, it said. Rents softened owing to the lockdowns and quarantine restrictions, but many unit owners have opted to leave their property idle rather than bring their rates down. “Investor sentiments will improve across all sectors in the next few months once a meaningful portion of the population is vaccinated towards the fourth quarter of 2021,” Leechiu said.

Rizal soon ‘reapportioned’ in 3 districts By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

HE second district of Rizal will be soon be divided into three separate districts even without a plebiscite, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The poll body issued the clarification after President Duterte signed into law Republic Act

11533 on March 25, 2021. In a Viber message, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the new law merely “reapportioned” the existing districts in Rizal. “So there will no need for a plebiscite,” Jimenez said. Under RA 11533, the new legislative district of Rizal will include Cardona, Tanay, and Baras, Morong, Jala-jala, Pililia and Teresa.

The new third district will be San Mateo, while the fourth district will have Rodriguez. Comelec is mandated to come out with the implementing rules and regulations of R A 11533 within 30 days after the effectivity of the new legislation. RA 11533 will become effective 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Makati posh villages to host five more vaccination sites

he Makati City government is set to open five more Covid-19 vaccination sites, today Tuesday. In a news statement on Monday, Mayor Abby Binay said that with the arrival of a new batch of vaccines from the national government, the additional sites will speed up the rollout to thousands of Makatizens who registered online for the Bakuna Makati program. The installation of equipment and materials for the vaccination sites have been completed. “Over the past weeks, we have put in place the necessary equipment and other logistical needs to

ensure the safety and convenience of both vaccinees and front-liners,” Binay said. These vaccination centers will be located at the covered courts of posh barangays Bel-Air, Forbes Park, San Lorenzo and Urdaneta. Another one is set up at the Asia Pacific College in Barangay Magallanes. Each vaccination registrant must wait for the confirmation message indicating the number, designated schedule, and assigned venue. Meanwhile, the Makati Health Department (MHD) deployed three vaccination teams per village to administer Sinovac jabs to senior residents.

An additional vaccination site at the Fort Bonifacio Elementary School in West Rembo will cater to the elderly residing in District 2. Makati targets to vaccinate around 155,000 senior citizens. Persons with comorbidities who registered online will continue to be served at the Makati Coliseum. Walk-in registrations are not allowed. "We reiterate that we will not accept walk-in residents. Entry to the vaccination site will only be granted to those who can present a valid confirmation number and text message confirming their schedules for the day," Binay reminded. PNA

A8 Tuesday, April 13, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

WFH is real work, WFH workers are regular workers

he authors of the Telecommuting Act in Congress, more popularly known as the Work-from-Home (WFH) law, probably never imagined that it would become the norm for many businesses the way it is now because of pandemic-induced lockdowns. Enacted back in December 2018, the law has allowed many businesses to continue operations and productivity with very minimal disruptions since quarantine measures were first imposed over a year ago. The government mandated the adoption of WFH arrangements in workplaces to every extent possible during the pandemic. While it kept the industries and the economy afloat, WFH has also exposed many workers to discrimination and labor violations, which both the Labor department and Congress should look into. After all, the pandemic is far from over and WFH arrangements would continue to impact business operations and workers for the foreseeable future. There have been many complaints from WFH workers who have been made to work longer hours without being duly compensated, like working beyond the normal eight hours a day without getting overtime pay, or working during weekends, days off and holidays without getting additional pay. Many WFH workers have had to pay for additional expenses like electricity consumption, necessary equipment and Internet connection out of their own pockets, without the additional income or reimbursements to cover said expenses. Other WFH challenges include increased stress and disturbed mental health. Spending time online, in front of a screen or even several screens beyond normal work hours, blurring the lines between work and personal life, are taking their toll on workers’ well-being. WFH has not been the dream experience many believe it is, and surely not the vacation the Palace spokesman once alluded to. It is real work, in many cases more tedious and more stressful. Most WFH workers just “grin and bear it” because they are afraid to complain, worried as they are about job security during the pandemic. They are confronted with news of layoffs and retrenchments every day. They feel they have no right to complain for as long as they still have a job. However, the Telecommuting Act or Republic Act 11165 clearly states that WFH workers should be treated like regular workers in offices or in the traditional setup. The law says WFH workers have the same rights as on-site workers. They are entitled to overtime pay, holiday pay, night differential and other monetary benefits. They have the right to rest days and leave benefits. They are covered by the same set of applicable rules and collective agreements like on-site workers. They should be given the same or comparable workload and performance standards as on-site workers. And they should have the same access to training and career development opportunities. In a nutshell, the law says WFH workers should be treated like the same workers who were reporting to their offices before this pandemic struck. Their status did not change when they were made to work from home. If they were paid overtime when they worked beyond eight hours before, if they were entitled additional payments when they worked during holidays, weekends and days off, then they should still be getting the same benefits now as WFH workers. The longstanding principle of “a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work” must be upheld. There should be no diminution of benefits. Already, some legislators are looking to amend the WFH law in order to incorporate the lessons learned from its implementation during the pandemic. Several bills have been filed to expand the coverage of the Telecommuting Act and provide incentives for WFH workers, which include tax exemptions for them and requiring employers to reimburse them for certain expenses incurred in order to telework, such as cell phone and high-speed Internet charges and necessary equipment purchases. These are all proposals worthy of consideration, the financial constraints on business notwithstanding. But even without further amendments, the law should be sufficient to ensure that WFH workers are treated fairly, that is, if it is properly implemented. Hence, the Labor department has to be stricter in implementing the WFH law. The pandemic has certainly gutted many businesses and continues to pose real challenges to those that have survived thus far against all odds. Still, employers should follow the law and not deprive WFH workers their rights and benefits. They should recognize WFH workers for their hard work and the contributions they have made to their respective businesses, logistical restrictions notwithstanding.

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THE Entrepreneur

he rising Covid-19 infections have overwhelmed our hospitals and exposed the vulnerability of our health-care system. But it is not too late to regain control of the situation.

We should invest in health-care infrastructure in an unprecedented way. Instead of hiding in our homes from the pandemic, we should start undertaking health care-focused measures to defeat Covid-19. Several factors explain why the Philippines has one of the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the Asia-Pacific region—which all the more necessitate that we focus on expanding our health-care infrastructure, instead of locking down the economy. The Philippines is a unique nation. More than 10 million Filipinos live or work overseas, remitting over $30 billion annually to their families. Our migrant workers account for about 10 percent of the national population, one of the highest in the world. Obviously, we could not just shut down our airports as thousands of OFWs move in and out of the country every day. By July this year, our population would exceed 110 million, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. A large population congregating in small areas is highly susceptible

to a virus outbreak, and we are now seeing this in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The Asian Development Bank has listed Metro Manila as the most congested among 278 urban areas in Developing Asia. Manila is considered the most densely populated city in the world, with over 40,000 residents per square kilometer. The congestion is even more pronounced in slum communities. The Philippine Statistics Authority has estimated that the population of the National Capital Region or Metro Manila will swell to nearly 14 million by July 2021. Surrounding provinces that were placed under the so-called NCR Plus bubble also have large populations, led by Cavite with 4.3 million. The population of Bulacan is projected to reach 3.7 million by July; Laguna, 3.4 million; and Rizal, 3.27 million. These areas have a combined population of nearly 30 million. It is not surprising that most new Covid-19 were recorded in these areas. While locking down these communities would certainly lead to a

Greed is good

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Senior Editors

Creative Director Chief Photographer

Time to build more hospitals

John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

aybe one of the reasons you are not rich—or richer—is because you are not greedy or greedy enough. “Greed” has gotten a bad reputation, in part because people like their ideas exceedingly simple, so they do not have to think too much. “Ambition” is good; “greed” is not. Historically, both words meant almost the same, with “greed” in Old English, Old Saxon, and Old Norse meaning “voracious, hungry, eager to obtain” especially wealth, power, or food. Ambition in Old French meant “a striving for favor, courting, flattery; a desire for honor, thirst for popularity.” The word is derived from the Latin ambitionem (nominative ambitio), which meant “a going around” particularly for politicians to solicit votes.

Greed for wealth bad: ambition for popularity good. We are told by the Catholic Church that St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Greed is a sin against God.” Except he did not. Aquinas wrote in Latin. What Aquinas actually wrote was “Avaritia est peccatum contra Deum.” From “avaritia” comes the word “avarice,” which even today means “excessive or insatiable desire.” In the Bible’s Luke 12:15, the modern translations all read something

slower transmission of the virus, it could never resolve the problem that might burst at the seams one day. No less than the National Economic and Development Authority said the enhanced community quarantine alone does not reduce cases. It simply buys time. A prolonged lockdown of the economy creates a lot of unemployed people, which may only exacerbate the problem and stifle the expected recovery of the economy. This is because the Philippines heavily relies on domestic consumption and investment. It is, thus, time to resort to health care-focused measures. The major reason cited by the government for declaring NCR and the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna under the enhanced community quarantine is the lack of hospital beds amid the influx of newly infected patients. It is heartbreaking to learn that many patients died while waiting for their beds in emergency rooms. This could have been avoided if we have more medical facilities. The government spent more than P200 billion for social amelioration program last year. It is allocating another P23 billion from the Bayanihan 2 for 22.9 million beneficiaries within the NCR Plus bubble this month. The combined amount of government cash aid could have built more than 223 hospitals with 22,300 beds. Neda has estimated that households in these areas would lose about P2.1 billion a day or nearly P30 billion under the two-week ECQ. The same amount could fund the construction of another 30 hospitals

Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko: “The point is...greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies. Greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge, has marked the upward surge in mankind.” Greed is not covetousness. like “Guard against every kind of greed.” However, the older and literal translations like the King James, Douay-Rheims, the Lamsa Bible, and the oldest—the Codex Sinaiticus— use the word “covetousness,” not greed, which means something different. From the Old French in the mid13th century, “covet” means “to desire or wish for excessively.” Translated from the Original Greek, Luke 12:15 reads: “And he said to them: Take heed and beware of all covetousness.” All the “Seven Cardinal Sins” —pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and sloth—are about

with 3,000 beds. If we build hundreds of new hospitals initially by transforming existing buildings to save time, quickly constructing new ones like China did last year, or deploying mobile hospitals, we could better manage the outbreak without resorting to shackling the economy. A hospital would never be a wasted investment, given the greying population that we have today. Another measure that we should consider is the massive testing of the population in the NCR Plus initially, and in other provinces eventually. Some experts recommend targeted testing, but this might not be enough anymore. The situation in the “NCR Plus” now suggests we need to conduct testing in every barangay because of the widespread community transmission. The US, for example, has conducted more than 400 million Covid-19 tests, exceeding its total population of 332 million. The Philippines has so far conducted only 10.5 million tests, or less than 10 percent of the population. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful that we will overcome this situation and restore our economy to lift millions of jobless Filipinos out of poverty. We should not be gripped and controlled by fear. We have to take action through health care-focused measures, like building new hospitals, massive testing and, of course, faster vaccine rollout.

For comments, e-mail mbv.secretariat@gmail. com or visit www.mannyvillar.com.ph.

excessive behaviors done too often. Is Manny Pacquiao greedy by being the first boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions? Is Michael Phelps greedy by holding the all-time record for Olympic gold medals? Maybe Lance Armstrong does qualify for “covetousness” for winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times using drugs. Greed, by the former definition of being hungry, makes you rich. Bill Gates is greedy. His objective was to have a computer on every desk and in every home running Windows. Now 76.56 percent of all computers do run Windows. Maybe Steve Jobs was “ambitious.” His mission statement for Apple in 1980 was: “To make a contribution to the world.” Elon Musk: “To accelerate sustainable energy by bringing massmarket electric cars to market as soon as possible.” Asia’s richest man, Reliance Power’s Mukesh Ambani: “To consistently enhance our competitiveness and deliver profitable See “Mangun,” A9

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

What are experts saying about miracle drugs?

Hallelujah! I got vaccinated Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

Lyca Balita

Onwards

o…does Ivermectin actually work against Covid-19? When there are doctors of medicine debating on whether or not a drug works against a virus, we non-medical experts suffer. Fake news was easier to handle, but conflicting expert opinions spread by attention-hungry reposters? Good luck to us.

In the early days of the pandemic, there was a surge of conflicting opinions on which side of the surgical mask should face outside—blue, white, or either side? There was a shortage of surgical masks back then, so many of us just stuck with N95 or cloth masks. Eventually, when the strange debate was over, we all just decided that the blue side would face out. Then there were debates on whether or not cloth masks, copper masks, and face shields actually worked against the virus, where each side had its own science to back up its respective arguments. Until today, these debates remain fully unsettled, although mostly, they have become irrelevant since these masks are worn anyway and face shields are mandatory, and more importantly, we have a new issue to distract ourselves with: Ivermectin. It’s easy to say, “Just do your own research.” But a quick Google search of ‘Does Ivermectin work against Covid-19’ reveals conflicting answers from news outlets, government agencies, and science journals. What are we supposed to believe when the reliable sources themselves debate on science, which is supposed to have a relative degree of certainty? Several experts claim that the drug Ivermectin worked on their own patients, while others claim that it does not work, and others reserve their opinions after more clinical trials are conducted someday. To add to the confusion, the FDA has granted compassionate special permits for the use of the drug on Covid-19 patients, but it is still illegal to distribute and market the drug. Meanwhile, there’s a whole other group claiming that this whole debate is a distraction to shift our focus away from the incompetence of those in charge, considering the thousands of new cases daily and the endless ECQ/ MECQ/GCQ/etc. that have become difficult to distinguish from one another. With all this, what are we supposed to believe? The situation is worsened when these debates reach those desperate for a cure or worse, for attention. Unverified “facts” and opinions flood group chats with claims from alleged foreign experts, web sites with strange domain names, and unnamed people who “got this message from another group chat.” Maybe these reposters mean well, but the result? Patients trying out the drug, business people taking advantage of the demand, and unprepared and confused officials punishing

Mangun. . .

Continued from A8

growth.” Jeff Bezos: “To build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.” Amancio Ortega of ZARA apparel: “Give customers what they want, and get it to them faster than anyone else.” Walmart Inc.’s corporate vision is, “Be THE destination for customers to save money, no matter how they want to shop.” American fastfood restaurant Subway: “Be the #1 Quick Service Restaurant franchise in the world.” Read again. “As soon as possible.” “Discover anything they might want to buy.” “Be THE destination.” “Be the #1.” “Deliver profitable growth.”

We can only hope that the experts work together to figure out an answer, while the government hopefully figures out how to manage the pandemic other than by imposing punishments and making announcements. In the meantime, for us nonmedical experts, maybe it’s best to hold off spreading unverified information while the experts themselves are still uncertain about what’s going on. those distributing the drug mostly because they aren’t quite sure what else to do. Meanwhile, random people argue about the drug in comments sections using sources without links for further reading or no source at all, where all these debates really just argue on the basis of ad hominem and who has the better grammar. Over a year into this pandemic and it’s the fake news era all over again, except fake news was verifiable, while this whole medical debate has our experts clawing at each other’s throats. It’s amazing that we have time for this, all things considered. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know enough about the issue to form an opinion” especially when we’re not experts in the first place. It’s also okay to change opinions upon learning new information. More importantly, it’s important to fact check long messages from unverified sources, especially when the message involves drugs that go inside people’s bodies. If the claim isn’t backed up, why share in the first place? If you’re unsure, why add to the confusion? The mask and face shield debates were relatively safer since at the end of the day everyone still agreed that at least a mask was necessary; there’s still protection there. But when it comes to drugs that are swallowed, we can’t just recklessly spread arguments and claims and non-expert opinions. We can only hope that the experts work together to figure out an answer, while the government hopefully figures out how to manage the pandemic other than by imposing punishments and making announcements. In the meantime, for us non-medical experts, maybe it’s best to hold off spreading unverified information while the experts themselves are still uncertain about what’s going on. For feedback, send an e-mail to lyca.balita@ gmail.com

“Faster than anyone else.” Listen to all those greedy people that want as much of the pie as they can work for. They are also rich. Warren Buffett once said that it is wise for investors to be “greedy when others are fearful,” and that is particularly true when others are fearful of being greedy. Wall Street (1987)—Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko: “The point is…greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies. Greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge, has marked the upward surge in mankind.” Greed is not covetousness. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 A9

o God be the glory! Finally, I received my first jab of Sinovac after a long, anxious wait. I was waiting for the AstraZeneca vaccine until the DOH and the DFA had cleared Sinovac for senior citizens last Wednesday. I jumped at the opportunity and asked our LGU through its Vaccination Operation Center in Cainta, Rizal to include me in the Sinovac list as I’m a senior citizen many times over with various comorbidities.

The medical officer checked my Senior Citizen ID and my maintenance medicines duly prescribed by my attending physician. Voila, I properly belong, no ifs and buts, to the Priority Group A2. Accompanied by my physician daughter, who also drove me to the Cainta One Arena Center first hour in the morning, I was No. 4 in the queue scheduled to receive our first shot of the vaccine. After registration and filling in the forms, a medical professional interviewed me and checked my temperature and BP. After being cleared, I proceeded to the vaccination area. Right after the shot, I went to the monitoring station where my BP, oxygen level and pulse were measured. After getting cleared by the doctor, I was advised to return four weeks later for my second dose and handed my vaccination card. I left for home feeling safe and happy with the thought that our LGU is working efficiently to serve its residents. It was a “jab” well done. Getting the precious shot in the arm should not give us a false sense of security. We should be wary of the so-called Peltzman Effect, named after the respected economist, Professor Sam Peltzman of the University

of Chicago. Basically, the Peltzman Effect states that “people are more likely to engage in risky behavior when security measures are mandated.” Peltzman cited the seat belt law, which was enacted to reduce the probability for car drivers and passengers to die in a car accident. But this did not actually happen. Instead, people, believing that there was safety in wearing a seat belt, drove a little recklessly causing more accidents and deaths on the road. Thus, well-intentioned government regulations, like mandating the Covid-19 vaccine, impact on people’s behavior because of safety perception resulting in greater risk. What it is telling us is that we should be more responsible and safety conscious after getting the vaccine. We should not lose sight of the fact that the vaccinated number constitutes only a very negligible portion of our population. The vast majority remains unprotected. Just about a million Filipinos have gotten vaccinated, with only a fraction of them receiving two doses. We are still lightyears away from achieving herd immunity. The vaccine is not a talisman that completely immunes us from the lethal effects of the virus. The vaccine is not a panacea to

Getting the precious shot in the arm should not give us a false sense of security. We should be wary of the so-called Peltzman Effect, named after the respected economist, Professor Sam Peltzman of the University of Chicago. Basically, the Peltzman Effect states that “people are more likely to engage in risky behavior when security measures are mandated.” this pandemic and we should not let our guard down. I am grateful to the LGU of Cainta for the vaccine roll out it is providing to its residents. Cainta is where my family chose to settle after living abroad for many years. It’s my kind of town—small, quiet, and still rustic in some parts—where you can buy the best native kakanin if your palate hankers for Filipino delicacies. No one disputes that it is the bibingka capital of the world. Cainta lies on the eastern fringes of Metro Manila. It’s a backwater compared to the adjacent Pasig City and the nearby cities of Mandaluyong and Taguig. His Honor, Mayor Kit Nieto, is a young and progressive executive who has transformed the town as a magnet for investors. Travel the stretch of Felix Avenue from Marcos Highway to Ortigas Extension and see for yourself how vastly improved Cainta has become under his leadership. There’s an influx of property developers, and commercial establishments have mushroomed all over the place. In 2016 and 2017, Cainta was chosen as the Most Competitive Municipality among all the first and second class municipalities in the Philippines by the National Competitive Council. It scored high in economic dynamism, infrastructure development and government effi-

ciency and governance. No wonder his constituents have overwhelmingly reelected Nieto in 2016 and 2019. Cainta is now the richest municipality in the entire country with an estimated annual income of P1.5 billion. Unfortunately, Mayor Nieto is now in his last term of office. His case offers the best argument against the maximum term limit. Attending to the health and social welfare of his constituents has been a top priority of Mayor Nieto and his supportive officials. To ensure effective and equitable roll out of the vaccine, the good mayor has set up a team that he leads with Don Mallari as the Project Head. He is ably assisted by Raymond Bolinao and Pijong de la Paz, as registration and venue heads, respectively. Dr. Ed Gonzaga leads the medical team. Close to 40 headcounts man the vaccination center. Cainta has a total population of 322,128 based on the 2015 census. As of April 9, the total number of registered seniors is 45,000, more or less. Approximately 4,200 have been inoculated since the roll out started three working days ago. Needless to say, the success of the vaccination program depends on the efforts and dedication of the LGU concerned. The national government, however, should provide all the necessary support, most particularly the supply of the vaccine. The deliveries committed by China, UK, India, Russia, Covax and other sources should start coming in to ensure the steady and continuous roll out of our vaccination program. My second dose will be due on May 6, 2021. Will my second Sinovac jab be available despite our government bombarding China with our diplomatic protests over the WPS controversy? Commercial transactions should be honored, instead of being politicized. I trust that the supply of the vaccine will not be weaponized by China for political ends.

New guidelines in the availment of tax treaty benefits Fulvio D. Dawilan

Tax Law for Business

he Bureau of Internal Revenue issued Revenue Memorandum Order 14-2021 (RMO 14-21) purportedly to streamline the procedures and documents in the availment of tax treaty benefits. This new RMO provides new guidelines and procedures in the availment of tax treaty reliefs, effectively repealing, superseding, and modifying the prior guidelines and procedures provided in RMO 30-2002, RMO 72-2010 (Guidelines on the Processing of Tax Treaty Relief Applications Pursuant to Existing Philippine Tax Treaties) and RMO 8-2017 (Procedure for Claiming Tax Treaty Benefits for Dividend, Interest and Royalty Income). One significant change introduced by the new RMO is the discontinuance of the submission of Certificate of Residence for Treaty Relief Form to avail of the preferential rates for dividends, interest and royalties. These types of income payments, together with other types of income paid to non-residents, which are entitled to tax exemptions or reduced tax rates based on applicable tax treaties, are now required to comply with this new RMO. The new RMO imposes on the nonresident taxpayer deriving income from sources within the Philippines and who intends to apply the reduced rates or tax exemptions available under tax treaties to accomplish the prescribed Application Form for Treaty Purposes (BIR Form 1901) and secure Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from the tax authority of its country of residence. These documents must be submitted to its income payor or withholding agent prior to the payment of income for the first time. In case of failure of the non-resident to provide the said documents, the income payor may disregard the treaty rate and apply the regular rates prescribed under the domestic tax law. Apparently, the submission of the accomplished BIR Form 1901 and TRC to the withholding agent does

not oblige the latter to apply the tax rates based on the tax treaty. The withholding agent may use the income tax/final withholding tax rate provided in the treaty or still apply the rate based on the Tax Code. The rate used by the income payor will determine the next step for the availment of the tax exemption or reduced treaty rate. In case the treaty rate is applied, the withholding agent shall file with the International Tax Affairs Division of the BIR a request for confirmation on the propriety of the withholding tax rates applied on the income payment made. This shall be filed by the withholding agent any time after the payment of withholding tax, but shall in no case be later than the last day of the fourth month following the close of each taxable year. On the other hand, if the regular rate is imposed by the withholding agent, it shall be the responsibility of the nonresident recipient of the income to file an application for tax treaty relief with ITAD. This may be done any time after the receipt of income. And whether a request for confirmation is filed by the withholding agent or a TTRA is filed by the income recipient, the filing shall be supported by documents prescribed by the new RMO. Incidentally, in addition to the modification of the procedures, new

Rulings favored the taxpayers, emphasizing on the fact that “it is an imposition that is not found at all in the applicable tax treaties.” Is the subsequent confirmation or application or subsequent application for TTRA found in the treaties?

documentary requirements had also been added and some of the previously required documents were modified. Let me reserve my comment on these modified procedures and documentary requirements for the future articles in this column. In the meantime, let’s review whether there should even be a need for confirmation or application for TTRA in the first place. As stated in the background for the issuance of this new RMO, the availment of treaty benefits has always been an issue, and added that it had been subjected to varying interpretations after the pronouncement made by the Supreme Court in the Deutsche Bank AG Manila Branch v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (GR 188550, August 19, 2013—the “Deutsche Case”). Indeed, the requirement for the filing of a TTRA with the tax authority before one can apply the exemptions or preferential tax rates based on tax treaties had always been an issue. I, however, don’t agree that the Deutsche Case resulted in more varying interpretations. It had in fact settled the issue. It is true that the case did not categorically state that a tax treaty relief application is not required for the enjoyment of tax treaty benefits. It did, however, rule against the requirement at that time for the filing of an application before the transaction. Hence, a prior application is not a requisite for the enjoyment of treaty benefits. As to whether an application may be required while the transaction is ongoing or after its completion, there was no specific pronouncement to that effect. The facts of that case showed that there was a subsequent

application by the taxpayer. Yet there was no declaration by the Court that the subsequent application was needed for the entitlement to the treaty benefit. Had there been a statement to that effect, then, rightfully, the implication would be that an application is required, but which could be done at any stage of the transaction. In my view, the more important message in the Deutsche Case is the declaration that the outright denial of tax treaty relief is not in harmony with the objectives of the contracting state to ensure that the benefit granted under the treaties is enjoyed by the person entitled to it. It is the requirement itself that the Court ruled as not necessary for one to enjoy the benefit, as the treaties do not provide such requirement. This must be read in relation to the Court’s statement that the tax authority must not impose additional requirements that would negate the availment of the reliefs provided for under international agreements. Certainly, any failure to file TTRA or a confirmation of an availment already made, before, during, or after the transaction does not violate a requirement in tax treaties. And to the view that there had been varying interpretations after the Deutsche Case, perhaps referral to the Courts’ subsequent applications of the case is noteworthy. Rulings favored the taxpayers, emphasizing on the fact that “it is an imposition that is not found at all in the applicable tax treaties.” Is the subsequent confirmation or application or subsequent application for TTRA found in the treaties? The author is the Managing Partner of DuBaladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a member-firm of WTS Global. The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at fulvio.dawilan@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 loc 310.

A10 Tuesday, April 13, 2021

‘Some MSMEs remain closed until end-April amid MECQ’

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

HE lockdown measures, despite the recent easing, have proven to be a burden for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) noting that some have decided to halt operations until the end of April. Talking to MSMEs, DTI found out that many opted to suspend operations for this entire month, seeking to hopefully jumpstart their business once lockdown measures become less restrictive, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a radio interview on Monday. The government on Sunday eased the lockdown protocols in National Capital Region (NCR) Plus—Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna—from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to modified ECQ (MECQ) until April 30. “Base sa nak ausap naming MSMEs, lalo na dito sa restaurant industry, talagang sabi ho nila, marami sa kanila, magsasara na lang muna hanggang April (Based on our discussions with MSMEs, especially the restaurant industry, many of them said they would remain closed in April),” Lopez said. These restaurants decided to shut down temporarily despite being permitted to operate under MECQ, Lopez said.

According to MECQ guidelines, outdoor dine-in and take-out deliveries are allowed. This poses concerns for those restaurants without outdoor dining capacity, especially if they are located inside a mall, Lopez said, noting that indoor dining is not permitted under MECQ. Under MECQ, the establishments not allowed to operate include theaters, cinemas, internet cafes, amusement parks, casinos, libraries, museums and beauty salons, among others. Lopez has yet to reply to a query on how many MSMEs exactly opted to close temporarily until the end of April. Meanwhile, the Trade chief recalled that more businesses had been resuming operations when the country shifted to general community quarantine, which is more permissive in terms of mobility compared to ECQ and MECQ. In a survey conducted from January 28 to February 10, the number of businesses that have stopped

LOPEZ: “Based on our discussions with MSMEs, especially the restaurant industry, many of them said they would remain closed in April.”

operations during pandemic has gone down to 4.6 percent. Lopez, in an earlier statement, said that the figure peaked last year at 34.2 percent. It went down to 10 percent in October and further declined to 5 percent by November last year. But the recent figure is seen to have worsened with the recent imposition of ECQ, Lopez said. DTI has yet to release an updated survey.

Finex, MAP weigh in

While the business sector welcomed the easing of lockdown measures, two private groups emphasized the need for the government to step up their Covid-19 response amid heightened number of cases. “We are glad that the ECQ has been modified to MECQ as it means that more industries can re-open and more employees can go back to work,” Financial Executives In-

stitute of the Philippines (Finex) said in a statement on Monday. But the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said that Covid-19 cases remain at “alarming” levels amid nearly filled hospital occupancy rates with the recent shift to less restrictive lockdown protocols. “We hope the government ensures that reopening is accompanied by strengthening of containment measures,” MAP National Issues Committee Chairperson Rizalina Mantaring told the BusinessMirror. Both business groups stressed that contract tracing should be improved while healthcare facilities get needed support amid surging Covid-19 cases. Mantaring suggested that the country also “augment our healthcare workers with medical personnel from areas where there are low case counts, and even military medical personnel.” Mantaring and Finex President Francisco ED. Lim agreed that the vaccination procurement and logistics should be streamlined to speed up the inoculation program. Meanwhile, the MAP official said the government might also need to consider reallocating funds for additional aid to the vulnerable sectors, as well as the struggling businesses. “We reiterate that lockdown should not be the primary tool to address the pandemic. Continued lockdown will aggravate the damage to the economy and cause continued pain and suffering to our people,” Lim said.

INVESTING IN HEALTH COULD HAVE SPARED PHL BILLIONS IN LOSSES By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

OVERNMENT spending that is not directed toward boosting the country’s health capacity may do more harm than good, according to an economist from the University of the Philippines. UP School of Economics Professor Toby Melissa C. Monsod said the government should concentrate on boosting the country’s health capacity. Based on the findings of her recent study, the lockdowns were not the reason for the contraction of economic growth last year but the country’s lack of capacity to detect and respond to the pandemic, Monsod pointed out. “If Covid-19 is not first wellcontained, then government spending aimed at other things may not matter for economic recovery and could even make things worse,” Monsod said in her opening remarks at the “Covid-19 in the Philippines: What are the Scenarios for the Next 12 Months? “The implication is clear. Health system capacity must be prioritized over and above other types of spending including Build, Build, Build spending,” she added. Monsod said, however, that the 2021 budget does not reflect this priority since the budget of the Department of Health (DOH) was reduced. This, while the infrastructure budgets for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and

Department of Transportation (DOTr) were increased. Investing in health capacity should be a priority moving forward since, Monsod said, the lack of investments in this sector 20 years ago, could have saved the country billions. Based on her research, Monsod said, if the government in the 2000s only invested in laboratories, economic growth would not have plunged to 9.6 percent last year.

P700B could have been saved

“Better prepared laboratory systems, coming into the crisis, could have saved up to 3.6 percentage points in lost GDP growth forecasted in 2020. What does this mean? This is equivalent to about P700 billion,” Monsod said. “So if we had just done our homework, when everyone was doing that homework in the early 2000s, and if we had listened to our own experts that we had to be better prepared for emerging outbreaks, perhaps we would not have suffered such a contraction in the economy,” she added. The lack of capacity is reflected not only in the number of Covid-19 cases nationwide but also in other indicators.

Face shields

Epidemiologist John Q. Wong said in the same webinar that the country still has poor compliance with wearing face shields, making more people in danger of contracting the disease. Continued on A2

Senators, producers step up warnings on pork industry crisis By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

EN. Panfilo Lacson, taking up the cudgels for over 80,000 Filipino businessmen and workers relying on the local hog industry, asked President Duterte on Monday to take back his Executive Order 128 lowering the tariff on imported pork even as government moved to raise the limit on pork importations. In a marathon hearing that several senators attended in person, the lawmakers also grilled Department of Agriculture (DA) officials on the basis for their twin recommendations—later endorsed by Cabinet-level committees to the President—to reduce tariffs and expand imports in order to stabilize supply and prices, over warnings from many sectors that this would compound the woes of local hog producers already ravaged by the African Swine Fever (ASF). The warnings of the impending collapse of the local hog sector, earlier estimated at worth P300 billion, were repeated by resource persons from the producers, namely, Rosendo So of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) and Nicanor Briones of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, Inc. This, after the chairman of the Agriculture committee, Sen. Cynthia Villar, expressed serious misgivings over the basis for the huge volume—400,000 metric tons of pork to be allowed in under the minimum access volume (MAV), and sought an explanation from Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

Presiding over the Committee of Whole hearing on food security on Monday, Senate President Vicente Sotto III wondered aloud, “why lower the tariff? Sa bulsa punta nyan [That will just line their pockets].” He was apparently referring to the huge profits that traders have already been getting from their big markup on their imports; as well as allegations raised by Lacson of a possible “tongpats” [kickback] system in the grant of import quotas. “It is mind-boggling. How were they able to convince the President to bring down tariff despite the backlash? Were the industry consulted?” the Senate leader asked. Villar asked Dar to explain why he recommended 400,000 metric tons for MAV, when he knew very well that only 20-30 percent of pork imports are “good meat” and the rest are offals, used widely by meat processors. Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon was also skeptical of the import volume increase from 100,000 metric tons to 400,000 metric tons, noting that Secretary Dar had previously endorsed 54,000 minimum access volume. Secretary Dar told senators the matter was taken up by the Cabinet and the final recommendation to the Tariff Commission. Sotto also cited reports that “at least 847 sanitary phytosanitary import clearance (SPS-IC) were issued to non-existent” trading companies, even as probers were asked to look into “questionable backgrounds of pork importers granted SPS-IC permits.” See “Senators,” A2

The symbol of the crescent moon is arranged by Abdul Manan Lucas, chairman of the Peace and Order Muslim and Christian Association in Parañaque City Mosque on Monday (April 12, 2021), a day before the start of Ramadan, the Holy Month for Muslims. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, engaging in any sexual activity, and committing sinful acts from daybreak to dusk. NONIE REYES

Comelec extends voter listing suspension till April 30 By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

OTER registration in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its surrounding areas will remain suspended this month even after the government eased quarantine restrictions in the area. The Commission on Elections opted to extend the suspension of voter registration in the NCR Plus, which includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna,

while it remains under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until April 30. The poll body said a similar suspension will be in effect in Abra, Quirino, and Santiago City (Isabela), which are also under MECQ until April 30. “The Comelec Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) in Intramuros, Manila will be open to applicants with urgent travel needs only during the MECQ period. OFOV may be reached via its official Facebook page (fb.com/

overseasvotingph)and email addresses (overseasvoting@comelec. gov.ph or ov.concerns@comelec.gov. ph),” Comelec said in an advisory on Monday. In other areas in the country that are under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ (MGCQ), Comelec said voter registration will continue from Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm. Comelec started suspending voter registration in NCR Plus on March 29, 2021 after it was placed

under ECQ as Covid-19 cases surged, overhwelming health care facilities. The area was placed under MECQ effective April 12 after the government was able to put up additional hospital beds as well as isolation and quarantine facilities for Covid-19 patients. Comelec expects an additional 4 million qualified voters before the deadline of the registration on September 3, 2021, to participate in the 2022 national and local elections.

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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Eagle Cement income falls by 44% due to restrictions

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

agle Cement Corp. on Monday said its net income plunged 44 percent to P3.4 billion last year from the previous P6 billion, as its operations were temporarily halted at the height of the lockdown in 2020. The company’s operations were also sluggish throughout 2020. Net sales last year fell 30 percent to P13.9 billion, from the previous year’s P19.8 billion. For the second semester of 2020, the company generated net sales of

about P8 billion, 14 percent lower compared with P9.3 billion in the same period in 2019, but higher compared with the first half. “The halting of our operations due to pandemic-related restrictions took a hit on our results in the first

half of 2020, but the remaining half proved that we are well-positioned to bounce back. We saw improvement in our volume and we are able to bring down our production cost in 2020,” Eagle Cement President and CEO Paul Ang said. “We will continue to work on aggressive marketing and better pricing strategies for this year and this will be complemented by focusing on cost control initiatives in our operations, which will enable us to deliver better returns in 2021.” He said the company continues to formulate and execute strategies that will keep Eagle Cement competitive. “We are hopeful for the ongoing national vaccination program and are eager to see all industries recover. We are prepared to cater to the mar-

ket’s demand now and in the future with our expansion underway. Despite the pandemic, we also remain committed to uphold our corporate values for all of our stakeholders and extend help to them wherever possible.” The company’s expansion in Bulacan, with its fifth finish mill, third pack house and other supporting facilities, is nearly complete and will be operational by the second quarter of 2021, it said. This expansion will increase the company’s production capacity by 1.5 million metric tons (MMT), bringing its total annual cement capacity to 8.6 MMT, which will give Eagle Cement the distinction of having the largest cement plant in the Philippines.

FDC net income down 29% in 2020 F

ilinvest Development Corp. (FDC), the holding firm of the Gotianun Group, on Monday said its attributable net income fell 29 percent last year to P8.5 billion from the previous P12 billion, as its units were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Revenues and other income declined 15 percent to P72 billion from the previous year’s P84.3 billion, as its property business contracted while its banking unit had provisioned higher expenses on probable loan losses. “Some businesses took a harder hit but other businesses continued to deliver solid performances,” FDC President and CEO Josephine Gotianun-Yap said. East West Bank delivered a net income contribution to the group of P6.4 billion, equivalent to 46 percent of FDC’s bottom line. The property business, composed of the real estate and hospitality segments, delivered a combined P5.3 billion or 38 percent

of total, the power subsidiary contributed P1.9 billion in net income or 14 percent of total, while the balance of 2 percent came from other businesses. “Coming from a landmark year in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic brought an unexpected pause to our 2020 plans. Our immediate response was to work closely with the public and private sectors to mobilize resources towards the primary concern of health care, testing and community assistance to avert the crisis. We then shifted our gears in our business operations and quickly adjusted and innovated to adapt to the circumstances,” Yap said. East West Bank delivered a net income contribution to the group of P6.5 billion in 2020, 4 percent higher than the P6.2 billion in 2019, driven by higher trading gains and higher margins resulting from the low interest rate environment that consequently lowered funding costs. Real estate units Filinvest Land Inc. and Filinvest Alabang Inc. con-

tributed P6 billion in net income to the group in 2020, lower by 29 percent from the previous year as the residential segment was affected by lower sales take-up, completion delays and the grace period granted to the homebuyers during the strict lockdown period which delayed real estate sales recognition. The power subsidiary, FDC Utilities Inc. registered a 23-percent decline in net income to P1.9 billion in 2020 from P2.5 billion in 2019. Revenues declined by 17 percent to P8.5 billion as volume contracted by 24 percent following lower demand from its customers especially during the second quarter. The lower volume was offset by the 10-percent increase in average price to P5.73 per kilowatt hour. The earlier easing of lockdowns in Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, where its 405-megawatt circulating fluidized bed coal thermal plant is located, has helped improve the situation but energy demand has yet to

get back to pre-Covid levels even in the Mindanao region. Hotel operations under Filinvest Hospitality Corp. were the most affected by the pandemic in the group. Hotel operations posted a revenue decline of 63 percent to P1.2 billion in 2020, as occupancy rates dropped across the properties, leading to a net loss of P731 million. Some five out of the six hotels and resorts under the Filinvest group’s portfolio remained in operation throughout 2020 but on very limited basis due to the travel and mobility restrictions. Crimson Boracay temporarily ceased operations while the entire island of Boracay was on lockdown. The easing of domestic tourism outside of Metro Manila has been helping lift turnover at Crimson Boracay and Crimson Mactan. The company’s portfolio of six managed properties has approximately 1,800 rooms under the Crimson and Quest brands. VG Cabuag

SMC opens Cebu Pacific, AirAsia to fly only essential travelers 2 Skyway C Extension lanes

an Miguel Corp. (SMC) said on Monday it has opened two of three lanes of the Skyway Extension project’s northbound section, providing motorists with free toll “until further notice.” Ramon S. Ang, the company’s president, said the 4-kilometer section from Susana Heights to Sucat in Parañaque was opened after the structural completion and asphalt-laying done last month. “I am proud to announce to motorists from the south that finally, our long-awaited Skyway Extension northbound section is open. Our long-term solution to addressing traffic particularly on Slex heading to the Alabang area has finally been realized,” Ang said. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar welcomed this development, saying that this will help in decongesting major roads in Metro Manila, especially Edsa. “The completion of the northbound section of Skyway Extension is testament to what the government and the private sector can achieve together. We are confident that by 2022, President Duterte’s promise of decongesting Edsa will come into fruition,” Villar said. The northbound section provides a direct link to the elevated Skyway System for motorists coming from provinces like Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite as it allows them to bypass the Alabang viaduct, reducing congestion in the area. From Slex, they can go directly to their destinations like Makati, Manila, Quezon City up to the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex), via SMC’s new Skyway Stage 3. Lorenz S. Marasigan

ebu Pacific said on Monday that it will continue to operate its domestic and international flights as scheduled despite the decision of the government to place the National Capital Region (NCR) under modified enhanced community quarantine from April 12 to 30. The country’s largest domestic carrier said, “only essential travel is allowed in and out of Manila during this time.” Cebu Pacific said passengers who wish to postpone their flights and those traveling for non-essential reasons may select their preferred option through the Manage Booking portal on the Cebu Pacific website (http://bit.ly/CEBmanageflight) up to 2 hours before their scheduled time of departure: n Unlimited Rebooking - Rebook as many times as needed at no additional cost, following CEB’s permanent removal of change fees. A minimal fare difference may apply; and n Two-year Travel Fund - Store the amount in a virtual CEB wallet valid for 2 years and use this to either book a new flight or pay for add-ons (e.g. baggage allowance, seat selection, etc.). Before going to the airport, the airline urged passengers to check the real-time status of flights on its website along with travel requirements, safety protocols, and frequently asked questions. “Passengers are advised to update their contact details via bit.ly/CEBUpdateInfo to receive email notifications on flight reminders and updates.”

AirAsia advisory

AirAsia on Monday reminded its guests

that only essential travel will be allowed until April 30 following the government’s announcement downgrading NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal) to MECQ. All other domestic flights to and from Manila will continue to operate subject to compliance with local government unit (LGU) restrictions on frequencies and capacity. Guests traveling to Region 6 from NCR+, Cebu City and Davao City are likewise informed of the imposition of the temporary travel restriction beginning April 13 to April 19, as approved by the National Task Force Against COVID-19. During this period, AirAsia said it will be flying once weekly from Caticlan to Manila to assist stranded leisure travelers who wish to fly home from the island of Boracay. Meanwhile, guests traveling to Puerto Princesa City will be limited to Government Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR). The inbound suspension for all other guests will be in place until April 19. Essential Travelers and Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR) include the following: n Health/emergency frontline personnel; n Government officials and frontline personnel; n Duly authorized humanitarian assistance actors; n Persons traveling for medical/humanitarian reasons; n Persons going to the airport for travel abroad; n Persons crossing zones for work

or business permitted in the zone of destination, and going back home; and n Returning or repatriated OFWs and other Overseas Filipinos returning to their places of residence. AirAsia guests and persons transporting them to and from the airport are also exempted from the 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew. With travel plans being fluid during the current pandemic, AirAsia offers enhanced flexibility options for guests to manage their flights. AirAsia is offering provisions for guests who wish to make changes to their flights in line with the new developments following the Philippine government’s latest directive. Non-essential travelers coming from and going to Manila with existing flight bookings with a departure date from March 22 to April 30 can move their flight from May 1 until June 30 and will be able to select from a range of extended flexibility options for future travel. Options available for guests with flight bookings cancelled by the airline are detailed below: n Unlimited flight changes: Change to any new travel date before June 30 on the same route for an unlimited number of times without any additional cost, subject to seat availability; or n Credit account: Retain the value of the flight booking in the guest’s AirAsia BIG Member account for future travel with AirAsia to be redeemed within 730 calendar days (2 years) from the issuance date. The travel date of the new booking can fall on any date within the published flight schedule on airasia.com. Recto L. Mercene

44 local energy service companies register with DOE By Lenie Lectura @llectura

he Department of Energy (DOE) has registered 44 Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and is hoping that more would sign up with the agency. An ESCO is a business enterprise that develops, installs, and finances projects designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce operations and maintenance costs for its customers’ facilities. These generally act as project developers for a wide range of tasks and assume the technical and performance risk associated with the project. They provide much needed power engineering expertise, enabling power investors to concentrate more on their core business. The ESCOs also assist in budget stabilization, reducing risks in the market while implementing energy efficiency improvements. According to Energy Undersecretary Jesus Cristino Posadas, the role of ESCOs is considered essential especially at this point in the implementation of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EE&C). “Some may view this is a burgeoning industry within the energy sector, where at the moment we have 44 registered ESCOs that have shown their enthusiasm in promoting EE&C projects and practices across the country and we expect to have more ESCO applications once the potential in energy efficient projects are realized. It is our sincere hope that our ESCOs do not lose sight of the vision of having fully compliant and energy efficient industries leading the country to economic recovery and prosperity,” he said during the Energy Efficiency Day 2021 meeting. Republic Act 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act was signed into law in May 2019. Since the passing of this law, the DOE has collaborated with other government agencies to stimu late investment particularly in the use of energy efficient technologies in designated establishments. The culmination of DOE’s partnership with t he Boa rd of Investments (BOI) will be in the finalization of the Department Circular on the recommendation of Energy Efficiency Projects to the BOI, which will be held later this week. “We have seen that with any EE&C government-initiated program in other countries, the government has taken the lead by granting fiscal and non-fiscal incentives alike. The BOI has determined a healthy income tax holiday (ITH) must be put in place to lower the cost of capita l-intensive projects especially when done at a time of a worldwide economic slump,” said Posadas. He added that the DOE has launched an ongoing national information campaign meant to encourage Filipinos to practice EE&C measures. “We are also encour-

aging the private sector to take the necessary steps in enjoying the full benefit of becoming the early adopters of EE&C projects. As pioneers, you stand to reap greater rewards especially in terms of immediate lowered operational costs and the possibility of short term cost recovery for upgrading systems with energy efficient technology. In addition to this, industry wide participation can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions especially when done at a large scale,” said the DOE official. In the draft circular, energy efficiency projects must be certified by the DOE and registered with the BOI. These projects include installation of equipment or system for new construction facility, plant or establishments; and retrofit projects that shall involve the installation of equipment, devices or system. Other projects include: modifications or expansions of an existing plant, facility or establishment that shall involve the installation of equipment, devices or system; ventures of which energy savings and project cost must meet the minimum project boundary as prescribed under the DOE Circular; pioneering energy efficiency projects for new construction facility, plants or establishments subject to Article 17 of Executive Order 226 or the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987; and energy efficiency projects that are initiated by ESCOs. For energy efficiency projects to be endorsed for BOI incentives, these must be “able to meet the minimum 15-percent boundary and a minimum project investment cost of P10 million.” According to the DOE, “the 15-percent boundary refers to the absolute value of energy savings computed from the reference energy consumption to the new consumption or after the efficiency project has been installed and on its full commercial operation.”

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

April 12, 2021

Net Foreign Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Stocks Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND IREMIT MEDCO HLDG NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

103.1 82.2 22.95 7.69 9.78 44.65 10.2 22.05 22.95 55.15 17 121.7 70 1.77 3.94 3.14 7.49 1.52 0.405 0.74 146 2,300 0.98

103.5 82.85 23 8.45 9.79 44.7 10.84 23.4 23.05 56.3 17.5 122 70.05 1.78 3.95 3.26 8.85 1.53 0.42 0.79 146.4 2,340 1.03

101.5 82.55 23.05 7.89 9.74 44.75 10.6 22.05 23.55 56.5 17.5 122.9 71.1 1.65 3.97 3.27 7.51 1.5 0.44 0.79 144.3 2,340 1.03

103.6 82.85 23.05 8.45 9.82 45 10.6 22.05 23.6 56.5 17.5 123 71.1 1.78 3.98 3.27 7.52 1.54 0.44 0.79 146 2,400 1.03

101.5 82.2 22.9 7.89 9.74 44.5 10.2 22.05 23 55.1 17.5 121.1 70 1.64 3.95 3.14 7.49 1.42 0.4 0.73 143.2 2,340 1.03

103.5 82.85 23 8.45 9.78 44.7 10.2 22.05 23 55.1 17.5 122 70.05 1.77 3.95 3.14 7.49 1.53 0.42 0.78 146 2,350 1.03

2,805,160 1,422,550 48,900 1,900 138,700 2,950,700 406,400 26,600 882,800 380 1,400 257,660 1,250 2,164,000 233,000 20,000 2,100 342,000 170,000 170,000 23,940 20 11,000

288,192,703 117,718,766.50 1,124,195 15,057 1,359,376 132,053,030 4,306,496 586,530 20,350,500 21,386 24,500 31,429,149 87,604 3,762,940 922,440 63,970 15,767 503,180 71,600 127,220 3,449,558 47,200 11,330

INDUSTRIAL

AC ENERGY ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO MANILA WATER PETRON PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER VIVANT AGRINURTURE AXELUM CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR MAXS GROUP MG HLDG SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VICTORIAS CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CEMEX HLDG DAVINCI CAPITAL EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP HOLCIM MEGAWIDE PHINMA TKC METALS VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA EUROMED MABUHAY VINYL PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR IONICS PANASONIC SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG

7.74 1.25 23.85 1 31 67.75 282 15.02 3.3 3.81 12 20.5 10.74 14.02 7 3.45 13.22 18.62 9.68 7.17 10.38 67.5 0.62 1.37 53 179.7 31.95 5.92 0.345 7.23 1.12 1.5 0.14 137.3 0.86 2.26 55.6 60 1.19 3.26 11.2 7.3 5.56 6.8 12.2 1.19 2.42 1.85 2.04 4.6 5.28 21.3 3.99 11.08 1.12 5.76 1.4 6.4

7.75 1.27 23.95 1.01 31.05 68.5 282.2 15.06 3.32 3.9 12.28 20.55 10.76 14.58 7.03 3.47 13.88 18.64 9.8 7.2 10.4 67.85 0.63 1.38 53.05 180 32.95 6.02 0.35 7.25 1.13 1.54 0.141 137.5 0.87 2.31 58 68.8 1.2 3.27 11.68 7.36 5.57 6.82 12.28 1.2 2.44 1.86 2.09 4.62 5.59 21.45 4 11.12 1.14 5.85 1.41 6.41

7.64 1.25 23.8 1.03 31 69.2 281 15.2 3.16 3.9 11.62 20.35 10.74 14.86 7.15 3.4 13.22 18.68 9.6 7.2 10.1 66 0.64 1.42 51.95 180 32.9 6 0.335 7.22 1.12 1.5 0.144 138.6 0.83 2.26 55 59.05 1.22 3.39 10.9 7.32 5.55 6.99 12.28 1.17 2.42 1.87 2.04 4.6 5.25 21.45 4.01 11.34 1.16 5.75 1.42 6.35

7.77 1.27 24.2 1.04 31.1 69.95 283 15.2 3.35 3.9 12.3 20.5 10.8 14.86 7.15 3.5 13.22 18.76 9.88 7.29 10.4 68.45 0.64 1.42 53.05 182.1 32.9 6.14 0.345 7.23 1.15 1.5 0.144 140.1 0.89 2.26 56 59.1 1.22 3.4 11.68 7.38 5.6 6.99 12.3 1.2 2.53 1.88 2.1 4.62 5.64 21.5 4.06 11.34 1.16 5.76 1.44 6.42

7.6 1.25 23.8 1 30.9 67.6 280 14.98 3.16 3.81 11.62 20.3 10.74 13.9 7 3.4 13.22 18.6 9.6 7.16 10.08 65.35 0.62 1.37 51.95 178.1 32.9 5.92 0.33 7.22 1.08 1.5 0.14 136.4 0.83 2.26 55 59.05 1.18 3.27 10.9 7.3 5.55 6.72 12.2 1.16 2.4 1.82 2.03 4.6 5.25 21.3 3.92 10.8 1.12 5.75 1.38 6.32

7.74 1.27 23.95 1.01 31.05 67.75 282.2 15.06 3.32 3.9 12.28 20.5 10.76 14.58 7.03 3.45 13.22 18.64 9.68 7.2 10.4 67.5 0.63 1.38 53 179.7 32.9 5.92 0.345 7.23 1.13 1.5 0.141 137.3 0.87 2.26 56 59.1 1.19 3.27 11.6 7.36 5.56 6.8 12.3 1.19 2.42 1.86 2.1 4.62 5.28 21.3 4 11.08 1.14 5.76 1.41 6.4

22,259,500 286,000 1,643,900 38,821,000 328,300 105,900 119,360 1,394,100 1,301,000 86,000 17,300 886,100 309,600 5,600 88,100 2,089,000 300 1,165,100 149,100 448,700 574,000 266,100 58,000 7,530,000 211,350 361,320 149,600 447,000 12,120,000 73,800 8,193,000 1,000 3,800,000 1,261,340 12,405,000 3,000 2,490 330 2,356,000 3,229,000 33,700 562,600 114,100 1,065,400 40,300 397,000 8,460,000 676,000 79,000 10,000 1,200 5,400 13,931,000 539,100 31,000 700 671,000 802,100

1,236,706 -25,341,807.50 -211,180 -241,020 -44,684,720 -38,850 -17,000,075 -12,865,369 -55,363 -1,650 -8,500 -94,440 1,659,070 11,750 -

171,829,544 359,890 39,382,005 39,499,130 10,183,465 7,264,827 33,610,008 20,967,560 4,284,570 334,050 210,750 18,134,610 3,334,966 79,802 623,035 7,232,980 3,966 21,751,842 1,449,098 3,233,793 5,906,150 17,991,922 36,490 10,400,830 11,171,761 65,118,463 4,921,840 2,697,667 4,123,050 533,463 9,079,950 1,500 535,690 173,269,799 10,730,020 6,780 139,050 19,487 2,810,390 10,701,730 380,762 4,130,088 634,352 7,306,164 495,100 471,090 20,832,660 1,246,240 161,800 46,070 6,461 115,895 55,766,490 5,910,546 35,090 4,028 945,280 5,115,294

-6,211,380 -15,547,645 -1,631,450 1,155,210 -5,229,650.50 269,286 -6,863,014 387,260 -38,550 -532,965 8,594 5,577 -525,000 -2,865,314 -41,710 -550,349 70,666 -468,867 20,700 10,203,576 -4,884,974 34,842.00 -827,700 370,176 914,850 -17,586,682 -13,860 -571,970 -6,610 -49,338 2,557,727 -97,915 -575,891 -258,200 9,360 -653,520 -20,500 -30,055 -140,110 -82,540 28,100 41,405

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.22 1.23 1.29 1.32 1.22 1.22 65,112,000 81,596,220 ASIABEST GROUP 7.15 7.45 7.29 7.49 7.1 7.15 29,600 214,715 750 751 760 764 751 751 162,130 122,408,030 AYALA CORP 35 35.6 36.2 36.3 35 35 1,891,700 66,854,125 ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL 11.08 11.1 11.4 11.5 11.1 11.1 3,324,600 37,376,766 AYALA LAND LOG 3.12 3.13 3.04 3.16 3.02 3.12 3,853,000 12,038,850 6.6 6.77 6.67 6.67 6.6 6.6 7,000 46,395 ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.74 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.72 0.74 1,529,000 1,125,900 ATN HLDG A 0.77 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.76 0.77 1,943,000 1,489,960 5.28 5.34 5.38 5.39 5.28 5.28 1,410,600 7,504,319 COSCO CAPITAL 5.29 5.3 5.32 5.35 5.29 5.3 13,574,200 72,079,947 DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV 8.32 8.69 8.5 8.9 8.32 8.69 48,400 408,018 FORUM PACIFIC 0.26 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.26 0.265 80,000 21,200 541 543 536.5 541 530.5 541 45,850 24,509,875 GT CAPITAL 3.61 3.77 3.78 3.78 3.78 3.78 1,000 3,780 HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT 59.75 60 60.6 60.85 59.2 60 1,248,560 74,739,072.50 JOLLIVILLE HLDG 4.68 5.38 5.72 5.72 5.72 5.72 4,000 22,880 4.8 4.98 4.8 4.8 4.79 4.79 10,000 47,960 KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR 1.08 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.06 1.08 111,978,000 119,835,660 LOPEZ HLDG 3.31 3.48 3.37 3.37 3.29 3.31 373,000 1,227,360 13.24 13.46 13.94 13.94 13.24 13.24 1,166,300 15,626,416 LT GROUP 0.485 0.51 0.495 0.51 0.495 0.51 160,000 80,100 MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV 3.91 3.92 4.1 4.1 3.91 3.91 9,592,000 37,969,400 PACIFICA HLDG 3.71 3.79 3.8 3.8 3.73 3.73 9,000 33,780 3.01 3.02 3.16 3.25 3.01 3.01 8,642,000 26,946,360 PRIME MEDIA 1.27 1.28 1.27 1.29 1.27 1.27 164,000 209,860 SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID 385 387 370 385 370 385 1,580 601,060 971 972 971 993 970 972 252,040 246,120,710 SM INVESTMENTS 117 118 119.5 119.5 117 118 47,410 5,597,290 SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES 0.74 0.76 0.72 0.78 0.72 0.74 186,000 140,410 TOP FRONTIER 131.2 133.5 132.3 133.7 132 132 6,240 825,967 0.285 0.29 0.26 0.3 0.26 0.29 19,780,000 5,652,850 WELLEX INDUS 0.203 0.213 0.214 0.214 0.202 0.213 650,000 132,850 ZEUS HLDG

390,500 -14,469,275 -18,310,390 -16,181,996 -781,520 -88,590 -3,065,033 2,188,908 11,010 -2,342,125 20,940,215.50 5,720 -10,800 -253,330 359,378 -49,500 -14,630,720 -1,165,600 3,700 -2,327,385 -677,382 -308,108 -54,400.00 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.66 0.67 0.67 0.68 0.66 0.67 925,000 614,280 ANCHOR LAND 7.43 8.29 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.3 200 1,660 34.05 34.15 34.5 34.85 33.55 34.05 15,424,600 525,275,905 AYALA LAND 1.23 1.33 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 14,000 17,220 ARANETA PROP AREIT RT 33.8 34 34.5 34.5 33.75 34 1,160,900 39,487,105 BELLE CORP 1.46 1.57 1.51 1.57 1.43 1.55 151,000 225,530 0.92 0.93 0.91 0.96 0.91 0.92 7,244,000 6,731,640 A BROWN 1.22 1.24 1.24 1.31 1.19 1.22 7,195,000 8,929,930 CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES 0.142 0.143 0.147 0.147 0.14 0.142 14,210,000 2,033,590 6.3 6.5 6.54 6.54 6.54 6.54 3,000 19,620 CEBU HLDG CEB LANDMASTERS 5.88 5.91 6.1 6.13 5.8 5.88 3,701,500 21,910,810 CENTURY PROP 0.385 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.39 1,140,000 440,250 CYBER BAY 0.335 0.345 0.35 0.35 0.335 0.335 550,000 189,850 13.02 13.12 13.38 13.4 13 13.12 1,624,800 21,319,888 DOUBLEDRAGON 2.24 2.25 2.27 2.27 2.24 2.25 12,797,000 28,779,900 DDMP RT DM WENCESLAO 6.87 6.92 6.87 6.92 6.87 6.87 28,200 193,955 EMPIRE EAST 0.29 0.295 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 460,000 133,400 0.14 0.142 0.148 0.148 0.137 0.142 33,850,000 4,737,170 EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.15 1.13 1.14 1,775,000 2,021,120 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.82 0.83 0.86 0.86 0.83 0.83 138,000 115,240 7.21 7.35 7.35 7.45 7.05 7.35 29,700 216,045 8990 HLDG PHIL INFRADEV 1.43 1.44 1.43 1.46 1.42 1.43 337,000 482,720 CITY AND LAND 2.59 2.6 2.7 3.03 2.53 2.6 40,596,000 113,233,550 MEGAWORLD 3.68 3.69 3.7 3.76 3.66 3.69 15,334,000 56,762,960 0.405 0.41 0.41 0.415 0.405 0.405 12,190,000 4,963,850 MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES 0.77 0.78 0.81 0.82 0.76 0.77 46,945,000 36,689,050 PRIMEX CORP 3.18 3.19 3.05 3.27 2.91 3.18 16,374,000 50,485,580 18.1 18.16 18.5 18.5 18.1 18.16 493,500 8,958,510 ROBINSONS LAND 0.27 0.28 0.275 0.285 0.275 0.275 800,000 222,150 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 1.55 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.55 1.55 104,000 163,440 SHANG PROP 2.69 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.69 2.7 7,000 18,860 2.24 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.23 2.24 146,000 330,670 STA LUCIA LAND 35.3 35.6 36 36 34.6 35.6 9,003,600 317,361,535 SM PRIME HLDG VISTAMALLS 3.8 3.9 3.8 3.9 3.8 3.9 2,000 7,700 1.52 1.55 1.52 1.56 1.49 1.55 1,734,000 2,607,120 SUNTRUST HOME 3.82 3.84 3.85 3.85 3.8 3.82 2,473,000 9,452,930 VISTA LAND

-254,153,915 -21,084,180 6,740 -319,500 -1,124,050 246,977 -7,130,508 8,373,960.00 28,200 -649,410 -860 -5,720 158,370 14,807,300 125,600 435,900 7,583,090 -2,461,286 -42,000 11,150 -141,508,640 7,500 -947,840

SERVICES

ABS CBN GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL CONVERGE DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG JACKSTONES NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR PHILWEB 2GO GROUP ASIAN TERMINALS CHELSEA CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER LBC EXPRESS LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA METROALLIANCE A PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR ACESITE HOTEL BOULEVARD HLDG DISCOVERY WORLD WATERFRONT FAR EASTERN U STI HLDG BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES MANILA JOCKEY PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE PHIL RACING ALLHOME METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP EASYCALL IPM HLDG PRMIERE HORIZON

10.86 8.88 0.46 1,825 1,240 0.209 18.06 3.72 11.02 2.15 3.12 0.46 2.7 8.41 15.08 3.55 48.1 124.8 16.4 1.04 4.96 2.56 6.1 1.26 1.85 0.087 3.89 0.69 585 0.38 4.48 6.88 2.05 1.9 2.02 2.26 0.425 6.16 7.98 1.31 37.05 55 98.05 1.23 17.28 0.4 6.55 5.05 2.27

10.9 8.9 0.49 1,830 1,247 0.21 18.08 3.77 11.04 2.2 3.14 0.465 2.74 8.45 15.5 3.56 48.15 125.2 16.88 1.07 5 2.57 6.15 1.29 1.86 0.088 3.9 0.7 595 0.395 4.64 6.9 2.12 1.91 2.09 2.29 0.43 6.2 8 1.32 37.1 55.3 99 1.24 17.36 0.415 6.75 5.1 2.28

11 8.8 0.46 1,832 1,255 0.215 18.38 3.8 11.1 2.2 2.9 0.47 2.89 8.5 15.5 3.33 47.25 127.4 16.42 1.07 5.04 2.43 6.23 1.28 1.99 0.09 3.95 0.67 580 0.39 4.45 6.89 2.1 1.85 2.06 2.26 0.435 6.6 7.96 1.34 37.65 55 98.5 1.25 17.44 0.405 6.85 5.05 2.35

11.02 8.97 0.46 1,848 1,260 0.215 18.42 3.84 11.3 2.2 3.17 0.475 2.9 8.5 15.5 3.55 48.2 127.4 16.88 1.07 5.12 2.57 6.23 1.3 1.99 0.094 4.03 0.72 595 0.39 4.6 7 2.12 1.98 2.06 2.35 0.44 6.6 8 1.34 38.2 56 98.65 1.25 17.44 0.415 6.85 5.05 2.38

10.88 8.8 0.46 1,820 1,236 0.206 17.9 3.73 11.02 2.17 2.9 0.46 2.7 8.4 15.5 3.33 46.5 123.2 16.4 1.03 4.9 2.43 6.1 1.25 1.86 0.086 3.88 0.67 580 0.39 4.45 6.83 2.02 1.85 2.05 2.26 0.425 6.1 7.91 1.32 36.8 54.8 96.1 1.23 17.28 0.395 6.6 4.85 2.26

10.88 8.88 0.46 1,825 1,240 0.209 18.08 3.73 11.02 2.2 3.14 0.46 2.7 8.45 15.5 3.55 48.15 124.8 16.4 1.07 4.96 2.56 6.1 1.3 1.86 0.087 3.9 0.7 595 0.39 4.6 6.9 2.12 1.91 2.05 2.29 0.425 6.2 8 1.32 37.1 55 98.65 1.24 17.36 0.415 6.6 4.85 2.27

305,500 3,316,000 100,000 37,000 73,985 476,290,000 9,856,200 284,000 9,247,500 12,000 10,810,000 8,590,000 2,010,000 41,100 1,400 1,905,000 474,600 1,033,260 1,800 9,000 1,814,200 753,000 10,000 460,000 413,000 276,400,000 643,000 56,570,000 30 210,000 4,000 4,773,100 68,000 4,720,000 156,000 1,975,000 11,810,000 900 650,700 793,000 3,890,500 581,510 292,610 341,000 1,274,900 2,320,000 22,100 2,000 18,784,000

3,343,448 29,502,775 46,000 67,526,480 92,046,955 99,812,430 178,281,514 1,073,370 102,902,140 26,220 33,056,280 3,965,000 5,610,700 346,672 21,700 6,596,890 22,623,055 129,956,479 29,572 9,430 9,098,951 1,900,450 61,550 584,240 778,550 24,528,940 2,524,300 39,477,440 17,700 81,900 18,100 32,937,901 139,030 8,990,480 319,840 4,553,060 5,135,950 5,601 5,200,244 1,054,230 144,999,865 32,079,126.50 28,748,600 420,150 22,100,224 934,400 145,885 9,855 43,303,170

MINING & OIL

-36,071,595 -39,990,880 -176,440 -57,579,644 30,110 -3,623,626 -225,760 -74,100 96,300 44,140 3,249,785 -4,447,298 24,600.00 -3,688,272.00 -2,441 -37,990 -7,520 -742,310 15,600 -1,701,690 5,571,347 -20,930 -280,450 611 1,057,192 -262,720 -47,912,985 -6,657,003.50 2,960 -13,640 -789,808 132,000 -888,010.00

ATOK 9.35 9.5 9.7 9.7 9.32 9.5 322,000 3,068,266 -220,227 1.46 1.47 1.46 1.48 1.46 1.47 173,000 254,450 -35,450 APEX MINING 6.14 6.15 6.1 6.15 6 6.15 838,300 5,059,436 1,222 ATLAS MINING BENGUET B 2.44 2.96 2.43 2.43 2.43 2.43 1,000 2,430 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.295 0.3 0.315 0.315 0.295 0.3 670,000 201,150 2.75 2.8 2.77 2.8 2.77 2.8 28,000 78,060 38,860 CENTURY PEAK 9.01 9.19 9.19 9.19 9.1 9.19 3,147,800 28,928,201 -26,651 DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL 2.57 2.58 2.62 2.65 2.53 2.58 8,967,000 23,061,510 3,164,530 0.375 0.38 0.39 0.415 0.365 0.375 140,440,000 52,010,050 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.131 0.134 0.136 0.138 0.13 0.134 4,630,000 616,200 LEPANTO B 0.13 0.138 0.128 0.139 0.128 0.138 1,900,000 246,270 -192,000 MANILA MINING A 0.0097 0.0098 0.0096 0.0099 0.0096 0.0098 27,000,000 261,400 0.0097 0.0099 0.0096 0.0099 0.0096 0.0099 1,600,000 15,450 MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES 1.23 1.25 1.28 1.34 1.22 1.25 975,000 1,214,890 -71,350 NIHAO 1.92 1.93 1.99 1.99 1.83 1.92 101,802,000 191,396,020 NICKEL ASIA 5.07 5.09 5.2 5.2 5.02 5.07 7,908,800 40,307,670 2,612,277 0.41 0.44 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 40,000 17,200 OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA 0.91 0.94 0.9 0.95 0.9 0.94 1,139,000 1,065,720 -15,110 PX MINING 4.54 4.55 4.67 4.67 4.54 4.55 377,000 1,735,490 -584,650 11.98 12 12.16 12.18 11.88 12 1,888,800 22,645,230 -2,656,346 SEMIRARA MINING 0.009 0.0094 0.0098 0.0099 0.0089 0.0094 253,000,000 2,332,800 -9,200 UNITED PARAGON ACE ENEXOR 21.6 21.8 21.85 22.35 21.6 21.6 150,700 3,301,995 -28,340 ORNTL PETROL A 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 188,600,000 2,299,400 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.012 1,100,000 13,300 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.013 48,300,000 586,400 PXP ENERGY 8.08 8.1 8.45 8.45 8.08 8.08 890,200 7,232,643 329,855 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 99.8 101.5 100 100 99 99.7 5,500 547,046.50 ALCO PREF B 100.1 102.5 102.5 102.5 100 100 10,500 1,053,124 511 530 530 530 530 530 10 5,300 AC PREF B2R CEB PREF 43.45 43.5 42.8 43.55 42.6 43.45 247,400 10,604,845 -1,623,830 DD PREF 101.5 101.8 102 102 101.8 101.8 520 52,938 FGEN PREF G 107 110 107 107 107 107 30,000 3,210,000 1,035 1,045 1,042 1,042 1,042 1,042 330 343,860 GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF 101 101.8 101.8 101.8 101.8 101.8 2,220 225,996 MWIDE PREF 2B 100.3 101 100.5 100.5 100.1 100.1 1,590 159,595 -50,050 103 105 105 105 103 103 6,410 661,290 -3,150 PNX PREF 3B 998 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 4,400 4,400,000 PNX PREF 4 PCOR PREF 2B 1,020 1,040 1,020 1,030 1,020 1,030 185 190,150 PCOR PREF 3A 1,070 1,115 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 995 1,094,500 1.62 1.85 1.68 1.68 1.68 1.68 4,000 6,720 SFI PREF SMC PREF 2C 79.4 79.5 79.5 79.85 79.3 79.5 7,480 594,721 SMC PREF 2E 76.05 77.85 76 77.8 76 77.8 950 73,640 SMC PREF 2F 79 79.3 79 79.2 79 79.2 982,500 77,805,800 76.65 77 77 77.95 77 77.95 769,100 59,885,700 SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I 79.5 82.9 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 5,120 407,040 SMC PREF 2K 76.2 77.1 76.9 77.1 76.2 76.2 32,440 2,497,760 -46,200 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 10.44 10.94 10.44 10.5 10.42 10.44 298,200 3,127,414 -3,123,214 GMA HLDG PDR 8.32 8.38 8.38 8.45 8.32 8.32 1,300,900 10,899,119 -4,600,613 WARRANTS LR WARRANT 2.22 2.25 2.45 2.65 2.13 2.22 37,156,000 91,550,710 -75,330 SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP 20.85 20.9 19.88 21.2 19.88 20.9 459,800 9,504,583 -64,665 ITALPINAS 2.6 2.61 2.65 2.68 2.6 2.6 501,000 1,327,260 -37,200 5.26 5.45 5.44 5.44 5.24 5.44 9,700 52,268 KEPWEALTH MERRYMART 5.62 5.63 5.5 5.7 5.5 5.63 11,467,200 64,482,915 -1,304,972 EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF 98.85 101.5 100 101.5 98.85 98.85 48,800 4,901,443 2,744,841.50

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Emperador optimistic about overseas expansion this year

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

iquor maker Emperador Inc. on Monday said it is optimistic it can continue the growth of its international business this year as it pushes its brandy and whisky products in various parts of the world. “We remain optimistic that we can sustain the momentum of our international business this year as we expect continuing increase in the production and distribution volume of our brandy and whisky products all across Asia, North America, Lat-

in America, Europe and Africa this year,” Glenn Manlapaz, CEO of Emperador International, said. The brandy business grew more than four times in the United Kingdom, 44 percent in Mexico, 74 percent in Canada and 24 percent in the

United States. The company said all of these areas are considered to be significant markets in Emperador’s international business. In Africa, Tres Cepas Brandy, which is under Emperador’s subsidiary in Spain, has expanded their market shares in Guinea and Cameroon. Whyte and Mackay UK, one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky producers established in 1844, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emperador, has become the second largest selling blended scotch brand in the entire UK. Its single malt brand, Jura, is currently the number one single malt in the UK in terms of sales volume in groceries and supermarkets across the country. It is also currently the fastest

growing single malt brand in Sweden and the Netherlands. In China alone, Whyte and Mackay’s whisky business also grew by 3 times with sales volume through e-commerce expanded by more than 200 percent. The company, which started itself as a maker of cheap brandy but now owns portfolio of brandy and Scotch whisky that included well-known and expensive ones, is looking at growth overseas as its performance in its home market decline due to a series of lockdowns that also saw liquor bans across major cities. Emperador’s attributable income grew 19 percent last year to P8 billion from the previous P6.72 billion mainly as a result of its strong overseas sales. The company said its revenues grew 4 percent to P52.6 billion from last year’s P50.25 billion.

‘PLDT has fastest fixed line network’ By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

LDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. continued to clinch the top spots for the fastest fixed line and mobile networks, at least according to the latest data from Internet testing and analysis provider Ookla. In its latest Speed Test Awards, Ookla said PLDT had the fastest fixed broadband network in the country in the second half of 2020 with a speed score of 27.78 after posting top download speeds of 79.48 Mbps and top upload speeds of 92.18 Mbps. Converge ICT Solutions Inc. settled for the second spot with a speed score of 23.92, followed by Sky Cable Inc. with 20.55, and Globe Telecom Inc. with 11.11. Smart likewise had the best mobile network, according to Ookla, after garnering a speed score of 24.99 with average download speeds of 20.08 Mbps and average upload speeds of 7.42 Mbps. Globe had a speed score of 15.30 with average download speed of 15.25 Mbps and average upload speeds of 4.11 Mbps. This is the third consecutive year that Smart was awarded the title by Ookla. “This award recognizes Smart’s commitment to delivering fast speeds to their customers across the Philippines. With this latest win, Smart has won the Speedtest Award for Fastest Mobile Network in the Philippines three consecutive years in a row,” Ookla CEO Douglas Suttles

was quoted as saying in a statement sent by Smart. Smart also solidified its superiority in 5G after being hailed as the fastest 5G network in the Philippines by Ookla for the first quarter of 2021. According to Ookla, Smart had a median download speed of 190 Mbps, or “more than double than that of Globe.” “Our steady investments and unflagging resolve to expand and upgrade our integrated fixed and wireless networks, as well as to bring Smart 5G closer to our customers nationwide, have brought about these outstanding results,” said Smart Communications President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Alfredo S. Panlilio. Panlilio said this feat challenges the group to provide better services to its customers through continued network development. “Just as we did with Smart LTE, which has been recognized by Ookla since 2018 as the country’s fastest 4G/LTE network, we are working non-stop to expand the coverage of our 5G service and make it accessible to more customers, despite the challenges of the pandemic. With 5G, we are making the Philippines’ fastest mobile network even faster – elevating the average mobile speeds into fiber-like levels—to serve our customers better, especially in these critical times.” PLDT is spending as much as P92 billion in capital expenditures this year to upgrade its mobile and fixed line networks through the deployment of more cell sites and fiber optic cables throughout the country.

SEC allows e-signature in financial statements

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has allowed corporations enrolled in its new system dubbed Online Submission Tool to submit electronically signed annual financial statements (AFS) while Metro Manila and nearby provinces are under a stringent quarantine status. In a notice issued on April 8, the agency announced that electronically signed AFS for the period ended December 31, 2020 and for other fiscal years ending this year will be accepted through its system until further notice. The use of e-signatures shall be allowed for submissions made through the system starting March 29, when the stricter quarantine period began in the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. All stock corporations are mandated to file their reports through the new system, pursuant to SEC Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2021, or the Schedule and Filing of AFS, General Information Sheet and Other Covered Reports. Meanwhile, non-stock corporations have the

option to enroll and file reports through the system until 2022. Enrollment in the system will ensure that the financial statements submitted by corporations were signed and submitted to the SEC by their authorized filers. The SEC requires the management and external auditors of corporations to ensure that the manually signed financial statements will be available upon directive by the agency. Corporations that may encounter errors in the enrollment or submission process through the system may physically file their report by securing an appointment through the SEC’s express appointment system. In such cases, corporations would have to submit manually signed reports. All stock corporations with fiscal year ending December 31, including branch offices, representative offices, regional headquarters and regional operating headquarters of foreign corporations, shall enroll and file their financial statements through the SEC’s new system based on the last numerical digit of their SEC registration or license number. VG Cabuag

mutual funds

April 12, 2021

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 210.22 12.89% -8.07% -3.77% -7.48% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.2921 43.3% -7.16% 0.99% -1.59% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.8774 15.2% -12.5% -6.08% -8.16% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7427 18.93% -7.62% n.a. -7.61% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6796 8.41% n.a. n.a. -8.36% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.5894 13.5% -6.23% -2.86% -7.12% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.6648 5.22% -9.91% -7.77% -12.5% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 96.83 38.94% -6.29% n.a. -5.01% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 43.1097 15.5% -6.27% -2.54% -7.98% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 452.18 13.7% -6.19% -3.02% -7.53% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5 1.0207 22.64% n.a. n.a. -6.98% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.0979 15.05% -5.71% -1.98% -6.02% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 32.2771 15.35% -5.87% -1.57% -7.17% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8376 13.74% n.a. n.a. -8.26% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.4141 16.18% -5.78% -1.8% -7.87% 738.42 16.29% -5.68% -1.94% -7.89% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6654 15.78% -9.97% -5.46% -7.44% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.3444 13.14% -7.88% -3.3% -7.71% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8439 15.6% -6.02% -2.06% -8.04% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.0981 15.8% -5.39% -0.88% -6.66% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 99.0847 16.36% -5.46% -1.27% -7.87% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.2561 46.31% 3.93% 8.64% 4.42% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.7277 54.07% 10.79% n.a. 3.28% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.6287 12.75% -2.47% -1.4% -2.39% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.1572 12.69% -2.83% -0.72% -5.61% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5007 9.06% -1.95% -1.44% -4.81% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1881 5.2% n.a. n.a. -5.29% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9 7.52% 0.03% 0.58% -3.26% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.5603 10.23% -1.39% -0.63% -6.01% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 15.9621 10.13% -1.31% -0.64% -5.75% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 1.9978 9.49% -2.27% -0.46% -4.6% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.3892 8.87% -3.79% -1.66% -5.15% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9558 9.43% n.a. n.a. -6.53% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.8705 11.89% n.a. n.a. -8.29% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8553 12.51% n.a. n.a. -8.34% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8379 11.33% -4.66% -2.31% -5.61% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.0379 0.85% 2.3% 1.28% -3.12% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $1.1335 28.44% 2.19% 5.07% -1.45% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.6145 39.01% 7.98% 8.44% 2.25% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.196 21.3% 3.96% n.a. -0.51% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 369.88 2.54% 3.05% 2.55% -0.32% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9094 -0.54% 0.71% 0.16% 0.48% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2187 2.11% 4.06% 4.49% 0.12% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.246 0.36% 2.15% 1.6% -2.18% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4279 2.52% 3.1% 1.73% -1.03% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.446 1.75% 3.83% 1.84% -4.07% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 1.3162 4.69% 4.19% 2.64% -0.38% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.955 3.99% 4.22% 2.79% -1.15% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0271 5.85% 4.17% 1.84% -1.43% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1708 3.2% 4.59% 2.99% -1.1% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7313 1.66% 3.88% 2.17% -1.35% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $482.13 3.33% 2.84% 2.27% -0.36% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є219.63 2.73% 1.01% 1.17% 0.21% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1762 1.2% 1.7% 1.08% -8.14% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0258 0.78% 1.33% 0.88% -3.01% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0506 0.67% 0.13% -0.67% -3.85% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.4641 4.84% 3.93% 1.94% -2.82% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0625524 5.68% 3.21% 2.18% 0.38% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1202 0.36% 1.96% 0.78% -3.21% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 129.9 2.39% 3.18% 2.52% 0.07% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0501 1.49% n.a. n.a. 0.19% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.3012 2.07% 2.89% 2.58% 0.35% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0554 1.48% 1.74% n.a. 0.29% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.2163 n.a. n.a. n.a. 7.68% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.99 12.5% n.a. n.a. 1.02% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019. 4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019. 6 - Re-classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020. "While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

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DBP loans, funds issued to biz, LGUs hit billions

HE Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) announced it has extended P6.13-billion in loans to enterprises badly hit by the economic shock of the Covid-19 pandemic and earmarked interest subsidies amounting to P27.13-million to local government units (LGUs) last year. DBP President and CEO Emmanuel G. Herbosa said that to provide the bank with additional resources to help fund these efforts and the country’s economic recovery program starting this year, it plans to issue a $300-million bond by mid-2021, along with the second tranche of its sustainability bonds sometime in November. “These will not only provide the bank with the necessary liquidity to fuel the country’s economic recovery efforts but will also aid in the development of the Philippine capital markets moving forward,” Herbosa was quoted in a statement as saying. The DBP chief added that as part of the state-run bank’s “innovative financing solutions,” it is also planning to develop an LGU creditrating system together with the Bureau of Local Government Finance and the International Finance Corp., in support of the development of a bond market for LGUs. “Agri-Agra compliant bonds are also in the horizon as this will be timely upon the passage of the amendments to the Agri-Agra Law in support of the development of agriculture and agrarian reform,” Herbosa said. He added that the DBP is also eyeing the development of an alternative trading system “in the near future” to anticipate the growth of the Philippine finance market. “Our finance market is maturing and more financial solutions are needed. The bank is in a good position to pioneer a system of exchange for new market securities,” Herbosa said. He said that last year, the P6.13billion in loans under the bank’s “Rehabilitation Support Program on Severe Events” program were approved for 25 private and public institutions to help sustain their operations during the pandemic and disbursement is already at P701.4-billion. Five LGUs with a total loan amount of P450-million were the beneficiaries in 2020 of the bank’s Assistance for Economic

and Social Development program and seven LGUs were provided financing assistance in the form of interest subsidies earmarked amounting to P27.13-million, Herbosa said. He added that the DBP also granted a 60-day moratorium period for 627 of its loan accounts amounting to P130-billion in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 11494 or the Bayanihan To Recover As One Act (Bayanihan 2). On top of assist ing cashstrapped local governments during the pandemic, Herbosa said the DBP is also supporting climatecrisis adaptation initiatives at the local level, which include its waste-to-energy projects that it expects to develop with LGU partners starting this year. He added that this project will be financed by funds raised by the DBP through its highly successful Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Sustainability Bond issuance, which surpassed its P5-billion target and accumulated a total of P21-billion in 2020. This was preceded in 2019 by a similar issuance of P18-billion in sustainability bonds, which was only the second of its kind in the Philippines at the time, Herbosa said. This year, DBP will step up implementation of its RESPONSE and ASENSO programs to continue supporting industries and enterprises that have been gravely affected by the pandemic, the DBP official said. “We have adopted this year a revised theme of ‘strengthen organizational resilience’ to put stress on strengthening our internal capability to continue the development and rehabilitation initiatives for the country, postpandemic,” he said. To assist in this effort, the DBP will fully operationalize this year its six new provincial lending centers in support of the targeted 7-percent growth on its loan portfolio to reach P451.06-billion by year-end, Herbosa said. “This growth duly considers DBP’s commitment under Bayanihan 2 to actively assist borrowers from micro, small and medium enterprises even as we keep our focus on supporting the infrastructure needs of the country,” he said. Bernadette D. Nicolas

Release of add’l ‘ayuda’ needs new law–Roque By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ALACAÑANG on Monday said it is open to additional legislated funds to provide the needed assistance to people affected by quarantine restrictions during the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19). In an online news briefing last Monday, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque admitted the government already lacks the needed budget to provide more “ayuda” or aid to Covid-affected people. For the said purpose, Roque said the government is now considering the proposal in Congress for the passage of the Bayanihan 3. “The Bayanihan 3 will be in the nature of a supplemental budget. In other words it is a sum of money, which is not included in the 2021 national budget,” Roque said. The government already tapped its P23 billion “unutilized” fund under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) to provide aid to over 22 million people in Metro Manila and its surrounding areas after it was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on March 29, 2021.

But aside from budget for additional aid, Roque said the government still has enough budget for its other Covid-19 response such as the procurement of medical supplies and vaccines under the 2021 General Appropriations Act. Government economic managers and lawmakers are currently in talks with one another to discuss fund sources for the proposed the pending P340-billion Bayanihan 3. Last week, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced it is now considering austerity measures to ensure the government will have the needed funds for Bayanihan 3. The DBM has yet to submit the recommendation to the Office of the President so it could be considered by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. “I am still waiting for additional advise from Sec. Wendel Avisado because it is his office, who announced of the austerity strategy for additional aid [for Covid-affected people,” Roque said. Avisado earlier said the austerity measures will cover “nonessential items and programs” of the government.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 B3

Tenders for T-bills hit ₧54.7B, more than 2x the ₧25-B offer

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of the Treasury fully awarded P25 billion in Treasury Bills (T-bills) on Monday’s auction as rates ended up mixed.

Nonetheless, National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon expressed satisfaction over the auction results, saying the rates were “within secondary levels tempered by lower inflation print in March.” Inflation for March settled at 4.5 percent, easing from February’s 4.7 percent. Still, the imprint is higher

than the 2.5 percent recorded last year. For the first quarter of this year, inflation averaged 4.5 percent, higher than the 2.7 percent in the same period in 2020. The government’s target range for inflation this year is 2 percent to 4 percent. A higher inflation rate usually dampens investor appetite

Good debt versus bad debt

INANCIAL freedom can be described as the ability to live life on one’s terms. Saving and investing help achieve financial freedom. However, adverse developments such as the Covid-19 pandemic bring about lost opportunities and lower income. These effects then put a strain on finances. Hence, to keep afloat, borrowing money is explored. It is therefore imperative to assess the role of debt in personal finance especially when times are tough. Is debt generally bad in nature? Is there such a thing as good debt? Debt represents a financial obligation between a lender and a borrower. Amounts and timelines are specified. The principal amount must be paid by the borrower. The interest rate amount, which serves as the price of borrowing money, must also be paid by the borrower. In the Philippines, popular debt sources would be through banks, other lending entities, families and friends. The terms and conditions would greatly vary across the different debt sources so it is vital that there is clarity in the debt transactions. Debt can be bad debt. Bad debt can

Genesis Kelly S. Lontoc

personal finance be where the interest rate of borrowing is simply too high. This will be a problem in case future cash flows will not be able to keep up with the high interest rate levels. Bad debt can be where money is borrowed to fund goods and services that have no lasting value. Bad debt can be seen in the situation where lifestyle wants become priorities. Common examples of bad debt can be in the form of credit card debt and other personal loans that fund non-essentials goods and services. Not all debt can be considered to be bad. It is possible that debt can really be good debt. Good debt is where the interest rate of borrowing is low and reasonable. Good debt can be seen in the situation where money is borrowed to fund goods and services that have enduring value. Good debt helps support present net worth and increase future value. Good debt can be a good tool for leverage in mak-

for T-bills. De Leon, however, noted there was “healthy tender” for the debt paper. The auction was oversubscribed as the securities attracted tenders of P54.7 billion, more than twice the P25-billion offering. The 91-day T-bills fetched an average rate of 1.325 percent, up by 3 basis points from the previous auction’s 1.295 percent. Tenders for the security hit P11.03 billion, more than double the P5-billion offer. Meanwhile, the 182-day T-bills capped at an average rate of 1.695 percent, a 4.9 basis point-hike compared to 1.646 percent in the previous auction. Bids for the tenor amounted to P15.85 billion, nearly twice the P8-billion offering.

Lastly, the 364-day T-bills’ average rate was slightly down to 1.903 percent compared to 1.912 percent in the last auction. Tenders for the debt paper reached P27.87 billion, also more than twice the P12 billion offer. In a bid to take advantage of good liquidity conditions, the government has also programmed to borrow a total of P170 billion in April, higher than the P160-billion it programmed in March. The national government’s outstanding debt as of end-February this year soared to a new record high of P10.406 trillion as the government continued to borrow more money to respond to the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

ing sure that the future financial situation will show improvement with respect to saving, budgeting and investing. Debt for education and training can be considered to be good debt. Benjamin Franklin once said that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Education is indeed the great equalizer in society. Having education and training will expand opportunities immensely for individuals. The ability to have good jobs and careers will lead to sustainable income streams. Apart from potentially giving people better lives, the economy benefits too from education since an educated citizenry can support the economy more. Debt for business can be considered to be good debt. However, not all businesses are the same. It is important therefore for an entrepreneur to know the business in terms of key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in order to develop effective positioning and strategies in the market. Apart from a good business being able to have continuous income, it has multiplier effects to the economy like the provision of jobs and the contribution to fis-

cal revenues that support various government initiatives. Debt for significant assets can be considered to be good debt. A housing loan can be treated as good debt if it provides lasting utility value to the family and offers financial gains in the form of price appreciation and additional revenue through rental income. A loan on tools to help generate income like machinery, equipment and vehicles can also be viewed as good debt if the assets help individuals earn more income. For the significant assets to really be effective, it is important that they are continuously maintained. Debt can be good or bad. The difference lies in the interest rate amount and in the usage of funds. Good debt happens when money is used to build talent and acquire tools. Good debt happens when the financial benefits outlast the costs of debt. If done correctly, good debt can lead to a good life ahead. Gemmy Lontoc is a registered financial planner of the RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 89th RFP program this May 2021. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text <name><e-mail> <RFP> at 0917-6248110.

LandBank joins Cebu’s rural development drive

EBU CITY, Cebu—Staterun Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) announced it entered into an agreement with the Provincial Government of Cebu to “open doors” for livelihood opportunities and business expansion to farmers and fishers in underdeveloped areas in the province with the launch of the Enhanced Countryside Development (ECD) program. This was after Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia signed last March 5 a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with LandBank and two other government financial institutions for the implementation of the ECD program. Under the agreement, LandBank will provide direct financial assistance to eligible and qualified borrowers endorsed by the local government unit, with reasonable interest rates and payback terms. The facility aims to assist the LGU to shift the development focus from the urban Metro Cebu to the underdeveloped and underutilized towns of the province. “LandBank welcomes the opportunity to take part in advancing inclusive countryside development in Cebu. This forms part of our steadfast support to our local government partners, as we continue to extend accessible credit to finance livelihood expansion and recovery requirements, especially in underdeveloped towns and municipalities in the Province,”

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia (second from left), Deputy Speaker and Cebu Third District Rep. Pablo John F. Garcia (third from left) and Cebu Second District Congressman Wilfredo S. Camenero (rightmost) led the signing of a memorandum of agreement with LandBank Visayas Lending Group Head, Senior Vice President Elsie F. Tagupa (leftmost) for the Enhanced Countryside Development Program last March 5, 2021. Photo courtesy Land Bank of the Philippines Inc.

LandBank President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo was quoted in a statement as saying. Under the agreement, LandBank will provide necessary financing for the LGU’s projects that support the agriculture value chain. This includes infrastructure projects such as farm-tomarket roads and post-harvest

facilities in strategic areas in the province. At the same time, farmers and fishers will be provided with the necessary capital to restart or improve their livelihood. All ECDparticipating farmers will also be provided crop insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., as well as technical and

marketing support. “LandBank commits its allout support to the ECD program, especially on extending loans to the farmers and fishers in the Province of Cebu,” LandBank Visayas Lending Group Head, Senior Vice President Elsie Fe NB. Tagupa was quoted in the statement as saying.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Show BusinessMirror

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Today’s Horoscope

DEREK RAMSAY and Ellen Adarna (left), and Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Allison Williams, 33; Lorenzo Cain, 35; Rick Schroder, 51; Jaymz Bee, 58. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Stay focused and be receptive to possibilities. When one door closes, another will open. Learn to go with the flow, and you will find it easy to get ahead. A steady pace forward will make a lasting impression on people who can help you advance. Don’t limit what you can achieve because you don’t know how to say no. Your numbers are 8, 14, 21, 25, 33, 41, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): A situation will not be what it appears. Don’t jump to conclusions or lose sight of your goal because someone says or does something you don’t like. Do your own thing, and focus on success, peace of mind and happiness. HHH

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Impulse is the enemy. Plan your actions, and dedicate time to reaching your objective. Put your energy where it counts, and your income will increase. Don’t let an outsider take over when it’s in your best interest to handle matters yourself. HHH

Love is a decision M

ANY in the local entertainment orbit were taken by surprise when Derek Ramsay proposed marriage to his very new girlfriend Ellen Adarna recently. Just last November, Ramsay made news when he broke up with his actress-girlfriend of almost a year, Andrea Torres. For her part, Adarna reportedly called it off with the father of her child, actor John Lloyd Cruz, in the latter part of 2019. She was also in a very short affair with a Spanish guy less than a year after she parted ways with Cruz. While both were not actively searching for a new romantic partner, destiny stepped in and one magical dinner was all it took for them to cross paths. It was Adarna’s sitcom co-actor John Estrada who planned a get-together which would ignite the flame of this much-talked about romantic liaison. While food and alcohol seemed to have played big roles in causing sparks to fly, both realized that they were starting to nurture feelings when they got sober. They started communicating regularly; it helped, too, that they lived so near each other, about 10 houses apart. Their close friends and family members rejoiced when they learned about the proposal, affirming the 44-year-old actor is more than ready to settle down, and most opined the 33-year-old actress from Cebu is a perfect match for one of tinseltown’s most eligible bachelors. Of course, the cynics in social

media started to fire their bullets, bashing the newly engaged couple, instead of wishing them well. You see, love happens at the most perfect time. It is more than a feeling, it is a decision. When Ramsay and Adarna fell in love, they made a decision. When Ramsay had mustered enough guts to propose marriage in the very early stages of their love affair, he reached a decision. Only time will tell where these decisions will lead them to. Only Ramsay and Adarna will and can work on their relationship, and if they prove that love can grow stronger and last for a long, long time, then we should just let them be, and let their love grow and prosper. Not everyone is lucky enough to find their soulmates, and if Derek Ramsay and Ellen Adarna are indeed soulmates, then we ought to be happy for them. We learned that the lovers are planning a simple wedding before the year ends. Congratulations, Derek and Ellen! JESSY GOT LUCKY MEANWHILE, when the Bob Nicolas wedding video of Luis (Lucky) Manzano and Jessy Mendiola came out on social media, a lot of people were very happy that finally the lovers had tied the knot in a most intimate civil ceremony in Batangas, attended by close family members and friends. Both Manzano and Mendiola shed tears of joy as they went through the very short ceremony, perhaps recalling all the challenges they had to hurdle, and the many spats, on-again-off-again status of their colorful love life that eventually led to this union. Both Manzano and Mendiola have had their fair share of failed relationships with fellow celebrities in the past, some controversial while others just passed through without the whole industry knowing about it, but fate brought them together and now they’ve made a vow to love each other forever. Indeed, love is a decision. n

CHLOÉ ZHAO BECOMES 1ST WOMAN OF COLOR TO WIN TOP DGA HONOR

CHLOÉ ZHAO’S Nomadland continued its tour of dominance through awards season Saturday night, when Zhao took top honors at the 73rd annual Directors Guild Association Awards. She is the second woman to earn the honor and the first woman of color to do so. Kathryn Bigelow was the first for The Hurt Locker. And it all but solidifies her frontrunner status leading up to the Oscars on April 25. The untelevised event was held virtually with nominees accepting over zoom calls from around the world, in lieu of the typical hotel ballroom ceremony in Beverly Hills. Only seven times in history has the DGA winner ever not gone on to take the best director prize at the Academy Awards. Last year was a rare exception when the Guild honored 1917 director Sam Mendes and then the Oscar went to Parasite director Bong Joon Ho. Zhao was up against Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman, Aaron Sorkin for The Trial of the Chicago 7, Lee Isaac Chung for Minari and David Fincher for Mank. The only difference in the Oscars lineup is that Sorkin is not among the nominees—instead, Thomas Vinterberg is for Another Round. Zhao’s lyrical film about transient workers in the American West starring Frances McDormand started its awards journey winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the People’s Choice award at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Golden Globe for best drama and best director, and the top honor from the Producer’s Guild. The first-time directing prize went to Darius Marder for Sound of Metal, his innovative exploration of what happens when a drummer has severe, traumatic hearing loss. And documentary directing was given to Gregory Kershaw and Michael Dweck for The Truffle Hunters, which follows a group of older men who seek out the expensive and rare white Alba truffle in the forests of Piedmont, Italy. The Directors Guild also celebrates achievements in television directing. Lesli Linka Glatter won the dramatic prize for her Homeland episode “Prisoners of War,” Susanna Fogel took the comedy honor for the “In Case of Emergency” episode of The Flight Attendant and Scott Frank was recognized for directing the limited series The Queen’s Gambit. AP

GMA’s ‘I Can See You: Truly. Madly. Deadly.’ returns to prime time WHAT do you do if someone from your painful past comes back to your new and well-adjusted life? Will you trust that person again, or will you turn to your newfound love to help you escape from a resurfacing traumatic experience? GMA brings back its hit miniseries “Truly. Madly. Deadly.” from the first season of the groundbreaking drama anthology I Can See You to its prime-time block. It began airing on April 12. Set to bring passion with a tinge of thrill to prime-time TV viewing are the talented stars of “Truly. Madly. Deadly.”—Dennis Trillo, Rhian Ramos and Jennylyn Mercado.

It tells the story of Coleen (Jennylyn), a professional who, after being excoriated online for a scandal with a married man, moves out of the city and works in a remote resort where she meets the mysterious resident IT guy named Drew (Dennis). Life seems to be going well for the recovering Coleen until her best friend-turned-enemy Abby (Rhian) shows up and her past begins to haunt her. Joining the talented cast are Jhoana Marie Tan with the special participation of Ruby Rodriguez. Under the helm of Jorron Lee Monroy, I Can See You: Truly. Madly. Deadly. airs right after First Yaya on prime time on GMA.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gather information before you make a move or spend unnecessarily. Expect someone who has ulterior motives to mislead you. Think for yourself and take action based on facts, intelligence and what you will achieve. HHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You’ll get the help you want, but before you accept, consider the payback. Don’t put yourself in a precarious position, regardless of the temptation. Someone is waiting for you to make a mistake or show weakness. Be strong, innovative and competent. HHHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stop laboring over what others are doing. Consider what you want and figure out a way to follow a path that satisfies your needs. Discipline will help you excel and lead to opportunities that will buy you freedom and peace of mind. HH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Learn from the changes you’ve experienced, then proceed with confidence. Knowing what you want will make it easier for you to put whatever stands in your way aside so that you can excel. HHHHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pay more attention to what’s going on around you. Gather and verify information that will help you decipher who and what’s best for you. A partnership that is based on equality and shared responsibilities looks promising. Romance is in the stars. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Emotions will surface if someone rejects your ideas or opinions. Step outside the confines of a situation you face and look at every angle. An innovative approach will help create a favorable condition that will turn in your favor. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Tidy up loose ends. Focus on your surroundings and do what’s necessary to make your space userfriendly. Use what you already have to initiate positive changes at home and to how you earn your living, and it will pay off. HHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Listen to your friends and relatives, but in the end, do what’s best for you. Taking care of your responsibilities will help put your mind at ease and deter others from interfering. Put your energy into your work and financial gains. HH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to let your emotions wreak havoc with your financial well-being. Unnecessary spending will not make you feel better. Use your intelligence, and put physical energy into home improvements that contribute to your ability to boost your earnings. HH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): An unexpected change will turn out to be what’s best for you in hindsight. Don’t get discouraged when incorporating what you enjoy and do best can be better used uniquely. HHHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are curious, direct and inflexible. You are helpful and disciplined.

‘internal opposition’ BY PAUL COULTER The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 “Dear old” person 4 Keys in a chain? 9 Cashless deal 13 Obstacle to teamwork 14 CNN host Chris 15 Harsh sound 16 Magnificent, or an antonym of the word formed by letters 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9 18 Threadbare 19 One may dawn on you 20 Secret, or an antonym of the word formed by letters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 21 ___ scale, on which diamond is a 10 24 Corporate computer whizzes 27 “Winnie-the-Pooh” baby 28 Goes with the flow 30 Mauna ___ 31 Negative position in a debate 32 Singer Reese 33 Ewes’ mates 34 Engine part 35 Lie, or an antonym of the word formed by letters 1, 2, 6, 8 38 Deposit, as an egg 39 Peters who plays Quicksilver

0 Hammer’s partner 4 43 Open __ night 44 After expenses 45 Invite on a date 46 “___ du lieber!” 47 Scattered all over 49 Roadside hotels 50 Has a big meal, or an antonym of the word formed by letters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 52 Like a yellow lemon 54 Concave belly button 55 Hostile feeling, or an antonym of the word formed by letters 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 60 Music rights org. 61 International papers? 62 Anonymous John 63 “So it would ___” 64 In a fitting way 65 Decide DOWN 1 Drops on blades? 2 In days gone by 3 Put on 4 Decorated, as a cake 5 “No doubt about it!” 6 Relative of “lite”

7 Bird that can run 31 mph 8 Costa del ___ 9 Czech or Serb 10 High-pressure fire hose 11 Where students wet their palettes 12 ___ Place (1960s TV show) 15 Frat dudes 17 Show on a screen 20 Bike effortlessly 21 Spy vs. Spy magazine 22 Glorifying poem 23 Slim opportunity 25 Make less angry 26 Type type 29 Bar bill 33 Rafting destination 34 Gingersnaps and others 36 Doesn’t own 37 The “I” in TGIF 38 Liquor-serving permit 41 Word after “glue” or “staple” 42 John, Paul and George: Abbr. 43 Crime families 45 Beast 47 Increase, with “up” 48 Joint that’s flicked

51 Thailand, once 53 Small bunch of flowers 55 Director DuVernay 56 Puppy’s bite 57 Altar words 58 Apex 59 Even so

Solution to Friday’s puzzle:

Art

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, April 13, 2021

‘Islands for Sale’: Pete Jimenez’s art installation exhibit at the Ateneo Art Gallery

By Neil Doloricon

HE history of the Philippines is marked with trade-offs with colonizers and big imperial powers like the United States. The Pact of Biak na Bato, for instance, was an agreement between colonial Spanish GovernorGeneral Primo de Rivera and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, who represented the Filipino revolutionaries, for a negotiated surrender of the revolutionaries in exchange for amnesty and a monetary indemnity of P400,000 in December 1897. In 1898, after Aguinaldo was hoodwinked by American officials into thinking that they were not interested in the Philippine Islands, there came the Treaty of Paris under which the US bought the country from Spain for $20 million. It officially ended the Spanish-American War, but then lead to the Philippine-American War. During “the bloody blundering business”—as one documentary film described the Philippine-American War—Filipinos suffered from the killing spree of American soldiers trying to keep their hold on their newfound colony. In contemporary times, artist Pete Jimenez made a remarkable artistic statement by describing his installation works as Islands for Sale. These are 1960s boats made from decommissioned rescue boats of the Philippine Navy—outworn dysfunctional vessels from the military point view that are supposed to

be disposed of in a junkyard. And, mind you, these were donations from the US, which in many cases the American military already considered as junk. But they gave them away to allies like the Philippines, as part of the Mutual Defense Pact. Jimenez describes these boats with metaphorical passion as islands, their usefulness expired mainly due to obsolescence. Jimenez, who is a very resourceful artist, cut the eight boats into halves, placing some of them right side up and some, upside down. They look like submerged boats, giving you the feeling of seeing the aftermath of a war, where things are scattered all over. At the same time, you can think of them as representing the contested Spratly Islands floating in the sea. China, the emerging power, has been friendly to some Philippine presidents, like Gloria MacapagalArroyo and Duterte. Arroyo has been accused selling out to Chinese officials through the ZTE deal, which became a big scandal during her presidency, Among others, she was also accused of conspiring with Chinese officials to go on a joint exploration of contested islands in the West Philippine Sea, despite these being in our exclusive economic zone. But public opinion against this fell on the Arroyo’s deaf ears. Despite winning the case against Chinese intrusion into our exclusive economic zone during the time of President Noynoy Aquino, the Philippines

now faces a China that has been working secretly into putting up their military installations on our islands. This has caused public alarm as the intrusion has come closer to home. President Duterte compounded the problem by being too cautious about not provoking the Chinese government into taking an adversarial stance, fearing that it might trigger punitive action. People suspect that our sovereignty will be sold out to the Chinese due to our government’s passiveness in the issue. Jimenez has been a garbage hunter, if you will, for decades now. As the cliché goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This installation was a huge operation. While randomly selecting used material from junkyard, he had to have a gut feel on which items to choose— although a creative mind like his no doubt already had an idea on how to tackle a plethora of things that could used to interplay with each other to depict a huge creative concept. The discovery of materials came before the formulation of the concept. I would think this was the case in the Jimenez installation at the Ateneo Art Gallery. He gives new life to scrap material by reconfiguring their creative potential into a platform of expressing a political opinion. Incidentally, the donated rescue boats were supposed to be used for military defense operations, but whatever their usefulness may have been was diminished by their obsolescence. We can only hope there were no

accidents like drowning during their use as rescue boats, just like what happened to the Huey helicopters donated by US Army to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which were like flying coffins due to the many accidents these had figured in. Islands for Sale as a thematic expression is very timely. Just recently, some 200 Chinese ships bearing militia visited the West Philippine Sea. The question is: Were there trade-offs? Were these islands already sold by the government to China? By allowing the ships on our exclusive economic zones, we have practically allowed China to invade the Philippines without it firing a single shot. Pete Jimenez—who’s known for his satirical approach to many of his assemblage and sculptural oeuvres from found materials in junkyards—has come up with a very timely installation in these troubled times amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This should stir up discussion and draw support in protesting the virtual sellout of our sovereignty by our leaders, who have made a mockery of its patriotic duty to defend the country from invaders. By the way, it’s not only the West Philippine Sea that has been grabbed by the Chinese; foreign investors are now allowed to own land and water properties in the country, courtesy of the Congress of the Philippines. The whole Philippine Islands are now for sale. Pete Jimenez has done his share in fulfilling his duties not only as citizen but as an artist to make a difference. n

SG gallery to mount first retrospective survey of master’s ink oeuvre

SINGAPORE-BASED art space artcommune gallery will be presenting next month the first-ever retrospective survey of the entire body of ink work of Chinese-born Singaporean painter Cheong Soo Pieng, who is considered as one of the most innovative Chinese artists of the 20th century. Cheong was known for his stylized depictions of Malay and Balinese women, where he applied his unique aesthetic that blended Hindu, Chinese and Modernist European influences. Together with another Chinese-born Singaporean artist, Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong founded what became known as the Nanyang Style of painting, a Southeast Asian art movement characterized by its use of graphic outlines and muted palettes in Chinese ink paintings. In artcommune gallery’s upcoming show, titled Tonalities: The Ink Works of Cheong Soo Pieng, to be showcased are over 100 ink exhibits of the pioneer artist. The idea is to put Cheong in a new light by taking viewers through different periods of the artist’s career. Among the important stages to be covered are Cheong’s overseas painting sojourns that shaped his oeuvre. One of these is the artist’s trip to Bali, Indonesia, that cultivated “a lifelong preoccupation with Balinese figures and motifs.” Set to be presented as well are Cheong’s encounters with post-war contemporary art in Europe, his re-invention of Chinese classicism after returning from China, and untold stories with never-before-seen works from his final years. Cheong was born in 1917 in Xiamen, China. He studied at the Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts in Shanghai before moving to Singapore in 1946. He

died on July 1, 1983 in Singapore. His works are in the collections of the National University of Singapore and the National Gallery Singapore. Tonalities: The Ink Works of Cheong Soo Pieng will open on May 14 and run until May 30 at Artspace @ Helutrans in Singapore. The space is open from 12 noon to 7 pm daily. Admission is free. Art collectors and enthusiasts can get hold of artcommune’s new bilingual (English and Chinese) publication, which shares the same title of the exhibition, to learn more about the Cheong’s body of ink work. artcommune gallery was founded in 2009 by Ho Sou Ping, with a particular focus on Singapore Modern art. According to its web site, the gallery “represents the finest and most important artists in the Singapore visual art canon, from revered pioneer masters Cheong Soo Pieng and Chen Wen Hsi, to current leading painters of varying fortes including Lim Tze Peng, Ong Kim Seng, Tan Choh Tee, Tong Chin Sye and Wong Keen.” More information on the exhibition can be found at artcommune’s web site.

RESTING, Cheong Soo Pieng, c. 197883, Chinese ink and color on silk, 26.8”x37.4”, private collection

SM STATIONERY VIRTUAL ART FEST 2021 TAKE a break from routine by taking the artistic route online with the first SM Stationery Virtual Art Fest 2021 every weekend of April and May. Celebrate your creativity and passion online as this year’s Art Fest showcases traditional arts like brush calligraphy, watercolor and abstract painting; as well as contemporary expressions like Doodle Sketching, and pop arts and crafts that both mom and kids will love. Here’s what the public can look forward to: n Create water color wonders with licensed professional teacher and YouTube art teacher Aimee Fadriguela, who on April 25 will show some watercolor painting techniques using Prismacolor Colored Pencils in designing canisters and

bookmarks. n On April 24, calligrapher and ecofriendly artist Kylee Tabil of Kyleegraphy, will share some tips on Basic Faux Calligraphy and how to design reusable tumblers with their favorite quotes and lettering. n Preschool teacher Jillian Dungo will share her tricks on how to Glue Drawn Art using different colors of Elmer’s Glue. There’s more fun ahead as workshop participants will be given special prizes and freebies at the end of the workshop. The SM Stationery Virtual Art Fest 2021 is in partnership with Sharpie, Faber Castell, Artline, Prismacolor, Papermate, Titus, Craft Easy, Elmer’s, Tokyo Finds, Sakura and Pilot. More information is available at www. smstationery.com.ph.

LICENSED professional teacher Aimee Lea Fadriguela will be doing a workshop for Getting Crafty with Prismacolor on April 25.

BRING your artistic vision to life with Prismacolor Premier 24 Colored Pencils.

B6 Tuesday, April 13, 2021

DSWD Secretary joins financial assistance roll out in Parañaque

Security Bank bags 7 awards at the 18th Philippine Quill Awards

EPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista (in red vest), together with other government officials, witnesses a resident as she signs her name on the list of beneficiaries who received cash aid during the first day of the financial assistance payout in Parañaque City on April 7. To ensure compliance with the provisions set out in Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 1, Series of 2021, the DSWD will continue to provide technical assistance to local government units in NCR+ areas to ensure the smooth distribution of financial assistance. LGUs are responsible for distributing the financial aid to their constituents.

Concepcion: Huge benefits outweigh potential risks of AstraZeneca vaccine

ECURITY Bank Corporation (SBC) was feted at the recently held 18th Philippine Quill Awards, taking home four Awards of Excellence and three Awards of Merit. The bank took home Awards of Excellence for the 2020 Security Bank Economic Forum, the employee newsletter Bankers’ Bond, the bank’s COVID-focused Internal Communications program and the Build a School, Build a Nation project of Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI), the bank’s corporate social responsibility arm. The bank also took home three Awards of Merit for its Paseo De Roxas Underpass Mural initiative, its 2019 Annual Financial and Sustainability Report and SBFI’s Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko scholarship program. “We are grateful for these recognitions. Through our internal and external communications programs, we will continue to capitalize on our strong position as a financial institution to inspire action, help people navigate their way through this pandemic and drum up support for worthwhile causes,” says Patricia N. Tan,

SVP and Marketing and Communications group head of Security Bank. Every year, SBC organizes a yearly economic forum as part of its efforts to arm business leaders with information that will guide them in making the best business and financial decisions. The bank’s internal communications campaigns, on the other hand, has helped maintain business continuity, sustain productivity and inspire engagement. SBC also utilized its internal newsletter Bankers’ Bond to keep employees abreast of significant developments within the organization. The “Build a School, Build a Nation: The Classrooms Project” has been helping the government address classrooms shortage by constructing classrooms in areas where Security Bank has a presence. Meanwhile, “Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko” provides scholarships for SBC’s agency workers and their children. Both projects are managed by SBFI. The Paseo Underpass Mural project, on the other hand, is an example of how a financial institution marries financial

service excellence with a deep passion for philanthropy – captured by its message of “BetterBanking for a Better World”. The 18th Philippine Quill Awards themed ARISE recognized the resilience of corporations who were able to create remarkable communications programs that exemplified the Quills’ global standards of excellent, effective, and purposeful business communication. “These efforts are proof of the resilience of our people, and of the students and professional communicators who created narratives and campaigns that continue to help us bravely navigate the challenges of the pandemic, unprecedented in its impact, but which - the Quill entries have shown, brought out the best in us,” says Mr. Jeff Tarayao, chairman of the 18th Philippine Quill Awards and president of One Meralco Foundation. For more information on Security Bank’s products and services, you may visit www.securitybank.com or Security Bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/SecurityBank.

‘Plastic Neutral’ Birch Tree supports women microentrepreneur-led recycling program

HE milk brand has recently been certified ‘Plastic Neutral.’ Meanwhile, it's new sustainability initiative will support a women micro-entrepreneur led recycling program. Dairy brand Birch Tree, manufactured by Century Pacific Food, Inc. (CNPF), one of the Philippines’ leading food and beverage companies, was recently recognized as a 'Plastic Neutral Brand' by the Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), cementing its commitment to reducing plastic pollution. As a certified plastic neutral brand, Birch Tree has balanced the plastic it uses in its packaging by recovering an equal amount of plastic waste and stopping it from polluting the environment. This will also reduce plastic waste flow into landfills and oceans. “Environmental stewardship is a top priority for Birch Tree. We know that change takes time, but we are willing to rise to the challenge of making our packaging and processes as environmentally-friendly as possible,” said Greg Banzon, Chief Operating Officer, CNPF. The Plastic Neutral Certification involved third-party auditors that allowed PCX to verify Birch Tree’s plastic footprint and offsets. This environmental accountability ensures that Birch Tree makes a sustainable impact. Accounting firm Isla Lipana & Co verified that Birch Tree’s annualized plastic footprint from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 has been recovered and processed on behalf of the company. Birch Tree also received Plastic Credits to offset the equivalent volume of plastic waste from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. Birch Tree’s commitment to achieving plastic neutrality led to a partnership with PCX, the world’s

OLLOWING the reports from various European Medical agencies regarding the possible link between blood clotting and the AstraZeneca vaccine, and with the DOH and FDA announcing their move of temporarily suspending AstraZeneca vaccination for persons below 60, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneur and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion highlighted that we should focus on and not forget the huge benefits of the vaccine, which outweigh its potential risks. “Of course, any information like this is a point of concern. Most especially, we are expecting around 22 to 26 million total combined doses of Astrazeneca from the COVAX facility for LGUs and private sector procurement. However, it’s important to note that the majority of the workforce in the private sector as well as LGUs belong to the age group below 60, so this greatly affects our population. Vaccinating Filipinos is critical to our national health and recovery, and failing to meet these goals will have a direct hit on the economy,” Concepcion noted. “As of the moment, the Philippines has inoculated more than 500,000 individuals using the same vaccines. And if there are any extreme adverse effects, we should know them by now. Also, countries like Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, and many others have made no restrictions except for the UK, which restricts ages below 30,” Concepcion added. “Patient safety remains to be the highest priority for AstraZeneca. Tens of millions of people have now received the vaccine across the globe. The extensive body of data from two large clinical datasets and real-world evidence demonstrate the vaccine’s effectiveness, reaffirming the role the vaccine can play during this public health crisis. We will continue to work with the Philippine FDA to answer any questions they may have,” AstraZeneca shares in its statement. “Aside from the assurance that AstraZeneca gave us, publications from medical experts suggest that the AstraZeneca vaccine is still extremely effective and safe despite the raised concerns regarding the blood clotting. All experts agree that vaccination using AstraZeneca continues to be a huge benefit to our vaccination campaign and the current cases, considered very rare, are still within the risk parameters. “The numbers are clear. With the March 31 data from the UK, from the 20.2 million recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine, only 79 reported to have clotting issues. That’s just 0.0000039%, or around 4 in every 1 million people,” Concepcion forwarded. “The WHO is carefully monitoring the rollout of all COVID-19 vaccines and will continue to work closely with countries to manage potential risks, and to use science and data to drive response and recommendations.

“In extensive vaccination campaigns, it is normal for countries to identify potential adverse events following immunization. This does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself. But they must be investigated nonetheless to ensure that any safety concerns are addressed quickly. Vaccines, like all medicines, can have side effects. The administration of vaccines is based on a risk versus benefit analysis,”WHO stated. “The benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh any risks, but the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advises that careful consideration be given to people who are at higher risk of specific types of blood clots because of their medical condition. The MHRA is not recommending age restrictions for COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine use,” MHRA forwarded. “No effective medicine or vaccine is without risk. We continually monitor safety during widespread use of any vaccine. This is to ensure vaccines are performing as expected, to identify any new side effects that may arise, and to ensure the benefits continue to outweigh the risks,” said MHRA Chief Executive Dr. June Raine. Adding to the confidence of the public, “We have a rich source of data–the best data there is–and the MHRA and Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) will continue to keep this under close observation. The public deserves nothing less,” Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the Commission on Human Medicines, stated. “The public’s safety is always at the forefront of our minds and we take every report of a suspected side effect very seriously indeed. We thoroughly analyze each and every report as we receive it. And although the number of reports of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) and other thromboembolic events have increased over the last week, so has the overall number of vaccinations administered. Therefore these blood clots remain extremely rare and unlikely to occur,” Dr. Raine added. With the update on the AstraZeneca vaccines, the 2.6 million doses procured by the first batch of donors are expected to arrive this May and June from Thailand. For the the 14.5 million doses, procured by both the private sector and the LGUs, are expected to arrive in the third and fourth quarter of the year. “We are expecting all of these with no delays as we need to vaccinate the country as fast as we can. All of the vaccines have been proven generally safe and effective before they were approved by numerous regulatory bodies. We need everyone to be vaccinated as this is the only way to overcome COVID-19. Our definition of winning this war is saving both lives and livelihoods as we safely reopen the economy,” Concepcion ends.

Kandaya Resort officially reopens to the public ONE of two containers installed by CNPF in the City of Manila for the collection of post-consumer plastic waste first global, non-profit, fully integrated plastic offset platform. PCX offers a seamless, traceable, and effective solution to offsetting post-consumer plastics responsibly to ensure they don’t wind up in nature. PCX redirects plastic waste to the safest, most environmentallypreferred end destination using only processes that comply with international industry best practices.

‘Aling Tindera’ Waste-to-Cash Program

BIRCH Tree also supports PCX's Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash program, allowing sari-sari store owners to earn cash from collected post-consumer plastic waste. The Aling Tindera Waste-toCash program also increases income opportunities for sari-sari store owners, most of whom are women. This aligns with Birch Tree’s goal to enhance Filipino micro-entrepreneurs' lives. “We have resolved to consider various options that allow us to have an impact now. Through the Aling Tindera Wasteto-Cash program, we not only provide people an avenue to monetize plastic waste but also educate young generations

about the benefits of recycling and coprocessing,” Banzon said. One of two containers installed by CNPF in the City of Manila for the collection of post-consumer plastic waste “By building a strong network of women micro-entrepreneurs, who can be catalysts for sustainability in their respective communities, we hope to achieve the ultimate goal of having no plastic waste in nature,” he added.

Working towards a plastic waste-free future

AS humanity launches into a collective effort to reduce the devastating impacts caused by plastic pollution, Birch Tree does its part by doing what it can to achieve a waste-free future. “Globally, 91 percent of plastic waste goes unrecycled. About 79 percent of all plastic waste ends up in landfills or nature as litter. Through our partnership with PCX, we are optimistic that we are doing our part to repurpose our plastic wastes while also empowering local communities to help reduce pollution before it can enter the environment,” Banzon said.

UST in time to with the Quincentennial Anniversary commemorating the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines—and the bestowal of the miraculous Sto. Niño on the shores of Cebu in 1521, 500 years ago—Kandaya Resort in Daanbantayan has officially opened its arms, once again. Those who have grown weary and in need of a welldeserved escape will be able to enjoy the exclusive resort’s idyllic splendor anew, and in never-before-seen affordability, after a year-long hiatus. Reactivating the resort’s website’s booking engines and online travel agency booking portals follows the industrious and gradual repairs recovering from the destruction of typhoon Ursula and immediately the restrictions on mobility, and business, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the resort’s website, www. kandayaresort.com, and enjoy extremely competitive rates today. With the deluxe, premier, and ocean view rooms to the garden, garden pool, and beach pool villas the property is known for, a most recent addition to Kandaya Resort’s accommodation repertoire are the Adelfa Family Guest Houses with its 3-bedrooms, 2-baths and spacious living and dining areas. The Adelfa Family Guest Houses are also in close proximity to the Kusina Restaurant & Bar, pool deck, and the beach, and are ideal for groups of about 6 to 8 adults. Kandaya Resort’s popular activities like horseback riding at the Kuwadra stables, or day-trips to neighboring Malapascua island

for an intimate picnic, can also be conveniently arranged. Reinvigorate in the tranquility of Daya Spa while never missing a day of fitness in the resort’s world-class gym, all consistently sanitized and maintained. The health and safety of all guests, and staff, is naturally of utmost importance as Kandaya Resort dutifully implements health and safety protocols in accordance with IAFT mandates, and then some. From temperature checks and sanitation centers available throughout the resort, to high-tech UV light decontamination robots and room misting, and stationary air purifiers in the rooms, villas and outlets, the resort’s uncompromising health and safety standards are in full swing. Travel to Daanbantayan in Cebu Province, by tourists from outside Cebu island, now only entails minimal requirements including a confirmed hotel booking and a fit-to-travel medical certification, but you can be sure that a safe, relaxing, and memorable stay always awaits at Kandaya Resort. For inquiries and reservations, call (032) 260 3150 or email reservations@kandayaresort. com or info@kandayaresort.com.

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Angel R. Calso

The World BusinessMirror

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

India posts record infections as total cases top 13.5 million

People attend the burial of a relative who died from complications related to Covid-19 at the Vila Formosa cemetery in São Paulo, Brazil on April 7. AP/Andre Penner

Brazil’s virus outlook darkens amid snags in vaccine supply By Diane Jeantet & David Biller

The Associated Press

IO DE JANEIRO—April is shaping up to be Brazil’s darkest month yet in the pandemic, with hospitals struggling with a crush of patients, deaths on track for record highs and few signs of a reprieve from a troubled vaccination program in Latin America’s largest nation. The Health Ministry has cut its outlook for vaccine supplies in April three times already, to half their initial level, and the country’s two biggest laboratories are facing supply constraints. The delays also mean tens of thousands more deaths as the particularly contagious P.1 variant of Covid-19 sweeps Brazil. It has recorded about 350,000 of the 2.9 million virus deaths worldwide, behind only the US toll of over 560,000. Brazil’s seven-day rolling average has increased to 2,820 deaths per day, compared with the global average of 10,608 per day, according to data through April 8 from Johns Hopkins University. The death toll is forecast to continue rising in the next two weeks to an average of nearly 3,500 per day before receding, according to the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Public health experts blame President Jair Bolsonaro for refusing to enact strict measures to halt infections and for clashing with governors and mayors who did. Failure to control the spread has been compounded by the Health Ministry betting big on a single vaccine, AstraZeneca, then buying only one backup, the Chinese-manufactured CoronaVac, after supply problems emerged. Authorities ignored other producers and squandered opportunities until it was too late to get large quantities of vaccine for the first half of 2021. With extensive experience in successful, massive vaccination programs, Brazil should have known better, said Claudio Maierovitch, former head of Brazil’s health regulator. “The big problem is that Brazil did not look for alternatives when it had the chance,” he said. “When several countries were placing their bets, signing contracts with different suppliers, the Brazilian government didn’t even have vaccination on its agenda.” For months, Bolsonaro’s administration ignored pleas to sign more than one contract for vaccines. The president publicly questioned the reliability of other shots and scoffed at contractual terms, suggesting that recipients of the Pfizer vaccine would have no legal recourse were they to transform into alligators. He insisted he wouldn’t force anyone to get vaccinated and only recently said he might get a shot himself. Denise Garrett, vice president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute that advocates for expanding global vaccine access, said she despaired at the government strategy. Brazil has been far and away Latin America’s immunization front-runner, so much so that she hadn’t seen it in the same league as the region’s other countries. Given the problems in vaccine development and distribution, “it’s definitely not a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket,” she said from Washington. Stalled supplies of the AstraZeneca vaccine in January amid pressure for Brazil to begin its vaccination campaign prompted the Health Ministry to acquire tens of millions of shots from Sao Paulo state’s Butantan Institute, which is mixing an active ingredient from China with a sterile solution and bottling it. The shots were the fruit of the state’s negotiations with Chinese company Sinovac and went ahead despite Bolsonaro’s criticisms. Brazil’s government also dragged its feet in signing on to the World Health Organization’s COVAX initiative providing vaccines to poorer nations. It ultimately bought the bare minimum— enough for 10 percent of its population of 210 million. “I was so anxious when that was going on; I couldn’t believe they weren’t going to sign it,” said Garrett, who is Brazilian. “When I heard they signed, I was relieved. We were all relieved. But they signed for the minimum amount possible.... Brazil isn’t in a better vaccination position now because of the incompetence or inactivity of the federal government.” In February, Brazil began signing contracts with other pharmaceutical companies, but none of their shots have been administered. Of the 10 percent of people who received one dose so far, the vast majority received Butantan’s shot and the rest got the AstraZeneca shot, which government health institute Fiocruz is bottling. Both Brazilian labs face supply problems. Butantan said Wednesday it was suspending production while it awaits shipments of the active ingredient from China. Fiocruz has produced only 4 million of the 50 million doses it agreed to deliver by the end of April. That threatens to reduce the speed of vaccinations, which finally hit 1 million doses per day last week, according to a consortium of local media that compiles data from state health secretariats. Intensive care units for Covid-19 patients in most Brazilian states are above 90 percent capacity. Seven of every 10 hospitals in the country risk running out of supplemental oxygen and anesthetic in the next few days, the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported April 8. At the municipal hospital of Sao Joao de Meriti, a city in Rio de Janeiro’s metropolitan area, the ICU ward is almost full, with many patients sharing space and oxygen bottles while being treated. Hospital director Altair Soares Neto said health professionals scarcely find time to sleep. “Will we have the medicines, the oxygen, the conditions to care for this patient accordingly? Today we do. But, if cases keep growing, sometime we will fight chaos,” he said. The surge of deaths has brought widespread outcry. Brazil’s Association of Collective Health, which has nearly 20,000 members including doctors, nurses and health experts, published an open letter this week demanding a three-week national lockdown, echoing increasingly urgent calls from others. Bolsonaro has refused proposed lockdowns, arguing their economic impact would be even more devastating than the virus. He even took three states to the Supreme Court last month for adopting such restrictions. “If we just wait for the vaccine to reach all risk groups, many people will die,” said the health association’s president, Gulnar Azevedo e Silva. “There is no national coordination. And if we don’t have that, what happens? Chaos.” An agreement for FioCruz to acquire AstraZeneca’s technology would allow Brazil to produce an entirely locally made vaccine and make the nation less vulnerable to constraints on imported active ingredients. Fiocruz forecasts deliveries will start in September. But that date could be pushed back due to the complexity of the process and strict quality control, its press office said in an e-mailed response to questions. While visiting Fiocruz on Friday, health minister Marcelo Queiroga told reporters there are other countries that are also experiencing problems with their supply of active ingredients, and that vaccines won’t remedy Brazil’s high level of Covid-19 deaths in the short-term. He said the government doesn’t have a “magic wand to fix all the problems.” Carla Domingues, former coordinator of Brazil’s national immunization program, praised the country for approaching 1 million doses per day but said it had the infrastructure for a stronger campaign if only the government had secured the vaccines. “Of course, we would like to vaccinate more, like in the US, but we can’t,” she said. “We’re going to have to live with this virus for a long time.” The Associated Press photographer Felipe Dana contributed to this report.

ndia reported a record 168,912 new Covid-19 cases on Monday with the total tally pushing past 13.5 million, potentially on track for the grim milestone of overtaking Brazil as the second-worst-hit nation. India has seen more than 170,000 casualties and administered 104.5 million vaccinations so far, according to data from its health ministry. After months of reporting ebbing daily surge in cases earlier this year, the South Asian nation is again facing an escalating health crisis amid a nastier second wave of infections which has begun to overwhelm hospitals, trigger vaccine supply shortages and forced some states to impose partial lockdowns. Chief executive officers of companies in India are against more lockdowns and are instead working with the government to vaccinate their employees, according to a survey conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry. The industry body polled 710 CEOs and senior leaders. Three of four respondents said night curfew or partial lockdown will hurt movement of their workers. Of these, about half see production or sales falling 10 percent-50 percent a month due to such curbs. What’s more, 67 percent respondents indicate they are working with the government for mass vaccination of eligible work force. India has prohibited exports of the drug Remdesivir, used to treat Covid-19, as the country registered a record number of daily new coronavirus cases. The government took the step amid a sudden spike in demand for the injection, the health ministry said in a statement on Sunday, adding that “there is a potential of further increase in this demand in the coming days.” Key developments:

Thailand hits new high Thailand reported 985 new Covid-19 infections on Monday, a record daily tally, as a new wave of outbreak linked to pubs and bars in capital Bangkok spread to more areas. Authorities have imposed travel curbs and tightened quarantine rules for

people traveling between provinces seen at higher risk of Covid ahead of the annual Songkran festival. Bangkok, which has already closed hundreds of nightlife venues for two weeks, saw 137 new cases, Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control at Thailand’s Health Ministry, told a briefing.

Japan rolls out jabs Japan’s vaccination drive finally kicks into gear on Monday, four months after the start of inoculations in the US and the UK, a slow rollout that has generated further criticism of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s handling of the pandemic. The doses for people 65 and over are the first vaccinations for members of the public in Japan after priority was given to inoculating front-line medical staff first. Japan has so far weathered the coronavirus pandemic relatively well, with infection numbers and deaths just a fraction of many Western countries. But the slow vaccination plan means struggling businesses and fearful shoppers will have to hold out for longer as the recovery of the economy is delayed by as much as two years compared with global peers.

Vaccinated Singapore worker tests positive

A fully vaccinated migrant worker has tested positive for Covid-19 in Singapore, the Ministry of Health announced in an overnight statement, the only new case discovered in the city-state as of noon on Sunday. “ This case is a reminder that it is possible for vaccinated individuals to get infected,” the ministr y said, adding that the man had likely been asy mptomatic but with a positive serolog y test because he had already produced antibodies. Singapore, wh ic h h a s l a rgely

managed to bring the v irus under control, has experienced ver y few daily infections in recent months both within the foreign worker dormitories once a hot spot for infection, and in the w ider community.

Australia won’t set new vaccination goal Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he won’t set a new target date for all Australians to receive their first Covid-19 vaccine dose, as health concerns about the AstraZeneca Plc. shot and European export restrictions delay the rollout. While the government wants to see first doses administered “before the end of the year, it is not possible to set such targets given the many uncertainties involved,” Morrison said in a Facebook post on Sunday. Still, he said Australia’s rollout was ahead of some nations including Japan, France and Canada. About 1.2 million people in the nation of 25.8 million have received a first dose. The main opposition Labor party says that falls some 3 million short of the promised timeline, and has criticized the government for not securing more deals w ith pharmaceutical producers.

Blinken renews call for China transparency Secretary of State Antony Blinken renewed US calls for China to prov ide a fuller accounting of the origins of the Cov id-19 v irus, saying Chinese secrecy meant the virus “got out of hand faster and w ith, I think, much more egregious results than it might other w ise.” China and other countries he d id n’t na me must m a ke “a rea l commitment to transparency, to information sharing, to access for experts” to prevent a repeat, Blinken said on NBC ’s “Meet the Press.” “That’s why we need to get to the bottom of this,” he said.

California deaths approach 60,000 California’s deaths rose 105 to 59,218, as Covid-19 fatalities edge closer to the 60,000 mark. The state reported 4,954 new cases, bringing the total to 3.6 million. Like hard-hit Michigan, California has been pushing for more vaccinations to combat the outbreak even as its positive test rate continued to

decline, falling to 1.6 percent as of Sunday. Almost 22.8 million shots have been administered, with more than 70 percent of those 65 and older having received at least one dose. Los Angeles is the latest city to open up vaccine appointments to those 16 and older, days ahead of California’s deadline on April 15.

UK has fewest cases since September The UK reported 1,730 new cases on Sunday, the lowest since September 2. Infections have dropped 30 percent over the past week. Another seven people died within 28 days of a positive test. Figures are usually lower on Sundays, and fatalities are up 2.4 percent for the week. Non-essential shops, pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating and hairdressers in England can open tomorrow for the first time since Jan. 5. With more than 32 million first vaccine doses given, and almost 7.5 million people fully inoculated, the government is hoping the gradual easing of lockdown won’t lead to an increase in cases.

Ontario hits record cases Ontario reported a record 4,456 new cases on Sunday and 1,513 hospita l i zat ions. Ca nad a’s most populous province is in the midst of a four-week emergency lockdown imposed April 3 amid a spread of virus variants and a slow rollout of vaccines across Canada.

French borders to stay closed “It’s too early to say yet when it’ll be possible to resume travel to Europe,” French Junior Minister for European Affairs Clement Beaune said on RTL radio on Sunday. “Hopefully it’ll be possible this summer. We’re doing everything we can to restore travel within France before the summer to start with, then in Europe, and then more globally, but it’s impossible to give more precise a timetable.”

Iran deaths jump I ra n ’s d e a t h s f r o m C o v i d -1 9 reached the highest in four months w ith 258 fatalities over the last 24 hours. The number of new cases rose by 21,063 overnight, just short of a record 22,586 infections set earlier this week. The countr y now has 64,490 deaths and more than 2 million cases. Bloomberg News

Muslims navigate restrictions in second pandemic Ramadan

AIRO—For Ramadan this year, Magdy Hafez has been longing to reclaim a cherished ritual: performing the nighttime group prayers called taraweeh at the mosque once again. Last year, the coronavirus upended the 68-yearold Egyptian’s routine of going to the mosque to perform those prayers, traditional during Islam’s holiest month. The pandemic had disrupted Islamic worship the world over, including in Egypt where mosques were closed to worshippers last Ramadan. “I have been going to the mosque for 40 years so it was definitely a very, very, difficult thing,” he said. “But our religion orders us to protect one another.” Still, “It’s a whole other feeling, and the spirituality in Ramadan is like nothing else.” Egypt has since allowed most mosques to reopen for Friday communal prayers and for this Ramadan it will let them hold taraweeh, also with precautions, including shortening its duration. Ramadan, which begins this week, comes as much of the world has been hit by an intense new coronavirus wave. For many Muslims navigating restrictions, that means hopes of a better Ramadan than last year have been dashed with the surge in infection rates though regulations vary in different countries. A time for fasting, worship and charity, Ramadan is also when people typically congregate for prayers, gather around festive meals to break their daylong fast, throng cafes and exchange visits. Once again, some countries are imposing new restrictions. But concern is high that the month’s communal rituals could stoke a further surge. “The lack of adherence that happened last Ramadan, hasty lifting of the curfew imposed at the time and re-opening of places of congregations... led to grave consequences that lasted for months,” said Ahmed Al-Mandhari, the World Health Organization’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “We have a lot of worries of a repeat of what had

happened last Ramadan, especially since Ramadan coincides with another important holiday, which is Easter,” he said by e-mail. Orthodox Christians mark Easter on May 2. In Pakistan, new case numbers grew from fewer than 800 a day at the start of the month last year to more than 6,000 a day a few weeks after Ramadan ended. Officials largely attributed the increase to Pakistanis flouting restrictions. After a dip, the country is back up to more than 5,000 new cases a day. Iran on Saturday began a 10-day lockdown amid a severe surge in infections that followed a two-week public holiday for Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Economic hardship also looms over the month for many. In war-torn Syria, Abed al-Yassin was concerned about what his iftar—the meal at sunset breaking the fast—will look like this year. “It will be difficult to even have fattoush,” alYassin said, referring to a salad that is a staple of the holy month in his country. He’s spending his second Ramadan in a tent settlement near the Turkish border after he was driven from his hometown last year during a Russian-backed government offensive that displaced hundreds of thousands. “Our main wish is to return to our homes,” said al-Yassin, who lives with his wife, three sons and daughter in a tent. He relies mostly on food aid, he said. Camp residents have recently received bags of lentils, pasta and bulgur and receive bread on daily basis. Lebanon is being squeezed by the worst economic and financial crisis in its modern history, exacerbated by the pandemic and a massive deadly explosion in Beirut in August. “We are going through a period when some people are fasting whether during Ramadan or not,” said Natalie Najm, an insurance broker. Even with her job, she can barely cover food costs, she said. “What about others who lost their jobs?”

To prevent large gatherings in Ramadan, Saudi Arabia has forbidden mosques from serving iftar and suhoor, a meal just before the fast’s start at sunrise. Many Muslim religious leaders, including in Saudi Arabia, have tried to dispel concerns a b o u t g e t t i n g t h e co ro n av i ru s va cc i n e i n R a m a d a n , s ay i n g t h at d o i n g s o d o e s n o t constitute breaking the fast. With new infections exceeding earlier peaks in India, Muslim scholars there have appealed to their communities to strictly follow restrictions and refrain from large gatherings, while asking volunteers and elders to look after the needy. Last year’s Ramadan in India was marred by rising Islamophobia following accusations that an initial surge in infections was tied to a three-day meeting of an Islamic missionary group, the Tablighi Jamaat, in New Delhi. In Pakistan, authorities are allowing mosques to remain open during Ramadan with rules in place that include barring worshippers over 50 years old and requiring masks. But given how rules were widely ignored last year there, doctors have been asking the government to close mosques. “We are very concerned about the gatherings,” Dr. Qaiser Sajjad, secretary general of the Pakistan Medical Association, said Sunday. He urged the government and Pakistan’s clerics to put together a better plan during Ramadan to stop the spread of the virus. “We must learn from the previous year,” he said. Sajjad is calling for a complete lockdown of the eastern city of Lahore. Afghanistan is leaving it up to worshippers to watch out for each other, keep their distance and stay away from the mosques if they are feeling ill. “Saving a human life is an obligation... you can’t put the life of a human in danger or at risk at all,” said Sayed Mohammad Sherzadi, head of Hajj and religious affairs depar tment

for Kabul province. Malaysia has some movement restrictions in place and has declared a coronavirus emergency that suspended Parliament until August following spikes in infections. But it has lifted last year’s ban on taraweeh prayers and Ramadan bazaars, which sell food, drink and clothes, though strict measures will be in place. Back in Egypt, Nouh Elesawy, undersecretary for mosque affairs at the country’s Ministry of Endowments, had a message to the faithful ahead of the start of the month: “If you want the houses of God to remain open, adhere to the precautionary procedures and regulations.” Ramadan also typically has a distinct cultural and social flavor for many. In Egypt, giant billboards bearing the faces of celebrities advertise Ramadan television series, a favorite pastime for many. In bustling markets around Cairo’s Al-Sayeda Zainab Mosque, shoppers browsed stalls stacked with decorative Ramadan lanterns in vibrant colors, inspected the offerings and bargained for a deal. In another Cairo neighborhood, people posed with a giant Ramadan lantern towering over one street and snapped photos. One Ramadan tradition in Egypt that remains a casualty of the virus for the second year is the “Tables of the Compassionate,” communal charity iftars where strangers would break bread together at free meals served on long tables on the street. The tables may be gone, but not the month’s spirit of giving. Neveen Hussein, 48, said colleagues brought her “Ramadan bags” filled with rice, oil, sugar and other staples to distribute to needy families. It’s an annual tradition, she said, rendered more urgent by a pandemic that has hurt the livelihoods of many of those already struggling. “This is a month of mercy,” she said. “God is generous, and this is a month of generosity.” AP

Sports

Ancajas shifts focus on helping Marcial train for Tokyo Olympics

BusinessMirror

| Tuesday, April 13, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

HIDEKI WINS MASTERS A

UGUSTA, Georgia—Hideki Matsuyama almost turned down his first chance to play the Masters. It was a month after a devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, disasters that killed thousands and destroyed much of the region he called home in March 2011. He decided to play a month later, only because he thought it would lift spirits. A decade later, he lifted his country again—becoming Japan’s first man to win a golf major. Matsuyama’s one-shot victory over Will Zalatoris at Augusta National made him the Masters champion, easily the biggest moment for the sport in his golf-crazed homeland. “I can’t say I’m the greatest,” Matsuyama said. “However, I’m the first to win a major, and if that’s the bar, then I’ve set it.” He was the greatest this week at the Masters, bar none. History will say he won the tournament on Sunday with a final-round 73, but really, he won it on Saturday with a blistering finish that put him atop the leaderboard for good. He went six-under on a seven-hole stretch of the back nine in the third round, the decisive spurt that nobody could match. Even the final margin on Sunday was perhaps a bit misleading—it only tightened up when Matsuyama made three bogeys in his final four holes, though the lead never seemed threatened. Matsuyama finished at 10-under, 278. Zalatoris was at nine under, Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele were tied for third at seven under, and Jon Rahm and Marc Leishman tied for fifth at six under. Justin Rose, who jumped out in front Thursday with a 65, finished seventh, five shots back. “It’s thrilling to think that there are a lot of youngsters in Japan watching today,” Matsuyama said. “Hopefully in five, 10 years, when they get a little older, hopefully some of

them will be competing on the world stage. But I still have a lot of years left, so they are going to have to compete against me still.” Message to those kids: Good luck. Matsuyama is only 29. He moved from No. 25 to No. 14 in the world rankings, and will be welcomed back to Augusta National for Masters week for the rest of his life—one of the many perks that come once someone claims a green jacket. “I think it’s really good for the game of golf globally,” Spieth said. “He’s a great young player who inevitably was going to win major championships, in my opinion.” It turned out to be a Masters finish like none other, capping a week that was memorable for who was there, who wasn’t there for long and who couldn’t be there at all. Lee Elder—the first Black player in the Masters when he broke the tournament’s color barrier in 1975—joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for the ceremonial tournament-opening tee shots on Thursday morning. By the time nightfall arrived Friday, defending champion Dustin Johnson was done after missing the cut by two strokes. And five-time Masters winner Tiger Woods wasn’t at Augusta National to play or even take part in the Champions dinner, his recovery from a car crash in Los Angeles ongoing at his Florida home. Woods wasn’t seen. Not long after Matsuyama won, he was heard, or at least read. “Making Japan proud Hideki,” Woods wrote on Twitter. “Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment for you and your country. This historical [at] TheMasters win will impact the entire golf world.” He’s not wrong. Japan is already set to play host to the Olympics this summer, delayed a year because of the coronavirus and still a thorny subject for many in that country who wonder if the Tokyo Games should be held at all. The golf event at those Olympics is

scheduled for the Kasumigaseki Country Club, the place where Matsuyama won as an amateur to secure that first trip to Augusta National in 2011—where he visited Butler Cabin to receive the prize as the low amateur that week. A decade later, he returned to Butler Cabin, this time for Johnson to slip the green jacket over his shoulders. “I’m really looking forward to the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” Matsuyama said. “If I am on the team, and maybe it looks like I will be, I’ll do my best to represent my country, and hopefully I’ll play well.” AP

Jerwin “The Pretty Boy” Ancajas is all smiles after a successful defense of his world title over the weekend.

ONE with his successful defense of his world title, Jerwin “The Pretty Boy” Ancajas will embark on his next mission: help Eumir Felix Marcial win a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics. “Our plan is to continuously help Eumir’s Olympic preparation,” Ancajas, 29, told BusinessMirror through overseas call from New York City on Monday. “Our support for Eumir is huge because he will be fighting for the pride of our country.” Ancajas retained his International Boxing Federation super flyweight title after beating Mexican Jonathan Javier Rodriguez via unanimous decision last Sunday in Connecticut. It was his ninth defense of the belt and his first fight in 16 months. Ancajas said that he, his trainer and manager

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA is the first Japanese to wear the green jacket. AP

Macrohon, 7 others join Diaz in Tashkent

OUTHEAST Asian Games gold medalist Kristel Macrohon leads a seven-member team that will join Rio 2016 silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz in the 2021 Asian Weightlifting Championships set from April 15 to 25 in Tashkent. Joining Macrohon who moved up to the 76 kgs weight class are her women teammates 2019 SEA Games silver medalist Elreen Ann Ando (64 kgs), Mary Flor Diaz (45 kgs), Elien Rose Perez (49 kgs), Margaret Colonia (59 kgs) and Vanessa Sarno (71 kg. Competing in the men’s division are 2019 SEA Games silver medal winner John Febuar Ceniza (61 kgs) and John Dexter Tabique (96 kgs). The weightlifters, along with their coaches Gary

By Josef Ramos

Hortelano and Nicolas Jaluag, will be arriving in Manila from the provinces on Tuesday, the same day that they will be tested for Covid-19. Macrohon, who hails from Pasobolong in Zamboanga City like Diaz, is hoping to pull off a strong performance for a possible ticket to the Tokyo Olympics. Diaz will be completing the sixth and final International Weightlifting Federation-sanc-

tioned tournament, a prerequisite for qualifying for the Olympics. She doesn’t have to make the podium to make it to Tokyo and all she needs is to step up the ramp and lift weights. “We will know in Tashkent if we’re qualified for an Olympic spot,” the 24-year-old Macrohon said. “We really need to perform well before knowing fate for Tokyo.” Macrohon won the women’s 71-kg gold medal in the 2019 SEA Games. Diaz arrived in the Uzbek capital over the weekend with strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo and Chinese Coach Kaiwan Gao.

OLYMPIC CHEERLEADER Olympic fan Kyoko Ishikawa shows her cheering at her

home in Tokyo. Ishikawa, president of an IT company, has attended every Summer Olympics since Barcelona in 1992, becoming famous as an unofficial “International Olympic Cheerleader.” She relishes joining in with fans from everywhere to cheer for their athletes. AP

Joven Jimenez and sparring partner Jonas Sultan will fully concentrate on Marcial’s preparation for the Olympics that are set from July 23 to August 8. Marcial and Ancajas’s team have been training together at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California, since October last year. They are also living together in a rented apartment also in Los Angeles. Ancajas said Marcial’s improved skills would definitely help him win the country’s first Olympic gold. “His training under Freddie Roach and his solid sparring experiences with different foreign boxers are benefitting Eumir very well,” Ancajas said. Besides Roach, Marcial is also under the care of strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune. “I believe in Eumir and I trust him to win an Olympic. He is very determined to do that,” he said. “It’s really up with Eumir. We’re just here for him.” Jimenez said that they are delaying plans to return home because of the worsening Covid-19 pandemic in the country. Marcial also intends to join fellow Tokyo qualifiers Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Irish Magno and several other national boxers in the Asian Boxing Championships set from May 21 to 31 in New Delhi, India.

PSC ON 10-DAY

LOCKDOWN

HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will be on a 10-work day lockdown starting Tuesday after personnel tested positive of Covid-19. The entire Rizal Memorial Sports Complex which houses the PSC Administration Building in Manila and the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City will undergo thorough disinfection and cleansing. PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. tasked the agency’s management committee to ensure that health and safety protocols are revisited and fortified. The PSC’s operations will shift to work-fromhome arrangements. “We hope to break the transmission during those days, to arrest the spread of Covid-19 among our employees,” PSC Chief of Staff Marc Velasco said. “We are still waiting for some test results and we are hoping that they do not turn out positive, said Velasco. Still unaccounted for are results from tests done on 41 PSC personnel. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea approved the lockdown pursuant to Memorandum Circular 85 issued March 19 that requires government agencies to seek approval from Malacañang before any lockdown is enforced.

Comm Mon in forum

Leaders Talisay, Mandaue collide

JAS Zenith-Talisay City and KCS-Mandaue City dispute the early lead at the resumption on Tuesday of the Visayas leg of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup. The match is set at 8 p.m. at the Alcantara Civic Center in Alcantara, Cebu, with the Aquastars and Computer Specialists shooting for a second straight victory. The Aquastars routed the Bohol Mariners, 104-66, behind Patrick Cabahug’s 22 points in a mere 17 minutes of action. The Computer Specialists, on the other hand, pulled away from the Siquijor Mystics in the fourth period for a 66-46 victory with Gryann Mendoza scattering 17 points.

Mandaue City head coach Mike Reyes said Talisay City is stacked with talented players that he couldn’t single out who to heavily defend. “This will be the real test of who we are as a team, how we will be able to execute on defense will be the key,” Reyes said. Talisay City skipper Paulo Hubalde said the coaching staff and the players have done their homework on Mandaue City. “We have scouted them and made adjustments,” Hubalde said. “We have a game plan for them.” The ARQ Builders-Lapu-Lapu City Heroes are also gunning for their second win when they tackle the Dumaguete Warriors at 2 p.m.

Jon Jones challenge Vincent Juico @VJuico, Instagram vpjp_j, vince.juico@gmail.com

SPORTS WITHOUT BORDERS IF there’s anyone who can solve the puzzle that is Francis Ngannou, it’s Jon Jones. With the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jones became the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, maybe even the world. Jones will be a puzzle to Ngannou—he has excellent striking and ground game. He’s around 6-foot-4 with long arms and long legs. He’s neither been knocked down nor knocked out. Ngannou is known for his submissions but he’s submitted opponents due to strikes. He’s not exactly known for grappling or wrestling but he has knockout power in both fists and I bet he punches so hard, his opponents’ ancestors will feel it. I think the remaining obstacle will be money. Jones will want a huge payday and Ngannou, as the reigning and defending champion, will surely ask UFC President Dana White for more money.

Some say Jon Jones should fight Stipe Miocic, the former champion and arguably the greatest heavyweight ever in the UFC. It would be a dangerous fight for Jones because like him, Miocic has both stand up and ground game. We’ll see how this all pans and plays out. nnn

ARE there athletes who don’t want to get vaccinated? Are there teams who won’t let players play if they don’t get vaccinated? According to the Wall Street Journal, “NBA, NFL and Major League Baseball officials say a significant percentage of players—perhaps even a majority in some leagues—have expressed concerns about taking the vaccine when it becomes available to them.” Athletes who’ve already qualified for the Olympics raised concerns. Reuters.com says, “I have not had any athlete raise a concern specifically with me about whether the vaccines can cause a positive [doping] test,”

EAM Philippines Chef De Mission to the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games Ramon Fernandez will be the special solo guest on Tuesday in the online edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. Fernandez, a commissioner of the PSC, will talk about the recent snag in the training and preparation of athletes to the November 21 to December 2 games where the Filipinos are the defending overall champions. The athletes were scheduled to start bubble training on April 15 but was canceled after the enhanced community quarantine was imposed in the National Capital Region and neighboring cities and provinces. Although the quarantine was eased to modified, mass gathering, training and contact sports remain prohibited. The forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. starts at 10 a.m. The weekly Forum, presented by Smart with Upstream Media as official webcast partner, is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page. Jon Finnoff told the news agency. “But I have had athletes raise concerns about ‘are there any long term ramifications associated with it, if I have the vaccine, is there the potential that it will impede my performance?’” “Part of what we are dealing with at the USOPC [US Olympic and Paralympic Committee] is really trying to educate people. “There will likely be a mix of people who want the vaccine and a small percentage who do not.” The article continues, “Just imagine theoretically it is one chance out of a million or one billion,” Olivier Rabin said. “We all agree there is absolutely no risk vis-a-vis anti-doping. “When people ask me are you 100 percent sure my answer is I am fairly certain, I am 99.9 percent sure but I am not 100 percent sure. It is super, super low risk even probably a nonexistent risk.” Will vaccination impact performance? “You receive a vaccination and you develop a little bit of fever, shivers, you don’t feel well. That can happen and that is normal for a lot of vaccines,” Rabin explained. “Like any vaccine, it would be very temporary. “I can understand an athlete saying ‘Look I am 48 hours away from a major competition is it a good time to get the vaccine?’ I would say unless you really have to, maybe it is better to postpone by 48 or 72 hours in case you experience minor side effects.”