Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 241 | Wednesday, January 27, 2021

ANTI-GOUT DRUG PROVEN EFFECTIVE VS. COVID-19

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MASSIVE

HEALTH P9

VOL.13 I SSUE 241 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

Youngs kids roam around their community in Brgy.

23-C Isla Verde, Davao City.

President Rodrigo Duterte says he wants children aged 10-14 years old to stay inside their homes despite the easing of age restrictions recently approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). Edge Davao

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15,470 individuals arrested for violating city’s community quarantine protocols STORY ON PAGE 2

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VOL.13 ISSUE 241 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

NEWS

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on Monday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MASSIVE 15,470 individuals arrested for violating city’s community quarantine protocols

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has apprehended a total of 15,470 individuals for violating quarantine guidelines.

As of January 23, 2021, a total of 3,262 were apprehended for violating curfew, 555 for liquor ban, 6,617 for social distancing and mass gathering, 2,333 for not wearing face mask, 2,670 for not wearing face shield, and 33 for presenting fake/ tampered RT-PCR results.

In a determined drive by the city government of Davao to strictly enforce penalties against violators

of community quarantine guidelines in Davao City since May 2020.

Of the total apprehensions, 3,800 cases had been filed against violators.

Angel Sumagaysay, head of Public Security and Safety Command Center (PSSCC), said the city is strengthening its apprehensions against people presenting fake and/or tampered RTPCR test results.

Sumagaysay said of the 33 apprehended for presenting fake results, 10 cases were already filed before the Court.

It can be recalled that the city government of Davao has imposed the 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew hours and the 24-hour liquor ban until the end of January 2021 through Executive Order No. 71.

The City Council has also passed the ordinance on the mandatory wearing of face masks in public places and the ordinance penalizing persons using or producing falsified or tampered Covid-19 medical test results or other health verifi-

cation documents to further implement strict guidelines against Covid-19.

It is the goal of the city to curb the spread of Covid-19 by ensuring that health protocols are implemented. Dabawenyos are reminded that the city's regulations and measures against Covid-19 are still in place until the country remains in a state of public emergency.

Meanwhile, DCPO has also recorded 2,880 apprehensions for motorcycle pillion riding or back riding without barrier, for which 902 cases were already filed.

DCIRB approves 5 sisterhood pacts in 2020 amid pandemic

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he Davao City International Relations Board (DCIRB) has approved five sisterhood agreements last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The DCIRB endorsed five of the proposed sisterhood agreements to the Davao City Council seeking legislative authority for Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to sign on behalf of the City Government of Davao.

These are the Municipality of Pandi, Bulacan; Island Garden City of Samal; City of Bayswater of Perth, Australia; City of Monterey Park, California; and, Tai’an Municipal People’s Government of China.

Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) head April Marie Dayap said that this year the city will continue to explore trade promotion and explore for other cities that are willing to forge a sisterhood agreement with Davao City.

Presently, Davao City has pact international sisterhood with Jinjing, Fujian, China; Nanning, China; Manado, Indonesia; Pekanbaru, Indonesia; Kitakyushu, Japan; Koror, Palau; Montevideo, Uruguay; Panama

City, Panama; Vladivostok, Russia; Keelung, Taiwan; Kauai County, Hawaii; and Tacoma, Washington of US. For local, Davao's sister cities are Bacoor, Baguio, Bayugan, Cabanatuan, Cebu City, Cotabato City, Legazpi City, Manila, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan City, and Zamboanga City.

Dayap said sisterhood agreements are forged to strengthen partnerships between two cities in various areas of cooperation. She said before entering into an agreement, Davao City looks into a two-way-street to ensure that the agreement provides mutual benefit for the two parties as the partnership is intended for long-lasting relationships with other local and international government units.

In fact last year, Davao City has participated in the Fujian-ASEAN Friendship Provinces/Cities Conference held online on September 15, 2020.

During the conference, a forum on Joining Hands to Combat Covid-19, Deepening Business and Industrial Capacity Cooperation, and Expanding Cooperation in Culture and Tourism were

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Fishing, this man says, gives him joy even if he goes home empty-handed. Photo taken 23 January 2021 in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

Low allocation for Covid beds in private hospitals raises concern T

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Davao City Covid-19 Task Force raised concern on the low allocation for Covid-19 beds of private hospitals in Davao City.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, focal person of the Covid-19 Task Force, said in a text message that private hospitals have to expand and allocate more Covid beds to address backlogs, morbidities and even

deaths due to Covid-19.

The city government of Davao has ordered private hospitals to allocated 20 percent of their bed capacity for Covid-19 patients to decongest Southern Phil-

ippines Medical Center (SPMC). This is also part of the One Hospital Command Center system, which was established to ensure an efficient referral system.

Lopez also cited the Critical Care Utilization of SPMC’s intensive care unit (ICU) Covid beds as another problem.

Based on SPMC's Covid-19 daily statistics

and graphs, as of January 25, 2021, there are a total of 5,633 Covid-19 cases of which 224 are active cases and 15 new cases. There are a total of 4,956 recoveries with 22 new recoveries.

In December last year, SPMC officer-in-charge Dr. Ricardo Audan disclosed that 93 percent of the ICU beds at SPMC was occupied while its isolation wards

were at 81 percent capacity, which can be considered at critical level.

On the other hand, Lopez said there is a need to enhance contact tracing and with the additional two molecular laboratories put up by the city government of Davao enable the city to do more testing.

He is referring to the molecular laboratory located at

the Davao International Airport (DIA), which is donated

by Unilab Philippines and is now operational and can run about 300 specimens per day; and the molecular laboratory at SPMC that was donated by Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and George Ty Foundation that is capable of running 200 Covid-19 samples per day.

xactly six years ago today, 25 January, the Mamasapano carnage during the previous Aquino administration shocked the nation, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the families of the 44 fallen commandos of the elite Special Action Forces (SAF) commemorated anew with a candle-lighting and wreathlaying ceremony.

Six years on, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) continued to blame the PNP- SAF for the Mamasapano clash that left dead what have now been known as the “SAF 44.”

Butch Malang, chair of the MILF’s Coordinating

Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), said Monday the PNP-SAF violated the government and MILF’s ceasefire agreement and the Implementing Guidelines of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group for failing to coordinate the operations through the established protocols of the ceasefire mechanisms.

“If there was proper coordination of the police operation, that deadly incident would not have happened,” he told MindaNews on the phone.

While sympathies poured for the SAF 44, Malang noted that the

90% of Covid active cases are local transmissions: IMT E T he City of Mati Incident Management Team has so far recorded a high of 58 active cases of Covid-19 cases in the city as of January 25, 2021 and 90% of them are said to be local transmissions.

The City of Mati has recorded a total of 242 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic. Of the total, 179 had recovered, 5 died, and 58 are still active.

Aside from the confirmed cases, the Mati IMT also recorded 244 persons

under monitoring with 5 areas of known “clustering of cases” or those with high incidence of Covid cases.

In his daily brief, Mati IMT commander Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan Jr. said that the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center has accounted for at least 80% of the total active cases.

The remaining 20% are in “cluster areas” like Upper Salazar, Lemente, and Bilawan in Barangay Central; Martinez and NHA in Barangay Dahican.

“As of the present 90 %

of sources of infection are believed to be local, so the public is advised to comply with minimum health standards, as enforced in City Ordinance No. 427,” said Catbagan.

“We do not know who the asymptomatic spreaders are so best defence is still minimum health standards,” Catbagan added.

On Monday, January 25, the management of DOPMC declared the temporary closure of their hospital for 14 days due to increasing Covid-19 cases. Two days

earlier, St. Camillus Hospital meanwhile declared the resumption of its hospital services after closing down still due to Covid-19.

The City of Mati LGU is helping the province by assisting in aggressive contact tracing, testing and providing additional isolation services to the close contacts of DOPM health care workers and patients who tested positive.

As a result of the DOPMC lockdown, the Mati LGU’s EMS Ambulance Services

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MILF maintains Mamasapano carnage due to PNP-SAF’s lack of coordination

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 241 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

DILG, DFA may request for budget modification to meet requirements

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he Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) may request for the realignment of its budget to rehire more contact tracers (CTs), Budget and Management Secretary Wendel Avisado said Monday.

“Modification lang po kailangan nyan. Sandali lang po yan. Di na po aakyat sa Pangulo yan (That only needs modification. That’s easy. There’s no need to ele-

vate it to the President),” he said in an interview over the Laging Handa briefing aired over state-owned PTV-4.

Last week, the DILG said it will rehire for six months

about 15,000 of the 50,000 CTs it hired last year to help sustain the government’s contact tracing efforts, especially in local government units (LGUs) with active and/or rising number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infections.

This, after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the allocation of PHP1.9 billion for the hiring of CTs nationwide this year.

The fund for the rehiring of CTs will come from the unreleased balance of Republic Act 11519 following the extension of the validity of the appropriations under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act and will supplement the PHP500 million allocated for the same purpose under this year’s national budget.

Avisado said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can also request for

the modification of its budget to address additional funding requirements.

He said the DFA can utilize whatever available funds they have.

“At kung talagang kinakailangan at naubusan na po, they can always go up to the President para po matulungan sila through the contingency fund available po. (And if they really need it and have ran out of funds, they can always ask for the

President’s help through the available contingency fund),” he added.

Last week, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the agency’s passport revolving fund has been depleted and the DFA owes the state-owned APO Production Unit. Inc. some PHP388 million for printing expenses.

Locsin later on said DBM has allowed the agency to realign funds to address fund constraints. (PNA)

BIR: Fewer tax collections last year, but more tax-paying biz

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he Bureau of Internal Revenue said Monday it collected P1.94 trillion taxes last year, 11.23 percent less than the P2.19 trillion in 2019 as taxpayers were unable to pay taxes amid the pandemic.

But more business taxpayers were registered in 2020, it added, seeing a 6.15-percent increase to 4.37 million taxpaying businesses.

The bureau automated collections amid the

COVID-19 crisis, saying that 86 percent of its total collections were done online.

Of the 22.86 million tax returns last year, 94 percent or 21.5 million were filed online, the BIR said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the lower tax collections was understandable, as the pandemic dragged the economy resulting in an estimated 9.5-percent contraction for the whole year of 2020.

fter three consecutive weeks of increases, oil prices will go down effective Tuesday.

In separate advisories, Chevron, Cleanfuel, Petro Gazz, Petron, Phoenix Petroleum, PTT Philippines, Seaoil, Shell, Total, and Unioil said they will slash gasoline prices by PHP0.15 per liter and diesel prices by PHP0.10 per liter.

Chevron, Petron, Seaoil, and Shell will also decrease prices of kerosene by PHP0.10 per liter.

According to OilPrice. com, crude oil prices declined by more than 2.5 percent last Friday due to the concerns of lower demand as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases are

rising.

China is the world’s top importer of crude oil.

“The expanding lockdowns in China as Covid infections rise turned the sentiment bearish for the near term, as the market fears global oil demand this quarter could be weaker than anticipated,” OilPrice. com said.

Meanwhile, domestic oil prices gained compared to last year’s pre-Covid level.

Data from the Department of Energy show that as of Jan.19, gasoline prices had a net increase of PHP2.30 per liter, diesel by PHP1.65 per liter, and kerosene by PHP1.60 per liter from their prices a year ago.

(PNA)

Oil price rollback set this week

Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar says the agency will seek new price limits on pork and chicken meat to address the price hikes caused by the African swine fever outbreak but a group of hog raisers and poultry farmers meanwhile blasted the proposal saying this would put local farmers at a disadvantage. Edge Davao

DA bats for new price ceilings as hog, poultry raisers cry foul

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he Department of Agriculture on Monday said it will seek new price limits on pork and chicken meat to address the price hikes caused by the African swine fever outbreak.

A group of hog raisers and poultry farmers meanwhile blasted the proposal saying this would put local farmers at a disadvantage, and urged the government to freeze meat imports instead.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said they're proposing to cap the price of pork ham (pigue) at P270 per kilo and P300 per kilo for pork belly (liempo).

Dar said they hope to have President Rodrigo Duterte sign the executive order this week, which will also set a price ceiling on whole chicken at P160 per kilo.

Based on DA's monitoring, prices of pork ham rose to an average of P350/kg this month from P280/kg in December.

Pork belly prices have also spiked to P400/kg this month from P320/kg in December.

Meanwhile, prices of whole chicken have also started to inch higher as consumers shift to alternative meat for pork.

Whole chicken now sells for P170/kg from December's P165/kg.

These prices are all above the Department of Trade and Industry’s suggested retail price (SRP) of P260/kg for pork ham, P290/kg for pork belly, and P140/kg for chicken.

Dar insisted that the high prices are caused not just by supply constraints brought about by ASF, but also because of “manipulation” by traders and wholesalers.

“Ang nakita po namin noong pagpunta ko doon sa Batangas last Saturday, ang mga traders na ang nagdidikta ng farmgate price.

Nag-uunahan sila at ito na 'yung sila 'yung nagmama-

nipula at talagang sobra na 'yung profit nila," Dar said.

(What we saw when we went to Batangas last Saturday was that it was the traders who were dictating the farmgate price. They were trying to get ahead of each other and they were manipulating [the prices] and were really profiting excessively.)

He added, farmgate prices of pork have been ranging between P160 to P200/kg.

'TRANSPORT COSTS, NOT MANIPULATION' The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) meanwhile said prices are high in Metro Manila because traders have to source pork and chicken from as far as Ilocos and Bicol as ASF has decimated hog farms near the capital.

SINAG said the farmgate prices of pork now range between P230 to 250 per kilo in Luzon, while chicken farmgate prices range between P115 to P120 per

kilo.

“How will traders bring these to Metro Manila?” said SINAG chair Rosendo So. Prices of feeds and inputs have also gone up, SINAG said.

So added that many farmers have opted not to raise hogs any more because of worries that ASF would result in further losses. Many poultry farms meanwhile have ceased operating because of the flood of cheap imports, So said.

So also accused the government of prioritizing importers over local farmers.

"Hindi na nga natulungan ang industriya sa gitna ng pananalanta ng African swine fever, pahihirapan pa kami ngayon at ang mga pork importers pa ang gustong isa-subsidize," said SINAG chairman Rosendo So. (The industry didn't get any help against the ravages of African swine fever, and now they even want to make

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Jollibee aims 100 store openings of Vietnamese restaurant in PH

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o achieve its goal of making PHO24 a leading global pho chain, the Jollibee Group is set to expand Vietnam’s pho chain brand with a target 100 store openings in the Philippines, starting with three new store openings this year.

The first opening in 2021 is scheduled next month and will be located at the Jollibee Tower in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

“We are looking forward to the new store openings of PHO24 this year as part of plans for the long-term strategic growth of the Jollibee Group,” Joseph Tanbun-

tiong, Jollibee Group Country Business Group Head for the Philippines, said in a statement Monday.

Tanbuntiong said the company is also developing the brand’s own delivery platform to cater to the increasing demand and to reach new customers, and will be launching new products.

“We have seen the growing love of Filipinos for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and PHO24’s expansion in the Philippines provides Filipino foodies with distinctly different pho meals that are both tasty and nutritious,”

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ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

CEB aims to raise $250-M from stock rights offer to refinance debt, refunds

C Cebu Pacific plans to raise up to P12 billion from a stock rights offer to refinance its maturing debt obligations and provide for passenger refunds for canceled flights amid the pandemic. Edge Davao

ebu Pacific is aiming to raise up to $250 million -- around P12 billion -- from a stock rights offer to refinance its maturing debt obligations and provide for passenger refunds for canceled flights amid the pandemic.

The company told the stock exchange that it will offer dollar-denominated convertible preferred shares from Feb. 26 to March 4, which can be sold at around $0.74 to $0.84 per share.

The fundraising is part of Cebu Pacific's "business transformation" plan to adapt to the "abrupt reduction in passenger traffic" brought on by the pandemic.

"Due to this exceptional change in market conditions and industry dynamics, the corporation saw the urgent need to fast track its transformation. It is currently implementing a business transformation exercise that involves right-sizing of network and fleet to meet new demand, and improvement of operations efficiency through process and policy enhancements and digitalization, among others," Cebu Pacific said.

Of the $250-million stock rights offer, the company allotted $6.4 million -- around P300 million -- for its operations, primarily for flight refunds.

The airline has launched

M Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has set the interest rates for its peso-denominated Series M, 2.5-year retail bond at 2.4565 percent due in 2023, and Series N, 5-year retail bond at 3.8547 percent due in 2026.

SM Prime issued an aggregate principal amount of PHP5 billion of the Series M and N bonds, with oversubscription option of an additional PHP5 billion.

“The proceeds of the retail bonds will allow SM Prime to continue its expansion plans in its core business, which will further drive the company’s growth,” SM Prime chief finance officer John Nai Peng Ong said in a statement Tuesday.

The retail bonds are offered by SM Prime to investors through underwriters from Jan. 25 to 29 following the receipt of the Permit

to Sell from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The retail bonds are set to be issued on Feb. 5, 2021.

The proposed issuance is the second drawdown from SM Prime’s PHP100-billion debt securities program under shelf registration registered with the SEC in Markets and Securities Regulations Department (MSRD) Order No. 6, Series of 2020.

Similar to its previous bond issues, the SM Prime Series M and N bonds have been rated PRS Aaa by Philippine Rating Services Corporation (PhilRatings). A rating of PRS Aaa is the highest rating assigned by PhilRatings.This rating is given to long-term debt securities with the smallest degree of investment risk. This also indicates SM Prime’s strong capability to meet its finan-

Dominguez sees gov’t hitting revenue goals by last quarter S

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SM Prime issues interest rates for retail bond offer

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III expects the government to hit its revenue targets starting in the last quarter of the year as the economy recovers from the pandemic and tax administration improves.

In an interview over CNBC television Monday, Dominguez said the domestic economy is resilient, citing it entered the virus-induced pandemic in a strong financial situation due to numerous tax administration reforms.

“These reforms helped us weather the financial impact of this Covid (coronavirus) virus,” he said.

Dominguez was referring to the reforms that include the rice tariffication law, increase in fuel taxes, cut in personal income tax,

the fuel marking program and the imposition of tax for sugary drinks.

Economic managers revised down the collection goals of both the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for 2020 due to the economic impact of the pandemic but were surpassed by the main revenue generating agencies.

From an earlier combined collection target of PHP3.255 trillion, the agencies’ goals were revised in May and then in July last

year to PHP2.187 trillion.

At the end of last year, total combined revenues of these agencies reached PHP2.43 trillion.

BIR’s collection last year amounted to PHP1.899 trillion, higher than its revised target of PHP1.685 trillion.

On the other hand, BOC collected PHP533.88 billion, higher than its revised target of PHP501.33 billion.

For 2021, government revenues are projected to rise to PHP2.88 trillion and then to PHP3.31 trillion by 2022.

Amid the government’s improved financial position, Dominguez said the national government has the capacity to vaccinate 55 percent of the adult population, or about 57 to 60 million, against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

He said the majority of these beneficiaries are likely to get the vaccine by end2021.

While this figure seems small relative to the country’s around 110 million population, Dominguez said this is enough since around 40 million Filipinos are below 18 years old, whom medical experts said are not recommended to get the vaccine.

He said around 10 to 13 million are expected to benefit from the Covid-19 vaccine program of local government units (LGUs) and the private sector while a lesser number do not wish to get the vaccine.

He added the national government estimates this vaccination program to cost around PHP82.5 billion.

(PNA)

Death of diesel looms as carmakers accelerate to electric future

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he world's biggest diesel engine factory in Tremery, eastern France, is undergoing a radical overhaul - it's switching to make electric motors.

From less than 10% of output in 2020, electric motor production at Tremery will double to around 180,000 in 2021, and is planned to reach 900,000 a year - or more than half the plant's peak pre-pandemic output - by 2025.

The shift is testament to a car industry in flux.

Demand for diesel cars has slumped since a 2015 pollution scandal, while tough new EU regulations, which fine carmakers for exceeding emissions limits, are pushing them to make more electric models.

So, in the midst of a pandemic and with the lev-

el of consumer demand for battery-driven cars still uncertain, automakers from Volkswagen to Nissan are ditching diesel models and ramping up output of electric drives.

"2021 is going to be a pivotal year, the first real transition towards the world of electric models," said Laetitia Uzan, a representative for the CFTC union at Tremery.

But for Tremery's 3,000 workers, and the wider car industry, there's an added complication.

Electric motors only have a fifth of the parts of a traditional diesel engine, putting a question mark over jobs.

Uzan acknowledged a risk that fewer staff may be needed, but was optimistic that could happen "quite

naturally" as workers retire without being replaced.

Tremery's owner Stellantis - newly created from the merger of Peugeot maker PSA and Fiat Chrysler to help tackle the industry changes - has said it won't close factories and will seek to protect jobs.

But some industry researchers warn Europe's car manufacturers, already suffering from overcapacity, will have to make big cuts in order to deliver the investments needed to catch up with U.S. electric car pioneer Tesla.

French car lobby group PFA estimates 15,000 jobs linked to diesel are at risk in France, out of 400,000 employed by the industry as a whole.

IAB, a German labour research institute, calculates

the arrival of electric vehicles could threaten 100,000 jobs in Germany, or about one in eight German auto industry jobs.

'UNPRECEDENTED YEAR' The transition from diesel is particularly marked in Europe, where sales of diesel vehicles made up at least 50% of the total as recently as 2015, according to data from research group JATO Dynamics, far higher than in both North America and Asia.

At least 20 car models will no longer offer diesel versions in 2021, from Volkswagen's Polo and Renault's Scenic to Nissan's Micra and Honda's Civic, according to researchers IHS Markit, which says 2021 will be "an unprecedented year" in the

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DTI vows continued support amid halt on easing of restrictions

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured continued support for entrepreneurs to help their businesses thrive and survive amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a message to reporters Tuesday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the IATF will “follow the wisdom of our President”.

This came after President Rodrigo Duterte recalled the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to allow people aged 10 to 14 years old to go outside their residences in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) starting Feb. 1.

Lopez said Duterte asked the IATF to further observe the situation as the UK SARS-CoV-2 variant is

already present in the country.

“He asks us to study further the new variant because it might spread and the blame might be put on the easing of age restriction,” he said.

Lopez added that the IATF can implement the adjustment in age restriction once they can control the spread of the new Covid-19 variant. “(We) will continue with the current support programs under Bayanihan 2 and support to MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and job generation,” Lopez said.

He added that strict compliance with minimum health standards should continue while improving Covid-19-proofing of establishments to enhance consumer confidence.

The DTI and the Na-

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.13 ISSUE 241 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

On critics claiming corruption in the government’s Covid-19 vaccine procurement: Kung sinong nagsabi niyan (Whoever said that), please rise and be brave enough to say that you’re the one. I’d like to talk to you, tayo lang dalawa, miski saan mo gusto (just us, wherever you want).”

President Rodrigo Duterte

EDITORIAL

Convicted, not eradicated

A certain King Paul Bryan Auditor, founder of Rigen Marketing, a Tagum City-based company accused of engaging in fraudulent investment scheme was convicted last week.

Auditor was meted imprisonment of from 10 to 14 years in jail in a verdict penned by Judge Susana Baua of the Regional Trial Court Branch 2 who also ordered Auditor to refund his victims of their money to the tune of P 8.4 million.

The arrest, trial and subsequent conviction of Auditor came after President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered a crackdown on investment scams less than two years ago. It came after an interview by international evangelist Apollo C. Quiboloy who asked the Chief Executive about the rampant financial scams at the time.

As a result, Pastro Quiboloy even got heavily bashed by the scammers and their victims in the traditional and social media, not to mention the vitriol they unleashed against ACQ in their public rallies.

Judge Baua also ordered the arrest of Karl Dexter Auditor. King Bryan’s brother, and a certain Roman Samuel Sabina, an alleged partner.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the agencies tasked with

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

running after the scammers, should be congratulated for the initial milestone in this campaign.

Granting the decision is sustained by higher courts, Auditor’s conviction is a triumph of the law against the scammers.

However, it is doubtful that the conviction finally signals the beginning of the end of financial scams. For as long as there are Filipinos gullible enough to shallow the fraudulent schemes, the scams and scammers will flourish another day.

As time goes by, the schemes have become more sophisticated and the scammers more slick in their ways.

Yes, we have the laws needed to prosecute fraudulent schemes.

However, the aspect of enforcement and enforcers could be our real problem. There’s so much money involved in the scams that some enforcers are themselves tempted to get involved in the grand larceny.

The involvement of policemen and government officials in the more abominable crime of drug-trafficking is a case in point.

There ought to be a law meting harsher punishment against enforcers who violate the very law they are sworn to enforce.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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241 • TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 VOL.13 ISSUE 234 JANUARY 19, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SECOND CHANCE “The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology.” – Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes *** Some years back, I received some electronic mails from friends.

Some of those are quotable quotes on life, others were stories about life. I have saved some of them not knowing that I will be able to use them in the future.

One of the stories that caught my attention is the story below. I really don’t know who the original author of it is but it exemplifies the virtue I am discussing here. I am not sure if the story really happened but go ahead and read it: As a young man, Dr. A.J. Cronin was in charge of a small hospital. One evening, the Scottish physician performed an emergency operation on a little boy. It was a very delicate operation, and the doctor felt great relief when the little fellow breathed freely after it was over. He gave orders to the young nurse and went home filled with gratitude for the success.

Late that night came a frantic

call for the doctor. Everything had gone wrong, and the child was in desperate conditions. When Dr. Cronin got to the bedside, the little boy was already dead.

The nurse had become frightened and had neglected her duty. Dr. Cronin decided she should not be trusted again, and he wrote a letter to the board of health which would end her career as a nurse. He called her in and read the letter to her. She listened in shame and misery, saying nothing.

After reading the letter, Dr. Cronin inquired, “Have you nothing to say?” The nurse shook her head. She had no excuse to offer. Then she did speak, and this is what she said, “Give me another chance.”

The story is not about the little boy, the doctor, or the nurse. It is about clemency and understanding.

It is about pity and forgiveness. “To err is human,” Alexander Pope wrote in An Essay on Criticism, “to forgive, divine.” “Forgiveness is our command,” C. Neil Strait declared. “Judgment is not.”

A story which Steve Goodier wrote came to my mind when I read Strait’s statement. A young man secretly misappropriated several hundred dollars from the business where he was employed. When the shortage was discovered, the senior

partner called the young man into his office.

Immediately, the young man knew he would be fired and sent to prison. His employer asked the worried man if he was guilty. He replied that he was. Then the executive surprised him. “If I keep you in your present capacity,” he said, “can I trust you in the future?”

VOL.13 I SSUE 237 • FRIDAY, JANThe astonished employee reUARY 22, 2021 plied, “Yes, sir, you surely can. I’ve learned my lesson.”

His boss must have detected the repentant man’s sincerity. “I’m not going to press charges and you can continue in your present responsibility,” he said. Then, he added, “I think you ought to know, however, that you are the second man in this firm who succumbed to temptation but was shown leniency. I was the first. What you have done, I did. The mercy you are receiving, I received.”

Jesus told us to forgive others just as He has forgiven our sins. His discipline Peter, if you recall, denied him three times. And yet, He appeared to Peter after He resurrected and forgave him. He asked Peter to show his love by “feeding his sheep.”

People who follow Christ are called Christians. But despite being a Christian, man still has a hard time giving a person forgiveness for the wrongs done to him. “People have to

forgive,” said an inspirational author named C. JoyBell C. “We don’t have to like them, we don’t have to be friends with them, we don’t have to send them hearts in text messages, but we have to forgive them, to overlook, to forget. Because if we don’t, we are tying rocks to our feet, too much for our wings to carry.”

But in some cases, the hardest person to forgive is yourself. “One of the saddest mistakes we make is a lack of forgiveness, especially to ourselves,” wrote Richard Carlson in Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work.

“We constantly remind ourselves of our flaws and previous mistakes. We anticipate future mistakes. We’re highly critical of ourselves, frequently disappointed, and ruthless in our self-judgement. We badger and blame ourselves, and often we’re our own worst enemy.”

To illustrate his point, he cited the story of Jack, a broker for a large financial institution. At one time, he convinced his client to put all the money in mutual funds. It was bad advice; his client lost a huge sum of money. The client was not alone; there were others. As a result, Jack “became despondent and self-destructive. He lost his self-confidence and eventually changed careers.”

“All this because he simply couldn’t forgive himself,” Carlson

noted. “His friends, colleagues, even his clients, tried to convince him that his judgement and rationale at that time were solid – and that, by most standards, his clients had all done exceptional well. He should be proud.

When someone is unforgiving of himself, however, logic isn’t usually received with an open mind.”

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward,” wrote Steve Maraboli in Unapologetically You: Reflections in Life and the Human Experience.

Forgive and then forget. These two must go together – like cart and carriage. One is useless without the other. “Remember that forgiveness too is a power,” reminded Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale. “To beg for it is a power, and to withhold or bestow it is a power, perhaps the greatest.”

Again, bestowing forgiveness is easier said than done. “I want to be the kind of person who can do that,” Susane Colasanti, the woman behind Waiting for You, admitted. “Move on and forgive people and be healthy and happy. It seems like an easy thing to do in my head. But it’s not so easy when you try it in real life.”

But just remember: give that person a second chance! -

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

WILL BIDEN BE A FRIEND TO DIGONG? “A politician divides mankind into two classes: tools and enemies.”

(Friedrich Nietzsche) Will Joseph Biden (want to) be a friend of Digong Duterte?

Lest you be mistaken, the incoming Biden administration may be taking a wait-and-see attitude as far as its relationship with the incumbent administration is concerned.

Recall that during the wee hours of the 8-year old Obama government, the newly-elected Philippine Chief Executive had a falling apart with the former president, including an exchange of sour words with Philip Goldberg, the outgoing American ambassador.

The Biden administration may not look too kindly with the manner PRRD has shabbily treated the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) at a time when the US-China relations were not that good because of trade imbalance and diplomatic irritants caused by territorial issues in the West Philippine Sea (or South China Sea).

The fact that US-based allies of the Yellow Party supported the Liber-

als in plotting in so many ways and agitating the ouster of the former Davao City mayor since Day One of his presidency may come in the way.

However, early announcements from the Palace say the Duterte regime is looking forward to establish friendly relations with the newly-installed Biden presidency.

We may be able to “decipher” what happens next with the appointment of a new US ambassador to the Philippines.

One thing is certain though.

I have heard from the political and media grapevines that the LP will be moving heaven and earth to demonize PRRD continuously until the presidential polls in 2022.

This is first of all to discredit him and take away the huge popular support he is getting from the Filipino people as per the last several surveys.

If the local political opposition, considered to be a spent force, is successful in getting the backing of the Biden administration, then the Liberals will proceed to put up a “credible” standard bearer (whoever

it is) to snatch the top position of the land, thus preventing another Duterte (Sara, as rumors persist) from inheriting her dad’s most coveted post, and or his anointed successor.

Biden’s US policy vis a viz the incumbent will most probably hinge on the latter’s “failed” anti-illegal drugs war and the “gross” human rights violations his political enemies have been harping about since PRRD launched it in the beginning of his sixyear term.

If the recent ugly dynamics of the US presidential elections are the gauge, I will entertain a not-so-pleasant and comfortable position.

And if you might have observed already, Obama, Hillary Clinton and the so-called Deep State, the mainstream media, the globalist oligarchs and elitists and the Left have all conspired to ensure Donald Trump loses the presidential contest as the latter is the last stumbling block in their desire to establish a globalist dominion.

Watch out then for a wellplanned and calculated anti-Duterte campaign in the media (print and

broadcast) as well as in the SocMed. Funding for these activities will come pouring like rain. You will begin to see the materialization of Liberal You might also want to connect the dots with the early (though abjectly premature) proposals in the House of Representatives and the Senate to grant ABS CBN a franchise renewal.

Ostensibly, a broadcast giant like ABS is a necessary adjunct in the successful implementation of a media campaign to destroy Duterte et al, including whatever he has built and achieved for the nation.

Political enemies of PRRD as well as disgruntled sectors will not leave any stone unturned since their ranks have been decimated in the 2016 and 2019 balloting where Filipinos collectively voted for candidates endorsed and supported by the Duterte bloc.

If Biden and his expert advisers on Southeast Asian affairs and the China issue handle US foreign relations with aplomb, it might do well for them not to commit the mistakes made during the Obama incumbency where, short of cutting US-Phil rela-

tions, the Dems alienated its ties with the Philippine government by continuously demonizing Duterte in the US and the Philippine media as well.

Duterte respected the VFA pact accordingly but only up to a point because he wanted to establish an independent foreign stance for the Philippines where the country has now freely established market trading relations with China, Russia and the European Union.

Come to think of it, my fears are that the political opposition will use hammer and tongs and other persuasive sales pitches in order to commit Biden to support their plots in exchange for favorable strategic military pacts with the US. Who knows if the Biden regime will even resort to a “diplomatic” persuasion for the Duterte government to allow the US to rent anew a portion of raw lands to put up a new military base similar to Subic and Clark.

We will never know what Biden will be up to.

We’ll just have to pray. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 241 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

GSIS pays P343 million insurance to PNP for 2020 chopper accident T he Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) paid Php343 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the insurance claim of a PNP chopper that met an accident in Laguna in 2020.

GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet turned over the check to PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas in a virtual claims settlement ceremony on January 19.

“GSIS immediately settled the claim after both parties acknowledged the private adjuster’s report and upon PNP's acceptance of our settlement offer for the claim. The amount is the largest insurance payout that we approved in 2020," GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said during the event.

The chopper, a 2017 Bell 429 Helicopter, carried eight people during the accident, including then-PNP Chief Archie Gamboa. PNP’s insurance premium payment to GSIS for the aircraft was

compensated a hundredfold for the accident including the medical expenses of the passengers. To date, the police agency has nine other aircrafts insured with the pension fund.

“On behalf of PNP, we would like to sincerely thank GSIS for the assistance in facilitating our insurance claim. This insurance settlement provided us the financial flexibility to procure a replacement unit to keep us on track with our requirements for air mobility. We would like to underscore the importance of insuring government assets and property with GSIS. Because of this, government agencies like PNP are accorded protection and security for their properties.”

Gen. Sinas said.

Republic Act 656 or the Property Insurance Law

Photo by PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

mandates government offices to insure their properties with the GSIS.

LANDBANK generates 52% of ‘Premyo Bonds 2’ sales

S

tate-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) facilitated more than 6,700 orders worth P3.42 billion for the one-year peso-denominated Premyo Bonds 2 or “Premyo Bonds Para sa Bayan 2,” which represents 52% of the total P6.56 billion raised by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) from the bond offering.

The bulk or P2.98 billion of LANDBANK’s total Premyo Bonds 2 sales were generated via overthe-counter placements at LANDBANK branches, while a total of P78.5 million in sales were generated through the Bank’s online channels.

Of the P78.5 million online sales, P40.7 million was transacted through the pilot launch of the bond purchase feature in the mobile banking application of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank), the digital-only branchless bank subsidiary of LANDBANK. The remaining P37.8 million was generated through LANDBANK’s Link.BizPortal via the

BTr’s Online Ordering Facility.

“Despite a pandemic-induced recession, we observed wider participation for the Premyo Bonds 2 offering.

This became possible through more accessible online ordering platforms, which include the OFBank Mobile Banking Application (MBA) that encouraged more Filipinos abroad to invest their hard-earned money in safe and affordable government securities,” LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo said.

It was the first time that the OFBank MBA was utilized as an online ordering facility for the Premyo Bonds, following OFBank’s launch as a digital-only, first branchless Philippine government bank on June 29, 2020.

The OFBank MBA allowed Filipinos from 63 countries abroad such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Qatar and Singapore to invest in the Premyo Bonds 2 through their smartphones, free of

charge.

Meanwhile, the staterun lender also generated total sales of P362 million under the BTr’s Exchange Offer program whereby bondholders of Premyo Bonds Tranche 1 could exchange their holdings for the latest Premyo Bonds 2 offering.

The P6.56 billion total sales generated from Premyo Bonds 2 is more than double the P3-billion target of the BTr. Proceeds from the issuance will help fund the country’s educational programs, public infrastructure, and economic recovery in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural calamities.

LANDBANK is Lead Issue Manager for the Premyo Bonds 2 offering.

For more updates, please Follow, Like and Share the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@ LBP_Official), or visit the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).

"Unfortunate events like this accident teach us the value of insurance. We

hope that other government agencies follow suit and insure their proper-

ties with GSIS. Preparedness can make a world of difference,“ Macasaet said.

and the underserved.

To fill this need, InLife created an affordable protection-focused plan to help Filipinos create a credible financial plan that anyone with income can afford.

Martinez explained that term life is a solution for first time insurance buyers but most useful for breadwinners who have always wanted the protection of life insurance but may not have available funds for the regular whole life plans right now.

“What the pandemic has taught us is that insurance must be part of everyone’s financial plan in order to avoid catastrophic financial loss in the family in the event of the death of the breadwinner,” added Martinez.

InLife’s newest offering of term life insurance called “Basic Secure” is one way to address this issue and it comes in two variants: 5-years renewable and 10-years renewable plan.

Under this plan, a twenty-five-year-old applicant can be insured

for P1,000,000.00 for only P23 a day or P8,400 per year.

“Basic Secure can also be converted to a regular life plan or to a variable investment-linked policy in the future once the plan holder finds that he or she is ready for it,” added Martinez.

Another advantage of starting with Basic Secure is that its renewability and convertibility features eliminate the need for any later proof of insurability. This is a useful feature especially for people who may have otherwise been declined when getting an insurance for the first time at an advanced age.

InLife’s Basic Secure can be issued from age 18 until age 70 for the 5-year plan or until 65 years old for the 10-year plan and can be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly.

To know more of the features and benefits of InLife Basic Secure talk to an InLife financial advisor by visiting www. insularlife.com.ph/basic-secure.

Protect your family against financial setback with “InLife Basic Secure”

Have you ever thought of getting a life insurance but each time you try to get one, you’re gripped with the fear of lapsing your policy due to long payment period?

It’s time that you consider an affordable alternative – a renewable term life insurance.

Among all life insurance products available nowadays, from savings, investments, and protection products, term life is a protection-focused plan that offers the high value death benefit at a lower premium compared to other types of life insurance.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is an eye-opener for a lot of our countrymen, who realized that they needed a buffer, a safety net just in case something happens to them due to the virus,” said Insular Life (InLife) Chief Marketing Officer Gae Martinez.

The Covid-19 pandemic has amplified the importance of having affordable life insurance coverage especially among the vulnerable

VOL.13 ISSUE 241 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

ANTI-GOUT DRUG PROVEN EFFECTIVE VS. COVID-19

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

D

espite the discovery of new medicines, there are still old drugs that can do wonders against new diseases. What medical scientists need to do is to discover how these drugs can beat novel microorganisms creating havoc in a person’s body.

That is what the Canadian researchers were doing when they use a powerful antiinflammatory drug to reduce the risk of pulmonary complications and death among those infected with a new coronavirus that is a distant cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome called SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as the microorganism that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was first reported in Wuhan, China. By January 2020, the dreaded bug started to spread around the world. By March, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic.

According to the United Nations health agency, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough and fatigue. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients, include: loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (red eyes), sore throat, headache, muscle or joint pain, different types of skin rash, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea and chills or dizziness.

Symptoms of severe COVID-19 include shortness of breath, loss of appetite, confusion, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and high temperature (above 38°C). Other less common symptoms are: irritability, confusion, reduced consciousness, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and more severe and rare neurological complications such as strokes, brain inflammation, delirium, and nerve damage.

Studies done on the novel coronavirus showed some patients to have had several complications from a surge of activated immune cells in the lungs, which is called in medical parlance as “cytokine storm.”

“When the cytokines that raise immune activity become too abundant, the immune system may not be able to stop itself,” explains Amber Dance in an article which appeared in Knowable Magazine. “Immune cells spread beyond infected body parts and start attacking healthy tissues, gobbling up red and white blood cells and damaging the liver.

“Blood vessel walls open up to let immune cells into surrounding tissues, but the vessels get so leaky that the lungs may fill with fluid, and blood pressure drops,” Dance continues. “Blood clots throughout the body, further choking blood flow.

When the organs don’t get enough blood, a person goes into shock, risking permanent organ damage or death.”

With this information, a Canadian team led by Jean-Claude Tardif, director of the Montreal Heart Institute research center and professor of medicine at the University of Medicine, conducted a study on the drug colchicine hoping that it will work to moderate the overproduction of immune cells and their activating compounds in COVID-19 patients.

Colchicine is used to prevent or treat the symptoms of gout, which is caused when a substance called uric acid forms painful crystals in the body, typically in the joints. The oral table is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. It also comes in capsules that are also available as both a generic and brand-name drug.

To conduct the clinical study, the team started looking for people who had been infected with COVID-19 “in the past 24 hours who are 40 years or older, and who are not hospitalized.”

The institute called the clinical research COLCORONA, which commenced in March 2020. The objective was “to determine whether short-term treatment based on colchicine would reduce the risk of pulmonary complications and death related to COVID-19.”

“More specifically, COLCORONA studies the phenomenon of major inflammatory storms present in adults suffering from severe complications related to COVID-19,” the institute added.

The COCORONA study – described as “a contact-less, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that took place at home” – was also conducted in the United States, Europe, South America and South Africa.

Last January 22, the institute released the findings of the research. “The study results have shown that colchicine has reduced by 21% the risk of death or hospitalization in patients with COVID-19 compared to placebo,” the Globe Newswire reported.

“This result obtained for the global study population of 4,488 patients approached statistical significance.

“The analysis of the 4,159 patients in whom the diagnosis of COVID-19 was proven by a naso-pharyngeal PCR test has shown that the use of colchicine was associated with statistically significant reductions in the risk of death or hospitalization compared to placebo,” Globe Newswire added.

In the patients with a proven diagnosis of COVID-19, colchicine reduced hospitalizations by25%, the need for mechanical ventilation by 50%, and deaths by 44%. “This major scientific discovery makes colchicine the world’s first oral drug that could be used to treat non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19,” the institute said.

In a press conference, Dr. Tardif echoed the same reassuring statement: “Our research shows the efficacy of colchicine treatment in preventing the ‘cytokine storm’ phenomenon and reducing the complications associated with COVID-19. We are pleased to offer the first oral medication in the world whose use could have a significant impact on public health and potentially prevent COVID-19 complications for millions of patients.”

The institute hopes that by prescribing colchicine to COVID-19 patients “could help alleviate the problems of hospital congestion and reduce healthcare costs around the world.”

Before you buy colchicine, there are some things you need to know, according to the website, healtline.com. Although the oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, it has side effects, including pain in the abdomen (stomach area), constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Its serious side effect is rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage) which can cause kidney disease and can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include muscle weakness and muscle pain.

Colchicine may also interact with other medications like antifungal drugs, HIV drugs, antibiotics, and antidepressants.

Among the interactions that can increase risk of side effects include cholesterol drugs, Digoxin (an antiarrhythmic drug), heart drugs (particularly verapamil and diltiazem).

People with allergic reactions to colchicine should not take it. Symptoms of severe allergic reaction include trouble breathing and swelling of the throat or tongue. “Don’t take this drug if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it,” healthline.com warns. “Taking it again could be fatal (and may cause death).”

For people who are suffering from gout and taking colchicine, healthline.com raises some important warnings: Overdose warning: “Taking too much colchicine can be serious enough to cause death. Never take more of this drug than your doctor prescribes.”

Blood disorders warning: “Colchicine may cause your body to produce fewer blood cells of different types. This could raise your risk of infection or bleeding because some of these blood cells fight infection and help form blood clots.”

Muscle damage warning: “Colchicine can damage your muscles if you take it for 6 months or longer. Your risk is higher if you’re a senior. Taking other drugs that cause muscle damage, such as cholesterol medications, may increase this risk.”

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discussed.

Davao City was able to showcase its products in the foreign land through the opportunity provided by its sister city of Nanning during the China-ASEAN Expo last November 27-30, 2020. The Nanning Municipal People’s Government, the host of the 17th China-ASEAN Expo, provided Davao City with a booth for free.

Also the city’s sister cities namely Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government and Nanning Municipal People’s Government of China sent medical and personal protective equipment to Davao City.

Nanning Municipal People’s Government donated 8,000 pieces of face masks to the city in October last year while Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government, Fil-Chinese Multisectoral Association, and PanPan Groups donated 1,162 boxes of medical supplies in April 2020.

The first batch of medical supplies consisted of 1.1 million facemasks from Jinjiang Panpan Food Company, 500 units of infrared thermometer, and 3,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) from this city’s sister-city Jinjiang, China.

The second batch of donations from Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and the Davao Fil-Chinese Multi-Sectoral Association, Inc. includes 20 units of respiratory machines, 1,200 pieces of infrared thermometers, 10,020 pieces of protective septic suits, 2,000 pieces face shields, 600 pieces’ protective goggles, 9,660 N95 masks, and 37,500 pairs of gloves.

Dayap said the donated supplies were distributed to 19 medical and emergency facilities in the city.

The city also shared and distribute the donated equipment to seven (7) medical and emergency facilities - the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City; Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital in Mati; Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Digos; Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital in Montevista; IGACOS General Hospital, Inc.; Davao Occidental Provincial Hospital; and, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Dayap said due to the strong ties forged between Davao City and its sister cities, the city has greatly benefitted especially during the early stage of the pandemic.

things more difficult for us, and subsidize pork importers.)

The group also blamed the DA for its “incapacity” to keep meat products contaminated with ASF from entering the country.

“Hindi matatapos ang pork supply shortage at ASF, at ang pananalasa ng iba pang animal disease gaya ng bird flu hanggang bukas na bukas ang pantalan natin,” So said.

(The pork supply shortage won’t end, and neither will the devastation by other animal diseases like bird flu, while our ports are very open.)

MONITORING ‘BAGSAKAN’ CENTERS The government meanwhile said it will step up its monitoring of markets where traders and wholesalers drop off meat products.

"Another strategy po namin dito po sa Metro Manila, alam po namin kung saan binabagasak 'yung ng mga traders and wholesalers. At ito 'yung pinagkasunduan din namin with MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) na ito 'yung isang tutukan."

(Another strategy of ours in Metro Manila, we know where traders and wholesalers drop off supplies. And we have an agreement with the MMDA to monitor these areas.

Dar said these are the Balintawak, Common-

wealth, Divisoria, Baclaran, and Nepa Q-Mart public markets.

These makers will be under strict surveillance from the DA, the MMDA, the local government units, and the Department of Trade and Industry, Dar said.

Dar said they are also coordinating with the intelligence unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to clamp down on the alleged profiteers.

On top of the price ceilings and increased regulation, Dar said, they're also pushing to increase the number of pork imports, as well as investing in rapid test kits and securing vaccines being developed by the United Kingdom and Vietnam against ASF. The Philippines seeks to import 54,000 metric tons of pork from the US and European countries starting Feb. 1 to address the local supply shortage.

Over 4 million supply of hogs were lost due to ASF -- 400,000 died of the flu, while the rest resulted from hog raisers opting not to raise hogs amid the flu, the DA has said.

The high cost of pork and chicken were among the factors that pushed inflation to a 22-month high in December last year.

Official inflation figures for January are set to be released on Feb. 5.

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is now in full operations to provide transport services for referrals at no cost.

All paanakans in Mati City would also extend services to pregnant women not accommodated at DOPMC. Referral lines are also being set up with the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City and Pantukan Hospitals for pregnant women needing Caesarian Section Surgery with surgi-

cal supplies and medicines to be provided by City of Mati LGU. The Mati City Health Office’s Telemed Services with initial free medicines courtesy of Botika ng Bayan and City Lingap are also strengthened and sustained.

“As a team, we need to be more efficient than the virus and reach excellence in everything we do,” Dr. Catbagan said. (CIO MATI)

he added.

Despite the challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, PHO24 achieved significant milestones in 2020.

It launched its Facebook online ordering platform, two new rice meals, and two variants of home meal kits.

The Jollibee Group has operated PHO24 in the country since 2018.

PHO24’s first branch at the Double Dragon Meridian Park in Pasay opened to queues of customers eager to try the famous beef pho for the first time, with some who kept coming back, tagging their friends along to share their latest discovery of authentic pho and other Vietnamese food favorites.

(PR)

initiatives to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, such as offering unlimitedrebooking until

March this year, and antigen and RT-PCR tests for passengers to adhere to safety protocols and encourage tourism in the country.

cial commitment.

The SM Prime bonds’ joint issue managers are BDO Capital & Investment Corporation and China Bank Capital Corporation, which

are also acting as joint lead underwriters together with BPI Capital, First Metro Investment Corporation, and SB Capital Investment Corporation. (PR)

shift away from diesel.

Meanwhile, a slew of new electric models will hit showrooms.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Britain's car lobby group, expects 29 new fully-electric and seven plugin hybrid models will be launched in the country this year, compared with 26 internal combustion engine models - only 14 of which will have diesel variants.

There are encouraging signs that consumer interest in electric vehicles is picking up.

In September, EU registrations of electrified vehicles - fully electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid - overtook diesel registrations for the first time, according to JATO data.

EU sales of fully-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles

surged 122% in the first nine months of 2020, at a time when overall vehicle sales fell 29% due to the pandemic.

But they still only accounted for around 8% of total sales, with some drivers put off by the limited availability of charging points and higher cost of many electrified models.

At Renault's Cleon plant near the northern French coast, the switch from diesel is well under way, with only half a building housing the assembly lines for diesel motors while hybrid and electric motors are spread over two whole buildings.

"If an employee came back after several years away, they wouldn’t recognize the place," said Lionel Anglais, a union representative with oversight of manufacturing at Renault.

Stevens wisely sat Brown in the fourth quarter.

Thus far in the 2020-21 season, Brown appears to be playing his way onto his very first All-Star team. He’s also been stepping up in the absence of Jayson Tatum, who has been out due to a COVID-19 quarantine, and helping the team get its footing after several weeks of COVID-19 disruptions.

They’re 2-3 since returning from their COVID-19 layoff,

but a game like this against the Cavs — who aren’t the same last place pushovers they were last season — could get them back on track.

Bill Russell sends encouragement to Brown Brown’s historical feat didn’t go unnoticed. Celtics legend and all-time great Bill Russell was watching, and tweeted out a compliment and some encouragement.

JOLLIBEE... FROM4

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MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the front’s armed wing, also lost 18 fighters in the clash with the police commandos.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, who were familiar with the terrain just like the MILF fighters, joined the fighting and pounded the operating troops with high-powered firearms.

Five BIFF members were reportedly killed in the gunfight.

At least seven civilians were also reportedly killed during the police operation in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, a fifth class municipality in Maguindanao province.

Dubbed Operation Exodus, the police commandos were out to capture Malaysian national Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, who was on the US government’s list of most wanted international terrorists with a bounty of $5 million.

Marwan was later confirmed killed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation though DNA testing and photographs taken on the man killed by the operating troops.

The BIFF, a splinter of the MILF, was allegedly coddling Marwan, a known bomb-making expert, in Mamasapano town.

Malang said the MILF has submitted their formal complaint against the PNPSAF to the GPH-MILF Peace Implementing Panels, which was constituted in March 2017.

“But until now, we are still waiting for the result of our protest,” he said in Filipino.

A press release during the 18th Congress from the office of Senator Grace

Poe, chair of the Committee on Public Order, dated January 27, 2016 on the Mamasapano probe stated: “The clear conclusion was that ‘inadequate Intelligence, poor planning and lack of coordination’ resulted in ‘fatal mistakes’ that cost the lives of 44 SAF officers, 23 Moro fighters and 5 civilians and gravely affected the peace process.”

On Monday, the Maguindanao police command paid tribute to the SAF 44 by lighting candles and a wreath laying ceremony at their provincial headquarters in Shariff Aguak.

The 44 SAF fighters killed in the Mamasapano clash was the biggest single loss in the history of the elite police command.

Six years after the Mamasapano clash, Malang said the BIAF maintained a “friendly relation” with government security forces, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Since 2019, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim (BARMM) is governed by the MILFled Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Ahod Ebrahim as interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro government.

Ebrahim is also the chair of the MILF. He is popularly known as Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, his nom de guerre.

The creation of the Bangsamoro region is the key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace deal signed by the government and the MILF in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

tional Economic and Development Authority recommended the easing of age restrictions from 15 to 65 years old to 10 to 65 years old to allow more economic activities, particularly spending from family activities such as shopping and

dining.

Lopez earlier mentioned that family expenditure accounts for 30 to 50 percent of sales in commercial areas, adding that this would help businesses to improve their sales and prevent them from shutting down their operations. (PNA)

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DavOr hospital temporarily stops operation due to surge of cases

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he Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC) in Mati City will be temporarily ceasing operations starting Monday as it grapples with the surge of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in its hospital compound.

In a public advisory posted on the hospital’s Facebook page Monday, Dr. Reden V. Versaldo, provincial health officer, bared that the temporary closure will run for a period of 10 to 14 days.

“During this time, DOPMC will be undergoing massive disinfection, isolation, and risk testing of all

remaining employees and contacts,” Versaldo said, noting that there will be no new admissions or emergency cases to be catered during the temporary closure period.

But he said that all remaining admitted patients “will be facilitated and discharged accordingly.”

The provincial health officer appealed to the general public to utilize the their nearest district hospitals, as well as the designated rural and city health units, including private clinics and hospitals for all their health care needs.

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Suzara elected new volleyball head

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resenting the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Incorporated (PNVFI).

The new organization, which will be the national governing body for volleyball, has been given a backbone by electing its first set of officials on Monday.

After the election set at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Parañaque, Ramon "Tats" Suzara was named the PNVFI's founding president, getting all the votes of the 31 people who participated in the inaugural polls.

“I will do my best as the new president,” said Suzara, who represented the Alliances of Philippine Volleyball Incorporated (APVI).

Arnel Hajan, previously linked to the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF), was named vice president.

Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) secretary-general Ariel Paredes was elected PNVFI chairman, while Donaldo Caringal, also of APVI, was named PNVFI secretary-general.

Rod Roque, also of LVPI and the University Athletic Association of the Philip-

pines, was elected treasurer and PVF’s Yul Benosa as auditor.

Ricky Palou, Tony Boy Liao, Karl Chan, Charo Soriano, Carmela Gamboa, and Fr. Vic Calvo were named into the first PNVFI executive board, while lawyer Wharton Chan will be the Philippine Olympic Committee's (POC) representative to the board.

The POC supervised the first PNVFI election.

“We are thankful to all the stakeholders. We’ve been longing for this and the true winner here is Philippine volleyball,” POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said.

He then said that the PNVFI will be formally recognized during the POC general assembly on Thursday, while the POC executive board will approve the election results the day before.

Tolentino added that the POC will also submit the PNVFI election results to the FIVB, which is expected to formally recognize the new organization as its Philippine arm during its world congress from Feb. 5-7. (PNA)

NBA postpones PelicansSpurs game due to Covid-19

Monday night’s Spurs-Pelicans game was called off at the last minute, as neither the Spurs nor the Pelicans have enough players to compete.

(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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he NBA postponed the New Orleans Pelicans game with the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center on Monday. Both teams, the league said, did not have the required number of players needed to compete due to contact tracing within both organizations.

The postponement marks the 22nd related to the coronavirus so far this season — all but one of which have come this month. The NBA called off a fifth straight Memphis Grizzlies game on Sunday afternoon due to an outbreak within their organization, and the Washington Wizards returned to play Sunday after a 13-day hiatus.

Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were ruled out for the Los Angeles Clippers’ Tuesday night game against the Atlanta Hawks due to the league’s COVID-19 health and safety proto-

cols. The two stars’ absence could prove difficult for the Clippers, who have six road games over the next nine days.

The country is averaging more than 170,000 new cases a day, according to The New York Times, which is significantly lower than it was in early January.

The United States is still averaging more than 3,000 deaths a day, however, and surpassed the 4,000-death mark twice last week.

Despite the clear struggles with the pandemic, the league is reportedly in discussions with the players’ association about holding an All-Star game in Atlanta in March.

The Spurs, who beat the Wizards on Sunday night, are next set to host the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

The Pelicans fell to the Timberwolves on Saturday, and will next host the Wizards on Wednesday.

Manny eyes fight with Ryan Garcia Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is eyeing a fight against 22-year old Ryan Garcia.

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ilipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao revealed in a report that he plans to fight in late April or early May, with an exhibition against unbeaten American Ryan Garcia among his options.

In a report by ABS CBN Sports, Pacquiao confirmed on Monday that he and his camp are already finalizing the details of his next fight.

"As soon as possible, pag na-finalize na lahat, then we will announce kung sino 'yung makakalaban natin," said the Philippine senator, who also said he will fight either on the last week of April or first week of May.

Asked for his possible opponents, Pacquiao said: "Kahit sino naman. Ayan, nandiyan pa rin si (Terence) Crawford, (Errol) Spence, nandiyan si Garcia."

The 22-year-old Garcia emerged as a possible opponent for Pacquiao almost overnight, after the Filipino icon's much-hyped showdown against UFC superstar Conor McGregor was de-

railed by the Irishman's loss at UFC 257.

McGregor had said that a fight against Pacquiao should happen this year, but the "Pacman" admitted that it was unlikely that will push through after the "Notorious" was knocked out by Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

"Si McGregor, well, natalo siya. I don't know how we can push that plan," said Pacquiao.

Garcia, who holds an interim belt at lightweight, has previously said that Pacquiao would be his "dream

fight." On Monday morning, the young boxer posted on his Instagram account that he is next in line to fight the "Pacman," calling it a dream come true.

If the Garcia fight does happen, Pacquiao said it would be an "exhibition."

"Garcia is 22, he's like my son," noted Pacquiao.

"But anyway, that's good so (it's) like I'm a professor."

Pacquiao has not fought since July 2019, when he defeated Keith Thurman via split decision to secure the WBA welterweight championship.

Brown sets NBA record in Celtics win

I Jaylen Brown didn’t just help the Celtics to a blowout win over the Cavaliers, he also set an NBA record. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

n the future, when we look back on how and when Jaylen Brown became a superstar, this late January game will probably play a major part.

Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 141-103 blowout win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, and set an NBA record in the process. Brown scored 33 points in just 19 minutes of play, the most points ever scored in under 20 minutes since the start of the shot clock era in 1954.

Brown made it look easy Brown’s 33 points were

the most on the team, and he also set a personal record with his fourth straight game of at least 25 points.

With his calm demeanor and soft touch, he made it look absolutely effortless.

We’ll forever be left to wonder what Brown could have done if he was given more time, because he didn’t play a second beyond the third quarter — but that’s mostly because he didn’t have to. The Celtics’ lead over the Cavs was established early, and they never gave it up. Head coach Brad

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Lebron torches Cavs with 46

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ilipino basketball star Kai Sotto announced on Thursday that he will suit up for Gilas Pilipinas Men for the upcoming third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ).

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os Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James put on a masterclass performance against his former franchise during Tuesday’s 115-108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 16-time NBA AllStar scored a season-high 46 points shooting at 73 per cent during the narrow victory, also contributing eight rebounds, two steals, two blocks and six assists.

Trailing at three-quarter time, the defending champions pulled off a late comeback to extend their unbeaten record on the road this season to 10-0.

James scored 21 of the Lakers’ 28 points in the fourth quarter. He finished with seven three-pointers, including one ludicrous bomb from the centre-court logo in the final

five minutes.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel described James’ performance as “really awesome”.

“The shot-making was just ridiculous,” Vogel said.

“Just one of those nights for the ages for him.

“If I’m playing against him, I’m not really sure how I’m trying to slow him down.”

As revealed by ESPN, James (36 years, 26 days) is now the oldest Lakers player to manage a 40-point game since Kobe Bryant scored 60 in his final career game at 37 years, 234 days.

Tuesday’s game took place on the one-year anniversary of Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash.

“It’s not a day remembrance like his birthday,” Vogel said. “It’s more of a

sombre-tone-type-of-day.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 2000 fans were in attendance for James’ highly-anticipated homecoming at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where he won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016.

American sports columnist Skip Bayliss tweeted: “LeBron, back in the house that he built, where he won (and lost) so many playoff games, played inspired tonight in Cleveland, caught a rare hot streak from three, had a huge 4th quarter and held off what’s left of his ‘hometown’ team. Crown him!”

Lakers power forward Anthony Davis mustered 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Andre Drummond scored a team-high 25 points for the Cavaliers.

With their 14th victory of the season, the Lakers retained top spot on the Western Conference ladder, and will next face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday morning (PH Time).

Lakers superstar Lebron James slams it home.

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