BOI ‘Israel model’: Compassionate medical use of cannabis sparks solons’ interest

Continued from A16

A t the launching of the green lanes on Thursday, Pascual said, “adjusting targets will be based on two sides, the supply and demand.”

O n Thursday, President Marcos Jr. together with Pascual led the official launch of the green lanes for strategic investments.

T he green lanes for strategic investments were established through Executive Order No. 18 (EO 18) issued on February 23,2023.

A ccording to BOI, EO 18 is a governmentwide response to enhance the ease of doing business in the country by “expediting, streamlining and automating” government processes for strategic investments.

“Its outstanding feature is the provision for simultaneous processing of applications whereby National Government Agencies [NGAs] and Local Government Units [LGUs] that receive applications for permits and licenses are mandated to process the same with the presumption that the relevant documents from other agencies have already been issued and where the applicant firm shall execute an affidavit of undertaking that it has secured the relevant documents from specific NGAs or LGUs and that it shall submit the complete documentary requirements within 30 working days,” BOI said in a statement on Thursday.

Mean while, Pascual explained to reporters how the green lane process works: “Go to BOI, single point of entry and then you will be guided to go through the process. Then, the [Department of the Interior and Local Government] DILG will talks to the LGUs. They’ll organize also. There is an officer or a team that will be in charge of taking care of strategic investors.”

Continued from A16

Financial constraints were also highlighted, with 12 percent of participants citing insufficient pay and the inability to afford basic necessities as pressing issues.

Additionally, 11 percent expressed concerns about job loss and the impact of rising prices on their ability to purchase essential commodities.

Seniors’ anxiety

THE survey identified a particular concern among senior citizens (60+ years old) who were mostly retired or approaching retirement.

“Rising commodity prices were a significant worry for this demographic,” it said.

Health-related concerns were also noted, with 8 percent of respondents expressing worries about serious diseases other than Covid-19 and their ability to access

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

WORRIES raised by Senators Robinhood Padilla and Joseph Victor “JV”

Ejercito that cannabis, intended for compassionate medicine use, would be used as a recreational drug were brushed aside during a presentation of an “Israel model” at the third hearing of the Committee on Health and Demography on the proposed Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act on Thursday.

Padilla, who chairs the subcommittee, stressed that he and Ejercito are pushing for legalizing the compassionate use of medical cannabis and not for recreational use.

M r. Ricardo Penson, president and CEO of Penson and Company Inc., made a presentation that sparked Ejercito’s interest that the product has a barcode to regulate the use of medical cannabis and monitor its usage by patients in Israel.

I n a statement after the hearing, Ejercito said he is interested in hearing the guidelines of the different government agencies on the use of cannabis as an alternative medical treatment.

“ I would like to reiterate that we are for medical use and compassionate use and not for recreational use. If this will help or lessen the illness or sickness…as I related my story previously, I have an epileptic relative and every time he was given cannabis, he does not experience seizures,” Ejercito said.

Barcode

“PAG -SURRENDER ng package, tsaka lang nila ite -terminate ’yung barcode na ’yon na consumed na,” Penson said. He explained that the barcode can even tell the pharmacy on the origin of the product and who issued the prescription.

Penson, together with Padilla, conducted a study tour in facilities, which produce pharmaceutical grade cannabis in Israel in May. Padilla also attended a series of conferences there on the compassionate use of medical cannabis and how to apply Israel’s experience in the Philippines.

Cost

PENSON said that for 10 grams of medical cannabis the price is at $35 (P1,925). For a year the estimated cost for patients would be $20,000 to $30,000 or P1.1million to P1.65 million

I n Israel, he said, there are 120,000 licensed patients using medical cannabis.

Support

PADILLA , who filed Senate Bill 230 last year, allowing the medical use of cannabis, also asked the support of stakeholders and the resource persons “once this reaches the plenary.”

Today, I will ask for your open mind to give comments and opinions, especially on the possibility of having medicalization of cannabis like in Israel,” Padilla said in Filipino.

T hursday’s hearing was also attended by officials and representatives from the Depart - ment of Health, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Food and Drug Administration, Dangerous Drugs Board, Cannahopefuls Inc., Philippine Society of Cannabinoid Medicine, and MASIKHAY Research.

I n pushing for legalizing the compassionate use of medical cannabis, Padilla noted last year that many Filipinos, including children, continue to suffer from the effects of medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and epilepsy, which may be addressed by medical cannabis.

M edical cannabis, it was learned, is prescribed in Israel for the following conditions: n Oncology n Gastroenterology n Chronic pain n Infectious disease n Neurology n Palliative Care n Psychiatry (post-traumatic stress disorder) n Autism n Dementia healthcare services and hospitalizations.

I n filling the bill, Padilla, said, there are many potential economic benefits from the nonpsychoactive parts of plants from the marijuana species for making more than 25,000 items such as paper for bank notes, rope, cloth and even biofuel, laundry detergent, automobile construction parts, beauty products, hemp protein powders, hemp milk, hemp coffee and milk, particle board biodegradable plastic, paint and insulation.

The PAHAYAG 2023 Second Quarter Survey (PQ2) is an independent and non-commissioned survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. between June 7 and 12, 2023 with 1,500 respondents nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Palace and the House of Representatives are continuously conducting interagency coordination meetings to discuss preparations for the President’s second Sona on July 24.

Attendees to the Sona coordination meeting were officials from key agencies, namely, the Senate of the Philippines, House of Representatives, Office of the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs, which coordinates with the diplomatic corps as part of the regular invitees to the Sona.

According to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, the topmost concern is the security of the President, the Vice President, all the high-ranking officials, as well as the guests.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

‘Ama Namin’ drag video riles pols, church leaders

Continued from A16

CBCP: ‘Don’t twist’ case

IN Vega’s Twitter space, the drag performer said, “Was it offensive because I am a queer individual? Or was it of other factors? It was in no way trying to demean naman.”

The CBCP executive secretary urged the artist, however, to “not twist the thing that happened.”

The very act itself is very blasphemous, disrespectful, a mockery, profanity. Even if he is not a drag queen, even if he is a straight [man], if somebody does that, of course we are going to make a reaction out of it,” Fr. Secillano told B usiness M irror

According to Vega, the intention was never to mock.

“Feeling ko, was very careful when I did that because I don’t want it to come across as something that’s very offensive. I also did that intentionally to challenge our notions of how we worship or how we sing our prayers,” said Vega. Possible consequences

IN an interview, Fr. Secillano said, “We don’t plan to take action, except to say that people should be extremely prudent in making fun of religion.”

On Monday, Vega responded against the backlash through Philippine Drag Updates, saying, “I won’t delete it nor will apologize for doing it.”

Vega said their mere existence as queers already offends people, and the performance is just a “yassified worship/lipsync of the Lord’s Prayer.”

“People are free to make interpretations of it. The way I see it, our reactions and perceptions reveal our values which we need to reflect on,” said Vega, one of the contestants of “Drag Den” Season One.

Netizens who denounced the video tagged it as “blasphemous” and deeply offensive to Catholics, who are taught at an early age to pray the “Our Father” in a most solemn way. At Holy Mass, it is sung in various versions, but also with solemnity, not like a party or disco version, the protesting netizens said.

‘Try doing it to another religion’

ON Thursday, the current and past Senate Presidents weighed in on the issue, as well.

Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a tweet, addressing the drag performer: “Whatever it is, why don’t you try doing that to another religion?” It was an apparent reference to the often violent protests that follow controversial “freedom of expression” acts in other countries, mostly those deemed extremely disrespectful of Islam or Hinduism.

For his part, Senate President Zubiri said in a statement: “In my opinion, this is the height of the misuse and abuse of our freedom of expression that borders on criminal activity. It offends the sensibilities of our Christian brothers and sisters, deeply demeans the faith of millions of Filipinos, and dangerously scales the boundaries of protected speech and expression.”

Hontiveros, a strong advocate of rights of LGBTQ persons, said in a statement: “As a woman of faith, I admit I personally find this regrettable. Alam ko madami ding miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ community, persons of faith among them, find this regrettable. However, I also caution against the use of this incident to deny rights and protections to a community that has long been marginalized and excluded.

“I wish f or self-reflection, compassion and healing for both the religious and LGBTQIA+ communities. Our platforms should build bridges. The struggle for SOGIE Equality continues.”

Kabataan party-list also weighed in: “Drag is an art form and is open to criticism. Indeed freedom of expression requires responsibility, so it may be criticized but in no way should it be penalized or censored.”

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION/S FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT/S (AEP/S)

Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for

9 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

10 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

11 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

RUAN, HAIRONG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

WU, ZIJIA

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

YANG, BOTAO

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

3 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

4 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

5 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

6 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

7 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

8 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

DANG, KEDONG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

DU, ZIFENG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

LIANG, JIAN

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

QI, WEIMENG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

QI, WENJUN

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

QIN, FENG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

12 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

13 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

14 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

15 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

16 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

17 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

18 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

ZHENG, JINGRONG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

CHEN, BINGHAO

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

CHEN, HUABING

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

CHEN, TIANPENG

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

CHEN, WANTIAN Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

TANG, XIANJIAN

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

YANG, MING

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

57 PORTAL STEELS INC.

9039 GP, Maguyam Road, Bancal, Carmona, Cavite

Basic Qualification: With 5 years work experience in the same field

58 PRIME GLOVES MANUFACTURING INC.

8 Progressive St., Light Industry & Science Park III, San Rafael, City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas

59 SHIMADZU PHILIPPINES MANUFACTURING INC.

Lot 14-15, Block 15, Phase III, Cavite Export Processing Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

60 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

4th-12th Floors, Southwoods Mall Tower 2, Halang Street, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

61 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

4th-12th Floors, Southwoods Mall Tower 2, Halang Street, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna to reduce or form nonferrous metal

JIANG, HUANYU Warehouse Controller

Brief Job Description:

Manage, evaluate and report on warehouse productivity

HUANG, SHAOTONG Sewing Mechanic Manager

Brief Job Description: Ensure proper use of sewing machine and plant equipment

KAWASAKI, CHIHIRO Adviser

Brief Job Description:

Support the president in the implementation of organization’s objectives and targets

LIU, QINGXING

Chinese Customer Service

Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner

HU, GUANGHANG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner

Salary Range: Php60,000Php89,999

Basic Qualification: With 5 years work experience in the same field

Salary Range: Php30,000 –Php59,999

Basic Qualification: 15 years of experience in the same field

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Must have knowledge and experience in procurement; with strong and possess strong negotiation skills

Salary Range:

Php90,000Php149,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999