Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 91 | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 91 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

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City readies biggest isolation facility STORY ON PAGE 2

President Rodrigo Duterte dares Senator Manny Pacquiao to name corrupt agencies and officials or else he will campaign against the country’s boxing superstar in the 2022 elections. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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Davao City, together with 20 other areas, remains under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until July 15 after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendations of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19. Edge Davao

didto para mahimo siyang operational. Naa ni sa kilid sa Tent City sa Davao International Airport (DIA) ning Van City,” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said. It can be recalled that

the city is eyeing 250 more isolation beds to help boost the city’s Covid-19 response. However, the mayor said the 250 additional beds are still not enough to cater Covid-19 patients. As of June 22, 2021, the city has 2,408 Covid-19 beds, however, not all of these are exclusive for isolation use as some are holding facilities or intended for probable cases. The city is also currently utilizing the ‘Tent City’ for

passengers waiting to be picked up by their respective local government units (LGUs) while some are those put on hold for presenting invalid RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) test results. The ‘Tent City’ was established at the Davao International Airport (DIA) last year to serve as holding facility for arriving passengers while waiting for the result of their RT-PCR or swab test.

District in Davao City. Davao City COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser on Monday, June 28, said, “The Los Amigos molecular laboratory, aside from decongesting the SPMC Molecular Laboratory, will be able to give the turnaround of results faster.” She said that since the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Molecular Laboratory has exceeded its limit of

accepting RT-PCR swab samples, the new facility will address the backlog. “As soon as we have addressed the backlog or as soon as we decongest the SPMC at hindi na ma maximum or exceeded limit amg molecular laboratory, pretty sure Saturday and Sunday swabbings will resume,” Dr. Schlosser told the City Information Office (CIO). The Saturday and Sunday swabbings were recently

temporarily suspended, according to her, as the SPMC Molecular Laboratory could no longer accept samples beyond its maximum limit. Swabbing is usually held from Mondays to Sundays at Sta. Ana Health Center, Crocodile Park, and Magsaysay Park. Dr. Schossler said Sta. Ana is currently under quarantine and may resume operation within this week. She added, “Mas mabilis ang testing with a new

molecular laboratory at mas mabilis ang turnaround ng results (Testing is faster with a new molecular laboratory and turnaround of results is also faster).” The SPMC Molecular Laboratory usually releases RT-PCR test results after two to three days, but with the huge number of individuals being swabbed due to the surge of COVID-19 cases, it often requires a maximum of five days to provide the results.

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he city government of Davao is putting together the biggest isolation city called ‘Van City’, which is a 400-bed capacity to address the continuing the surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City.

“We have another na pinakadako na gina-ready karon na Van City which is the 400 bed spaces na capacity. Pero medyo dugay pa ni kay dako ang additional na mga kinahanglan buhaton

he Los Amigos Davao Laboratory received its license to operate on June 22, 2021 from the Department of Health and it is expected to hasten the turnaround time for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing results. The facility, which is intended for COVID-19 (SarsCoV-2) testing, is valid to operate until December 31, 2021. It is located at Purok 6, B5, Los Amigos, Tugbok

resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday dared Senator Manny Pacquiao to name corrupt agencies and officials or else he will campaign against the country’s boxing superstar in the 2022 elections. “So I’m challenging him, ituro mo opisina na corrupt at ako na bahala within one week, may gawin ako. Maglista ka Pacquiao at sinasabi mo two times kaming corrupt, ilista mo yun mga tao at opisina na dapat inilista mo pa noon at ibigay mo sa akin (name the corrupt office and I will do something within one week. You make a list Pacquiao and you said we’re two times corrupt, list those people and offices that you should have listed before and give them to me),” Duterte said in his Talk to the People. Duterte said Pacquiao should prove that he is not just politicking amid reports that the world boxing champion is gunning for

City readies biggest isolation facility

Name corrupt or ‘I’ll campaign against you’, PRRD to Pacman the presidency in the 2022 elections. “If you fail to do that, I will campaign against you, because you are not doing your duty. Do it, because if not, I will just tell the people, do not vote for Manny Pacquiao because he is a liar,” Duterte said. He said the Department of Public Works and Highway “really had notoriety” for corruption before when he became president. “Pero wala ako nakita ngayon na corrupt (I find no corrupt now),” he said. “Every administration will have a share the problem of corruption. Do not ever think that if you will win as president na wala nang corruption dito sa Pilipinas (that corruption will be eliminated in the Philippines.” He called on everyone to join Pacquiao if they have also information about

Dr. Schossler said, “I hope we will be able to achieve two to three days. As much as possible, we want to give the results right away aron dili kaayo maguol while waiting tong natest (so that those tested won’t be anxious while waiting for the result). They will also go on with their usual activities, secured that they are already negative. Para sa ilahang work requirements

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NEWS

Energy Secretary and PDP-Laban vice chairman Alfonso Cusi advises party president Senator Manny Pacquiao to leave the ruling party first before launching criticism against President Rodrigo Duterte— the party chairman. Edge Davao

DOH 11 prefers more vax sites for full implementation SoCot starts turnover of Surallah hospital to DOH

he provincial government of South Cotabato will start this week the gradual turnover of the operations of the Soccsksargen General Hospital (SGH) in Surallah town to the Department of Health (DOH). South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said Monday personnel from the DOH-12 will be formally reporting for duty at the hospital starting on July 1 as part of the ongoing transition

process. He said the agency has already hired the initial employees for the SGH, with some coming from the current roster under the provincial government. Citing their earlier negotiations with the DOH-12, Tamayo said the latter agreed to maximize the hiring of employees from within the hospital to ensure that no one would be

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

he regional office of the Department of Health (DOH 11) said it prefers more vaccination sites to be opened in time for the full implementation of vaccination for Priority A4 or the economic frontliners in Davao Region.

“Mas labing maayo na naa ta’ydaghannavaccinationsites para sa full implementation sa A4 kay kini daghan daghan na grupo,” said Dr. Annabelle Yumang, regional director of DOH 11. Davao City is currently the only city in Davao Region given a go signal to conduct

vaccination of A4 group. “Sa karon ang gitugutan na magbakuna sa atoang A4 or economic frontliners ang Davao City pa lang nga mag start na ug bakuna,” Yumang said. She also said that government sector is already looking for a site for the

issuedlastyearbyCityMayor Ronnel Rivera that provided for the establishment of coordinated operations to defeat the epidemic in the workplaces in the city. He said CHO had opened a community-based antigen swab station, the city’s fourth, at the KCC Veranza Mall’s alfresco patio. “Our objective is not only to reduce the number of cases but so we can look forward to a better December compared to

government employees to get jabbed. For example for the government sector, nagapangita na ug areas kung asa mabakunahan ang mga government employees. For the private sector gipaningkamutan ni karon na makakita ni sila or naa ta’y makuha na mga areas kung asa puwede sila makapabakuna. Naa pud tagsa-tagsa na pribado na mga grupo nga nakipagarrange na sa mga private hospitals or naga-pangita sila sa ilahang vaccination sites,” Yumang said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) lauded the tourism stakeholders of Davao City for spearheading “Bakuna by the Sea,” the vaccination program for A4 members that will be held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Pavilion from June 30 to July 2, 2021. The program will allocate 14,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines for the initial 7,000 tourism workers to receive the life-saving shots. There are around 6,000 tourism workers in the city that already preregistered for the said event.

were administered. She also reported that from the 88,755 masterlisted eligible population for A1 or the fronliners, 86,783 were vaccinated with the first dose and 59,909 vaccinated with second dose. For A2 or the senior citizens, from the 367,350 masterlisted eligible population there are a total of 134,172 vaccinated with first dose while 12,048 with second dose. For A3 or those with

comorbidities, Yumang reported that from the 139,175 masterlisted eligible population there are a total of 105,693 vaccinated with first dose while 3,529 vaccinated with second dose. For A4 group or the economic fronliners, from the 29,015 masterlisted eligible population, a total of 5,663 individuals were vaccinated with first dose. Meanwhile, more doses of Sinovac (coronavac) Covid-19

GenSan to cover more essential Vaccine rollout: 709,150 in workers in free antigen testing Davao Region as of June 27

he city government is targeting to cover more essential workers in the coming days in its ongoing free antigen testing for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among business establishments here. Leonard Flores, head of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), said Monday the enlistment of workers for the voluntary testing are underway in coordination with the

business sector. He said they have already covered 121 workers from food and tourism-related establishments in the two batches of testing since the program started last June 18 in coordination with the City Health Office (CHO). The local government recorded two asymptomatic cases in the first batch of 80 workers who underwent antigen testing. Flores said the targeted COVID-19 testing is in line with Executive Order No. 48

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r. Annabelle Yumang, regional director of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11), reported that DOH 11 received and distributed to local government units across the region a total of 709,150 Covid-19 vaccines as of June 27, 2021. Yumang said that from the allocation of 443,825 vaccines for the first dose, 332,808 doses were administered while from the allocation of 265,325 vaccines for the second dose, 75,486 doses

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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A taxi driver braves the scorching heat of the sun while waiting for passengers outside a shopping mall along Quimpo Blvd. in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

Canadian firm eyes vaccine manufacturing plant in PH N

egotiations are already in progress between the Philippine government and a Canadian biopharmaceutical company to set up a vaccine manufacturing plant in the country, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Rodolfo Robles disclosed Monday. In an online Palace briefing, Robles said the negotiations with Medicago would proceed “more rapidly” and formally after getting the non-disclosure agreement approved by the Philippine govern-

ment through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). “I offered our pharmaceutical ecozone in Bulacan I think, and I gave them all the perks of having a manufacturing

(plant) in the Philippines like trade free taxes, free capital importations, and the like,” he said. Robles said the Philippines has also expressed interest in getting some of the excess coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines of around 100 million doses from Canada. He said Canada has 180 million Covid-19 vaccine doses with a population of only about 40 million. “I had the Philippines

listed among those who are interested to get the excess of Canada,” he added. Robles said Canada is expected to have its population fully vaccinated by the middle of the fourth quarter this year. “So before the end of the year, we will know already how many excess Canada will have. And I am really watching with an eagle eye on the prospect of getting some excess directly from Canada,” he said. (PNA)

PH to correct deficiencies after landing on ‘dirty money’ list

he Philippine government commits to correct its deficiencies after the country returned to the gray list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international watchdog that aims to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. “This means we as a country made commitments to correct deficiencies within a particular timeframe. Hence, it is under increased monitoring,” Finance Secretary Carlos

Dominguez III told reporters in a text message. Aside from the Philippines, Haiti, Malta, and South Sudan also landed on FATF’s gray list. These countries now need to submit progress reports to FATF thrice a year -- in January, May, and September. In a separate statement, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said the country will submit its first report in September

this year. “The Philippines has adopted compliant laws and regulations, (b)ut it is not sufficient. The Philippines need time to implement them to demonstrate the effectiveness of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures,” Diokno said. He cited efforts of the government to address the 70 action plans identified in the 2018 Mutual Evaluation, which is now down to 18. “The National Anti-Mon-

ey Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism Committee or NACC is also addressing the remaining ICRG (International Co-operation Review Group) action plans,” he added. The central bank chief also echoed that the government remains “strongly committed to swiftly resolve the deficiencies identified in the 2018 Mutual Evaluation even amidst the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019)

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PH eyes benchmark issuance of 10.5-yr, 25-yr US dollar bonds

he Philippines is set to issue benchmark volume, or around USD500 million, multi-tenor US dollar bonds in the international capital market. In an announcement on Monday, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said the Republic of the Philippines (ROP) dollar bond issuance involves 10.5year and 25-year tenors. Initial guidance for the paper is a rate based on the same tenor US Treasuries

plus 90 basis points or at around 3.550 percent. The debt papers have fixed rates. The Philippines currently enjoys investment-grade ratings from the three major credit raters and these planned issuances are expected to carry the same figures. To date, Moody’s Investors Service’s rating on the country is Baa2 while it is BBB+ for S&P Global Ratings

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USAID launches P1.6-B project to promote clean energy in PH

he United States through its development agency has launched a P1.6-billion project to promote use of clean energy in the Philippines. USAID said in a statement on the five-year Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) project will boost the country’s key energy sector priorities and support its climate mitigation goals. “Through the Energy Secure Philippines Project, the US will work with Philippine

government and private sector partners to improve the performance and efficiency of energy utilities, deploy renewable energy systems, enhance competition in the power sector, and address energy sector cybersecurity,” it said. The US agency also said it will allot over P36 billion for private sector investment and development of at least 500 megawatts of clean energy generation capacity in the

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ECONOMY

Linemen conduct repair and maintenance on a post where cables are tangled along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

SEC-DEO raises alert vs. Davaobased JC Pro Global Trading BSP seen to keep key T rates until H2 2022

itch Group’s research arm forecasts that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will hold to its current monetary policy until the second half of next year. In a commentary released to reporters Monday, Fitch Solutions said BSP is expected to keep the record-low 2 percent overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate in the second semester next year before rising by 50 basis points before 2022 ends. Fitch Solutions said it forecasted that the central bank will leave the benchmark interest rates unchanged on the back of inflationary pressure while maintaining the key rates until loan growth and domestic economy are on a sustained recovery and uncertainties due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic have significantly subsided. The Monetary Board kept the RRP rate at 2 percent, the overnight lending rate at 2.5 percent, and the overnight deposit rate at 1.5 percent during its meeting

last June 24. “The headline inflation rate remained flat for the third consecutive month in May at 4.5 percent year-onyear, above the 4-percent upper bound of the BSP’s target. Driving inflation higher has been the surge in commodity and food prices, as well as some supply-chain disruptions due to the pandemic,” Fitch Solutions said. But the Fitch unit expects that inflation will fall back to the central bank’s target over the coming quarters as temporary factors fade. Fitch Solutions sees the headline inflation rate for the Philippines at an average of 4 percent this year before easing to 3.4 percent next year. “The lack of a commodities ‘supercycle’ would allay concerns within the BSP of persistent external inflationary pressures. Food price inflation will also prove temporary as the effects of the African swine fever outbreak on pork prices recedes over the coming quarters. In the May Purchasing Managers’

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he Securities and Exchange Commission-Davao Extension Office (SEC-DEO) has alerted the public that JC Pro Global Trading does not have any legal authority to solicit investments.

The extension office made the announcement after the Commission raised an advisory on June 24 that the entity, headed by one Jameskie Earl Cornelio also known as Jaypee Halili, is engaged in investment taking activities through its ‘compensation plan (complan)’. The Commission said that JC Pro Global Trading’s scheme “is an investment contract because it involves

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday said the Philippines needs more time to implement measures taken against money laundering and terrorist financing, after the country was again included in the latest dirty money list. According to the BSP Governor Benjamin Dio-

the offering and sale of securities to the public where their investors need not exert any effort other than to invest or place money in the scheme in order to earn profit. An “investment contract” exists when there is an investment or placement of money in a common enterprise with a reasonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others.

To engage in this kind of investment activity, JC Pro Global Trading must have a secondary license from the Commission and that any person or entity intending to offer and sell its investment contract are required to secure the necessary registration and/or license from the Commission as well. The requirement is based on Section 3 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), which requires an entity to secure a secondary license if it wants “to solicit, accept or take investments/ placements from the public or to issue investment contracts and other forms”, and

Section 28, which provides that “no person shall engage in the business of buying or selling securities in the Philippines as a broker or dealer, or act as a salesman, or an associated person of any broker or dealer unless registered as such with the Commission.” The Commission said that based on reports that it has gathered, JC Pro Global Trading has a “system” “apparently designed to `take care of everything’ which include, trading, buying and selling of cryptocurrency which provides daily income and which provides daily income and

kno, the country has adopted compliant laws and regulations, but this is not sufficient. “The Philippines needs time to implement them to demonstrate the effectiveness of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism,” he said in a mobile message to reporters. The statement comes

after the country was included in the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released last Friday. The grey list covers countries subjected to higher surveillance to prove its progress against money laundering and terrorist financing. The country was removed from the list in

2005, and was again included in the latest list along with Haiti, Malta, and South Sudan. Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Mel Georgie Racela in February said the Philippines will apply for a re-rating from the FATF following the passage of several measures.

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the plan of the city government of Davao to build a 400-bed capacity isolation facility called Van City:

We have another na pinakadako na gina-ready karon na Van City which is the 400 bed spaces na capacity. Pero medyo dugay pani kay dako ang additional na mga kinahanglan buhaton didto para mahimo siyang operational. Naa ni sa kilid sa Tent City sa Davao International Airport (DIA) ning Van City.” MAYOR SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO

EDITORIALS National shame The Philippines is now the world’s No.1 polluter of oceans, overtaking Indonesia, India and China, its giant neighbors in area and population. This latest finding points to Pasig River as the top waterway disgorging plastic wastes into the world’s ocean, thereby killing the fishes and other marine creatures in the seas

The worsening problem which has become a national shame has prompted Oceana, a marine conservation group, citizens and other stockholders to prepare to take legal action against the National Solid Waste Management Commissions and corcerned government agen-

cies to press them to do their job and implement RA 9003 to address the problem of marine plastic pollution, specifically single-use plastic. To be sued are Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Public Works Secretary Mark S. Villar, Agriculture Secretary William Dar, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority CEO Benjamin Abalos, among others The magnitude of this problem seems to call for an “all-nation approach’.We suggest that this issue be discussed during the 2022 elections by asking the candidates what they plan to do to the problem should they win the election.

Public hospital in Dav Occ

The provincial government of Davao Occidental headed by Gov. said . A public hospital is indispensible in a province whose populaClaude Bautista should be congratulated for establishing a govern- tion truly need an affordable health care system. ment hospital in the province. We therefore eagerly await the day when the hospital will open its The importance of such a community institution cannot be gain- doors to provincial patients, especially the poorest of the poor.

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EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

MAJOR INCREASE IN DRUG USE FUELLED BY PANDEMIC Statistics don’t lie. Around 275 million people around the world used illicit drugs worldwide in the last year of unprecedented upheaval caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, up by 22% from 2010. That’s according to the latest annual report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The World Drug Report 2021 said roughly 200 million people used marijuana – also known as cannabis – in 2019, representing 4% of the global population. “The number of cannabis users has increased by nearly 18% over the past decade,” the report said, adding that the percentage of adolescents who perceived the drug as harmful fell by as much as 40%. “This perception gap prevails despite evidence that cannabis use is associated with a variety of health and other harms, especially among regu-

lar long-term users,” the report stated. “Moreover, most countries have reported a rise in the use of cannabis during the pandemic.” This has alarmed UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. “Lower perception of drug use risks has been linked to higher rates of drug use, and the findings of the report highlight the need to close the gap between perception and reality to educate young people and safeguard public health,” she deplored. On the other hand, an estimated 20 million people used cocaine in 2019, corresponding to 0.4% of the global population. In the United States, roughly 50,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2019, more than double the 2010 figure. A United Nations study showed that cocaine and opium production worldwide hit “absolute record highs.” This is a “major threat to public health,”

it said. “The world’s drug problem remains an urgent challenge that threatens to exacerbate COVID-19 pandemic impacts and hinder a healthy and inclusive recovery,” pointed out United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. In a statement issued during the observation of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking last June 26, Guterres underscored that trusting science is the “hero and lesson of the pandemic,” and the same action based on evidence is crucial for the responses to drugs. Figures from the World Drug Report showed that drug-related deaths have nearly doubled over the past decade. Moreover, 10% of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases in 2019, were due to people injecting themselves with harmful substances. Rising unemployment and plummeting opportunities are

expected to disproportionately affect the poorest, making them more vulnerable to drug use, trafficking and cultivation, to earn money so they can survive the global recession caused by COVID-19. According to UNODC, the COVID-19 crisis has pushed more than 100 million people into extreme poverty, and has greatly exacerbated unemployment and inequalities, as the world lost 255 million jobs in 2020. Mental health conditions are also on the rise worldwide. These factors have the potential to spur a rise in drug use disorders. “The COVID-19 crisis and economic downturn threaten to compound drug dangers further still, when our health and social systems have been brought to the brink and our societies are struggling to cope,” Waly said. Dark web drug sales continue to rise. During the pan-

demic, “access to drugs has also become simpler than ever with online sales, and major drug markets on the dark web are now worth some $315 million annually,” UNODC said. Contactless drug transactions, such as through the mail, are also on the rise, a trend possibly accelerated by the pandemic. “Rapid technological innovation, combined with agility and adaptability of drug traffickers who are using new online platforms to sell drugs and other substances, are likely to increase the availability of illicit drugs,” UNODC said. “Drug costs lives,” Waly said. “In an age when the speed of information can often outstrip the speed of verification, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that it is crucial to cut through the noise and focus on facts, a lesson that we must need in order to protect societies from the impact of drugs.”

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE

MEMOIRS OF PINATUBO ERUPTION AND THE US MILITARY BASES Thirty years ago, on June 15, 1991, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines was considered the world’s largest volcanic eruption. Bursts of gas-charged magma exploded into umbrella ash clouds, hot flows of gas and ash descended the volcano’s flanks and lahars swept down valleys. Three months later, the Philippines Senate on September 16, 1991 rejected a proposed extension of the US military bases agreement by a 12-11 vote. The Pinatubo eruption buried the region in ash, severely damaged the facilities at the Clark and Subic bases and rendered them inoperable. The recent weekly media forum by veteran journalist Melo Acuna on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States touched upon the bases agreement. President Duterte is holding off for six more months the abrogation of the VFA to further study the move “while both sides address his concerns regarding particular aspects of the agreement.”

I gave a historical perspective on the VFA by narrating my experience with the campaign during the 1990s against the renewal of the US military bases treaty. As the photographer of the Philippine Collegian, I covered several mass actions involving UP students including the historic Lakbayan on March 1991, a three-day 96-kilometer march from the UP Diliman campus to the Clark Airbase in Pampanga. On foot, we traversed the length of MacArthur Highway, chanting slogans and distributing leaflets under the hot summer sun. The contingent swelled as we were approaching the base. Several hundred meters away from the main gate of the base, the contingent was blocked by the police. The planned placing of a symbolic closure order at the front gate did not materialize as big rocks came flying from the sidewalks thrown by the nearby residents, who were naturally pro-bases. Water cannons were also used to disperse the crowd.

The most memorable was the one held near the Sheraton Hotel in Pasay on May 14, 1991 where the treaty negotiations meeting was being held at the Central Bank building. While in front of the contingent trying to get good coverage, I heard a lot of popping as yellow smoke filled the streets. Teargas! The mass gathering ended up with a violent dispersal where the riot police also used truncheons and water hoses to disperse the rallyists. Unfortunately, I was hospitalized after a teargas cannister landed at the back of my head during the dispersal. After the minor head surgery for seven stitches, I called my mother and greeted her “Happy Birthday” and asked her to pick me up at the PGH. The signing of the bases agreement in 1947 allowed the US to establish and operate air and naval bases for 99 years. An amendment in 1966 cut that tenure to 25 years. The proposed RP-US Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace would have given

the US ten more years at Subic Naval Base extending the US military presence in the country beyond September 1991. The US offered $203 million a year in compensation. An impassioned debate ensued in which the bases were attacked as a symbol of the country’s continued colonial-like dependency on the U.S and violations of sovereignty. The bases were also seen as sources of social ills such as prostitution, AIDS and illegitimate children. On the other hand, supporters argued that hundreds of millions of dollars annually entered into the local economies of Olongapo and Angeles in addition to billions of dollars in U.S. aid that was tied to the bases. By a vote of 12-11, the proposed treaty was rejected by the Senate led by the 12 senators, dubbed the “Magnificent 12” through Resolution 1259 of Non-Concurrence to the Proposed Treaty authored by Senator Wigberto Tañada. The other senators include Senate President Jovito Salonga and senators Juan Ponce

Enrile, Agapito Aquino, Joseph Estrada, Teofisto Guingona Jr., Sotero Laurel, Orlando Mercado, Ernesto Maceda, Aquilino Pimentel Jr, Victor Ziga, and Rene Saguisag. I was among the thousands waiting at the footsteps of the National Museum, drenched in rain, as the Senate voted to reject the bases treaty with the US. In 1998, less than six years after the closure of Subic, the Philippines and the U.S. signed a VFA , laying out the rules for American personnel deployed in the Philippines and the establishment of the Balikatan military exercises. Aside from jurisdictional issues, critics argued that American troops were privileged even on issues of taxation and visa requirements. The VFA has been dragged in two prominent criminal cases — the 2006 Subic rape case involving four US marines and the 2014 killing of Jennifer Laude. The VFA had also been challenged twice before the Supreme Court, which upheld the constitutionality of the treaty.

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EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

MODERN WAYS TO

WEAR FILIPINIANA AT KULTURA

A cropped terno top worn with slim silk pants . . . Art Deco inspired black embroidery on a white silk terno top and ruffled skirt . . . an exquisitely embroidered capelet over a red shantung silk gown . . . a playful inabel terno top with pineapple designs.

These are some of the Kultura Filipino’s Modern Filipiniana designs for the contemporary Filipina. And you’ll be amazed how the traditional Filipiniana attire has been transformed into inventive and exciting new looks. The iconic butterfly sleeved terno gets a fresh new look worn with pants and other modern pieces. Natural materials like pinasilk and jusi are woven by local artisans into stylish pieces with exquisite hand painting and embroidery. Inabel fabric from the Ilocos region is updated with innovative designs. In this time that intimate events and special occasions with health protocols are now allowed, make that moment memorable and meaningful and dress up with fashionable Modern Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog from Kultura. The collection consists of both classic and modern silhouettes - tops, skirts and dresses that can be worn together or mix and match. Many

Feminine hand painted silk cocoon barong top with puffed sleeves and is paired with a navy mikado silk ball gown skirt of the pieces are embroidered or hand-painted by artisans in our partner communities of weavers, embroiderers, farm-

ers and workers, making each unique and a true labor of love. Perfect for small intimate events and special occasions,

the Modern Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog collection is available at Kultura Stores. You can also shop thru our

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

Handmade Luxury. Exquisitely embroidered Barong Tagalog in silk cocoon. website: www.kulturafilipino. com or thru Call to Deliver 09175174096. Kultura ships here and abroad.

GMA AFFORDABOX CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY WITH DISCOUNTS AND GIVEAWAYS NATIONWIDE! GMA Network’s digital TV receiver GMA Affordabox celebrates its first anniversary with lots of discounts and giveaways nationwide! As thanksgiving for a successful first year, on June 26, the GMA Affordabox can be purchased at a special price of P799.20* in participating stores all over the country. More surprises will be waiting for buyers online, because GMA Affordabox will also be available on GMA Store (www.gmanetwork.com/gmastore/) where they can enjoy more discounts and freebies. Officially unveiled in June last year, GMA Affordabox was one of

the Kapuso Network’s 70th anniversary gifts to the viewers and, at the same time, part of its initiatives to help bolster the country’s shift from analog to digital broadcast. GMA Affordabox gained phenomenal success with 1 million units sold in just seven months. A year later, it now offers more digital channels and is accessible to more areas thanks to the Network’s continuous and efficient digital roll-out across the country. The Kapuso Network’s set-top box now has six GMA digital channels that the viewers enjoy – GMA, GTV, Heart of Asia, Hallypop,

DepEd TV, and I Heart Movies. It also has other free-to-air channels in digital broadcast available depending on their areas. New areas added to the device’s growing coverage were Ilocos Sur, Abra, Misamis Oriental (including

Cagayan de Oro), Camiguin, and Bacolod City, in addition to Metro Manila, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, and Davao del Norte. Aside from providing superior digital reception, GMA Affordabox also has unique features such as Personal Video Recorder, which lets users record GMA programs or watch and re-watch highlights of the shows with instant or scheduled recording. The device can also become a

multimedia player through its USB port. It also has a nationwide Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS) that receives alerts from the NDRRMC about any calamity warnings in their area as well as a functional auto-on alert feature. For more details on the GMA Affordabox anniversary promos, visit www.GMAaffordabox.com and its official social media accounts via the handle @GMAaffordabox. For inquiries, contact (02) 8857-4627 or 0961-252-9393 from 8AM to 10PM, or e-mail support@GMAaffordabox.com.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

GSIS to insure karteros, other Philpost personnel

overnment Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet recently announced that the pension fund will provide insurance coverage to 6,600 Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) personnel including permanent and contractual employees and postmen nationwide. “Ang insurance policy na ibibigay ng GSIS sa Philpost personnel ay may kasamang accidental death o dismemberment, medical reimbursement, at burial assistance. Isang malaking kaginhawahan sa panig ng manggagawa ang pakikipagtulungan ng Philpost sa GSIS upang mabigyan sila ng insurance lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya. Mapapanatag ang kalooban nila dahil may tutulong na sa kanilang pamilya kung

sakaling may mangyari sa kanila,” Macasaet said. “COVID-19 has put the world at a standstill, running for more than a year now. Ngunit Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na dumarating, patuloy po ang aming paglilingkod at paghahatid ng serbisyo nang may malasakit. Nandyan din po ang magigiting na kartero at kawani ng Post Office handang tumugon,” PhilPost Postmaster General and

FKARTEROS, P10

GSIS-Philpost Partnership. As a token of appreciation for the grant of insurance to more than 6,000 personnel of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost), GSIS PGM Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (second from left) was given by Postmaster General and PhilPost CEO Norman Fulgencio (third from left) a set of special stamps dubbed“Frontline Heroes - Fight Against Coronavirus, We Fight For You.” Looking on are PhilPost executives: (leftmost) Assistant Postmaster General (APMG) Maximino Sta. Maria; (from right) Area Director for Mega Manila Gilbert Javier; APMG Joel Zamudio; and APMG Maura Baghari-Regis;

GCash enables bills payment for VisMin customers

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

mitted to its mission to enable financial access for all consumers and merchants, including those in Visayas and Mindanao. Aside from financial inclusion, GCash continues to provide Filipinos with seamless access to their digital financial lifestyle and help keep them safe during the pandemic,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash. Traditionally, e-payment penetration at VisMin regions have been low, particularly attributable to lack of access to proper infrastructure, and education and awareness on new payment technologies. But with GCash, both consumers and busi-

Makati, Philippines, June 28, 2021 - Healthcare in the Philippines now becomes more accessible with mWell, the country’s first fully integrated, one-stop health & lifestyle app aimed at transforming the way healthcare is delivered through online doctor consultations, health education, wellness programs, online pharmacy

services, and more. Soon to be launched by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI), mWell is an all-inone app designed for every Filipino’s demand for treatment and care during this pandemic where connecting pa-

nesses can benefit because of the app’s easy to use nature for consumers, and an easier integration process for businesses. Recently, GCash has onboarded Lapu-lapu City as its first LGU bills payment partner in the VisMin region. With the partnership, Lapu-lapu residents and business owners can now use GCash to pay for their real property tax, business tax, cedula and other fees. GCash currently covers 49 VisMin billers, including utilities, schools, real estate, loans, and regularly adds more. VisMin utilities include ANTECO, BACIWA, Balamban Enerzone, Boracay Water,

CEBECO2, CEBECO3, CEPALCO, COWD, DASURECO, Davao Light, Davao City Water District, Dipolog Water District, Ilagan City Water District, Iligan Light, Tagum Water District, Dipolog City Water District, Butuan City Water District, SAMELCO I, SAMELCO II, LEYECO5, Mactan Electric Company, Inc., CDO Water, Metro Cotabato Water District, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water Inc., MORESCO – 1, and ZAMCELCO. GCash covers the following schools: Ateneo De Davao University, University of Mindanao, St. John Paul II College of Davao, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Universidad de

Zamboanga, University of San Carlos, and University of San Jose-Recoletos. Additionally, GCash covers billers for finance, properties, real estate and other services, namely FICCO, Flexi Finance, Tagum Coop, Premio Finance, RAFI Microfinance, PHCCI Dumaguete, EMCOR, SAMULCO, Mindanao Consolidated Cooperative Bank, Aboitiz Land, AppleOne Properties, Johndorf Ventures, Cosmopolitan CLIMBS Life Plan Inc, Gothong Shipping Lines, and A Brown Company Inc. To stay up to date on the latest billers on GCash, visit https://www.gcash.com/ partners/billers.

To pay their bills using GCash, customers simply need to download the GCash app on their mobile phones via the Google Play or App Store. After registering your number and setting up your 4-digit password, click the “Pay Bill” option. From there, GCash users just need to click which bill categories they need to pay for ─ whether it’s electric, water utilities, telecommunications, cable/internet bills, credit cards, loans, government process fees, insurance, transportation, real estate, healthcare, school, or payment solutions like housing finances fees.

FGCASH, P10

PH launches integrated digital healthcare app

PLDT President and CEO Manny V Pangilinan , MPIC President and CEO Joey Lim, and MPIC Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer Chase Revilla

tients with doctors and medical professionals has become very challenging. PLDT President and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan states, “Even before the pandemic, Filipinosneeded better access to healthcare. Many challenges and limitations hinder medical care and treatment, more so during this COVID-19 crisis. We are truly excited with mWell, the MPIC group’s investment in digital health care.” Aside from online video consultations with licensed doctors from different specializations, mWell app users can gain valuable health information about a wide range of topics from COVID-19 to chronic disease management, pregnancy issues, online fitness, nutrition, and

wellness programs. The mWell app also provides patients with the option to order medicines and healthy products via its e-pharmacy and online shop. MPIC’s President and CEO, Joey Lim added, “The fully-integrated experience empowers patients to be in full control of their health and wellbeing with just a few clicks, in the comforts of their own home. It truly is a game changer in healthcare management.” Transforming TeleHealth in the Philippines mWell is a high-performance mobile app powered by top names in the healthcare, wellness & tech industries. CareSpan’s Clinic in the Cloud™ integrates digital care tools, capabilities,

and data for mWell doctors and patients. LotusFlare’s cloud-native, agile IT digital enablement platform for a seamless, end to end customer experience. Ping An’s healthcare technologies has enabled mWell to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments. Leading HMO, Medicard, provides access to COVID-19 testing services. For OTC medicines and more, South Star Drug, one of the country’s top health retailers, is mWell’s first e-Pharmacy partner. CareSpan, Keralty Clinics and Philcare, a pioneer in digital service delivery, have introduced a gamut of doctors into the mWell ecosystem. The mWell app has an outstanding roster of primary care physi-

cians, pediatricians, endocrinologists, internal medicine practitioners, ob-gyns, psychiatrists, COVID-19 specialists, and several credentialed providers such as nutritionists. Doctors and Healthcare professionals considering signing up are not charged any setup fees. There are also no recurring charges and deductions from their professional fees. With this innovative platform, doctors can easily manage digital appointments, access patients’ medical records, and issue e-prescriptions. A One-Stop Health & Wellness Shop mWell partnered with dedicated specialists for a comprehensive care and support like active8me, an award-winning all-in-one digital

FMPIC, P10

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corrupt government offices and officials. “Yan din ang payo ko sa mga Pilipino, kung may alam kayo magsabi kayo (That is also my advice to the Filipino, if you have information, let me know), and I will be transparent, I will investigate them,” he said. Duterte said many government officials and employees have been charged before the Office of the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan due to corruption. He said at least 73 immigration personnel have been removed due to his government’s campaign against corruption. “Gaya ng sa Customs, masakit sa akin dahil meron 37 years in the service pero (Like in the Customs, it’s painful to me because there is someone who are 37

years in the service already but) the temptation to go to graft, is very strong,” Duterte said. Duterte promised to fight corruption as well as illegal drugs and criminality when he ran and won by 6 million votes in the 2016 presidential election. In the 2022 elections, many have been persuading the country’s first leader from Mindanao to run for vice president which he said “would be dependent” on the presidential candidate he will support. “It [running for vice president] is not at all a bad idea and if there is a space for me there, siguro, pero ako walang(maybe, but I have no) space, everybody is crowding up wanting to be vice president, sila na lang muna kasi tapos na ako (I’ll leave it to them because I’m done),” he said. (PNA)

(It is important as a work requirement), we don’t want them to hamper their usual activities as their work is at stake .” She said the Los Amigos Davao Laboratory will soon start operating once logistical requirements have been completed

although manpower is already in place. Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, during her Special Hours Program of the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday, June 28, said there is no plan yet to add swab centers amid the surge of COVID-19 cases. CIO

2020,” Flores said in a virtual program orientation. He said it is important for the city to test workers in the business sector as they account for 40 to 45 percent of the confirmed cases in the city. Dr. Rochelle Oco, acting CHO chief, said their records showed that the bulk of the COVID-19 cases in the city belong to the 20- 29 and 3039 age brackets, with 1,341 and 1,184, respectively. “Meaning these are the essential workers. Those reporting for work on a daily basis to our offices and business establishments,” she said. Most of them were found asymptomatic and had infected other co-workers and family members, Oco noted. The city government recorded on Sunday 62 new COVID-19 cases and 49

recoveries, bringing its active infections to 708, the highest among the 49 cities and municipalities in Region 12 (Soccsksargen). The confirmed cases in the area since March last year have reached a total of 5,513, with 170 related deaths and 4,635 recoveries. Starting this week, Oco said they are targeting to cover at least 80 workers per day in the two batches of the free antigen testing station at the KCC Mall scheduled every Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. She said the results will be available in 15 to 30 minutes and those who would come out positive will be quarantined immediately and undergo confirmatory reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. (MindaNews)

and BBB for Fitch Ratings. All these ratings have a Stable outlook. National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon told journalists Monday that proceeds of the debt issuance will be used for “general budget support.”

The government has a USD7-billion programmed commercial borrowing for this year and so far, it has issued a total of USD3 billion worth of Eurobond and Yen-denominated Samurai bonds. (PNA)

Philippines. “We look forward to building and sustaining new partnerships with diverse stakeholders across the energy sector whose collective efforts are required for a more competitive and advanced energy sector,” said US Chargé d’Affaires John Law. He also announced the “Energy Evolution Challenge,” a grant facility that will fund proposals to advance research and deployment of innovative energy systems. During the event, Law

also announced the “Energy Evolution Challenge,” a grant facility that will fund proposals to advance research and deployment of innovative energy systems. The project launch came days before the Philippines and US’ commemoration this year of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Last February, the two countries signed a five-year bilateral assistance agreement worth P7.25 billion to protect the Philippine environment.

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displaced. Current workers who will not be hired would be absorbed later on by the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital based in this city, he said. “The process will continue until we fully transfer the hospital’s operations and it can already stand on its own,” Tamayo said in his weekly radio program. Formerly known as the Upper Valley Community Hospital, SGH was designated in 2018 as a regional hospital for Region 12 (Soccsksargen) through Republic Act 11102 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. Its turnover to the DOH-12 was delayed due to the onset last year of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which forced the local government to utilize it as a dedicated treatment and isolation facility. The provincial government and the DOH, through Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama and

Regional Director Aristedes Tan, agreed to complete the hospital’s turnover before the end of the year. Tamayo said the process covers the full transfer of the existing facilities, equipment, manpower, accounting unit and operations. He assured that the hospital’s operations and services will not be hampered during the transition period. “With the full turnover, our obligation to the hospital will end. But its services will continue,” the governor said. DOH is pushing for the development of SGH as the main regional hospital in Soccsksargen, which will operate as a Level 3 facility and capacity of at least 300 beds. The Regional Development Council of Region 12 had endorsed a budget of around P1.8 billion for SGH next year, a significant increase from the current P89 million, to fasttrack the upgrading of the facility. (MindaNews)

vaccines arrived at Davao International Airport (DIA) via Philippine Airlines (PAL) morning of June 29, 2021.

The vaccines will be for the second dose of the A1 to A3 priority groups in Davao Region. By Maya M. Padillo

has put up a training camp in Baguio. The Philippine National Volleyball Federation confirmed Velasco’s statement earlier Monday. No one’s in Teacher’s Camp On the other hand, Perlas skipper Jem Ferrer belied rumors that the team is staying in Teacher’s Camp. “In light of all the misinformation circulating in social media and the news about my team’s situation here in Baguio I would like to clarify the following: We are not billeted in Teacher’s Camp. The only places that we go to apart from our accommodation are our court training venue and our gym training,” Ferrer said. She even said there is no way that her teammates would go back and forth from Teacher’s Camp to an-

other place in Baguio. “And with regard to the news that we snuck out of Teacher’s Camp that is 1,000 percent not true because number 1, we are not staying there, and number 2, in our accommodation there is a CCTV that monitors us 24/7 and that can prove that we do not go out of our gates except for court training and gym training as mentioned earlier,” she added. Ferrer also said those who are negative of Covid-19 are safe, while the positive cases, whose names are not disclosed, are currently recovering in quarantine facilities. “We plan to continue following the protocols set by the RIATF (Regional Inter-Agency Task Force), the LGU, and GAB (Games and Amusements Board) until our last day here in Baguio,” she said. (PNA)

Index (PMI) report, manufacturers noted longer delivery times due to pandemic related disruptions,” it added. Fitch Solutions, on the other hand, expects that supply chain disruptions will ease by 2022 with the gradual reopening of borders and relaxing mobility restrictions as the vaccination program starts to accelerate. “We expect that the BSP will refrain from tightening monetary policy until loan growth returns to trend and we cannot rule out further

cuts to the reserve requirement rate to bolster credit supply as economic growth accelerates in 2022,” its commentary added. It said that with the economic uncertainties brought by the pandemic, loan demands have begun to slow down and banks are becoming more risk-averse. Loan growth among industries fell by 3.9 percent year-on-year in April while household spending went down by 10.2 percent from a year ago.

pandemic”. He added that although the Philippines was reverted to the ‘dirty money’ watchlist, the country will not face any sanction for being a “jurisdiction under increased moni-

toring”. “The Philippines will be delisted from ‘gray list’ upon successful completion of all action plans -- hopefully on or before January 2023,” Diokno said. (PNA)

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Chief Executive Officer Norman Fulgencio said. PhilPost has allotted a budget of Php616,000 for the insurance coverage. It is the second agency that partnered with GSIS to insure their personnel. Last June 14, the Manila City Government approved a Php7.5 million insurance coverage to around 45,000 barangay officials, including tanods and chairpersons of the

Sangguniang Kabataan. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, GSIS launched the Bayanihan Fund for Frontliners. Under the program, the family of public frontliners who would succumb to COVID-19 are entitled to an additional Php500,000 in insurance benefits over and above their life insurance benefits as GSIS members.

“With GCash, Filipinos in the VisMin area need not travel physically anymore to payment centers to pay their bills. They can simply use the app and pay, saving them precious time while keeping them safe from the pandemic,” added Sazon.

GCash has more than 400 partner billers nationwide, offering customers safe and hassle-free transactions anytime, anywhere. To have your business listed for Pay Bills via GCash, visit www.gcash. com/business.

health and wellness platform for personalized daily fitness, nutrition and wellness programs, and theAsianparent, a go-to platform for smart parenting solutions from family health and wellness to pregnancy development articles. mWELL users can shop in over three thousand health and wellness products at the e-shop by Adobomall and powered by PayMaya for fast, secure, and hassle-free transactions. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve Filipinos all around the country in the area of digital healthcare. At the heart of mWELL lies our passion to bring health care closer to every filipino” adds Chaye

Revilla, Chief Finance & Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. As an initial offer, PLDT Home customers will enjoy free doctor video consultation with mWELL doctors. After the video consultation, mWELL users can purchase over-the-counter medicines from South Star Drug via the e-pharma in the mWell app and have it delivered to their preferred address.

sion that he got in the third window, and he’s not at full speed,” Baldwin said. Despite these, Baldwin said Gilas will still give its best as it looks to join 15 other Filipinos to the Tokyo Olympics from July 21-Aug.

a guaranteed profit of at least 200% in 20 days or double-your-money in 20 days which provides a norisk investment because profits are assured.” Based on its online posts, a basic “complan” requires an investment of P500 per account with a P50 income daily or P1,000 in 20 days. The investment can be between P500 and P100,000. Aside from the profits of the account owners, they are also offered 50% direct commission from new accounts. To promote its scheme, JC Pro Global Trading is using Facebook where its agents post campaign materials to lure more investors. The entity is assuring its investors that its scheme is successful because its “system” will do the trading. The Commission said the investment scheme of the entity is a “Ponzi Scheme” where the enti-

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

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Get started on your health today! Download the mWell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit https://www.mWell. com.ph. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I know that they’re gonna go out there and if they can give their best, that’s what they’re gonna give,” he said. (PNA)

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SPORTS 11

Dwight Ramos (right) is likely to miss the first two games in the Olympic Qualifier.

Perlas Spikers clarify Covid-19 situation

he Perlas Spikers confirmed on Monday night that some of their players have contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). The team, however, clarified some reports from Baguio-based journalists that surfaced over the weekend. “The team wants to clarify several news reports, particularly from the city’s regional news outfits, on the training camp, where seven players (not eight players as earlier reported) and a coach were tested positive for Covid-19,” Perlas said in a statement. The club has been holding a training camp since May 30 in Baguio as part of its preparations for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, which is slated to start on July 17 in Laoag.

“The Perlas Spikers, the first standalone volleyball club in the Philippines, has been fortunate enough to have been welcomed by the local government unit (LGU) of Baguio City into the Summer Capital of the Philippines for the last leg of our preparations for the forthcoming PVL Open Conference,” the club said. However, no less than Baguio mayor Benjamin Magalong said on Friday that some players have indeed tested positive for Covid-19, which even led to some confusion as some members of the roster have been with the national team. The Philippine Sports Commission, through chief of staff and national training director Marc Velasco, denied on Sunday that the Philippine women’s team

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Gilas to play with injuries in OQT

ome Gilas Pilipinas players might play through pain in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade.

Coach Tab Baldwin said Monday that one of them, swingman Dwight Ramos, is doubtful for Gilas’ preliminary games against host country Serbia and the Dominican Republic. “Dwight is not likely for either game,” Baldwin said. Ramos suffered a groin injury during the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup

Qualifiers (ACQ) in Angeles from June 16-20. Despite the injury, Ramos played superbly for Gilas during the third window, ending up as the team’s best player all throughout the mini-tournament. But do not be surprised if Ramos gets to play after all. “Things can change over-

night,” Baldwin quipped. The problem, according to Baldwin: “With a groin injury, it’s not common. Usually, these things drag on, and that’s what we seem he is experiencing. Dwight has already said to me that he wants to try, but he’s just in no shape to try,” he added. Baldwin also bared that Carl Tamayo, one of the revelations during the ACQ third window, is still suffering from a lingering ankle pain after he hurt it during Gilas’ blowout win against Indonesia.

“Now that he’s trying to go full speed, he’s experiencing quite a bit of discomfort in the ankle,” Baldwin said. “I think that he’ll push through.” Ramos and Tamayo both sat out Gilas’ tune-up game against China on Wednesday night which ended in a 79-all draw. Baldwin said naturalized center Ange Kouame is also not in full health with a knee injury. “Ange Kouame is nursing his deep knee contu-

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Yuka Saso plays her shot from the second tee during the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship golf tournament at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Adam Hagy, USA TODAY Sports/ Reuters.

ilipina golfers Yuka Saso and Bianca Pagdanganan have officially sealed their spots in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Saso, the reigning U.S. Women’s Open champion, ranked ninth in the final edition of the Olympic Golf Ranking. Pagdanganan also made the cut, coming in at 42nd despite a subpar performance in the Women’s PGA Championship recently. Saso and Pagdanganan were teammates in the 2018 Asian Games, where they brought home the gold for the Philippines. Saso won individual gold and Pagdanganan added a bronze. The Philippine Sports Commission on Tuesday congratulated both athletes for their feat.

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PRODIGY

So tows AAK to overall crown in online tournament By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

eleina So, all of seven years old and a couple of years into the sport of karatedo, is fast emerging as the next toast of Davao City sports.

Heleina So captured two gold medals in the recent Region XI Directors Cup E-Kata and E-Fantom Kumite.

The seven-year old daughter of Davao City Sports Council president Dexter So, won two gold medals in the Region XI Directors Cup E-Kata and E-Fantom Kumite. So topped the E-Kata and E-Fantom Kumite classifications of the online tournament. The youngster led the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao City Chapter in topping the tournament. AAK, under the mentorship of chief instructor Rommel Tan and city director Jerson Tamayo, hauled a total of 18 golds, 18 silvers and seven bronze medals to rule the tour-

nament over eight other participating clubs. Joining So for the double gold medal performances were Jamie Danielle C. Nirza (14-15 intermediate girls E-Kata/E-Fantom Kumite), Jared Dale C. Nirza (16-17 intermediate boys E-Kata/E-Fantom Kumite) and Jet S. Lu (12-14 intermediate boys E-Kata/E-Fantom Kumite). Finishing second to fourth in the tournament were CMAC (4-6-4), MKKPI Taguig (9-03) and R2KO (5-5-3). The two-day tournament is sanctioned by the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Incorporated and supported by Mahugany and Mangkono Security Agency, So Kim Cheng Sports Foundation Incorporated, Davao City Sports Council Incorporated and Seven Swords Hobby Shop.