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VOL.14 ISSUE 103 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021
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I am against Sara running for president: PRRD STORY ON PAGE 2
President Rodrigo Duterte gestures a Covid-19 jab sign as he poses with Senator Christopher Lawrence Go after his second dose of Covid-19 vaccine at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Monday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 103 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has recently declared her openness to seek the presidency in the 2022 national elections but her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, reiterated his disapproval to the idea of his daughter joining the presidential race. Edge Davao
NOT IN FAVOR I am against Sara running for president: PRRD By MAYA M. PADILLO
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mid the growing anticipation following the declaration of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio that she is open to running as president in the 2022 national elections, President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his disapproval to his daughter joining the presidential race in 2022.
“Open lang. That is all there is to it. As usual, may I give a little bit of a personal comment dito sa programang ito. My stand is I am against really the candidacy of my daughter. I want her spared from the
itong the vagaries of politics dito sa Pilipinas, lalo na itong mga personalities around in the likes of Trillanes, si De Lima, o walang ginawa kung hindi mag-atake ng kapwa tao nila,” the President said during his Talk to the People
on Covid-19 on July 12, 2021. The President said he would rather have either former Senator Antonio Trillanes or Senator Leila de Lima go for the country’s highest office as it would pain him to see his daughter being unreasonably insulted by them. “So I would rather that ibigay ang gobyerno sa kanila. Let them win if they... I wish them luck and even wish them win kung manalo sila para kanila na itong gobyerno at gawain nila ang gusto nilang gawin. Ako, I
am. Masasaktan ako ‘pag... Siyempre anak ko. Itong bastos itong bunganga ni Trillanes. Ewan ko kung saan niya nakuha ‘yang katangian na ‘yan. Pati itong si De Lima. She is wallowing in pity and as a consequence of that, she has become virulent almost, virulent talaga ang lumalabas sa bunganga,” the President said. He said Mayor Sara could still run some other time. “Ako, gusto ko itabi ko na lang muna ang anak ko. Maybe some other
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190 members of the media jabbed at Bakuna by the Sea
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side from tourism workers, the members of the media in Davao City were also vaccinated at Bakuna by the Sea which ran from June 30 to July 10. Based on the organizers data an estimated 190 mediamen coming from print, radio, televisions and online content creators registered and were vaccinated at the seaside vaccination site. Bakuna by the Sea is a vaccination program aimed to inoculate around 9,000 to 14,000 tourism workers with COVID-19 vaccines. The program was organized by the City Government of Davao, the private sector led Davao Tourism Association and the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao who on the occasion of their 60th anniversary provided the logistical counterpart of the vaccination program
including the use of their Grand Pavilion. The Philippine Information Agency Regional Office- XI (PIA-XI) facilitated the inclusion of the members of the media in the vaccination. DATA president Gatchi Gatchalian said the tourism sector recognizes media as partners in the tourism industry thus the quick approval of the request and coordination by the Philippine Information Agency for the inclusion of the media vaccination at Bakuna by the Sea. The City Health Office had approved a request from PIA-XI to provide vaccines for the media on the condition that they would provide the vaccine site which the DATA had acceded. “The media sector played an important role
from nowhere,” he said in a pre-recorded Talk to the People. Duterte expressed doubt that the Commission on Audit (COA) would even overlook that PHP10.4 billion funds went missing as Pacquiao claimed. “Papayag ba naman ang COA niyan? Hindi lang ‘yan, papayag ba kami? Papayag pa ang mga secretary ng mga departamento na ganun na may mawala (Would the COA allow that? Not only that, would we allow that?
much money to go missing)? PHP10 billion? That is a statement coming from a guy who is punch-drunk,” he added. Last week, Duterte assured the public that he is trying his “very best” to eradicate corruption in government under his watch. “You know, I’ve been trying really my very best to curb corruption,” Duterte said during his meeting with the Partido Demokratiko
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BARMM partners with USM-NorCot Pacquiao is punch-drunk: PRRD Emmanuel up to you…I think he’s to be Would the secretaries of to produce more health professionals enator “Manny” Pacquiao is talking about PHP10 billion departments allow that
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ealth officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have started a scholarship program to produce medical professionals for the region in anticipation of bigger health response in the coming years. On Monday afternoon, Dr. Bashary Latiph, BARMM health minister, and Dr. Liza Mariposque, the acting dean of the College of Medicine and medical director of the University of
Southern Mindanao (USM) hospital, signed here the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the Bangsamoro Medical Scholarship Program (BMSP). The signing was held at the executive building of the state-run USM here. “The MOH-BMSP has been conceptualized to mitigate, if not avert, the foreseen problems in the arena of healthcare delivery in the Bangsamoro region,” said Latiph in a phone interview on Tuesday.
He said the program seeks to provide scholarships to eligible and qualified students who have earned pre-medicine courses. “North Cotabato province is close to the hearts of the Bangsamoro especially now that a big number of its villages have opted to join the fledgling BARMM,” Latiph added. A total of 63 barangays from six towns of North Cotabato have joined the BARMM following the two-
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punch-drunk, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday. Duterte again criticized the boxer-turned-senator for claiming that billions of pesos were lost due to corruption across government agencies. Pacquiao earlier accused the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) specifically of failing to distribute PHP10.4 billion in cash aid from the social amelioration program (SAP). “I think Pacquiao is punch-drunk and I leave it
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NEWS
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Emabel Dapanas weeps over the casket of her husband, Army Private First Class Carlo Dapanas, Jr., after it arrived at the gym of the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, 12 July 2021. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO
Mandatory RT-PCR test requirement stays: Sara
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ayor Sara DuterteCarpio pronounced that the city government of Davao will still require the negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result to travelers entering Davao City via Davao International Airport (DIA). This after the InterAgency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases retracted provision in the Resolution No. 124-B issued on July 2, 2021, which said that interzonal travelers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 may only be required to present proof of complete vaccination instead of a negative test result. The IATF recently announced that the local government units (LGUs) have the discretion to ask for negative RT-PCR test results,
in addition to vaccination cards, from travelers before travel or upon arrival. “Initially, nagsulti ang IATF na vaccine cards na ang gamiton then after two days I think nagsulti sila na they will leave it up to the LGUs so ang atoa is RT-PCR testing gihapon,” the mayor said. Mayor Sara said the RT-PCR negative test requirement is still necessary since fully vaccinated individuals can still be infected with Covid-19. “Posible gihapon syang matakdan og COVID-19 all be it mild or asymptomatic na iyang case pero nagadala gihapon sya or posible gihapon sya mag-carry sa virus. So, angay gihapon nga itesting ang mga travelers,” the mayor said. In March this year, the city government of Davao has implemented City Ordinance
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City prepares supporting arguments for GCQ appeal By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he city government of Davao is preparing supporting arguments for the declaration of a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) in case Davao City’s Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) classification remains after July 15, 2021.
Davao City’s current MECQ status, which started on July 1, 2021 will end on July 15, 2021. From GCQ, the city was placed under MECQ from June 5 to 20 and was extended to June 21, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
The mayor said the arguments would focus on what the city is doing in prevention, enforcement, testing, and tracing as well as isolation facilities and vaccination program. “Ang Covid-19 Task
Force wala pa ka’y tomorrow (Tuesday) pa atong regular meeting sugod alas nwebe sa buntag. But we are readying possible supporting arguments kung ngano mag request ta og GCQ, which would touch on sa atoang ginabuhat sa prevention, enforcement, testing, and tracing, isolation facilities nato and of course sa vaccination program nato,” the mayor said. Mayor Sara is hopeful that the city’s MECQ status will no longer continue but will leave the decision to the IATF-MEID, which is yet to announce the city’s new quarantine classification. “Well, hopefully, dili na
isolation facilities and that it is fast tracking the vaccination of the hotel workers to give them protection from COVID-19 infection. Generose Tecson, head of the City Tourism Office, said in a text message that flag-carrier Philippine Airlines will service both repatriation flights. The Department of Foreign Affairs, however, has yet to inform the city government of the final schedule of their arrivals. Last June 16, a total of 99 Filipino seafarers on
board a chartered flight of Garuda Indonesia arrived in the city from Fiji. Tecson said the arriving OFWs will undergo a reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test on the seventh day of their 10day hotel quarantine in the city, and if tested negative, will be sent home to their provinces after completing the quarantine period. Duterte said the repatriation helps stranded OFWs to return home while helping the hotel industry
recover from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for serving as quarantine facilities for the repatriates. According to her, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will shoulder the hotel quarantine expenses of the repatriates. Duterte assured the public that the repatriation would not cause a spike of COVID-19 variants in the city, as the quarantining OFWs will not be allowed to leave their designated hotels without completing
ta mu continue sa MECQ but we leave it sa IATF since sila man naay parameters noh kung unsa ang community quarantine classification for one area or LGU given the data nga naa didto sa ilaha. Hulaton nato ilang announcement. But of course kitang tanan we don’t want an MECQ,” the mayor said. The city has observed a downtrend of Covid-19 cases in the city. In fact, from over 5,000 active cases two weeks ago, Davao City logged a total of 3,203 active cases as of July 11 with 152 new cases recorded on the same day.
the qarantine period. The mayor urged anew the constituents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and to observe health standards such as wearing of face masks, physical distancing and regular handwashing to fight the pandemic. According to the Department of HealthDavao, Davao City reported 152 new cases as of July 11, bringing the total cases to 27,042 with 3,203 active, 22,904 recoveries and 935 deaths. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
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2 batches of stranded OFWs from Dhaka, Dubai arriving in Davao City
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wo international flights carrying 154 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Dhaka, Bangladesh and another carrying 350 others from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates will arrive in Davao City this week, Mayor Sara Duterte disclosed Monday. In her weekly program aired over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5), she said that the inbound flights were part of the repatriation program of the government for stranded
OFWs who want to return home to the Philippines. She said the repatriated OFWs will undergo a hotel quarantine for 10 days before they will be sent home to their provinces, upon testing negative of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Upon landing at the Davao airport, they will be transported directly to their designated quarantine hotels, the mayor added. Duterte said the local government had designated several hotels to serve as
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A worker gathers fish containers at the General Santos City Fish Port Complex. The city government of General Santos will prioritize the vaccination of workers in the city’s fishing industry in the upcoming rollout of Covid-19 vaccines for the A4 priority group. Edge Davao
Fitch downgrades PH credit rating outlook to negative A
Opening of economy, CREATE law increase net FDI of PH
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the median for ‘BBB’ rated peers,” Fitch said. But Fitch also noted “increasing risks to the credit profile from the impact of the pandemic and its aftermath on policy-making as well as on economic and fiscal outturns.” The debt watcher noted that the Philippines’ fiscal
finances weakened, both in absolute terms and against peer medians, as a result of the pandemic. It forecasts general government debt-to-GDP to rise to 52.7 percent and 54.5 percent in 2021 and 2022, respectively. While Fitch said that this was still “modestly below the corresponding ‘BBB’ medians of 57 percent and 58.7 percent, “the rise in the debt ratio from 34.1 percent in 2019 is large and exceeds the median increase for ‘BBB’ peers.” The fiscal deficit also widened to 5.4 percent of GDP in
2020, Fitch said citing preliminary official estimates, from 1.7 percent in 2019. “Fitch will monitor the evolution of the fiscal deficit and debt levels, as the balance between fiscal consolidation and ongoing government spending to support economic recovery will be an important consideration for the rating,” it said. It also noted uncertainties stemming from the presidential elections next year, and the fiscal impact of the Mandanas Ruling, which mandates increased revenue transfers from the central to
Geever 7. Petromobil Corporation 8. Togachat Academy Philippines, Inc./Eostre Berhad 9. Reposco/Reposco Trading Ltd. /Reposco.IO 10. Xian Coin (“XNC”) 11. Let’s Raise Money - Jhen’s Credit Collection Services 12. Xum Token, Xumcoin, UmcUSDTbot (now, XUM/ USDT/BOT), Xum Chain, Xumex (World Crypto Asset Exchanger), XUM Exchange and XUM Exchange Ltd. 13.CloudNetwork/Cloud Network Marketing/ www. cloudnetworkmarketing.
com 14. Lendvest International (“LENDVEST”) 15. Earn Cash Quarentine Lending Consultancy Services (“EARN CASH”) Global Finance Technology/Global Finance Technologies (GFT), Fast Swap Trading Services/ Leovic 3x1 Wellness and BeautyCenter,MDMVentures Corporation, IQ Option, and Ching Empiratans/ Ching Empire, E-ambag and Geever have operations within SEC-Davao’s Area of Responsibility (Davao Region, Soccsksargen and Maguindanao Province). For the complete list
of advisories, you may visit https://www.sec.gov.ph/ investors-education-andinformation/advisories/ Gobal Finance Technology/Global Finance Technologies (GFT) owned and operated by Cipriano S. Bayadog III is enticing the public to invest their money for a supposed investment in Forex thru a so-called “Foreign Exchange Management Agreement” where Cipriano S. Bayadog III, acting like a Fund Manager, will allegedly invest the money in Forex and promising investors a quarterly returns of (20% 1st quarter), (30% 2nd
itch Ratings affirmed its investment-grade rating for the Philippines on Monday but also revised its outlook for the country to negative from stable, indicating the credit rating may be lowered in the medium term or 1-2 years. Fitch affirmed its BBB rating for the Philippines, signaling that the country has a moderate level of risk of defaulting on its obligations. “The rating affirmation reflects the Philippines’ robust external buffers and projected government debt levels that, while rising, should remain just below
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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued another set of advisories against several entities soliciting investments from the public without the necessary licenses: 1. Global Finance Technology/Global Finance Technologies (GFT) 2. Fast Swap Trading Solutions 3. 3X1 Marketing Services/Leovic 3x1 Wellness and Beauty Center 4. MDM Ventures Corporation 5. IQ Option 6. Ching Empiretans/ Ching Empire, E-ambag and
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n economist has attributed the rise of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the country in April 2021 to the implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law and the opening of the economy. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday reported the 114.4-percent year-on-year jump of net FDI inflows to USD679 million last April from USD317 million in the same period last year. In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said lower interest rates and lower cost of some inputs like real estate property and leases are plus factors that enticed higher
FDIs. “Some foreign investors may have started to come in view of the progress made on the CREATE law, which was finally signed on March 26, 2021 and reduces corporate income tax rates to 25 percent for large corporations (from 30 percent) retroactive July 1, 2020, thereby narrowing the gap with the tax rates in other Asean/ Asian countries, and also provides greater certainty on investment incentives, thereby helping attract more FDIs and making some foreign investors on the sidelines in recent months/years to become more decisive and finally bring in more FDIs into the country,” he said. Ricafort said positive
quarter), (35% 3rd quarter) and (50% 4th quarter). Fast Swap Trading Solutions headed by Jhomarie Cruz Reyes entices the public to invest a minimum of One Hundred Pesos (Php100.00) and promises to receive a return of their investment (principal) plus 50% income in just 15 days. 3x1 Marketing Services/ Leovic 3x1 Wellness and BeautyCenter, owned and operated by Leovic Nachor Montemayor, is enticing the public to invest their monies in exchange for huge profits by posting an attractive “complan” with a guarantee
of 210% return in 35 days. Based on the information gathered by the Commission, the investment-activities of Massdrop Marketing and Franchising OPC headed by Edgar Joseph Tan, a.k.a. Ejj Tan is being continued under the name of MDM Ventures corporation with Renato A. Sismundo, Jr., Eduardo B. Mallari, Jr., and Roel B. Duya as its supposed incorporators/directors/ stockholders. MDM Ventures Corporation entices the public to invest online or through the internet to become a member thereof with a minimum investment
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ECONOMY
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A porter loads sack of rice on a passenger vessel plying Surigao City-Dinagat Islands route at Surigao City Port. Economic activities in the said port is slowly picking up amid Covid-19 pandemic. Edge Davao
PH oxygen makers urged to export to Indonesia
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s Indonesia faces a shortage of medical oxygen due to the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said at least two Philippine oxygen manufacturers can export to the neighboring country. During a press conference Monday, Lopez said the country ramped up its supply of medical oxygen when an increase in Covid-19 cases happened last March. The DTI has told local oxygen producers to double their capacity to prepare for the possible surge in demand for medical oxygen. “The good thing is we have enough oxygen supply,
and as far as I remember, that was about four months ago. We still have an excess of about 20 percent or 30 percent,” he said. He added the Philippines can help Indonesia by allowing local manufacturers to export medical oxygen. “Now, we also talked to them (suppliers), who have the extra capacity now that can supply Indonesia. So far, we got two possible suppliers. So that’s how we can help Indonesia. We told them, if you have extra supply and you are still sure that you can supply locally, you can supply to Indonesia. So we encourage oxygen manufacturers,” the trade chief
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GenSan launches trade fair to showcase local products
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he city government opened on Monday a week-long trade fair to promote various products of homegrown micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said the activity, which will run until July 19 at the Robinsons mall atrium here, is mainly aimed to encourage consumers to patronize local produce and help MSMEs cope with the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Dubbed “Locally Sourced at Robinsons Malls: A Gardening and Local Produce Fair,” he said
they partnered with the Robinsons Malls to gather and showcase quality products from parts of the city. The initiative is supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Region 12, through the flagship “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” direct marketing program. “With this bazaar, it will be easier for entrepreneurs to sell their products, and consumers to find what they need,” Rivera said in a
statement. Among the displayed products are fresh vegetables and fruits, plants, seeds, dairy products, organic food, and gardening tools. The participating producers include Longtaw Empanada, Chicharon ni Totep, Alice Best, Sweet Charmelan, Delima Mushroom Producers, Barangay Olympog Farmers Association, City Food Terminal Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Rosechie Food Products, Daiso Japan, JC Tamayo Farm, United Engineering Workers, and Rural Improvement Club Federation.
The mayor lauded the Robinsons Mall and DA-12 for supporting the activity and helping local producers maintain their productivity and generate income even as the situation remains volatile due to the Covid-19 situation. He said the local government will explore the replication of the activity in the coming weeks in other areas in the city. “I hope that we can do more of this so we can continue to plan and address our food security in our city. The local government will always support this kind of endeavor,” he added. (PNA)
people now,” the DTI said in a statement. DTI’s move of standardization of Filipino dishes amid pandemic draws flak o “Our country, despite the pandemic, continues to do other jobs. This includes creative industry exports. We are strong in creative industry exports that now need government support,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a press conference on Monday. Lopez said the technical committee, upon consultations with culinary experts, would like to come up with a guide on basic traditional recipes for Filipino dishes for international promotion.
Earlier, BPS director Neil Catajay said standardizing the basic cooking technique of Filipino dishes like adobo will help in maintaining the authentic Filipino adobo taste amid various cooking methods of the dish published online by food writers, bloggers, and vloggers. “This is just among the many groundwork to develop more creative industry exports. There was a suggestion in the industry to have consultations among chefs and what will be in a traditional recipe especially for international promotions (example your adobo won’t become
Oil prices slip amid worries COVID Standards for Filipino cuisine meant for int’l promotion: DTI variants may derail recovery
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il slumped on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) over concerns about spreading COVID-19 variants derailing the global economic recovery that has brought fuel demand to near pre-pandemic levels, while tight crude supplies kept prices from falling lower. Brent crude for September settled at $75.16 a barrel, losing 39 cents, or 0.5 percent. US West Texas Intermediate crude for August settled at $74.10 a barrel, down 46 cents, or 0.6 percent. Both benchmarks shed about 1 percent last week, stalling out a rally that had
brought both US crude and Brent to levels not seen since October 2018. Tokyo reimposed pandemic-related restrictions due to concerns over coronavirus infections, less than two weeks before the city hosts the Summer Olympic Games. “It has raised hackles in the market about demand recovery again,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital in New York. “Asia is obviously essential. It’s a swing demand center, and this is a huge setback.” The spread of new variants and unequal access to vaccines threaten the global economic recovery,
finance chiefs of the G20 large economies said over the weekend. The remarks weighed on the oil demand outlook. “Traders are now refocusing on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and global concerns over the new variants’ expansion,” Rystad Energy analyst Louise Dickson said. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, a group known as OPEC+, abandoned talks last week that would have raised output, after a dispute between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates about how to extend the pact.
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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday the initiative on standardization of Filipino dishes is meant for international promotion. The DTI made the clarification as it is developing a Philippine National Standards (PNS) for Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinig The Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) has created a technical committee on Filipino dishes (BPS/TC 92) that will do the standardization of Filipino dishes for promotion abroad. “The attempt is to define what we will promote internationally and not redefining what adobo is to different
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On his daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s openness to running for president:
Ako, gusto ko itabi ko na lang muna ang anak ko. Maybe some other time, not at this time when the Philippine politics is crowded with people in the likes of Trillanes tapos ‘yung si De Lima. Gusto ko sila na lang muna. Run at some other time, huwag ngayon kasi wala kang maano dito, mabastos ka lang.“
Rodrigo Roa Duterte
President, Republic of the Philippines
EDITORIAL Protective father Fathers are naturally protective to their daughters. That’s a given.
In the olden days, before a man can even date one’s daughter, he has to pass through the father who would then brandish his sword, shovel and show him the backyard lot to scare the man. President Rodrigo Duterte is one such old-fashioned father. So when supporters of his daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio would ask the latter out for a date in 2022, they will have to pass through the father in PRRD.
On Monday, President Duterte did not mince a word when he categorically said he doesn’t favor Mayor Sara to
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The President specifically named his staunch critics former Senator Antonio Trillanes and jailbird Senator Leila Delima. The two, he said, would do everything they can to prevent another Duterte in the Palace. At all cost.
And for that, President Duterte would rather shield her daughter than expose her from the polarizing elections. It’s understandable. So now it will take Mayor Sara to tell her father she can look after herself and she is ready to go on a date that could make her or destroy her. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief
NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor
MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter
KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle
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LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ
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join the presidential race in 2022. His reason is very much that of a father’s feelings. He said he just wants to protect his daughter from those who want to go all out to destroy her for political gains.
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VANTAGE POINTS
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DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS
SEA SUNDAY, FISHERMEN AND THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA Matamlay. Sluggish.
This is how Taytay Apostolic Vicar-designate Bishop Broderick Pabillo described the government’s treatment of Filipino fishermen despite the favorable arbitral tribunal’s ruling on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) territorial dispute. During his homily last Sea Sunday, Bishop Broderick Pabillo challenged the government to stand up for Filipino fishermen as part of its duty to protect its citizens and its territory. “Matamlay ang panindigan ng ating pamahalaan para sa kanila,” Bishop Pabillo said. “Nandiyan ang mga maliliit nating mangingisda. Isa sila sa sector ng ating lipunan na pinakamahirap. Wala silang proteksyon na natatanggap sa ating pamahalaan. Ang issue ng West Philippine Sea ay nagpapakita na hindi naipagtatanggol ang ating mga mangingisda kahit na sa territory mismo natin” Pabillo has been vocal in reminding the Philippine government not to allow itself to be bullied and let its people suffer as he cited the partial sinking
of the Philippine fishing boat, F/B GEM-VER, near Recto Bank midnight of June 9, 2019. Pabillo earlier criticized the government’s attempt to downplay and sanitize the issue by calling it “a simple maritime incident” in contrast to the initial statement of the Filipino fishermen that the Chinese vessel rammed and partially sank the Philippine fishing boat. The homily was delivered a day before the fifth anniversary of the releasing of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s decision on July 12, 2016 in favor of the Philippines on most of its submissions on the West Philippine Sea dispute. The Philippines initiated in January 2013 the arbitration case (Philippines vs. China, PCA Case No. 2013-19) wherein it sought, among others, a declaration that the countries’ respective rights and obligations regarding the waters, seabed, and maritime features of the West Philippine Sea are governed by the UNCLOS. The decision declared that China’s historic rights claims over maritime areas inside the “nine-dash line” have no lawful
effect as they exceed what they are entitled to under UNCLOS. There was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in areas falling within the “nine-dash line”. The decision likewise noted that China violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by construction of artificial islands at seven features in the Spratly Islands, interfering with Philippine fishing and hydrocarbon exploration, and failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the Philippines’ EEZ President Duterte said that his promise during 2016 election to ride a jet ski to challenge Chinese incursion in Philippine waters was a “pure joke” and that those who believed it were “stupid.” The dispute has greatly affected the livelihood of Filipino fishermen. Pope Francis earlier said that “without the people of the sea, many parts of the world would starve.” People depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their sustenance as the fishing industry employs,
directly or indirectly, more than 200 million people Sea Sunday is set every second Sunday of July by many Christian Churches as an international day of remembrance, prayer and celebration, and an opportunity to thank seafarers and fishermen who work tirelessly throughout the year bringing us more than ninety percent of the goods we need. In a statement, the chaplains of Stella Maris Philippines offered their holy masses and prayers for the safety of the people of the sea. “The sea has a sense of mystery. Its depth is a sight to behold. The sea sometimes is calm and placid. Sometimes it is violent and dangerous, striking fear terror in us. But the sea always returns to her former self, quiet, calm and reassuring. Our life is like a sea. Life presents many cruel trials and costly troubles. There is the term ‘rough sailing’ to describe a turbulent life.” The Philippines is considered as the major supplier of maritime labor globally as it is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to
five complements on board a vessel at any time. The estimated 519,031 deployed Filipino seafarers in 2019 per POEA data remitted $6.539 billion or around P326.95 billion. The sea-based sector’s remittance comprise at least 22 percent of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Despite its glorification due to economic returns, a job of a seafarer is not exactly a walk in the park. While delivering a key service to society, the maritime profession is not without incident or peril since it has always been identified as a high-risk workplace replete with health and safety hazards in relation to accidents, illnesses and mortality. Let us pray for the safe voyage of seafarers and fishermen. (Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)
FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE
NECROPOLITICS: IS KRIS AQUINO RUNNING? “In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” - Margaret Thatcher. ******** From Wikipedia files, this is how it describes what necropolitics is. “Necro” comes from the Greek root word “nekros”, meaning “corpse” (a dead body). Necropolitics translates then to the “politics of death.” Philosopher Achielle Mbembe describes necropolitics as “the capacity to define who matters and who does not, who is disposable and who is not.” In other words, necropolitics is a framework that illuminates how governments assign differential value to human life. The closer you are to dominant power, the more your life is worth.” The above is quite a scholarly definition of necropolitics which, in our local understanding, might veer too far away from its real meaning. I am referring to the recent demise of former President Benigno Aquino III whose rise to
political prominence was mainly as a result of the death of his mother, Corazon C. Aquino. As history has unfolded, Corazon, a former housewife, was catapulted into the highest echelon of government authority due to the martyrdom of her husband, former Sen. Ninoy Aquino, who was killed at the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport that now bears his name. Fed up with the martial law regime since 1972, the Filipinos rose up to drive away the Marcos dictatorship in a bloodless revolt called “EDSA People Power” and installed Cory Aquino the new president of the country. To make the story short, the Aquino family benefited from the death of a family member which when translated domestically is what we came to know as “necropolitics.” With just about two and a half months more before the filing of Certificates of Candidacies (COCs), presidential hopefuls have started quiet but not so secret movements to posture themselves as viable contend-
ers.
The wannabes are boxing icon and Sarangani Senator Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Ping Lacson, ex-Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes, VP Leni Robredo, Sen. Grace Poe, former Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. These political personalities are frequently being mentioned in the media, both print and broadcast and likewise in the more patronized social media portals - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Kris Aquino, the youngest of the Aquino siblings, is now here and there being mentioned, mainly as a consequence of Noynoy’s recent passing. Kris is a very popular media and movie personality that needs no introduction to the Filipino electorate, especially the ‘masa’ crowd.. She will give everyone a run for the money. The Yellows and the Liberals and smart political operators are tinkering anew the notso-remote possibility that they would be able to convince Kris
to pick up from where her late brother Noynoy left off, The same political strategy, media promotion, branding and what have you which they applied in 2010 are expected to be employed by the power-hungry groups that have been salivating to get back into power. Kris was also rumored to have been once interested in the governorship of Tarlac province in 2019 to test her management acumen, and hopefully, gear up for the 2022 presidential polls. Unfortunately, for reasons we do not know, she held back. Today, there is no telling she will eventually throw her hat into the political derby. None of her three older sisters and neither of their husbands actively - nor even quietly - forayed in political battles before. However, Kris’ persona is much different. You have seen she wanted to be in the limelight, in the center stage, in the things euphoric and acclaimed. However, if she does go for it, she will be measured to the last detail. Her private life and esca-
pades, erratic decision-making and empirical attitudes will go under the lens. Her glib and articulation will not be enough to add to the adulation she once enjoyed before. The political terrain is a much different animal. But, in more ways than one, Kris’ (ad)venture into the political realm will gauge the political maturity of Pinoy voters. Would they go for a neophyte but hugely popular candidate or choose to elect someone who has had real experience in government affairs and executive management? I am scared actually. I don’t want our country to make an about face. I desire that we march forward. To prosperity, unity and progress. Can Kris even argue these in favor of her 110 million countrymen? Ah, necropolitics, what sin have we committed that we should suffer in thy name? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
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90% OF LEGACY LEISURE’S FIRST TOWER SOLD IN 11 MONTHS
LEGACY LEISURE RESIDENCES hits 90% sales mark on first tower in 11 months in June.
The pandemic is a challenging period to the real estate enterprise in Davao. But surprisingly, Legacy Leisure Residences is posting a steady rise in its sales. “We officially launched two months before the lockdown, on January 2020. But as soon as the restrictions were eased, we bounced back to work with positive energy, adapted to the situation, created good deals, and strengthened our digital presence and relationship with the real estate agents, and got the construction rolling again,” said Wesley Bangayan, VP for marketing for CrisRon Legacy Leisure Residences (CLLR). Bangayan confessed that there was uncertainty looming on the sales department. But trusting their brand and team, they were able to surpass their sales target in 2020. “Our strategy worked. In a span of five months, from August to December 2020, we posted a 60% sales on the first building, which is Tower 2. For the first half of 2021, CLLR posted a steady rate in sales. In essence, 90% of CLLR’s Tower 2 has been sold in less than a year. This is a feat for the sales team in the time of a pandemic,” said Bangayan. At the rate it is going, Tower 2 will be sold out before the end of the year, he added. Bangayan says that Legacy Leisure is unique and this is what makes the condominium project attractive. It went the opposite way of the usual residential projects. CLLR allotted a huge chunk of the 2.4-hectare property to open space and opting to erect only four 15-story residential buildings. “We are fashioning resort
living in the middle of the city where residents can breathe in everyday leisure. An expansive open space is needed to achieve this. Across 70% of the property will be the the curated outdoor amenities to complement the theme: an Olympic size swimming pool, spray park for kids, verdant park, picnic area with a barbecue pit, an array of sports facilities to include basketball and tennis courts, a putting green and jogging track.”
Legacy Leisure’s Olympic size swimming pool and outdoor facilities.
The residential units will be spacious as well. The onebedroom units will have an average size of 37sqm., while the the 2-bedroom units will be at 76sqm and the 3-bedroom units at 136sqm. These sizes are designed where bachelors and small families can live in comfort and move about with ease enjoying their personal spaces. “Another major concern from the future and prospective residents is the structural
Legacy Leisure Tower 2 exterior.
integrity of the towers. From the conception of the project we have addressed this. We have reputable design professionals who designed earthquake-proof buildings. A story about CLLR’s structural integrity was published in major newspapers in Davao and Manila.” Bangayan further says that CLLR transparency on the development of the condominium also adds to its appeal and
Legacy Leisure Tower 2 construction development. builds trust. Since the IATF’s go signal on construction sector, work on the structures have been unceasing until today. “Construction updates are regularly posted on CLLR’s social media pages. We want to show our buyers how their investment is progressing. On the construction time chart, Legacy Leisure is on time.”
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE
photo from aarp.org and fox61.com
DELTA COVID-19 VARIANT Text by HENRYLITO D. TACIO
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here’s so much concern these days about the Delta variant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It was first identified in India and is known as B.167.2 in late 2020. It got its current name in May this year from the World Health Organization (WHO), which names notable variants after letters of the Greek alphabet. Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana, director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the National Institute of Health at the University of the Philippines, said the “(Delta variant) likely drove the Indian surge in April, sickening more than 300,000 per day and killing over 4,000 per day.” News reports said the Delta variant is causing a spike in COVID-19 infections among unvaccinated people in England, where it can become the dominant variant of the new coronavirus. This recent spike in infections has delayed the country’s reopening. The Delta variant is also causing surges in the United States, China, and Indonesia. “In the United Kingdom, the variant is now responsible for 90% of all new infections,” Associated Press science writer Aniruddha Ghosal reported. “In the US, it represents 20% of infections, and health officials say it could become the country’s dominant type as well.” The United Nations health agency is very much concerned with this latest development. In a regular briefing
recently at the Geneva office, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists that the Delta variant has been identified in at least 85 countries and is “spreading rapidly among unvaccinated populations.” “As some countries ease public health and social measures, we are starting to see increases in transmission around the world,” he was quoted as saying. A surge in cases translates to more hospitalizations, which continue to stretch healthcare workers and health systems while putting more at risk of death, according to the WHO chief. He acknowledged that new variants are expected, saying “that’s what viruses do, they evolve” and stressed that “by preventing transmission, we can stem the emergence of variants. “It’s quite simple: more transmission, more variants. Less transmission, less variants,” Tedros spelled out, upholding that it is even more urgent today to prevent transmission by consistently using public health and social measures along with vaccines. The WHO described
the Delta variant as “the fourth variant of concern.” Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO’s Chief Scientist, explains it this way: “Because it’s both more transmissible than the previous variant and also has been able to resist the antibodies that we have in our blood. “What that means,” she says, “is that you need a higher level of antibodies to overcome this variant as compared to, let’s say, the Alpha variant.” This is indeed very alarming. “Incredibly infectious” was how WHO advisor and Professor of Epidemiology at the University of New South Wales Professor Mary-Louise McLaws described the Delta variant. Health experts believe mutations in the Delta variant make it replicate faster and evade the body’s immunity mechanism. The United Nations health agency says Delta is the “fastest and fittest” variant yet. Compared with the original strain of COVID-19, “(the Delta variant) is 60% more transmissible indoors, and up to 40% more transmissible outdoors,” said Dr. Salvana, who posted the information in his Facebook account. The Philippines initially detected 13 cases of Delta Covid-19 variant, all involving returning Filipino travelers. But last June 21, four more cases were reported. “Three of the four additional Delta variant cases are returning overseas Filipino (ROF) from the MV Eastern Hope, a ship currently docked in South Korea,” said
a press release from the Department of Health (DOH). According to the report, the three Filipinos were repatriated back to the Philippines on June 3, “upon detection of the PCR-positive Filipino crew in South Korea.” After their arrival in the country, “two cases have completed the 10-day isolation” and “were discharged upon certification of recovery.” As for the remaining one, he was “still admitted in a hospital in Metro Manila.” The fourth case was also a ROF who arrived from Saudi Arabia on May 24. “The case has completed the mandated isolation, tagged as recovered on June 10, discharged thereafter from the isolation facility, and is now under strict home quarantine as per protocols of the LGU of destination.” The good news is: “There is still no community transmission of the Delta variant (in the country),” said Dr. Salvana. The government is doing its best to stop the Delta variant from infecting Filipinos. Since it originated from India, it imposed a travel ban on the said country from April 29 to May 16. Later on, it expanded the travel restrictions by including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman and the United Arab of Emirates. Last June 29, the government again extended the travel ban for travelers from India and six more countries (now including Nepal) until July 15. “This is a proactive measure amid the implementation of international
border control because of COVID-19 Delta variant,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser. As Dr. Salvana pointed out, the biggest risk for entry for Delta variants in the country is poor border control. “When Taiwan decreased their quarantine protocols for unvaccinated pilots to three days with testing, they ended up with a large surge,” he said, adding that a recent Delta case in Australia has been linked to a driver who interacted with international flight crews. “Public health measures including face masks and face shields, strict border quarantine, and vaccination policies are anchored on real science and will save lives,” pointed out Dr. Salvana, who was trained in infectious diseases and tropical medicine at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. “This is not a popularity contest. The virus doesn’t care if it’s election season. It will kill people regardless of who you support. Let’s all protect each other.” What’s even more frightening is the emergence of the Delta Plus variant. The newer variant received the “Plus” designation because it’s not quite different enough from the original Delta variant to merit its own Greek alphabet letter. The good news is that all of the WHO emergency use listed vaccines do protect against developing severe disease, hospitalization and death due to the Delta variant.
“There are studies now from countries where there is a predominance of Delta variant to show that people who’ve been vaccinated are much less likely to end up in hospital,” says Dr. Swaminathan. “And you need the full course of vaccination in order to give you that full immunity to protect you against the Delta variant. So the important thing is if you have access to a vaccine that’s approved by WHO, please do take it and take the full course so that you can be protected both against the Delta and other variants of COVID.” According to Dr. Swaminathan, the main goal of these vaccines is really to prevent severe disease, “because what we want is for people, even if they get the infection, is for them to recover from it and not become seriously ill.” That’s something that all of the WHO emergency listed vaccines do really well. “Of course, there are different levels,” says Dr. Swaminathan. “You read about the efficacy trials. They may range from 70 to 90%. But in terms of just looking at the prevention of severe disease and hospitalization, they’re all very good, over 90% effective.” A report from WebMd. com stated that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines “appear to be about 88% effective against the Delta variant after two shots,” quoting Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former commissioner of US Food and Drug Administration. The Johnson & Johnson and
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time, not at this time when the Philippine politics is crowded with people in the likes of Trillanes tapos ‘yung si De Lima. Gusto ko sila na lang muna. Run at some other time, huwag ngayon kasi wala kang maano dito, mabastos ka lang. It’s not good for a -a woman to be, you know, being --- brazen niyong masyadong mga salita at masaktan lang. So as a father, I would not want that to happen to my
daughter,” he said. Mayor Sara has declared her openness to running as President in the 2022 elections in Cebu City last week, but clarified that she will be conducting consultations to get the thoughts of the people of her running as President. Mayor Sara said it is important for her to know the thoughts of the people particularly those who do not know her.
of communicating to the public developments in the industry. The City Government of Davao recognizes that the tourism industry is one of the most hit by the pandemic and vaccinating tourism work force this early will help us prepare to restart the economy. In times like this , we were able to prove that we can work together towards common goal,” Gatchalian said. The DATA prexy said media was also involved in Bakuna by the Sea by helping promote the vaccination program and also combating vaccine hesitancy and disinformation among the tourism sector thru information dissemination. “Media worked with DATA together with Waterfront as part of its 60th Anniversary, and other tourism organizations to ensure we inoculate workers from the different tourism sectors - hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel and tours, transport, wellness, academe and allied services,”
Gatchalian said. Members of the media in Davao City who were vaccinated were grateful of the vaccination coverage provided to them by Bakuna by the Sea. “Isip communication frontliner mapasalamaton ko sa hingpit nga hingpit nabakunahan ilabi na nga padayon ang pagsaka sa kaso sa COVID-19 sa Rehiyon. Pinaagi sa bakuna maprotektahan ang akong pamilya ug mga tao palibot kanako, (As a communication frontliner I am thankful that I was part of those vaccinated especially that cases of COVID-19 is rising in the region. Thru the vaccine I can protect my family and people around me)” says radio reporter Rodel Natad who was one of the media vaccinees at the Watefront vaccination site. Online content creator Lovely Consing-Boiser, a member of the Davao Digital Influencers who availed of the vaccination, praised the Bakuna by the Sea as very orderly and relaxing.
part 2019 plebiscite that established the expanded region. Under the scholarship program, 30 slots are allotted for USM Kabacan; 15 slots for the Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City; and six slots for students taking up medicine courses at the Brokenshire College and
School of Medicine in Davao City. Latiph has advised interested students to visit them at the MOH-BARMM office in Cotabato City or browse at their office’s Facebook page for added details. He said the program would start this school year 2021-2022. (PNA)
Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) executives and other government officials. He also hit back at Pacquiao by raising the previous tax evasion complaint against the senator. Duterte said Pacquiao, having a total of PHP2.2 billion underpayment in taxes, should also be
considered as a “corrupt” official. He implied that Pacquiao’s corruption allegations stemmed from the fact that he was impatient to be named as the presidential bet their party. Duterte and Pacquiao are chairman and president, respectively, of the ruling PDP-Laban party. (PNA)
paksiw or humba). Again, this is to promote Filipino cuisines abroad,” DTI added. The department said it does not discourage Filipinos from being creative in cooking local dishes.
“To many Filipinos, thebestadoboistheone cookedathomeorcooked by their parents or lola (grandmother).Thereis alotofcreativitygoingon anditmustbeencouraged,” it added. (PNA)
said. On Sunday, Indonesia’s health ministry reported that their Covid-19 cases increased by 36,197 and 1,007 Covid-19 related
deaths within 24 hours. The Delta variant is said to be the cause of the sudden surge in infection and fatality in the neighboring country. (PNA)
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Mayor Sara attributed the decline to speedy tracing and isolation and more people complied with the MECQ guidelines. “It can be, nag-work from home or alternative work arrangement sad sila. It can be the life cycle of the virus. If you can remember,
four months ta, nag-surge last time, naa na ta sa two months karon, mag-three months na atong surge. And maybe it’s the effect of the vaccination. Lain-lain na sya na possible na factors nagcontribute sa pagbaba sa atong Covid-19 cases,” she said.
No. 0477-21, known as “An Ordinance Providing For Mandatory Testing Prior To
Entry Into Davao City Via The Davao International Airport.” By Maya M. Padillo
local government units. Fitch said that the effects of the ruling will be felt in 2022, and be fiscally neutral at the general government level. But it also warned that poor execution of the transfer of funds and responsibilities could lead to underspending by local governments. Recent reforms in corporate income taxes meanwhile are still not certain to boost revenue over the medium term, Fitch said. The debt watcher also warned that the Bangko Sentral’s lending to the government to finance the budget deficit could pose a risk to policy credibility if this continues “beyond the immedi-
ate needs of the health crisis.” Fitch meanwhile said the Philippines’ external finances remain a credit strength. “Foreign-currency reserves are high and gross external debt levels are manageable.” Last May, S&P Global Ratings also affirmed the Philippines’ investment-grade credit rating of BBB+ with a stable outlook, saying the country’s economy was beginning to recover from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. S&P however also warned that it “may lower the rating if the Philippines’ nascent economic recovery falters over the next 24 months.”
similar to Massdrop of Php1,000.00 with a 20% return every month for 3 months and on the 3rdmonth the member receives his P1,000 investments plus the 20% profit or a total of 160% in 3 months. Ching Empiretans/Ching Empire, E-ambag and Geever, being run and operated by one Analie Tuyor, a.k.a. Ericah Cassandrah Lee Ching, operates a Ponzi Scheme where the ‘income’ given to the initial investors are taken from the subsequent investors. IQ Option LCC or simply IQ Option from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean claims that it is legally represented in the Philippines and allows Filipino users to earn money following local laws, thus, offering enticing leverages ranging from 1:20 to 1:1000 which appears to be “too good to be true.” Petromobil corporation s enticing the public to invest in the said entity by offering would-be investors a Co-Ownership Program for a minimum capital of Php 400,000.00 for a promise of receiving a conservative profit amounting to Php100,000.00 within a period of 3 months and a chance to co-own 17 gas stations which the company are planning to build. Flint/Flint Ph/ Flint Philippines/Flint Technology Corp., which is being operated by Janandre M. Mercado, bills itself as the first, tech-enabled low-cost Philippine Real Estate Crowdfunding Platform powered by SeedIn Technology, allegedly South East Asia’s largest business financing platform. Through Flint, investors are given an opportunity to buy an investment share in a prefunded property or funded
with first position financing. FLINT offers investments as low as Php1,000.00 with a guaranteed 12% return per annum. Togachat Academy Philippines, Inc., still continues to operate under a new company named Eostre Berhad despite the issuance by the Commission of an Advisory, Cease and Desist Order and Order of Revocation against it. Togachat/Eostre Berhad is engaged in the indirect selling of Toga Limited shares thru conversion of Eostre Berhad Points into Toga Limited shares. While the distribution is channeled thru conversion, the same still constitutes offering and selling of shares to the public as the essence of the law is to regulate the securities being distributed in the public within the Philippines. Reposco/Reposco Trading Ltd.,/Reposco.10, which is being operated by Benjamin Mari Limjap, claims that it uses blockchain technology to offer decentralized and democratized investment plans that promise weekly dividends by having it invested in sports arbitrage, forex, and oil options. Benjamin Mari Limjap is collecting investments from investors with a promise of twenty percent (20%) return of investment in a ninety (90) day period maturity. Xian Coin or XNC, headed by Christian Albert Gaza (“Xian Gaza”), claims to be a centralized digital currency powered by the Etherium Blockchain that is exclusively traded by its coin holders. Holders of XNC are promised that they will enjoy a high range of price stability and appreciation of value due to the fact that it is taking advantage of a single, centralized supply chain.
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AstraZeneca vaccines seems “to be about 60% effective,” USA Today reports. Again, the vaccines vary in the protection against getting infection. “Ideally, you know, you’d like a vaccine which completely prevents you from getting infected therefore, you can’t get ill,” Dr. Swaminathan explains. “But none of the vaccines that we have currently are 100% protective. So this is why even if you’re vaccinated, you can get the infection, but the chances are you’ll get very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all and that the chances of getting seriously ill are really, really low.” The big question now: if you can still get infected and also infect others even after you are fully vaccinated, then why get vaccinated? “There are two very good reasons to get vaccinated,” Dr. Swaminathan says. “The first is to protect yourself from getting severely ill if you catch the infection. We know that there’s a certain proportion of people of all age groups
who do get severely ill and you could have a chance of dying from this disease. And this is what we want to protect. So that’s why you want to get vaccinated in the first place. But secondly, if you get vaccinated and yes, you may still get the infection because we know that these vaccines are not going to protect you 100% from the infection. So there is a small risk you get infected and you could pass it on to others. “Why do you want to take the risk of doing that?” Dr. Swaminathan asks. “Why do you want to be one person in the chain of transmission? What we need to do in the world today is to break those chains of transmission, get control of this disease. So that’s why we say get vaccinated as soon as you can get access to your vaccine when your turn comes and continue to take all the precautions so that you are completely protecting yourself as well as protecting others around you.” – (Photo taken from the internet - aarp.org and fox61.com)
the jab,” he said. “Because that jab disturbs you, it messes up the rhythm for the fighter to go. “Pacquiao’s been great [with his quick movement] for 15 years and he’ll beat you with his legs first into submission and after that he hits you.” Spence has had to overcome his own adversity in recent years. The 31-year-old Texan was coming off a split decision win over Shawn Porter in September 2019 when he rolled his Ferrari at high speed and was ejected from the vehicle, spending months recovering from his injuries. Hopkins believes Spence’s near-death experience has given him a different level of focus and will drive him on to succeed against Pacquiao.
“I respect Pacquiao for taking the challenge he’s taking,” the former undisputed middleweight champion said in a separate interview with FightHypeTV. “He’s going to be a problem for any fighter because of his ability and his experience and his longevity of health. That’s key… but Errol Spence will be victorious. “I believe that Errol Spence is fighting on a different level of mentality — a second chance in life. I’m pretty sure that he understands that every chance that he gets to reflect every day — boxing or non-boxing — and he will have that terrible accident that he can look at any time to know he came from that and then go into the ring and fight somebody that says they’re going to do something to you?”
lanueva was also involved in the sports science programs of the Commission, from seminars about ‘First Aid in Sports’ and other topics that encouraged sports stakeholders to seek sports science and sports medicine, enough to ensure the expansion of grassroots sports. She is one of the founding members of the Sports Nutrition Association of the Philippines (SNAP), a fel-
low at the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, and a visiting consultant at the Mary Johnston Hospital Department of Family and Community Medicine and Healthway Medical. Villanueva is also a school physician at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), has a residency in family medicine at the UST Hospital, and was part of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 2005.
credit rating actions on the Philippines, which even got its first-ever A-level credit rating, A-, from the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) in June 2020, also boosted investors’ sentiment on the domestic economy. The positive credit rating actions, he said, “reflect improved international investor confidence in the country, manifesting the country’s improved economic fundamentals, as well as the country’s attractive demographics.”
These factors are, however, expected to be countered by the still high number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, aggravated by new variants that are reported to be more contagious. Ricafort believes that higher government spending, especially on infrastructure, and the accommodative monetary policy by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are seen to further support the rise in net FDIs. “The improved econom-
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Manny Pacquiao (left) meets Errol Spence during Monday’s press conference.
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he final batch of sessions for the National Sports Summit 2021 starts on Wednesday with Dr. Pilar Elena Villanueva underscoring the importance of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Medical Scientific Athletes Service Unit for the national team and sports in general. Villanueva, a medical consultant of the PSC, will discuss the services offered by MSAS, and how the unit actively partners with the national athletes and coaches in bringing an advanced sports science development in Philippine sports. “We want our stake-
R
iders from the Philippine Navy captured the two golds at stake in the road race of the PhilCycling National Trials for Road at the Clark Freeport Zone on Sunday. The Standard Insurance-backed Navy squad even swept the podium in the men’s race with Ronald Oranza leading the way. The native of Villasis, Pangasinan ruled the 147.6-kilometer men’s race that traversed the Metro Angeles area by clocking in at three hours, 18 minutes and 25.80 seconds. George Oconer finished second after finishing at 3:18:32.15, 6.35 seconds behind Oranza, while Ronald Lomotos capped Navy’s 1-2-3 finish
holders to understand what we do and impart these services and learnings to them, especially in the field of sports science, as we near the end of the first phase of the Summit,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez. The sports agency chief also thanked the participants for the first phase of the Summit saying, “it has been a fun and fulfilling journey since the NSS started and successfully reached different sports educators, sports local executives and stakeholders.” Before being a resource speaker for Session 21, Vil-
FMSAS, P10
by taking the bronze after crossing the finish line at 3:18:35.23, barely three seconds behind Oconer. “We did our best to protect each other throughout the race, and we managed to book a 1-2-3 finish,” the 28-year-old Oranza said. Kate Velasco took the women’s gold after finishing the 80.7-kilometer road race at 2:15:17.62. It also looked to be a podium sweep by Navy in the distaff side, but Avegail Rombaon stole the show after surpassing Mathilda Krogg and Marianne Dacumos in the endgame to take silver at 2:15:19.38. Krogg settled for the bronze after finishing at the wrong end of a photo finish, 0.37 second behind
Hopkins breaks down Pacquiao vs Spence B ernard Hopkins is torn over who he thinks will win the fight between WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr 27-0 (21) and Manny Pacquiao at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21. The retired Hopkins became the oldest world champion of all time at the age of 46 before unifying the WBA and IBF light heavyweight championships at 48. Filipino superstar Pac-
Rombaon in particular. “I never expected to win today [the road race]. It was Marianne, our senior, who’s in our game plan, but I got the opportunity, so we didn’t let that slip away,” said Velasco, who also won the women’s individual time trial gold on Saturday. The PhilCycling trials were the first set of cycling events organized amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Oranza hopes the sport would continue in its comeback trail from hereon. “I am praying this trials will mark the return of cycling events all over the country,” Oranza added. (PNA)
quiao, 42, has shown a similar ability to Hopkins to carry his form into his late career, scoring a split decision victory over previously undefeated American Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman 29-1 (22) to
claim the WBA 147-pound title in his last bout two years ago. “The advantage mentally goes to Pacquiao,” Hopkins said to KO Artist Sports. “We all know as far as the experience goes, that along with a burst of youthful energy, that we’ve seen in history in fights where guys we knew were dangerous but we didn’t know he was gonna show up that good. “That’s the type of feel-
ing I get when I hear about this fight. There are fighters who’ve been around as long as Manny who’ve seen every style and have been in every hostile situation.” According to Hopkins, the winner of the all-southpaw battle will be determined by how well Spence uses his right jab and how well Pacquiao uses his legs. “The jab is important and Spence has to control
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Philippine Navy won two golds in the road race of the PhilCycling National Trials for Road at the Clark Freeport Zone on Sunday.
12 SPORTS
EDGEDAVAO
FIRST JAB
VOL.14 ISSUE 103 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021
Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao said Errol Spence doesn’t need Floyd Mayweather’s advise.
Spence doesn’t need advice from Mayweather, I believe he’s better: Pacquiao
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he last fighter to convincingly beat Manny Pacquiao plans to reach out to the next one favored to do so, although the legendary Filipino doesn’t see the need for that conversation. Hall of Fame-elected former five-division champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. is on record stating that he expects Unified WBC/IBF welterweight titlist Errol Spence (27-0, 21KOs) to prevail in his upcoming August 21 superfight versus Pacquiao at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. A phone call to the undefeated southpaw is expected to take place in the near future, as Mayweather regularly enjoys mentoring the next generation—particularly when it comes to offering advice on familiar topics. “He hasn’t reached out to me yet. He’s a guy that reaches out sometimes,” Spence acknowledged during a prefight press conference held Sunday in Los Angeles to discuss the August 21 Fox Sports Pay-Per-View event. “He talks to me and things like that. He tries to mentor me, so he’ll definitely reach out. If says he’ll reach out, he definitely will.” Mayweather scored a convincing twelve-round, unanimous decision victory over Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39KOs) in their May 2015 blockbuster event which destroyed every financial mark ever established in the sport. Pacquiao is 5-1 since that night, the only loss coming in a widely disputed twelveround decision in favor of unbeaten Jeff Horn in their July
2017 WBO welterweight title fight in Horn’s hometown of Brisbane, Australia. In his most recent start, a then 40-year-old Pacquiao turned back the clock in a twelve-round, split decision victory over Keith Thurman. Their WBA welterweight title fight took place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the same venue that hosted his loss to Mayweather and 13 other fights in his incredible career. Two months after Pacquiao’s win came Spence’s thrilling split decision victory over Shawn Porter in their September 2019 WBC/ IBF title unification clash at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Spence solidified his place atop the welterweight division that night, more so in his dominant win over former two-division champ Danny Garcia last December at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The win over Garcia was the first for Spence after recovering from life-threatening injuries sustained in a single car crash in October 2019. It was a reminder of the supreme skill set possessed by the 2012 U.S. Olympian and long-reigning welterweight titlist, a fact that is not at all lost on Pacquiao who doesn’t see what Mayweather has to offer in terms of any words of wisdom.