Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 323 | Thursday, April 7, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 323 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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ALL SET FOR LENT DCPO gearing up for busy Lenten season STORY ON PAGE 2

Workers install power cables for the underground cabling project along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City. The Department of Public Works and Highways - National Capital Region recently conducted bench-marking activities in Davao City to observe the city’s successful implementation of underground utility cabling system. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 323 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

ALL SET FOR LENT President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with key government officials prior to his “Talk to the People”at the Malacañan Palace on April 5, 2022. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DCPO gearing up for busy Lenten season P

PRRD shuns suspicion of using public funds for 2022 prexy bet

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Major Maria Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of DCPO, said DCPO will be

deploying police personnel in the areas where there will be conduct of

the traditional religious practices like the Via Crusis (Stations of the Cross) and Visita Iglesia (Church Visits). “Allowed naman ang Via Crusis during Lenten Season kay under Alert

ders and advisories, the LGUs of Valencia City and the towns of Maramag, Pangantucan, Don Carlos, Maramag, and Quezon underscored the importance of preparedness and proactive measures to protect schoolchildren from weather-related disasters.

In a memorandum order dated Wednesday, Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas said the LPA may cause flash floods and landslides in disaster-prone areas of the city.   “Our CDRRMO (City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office) is tak-

he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is now gearing up for the start of the busy Lenten Season.

Level 1 na ta, allowed na 100 percent indoor and outdoor activities. Aduna kita i-deploy na kapulisan tanan na activity. Naa tay nakalatag na mga pulis. Gibuhusan nato na tan-

ing precautions and monitoring the raising of water levels in Pulangi river and its tributaries,” Huervas said. Meanwhile, Maramag Mayor Jose Joel Doromal suspended work in gov-

FALL, P7

Bukidnon LGUs suspend classes due to LPA everal local government units (LGUs) in Bukidnon province suspended classes Wednesday in all levels as a preventive measure against the heavy downpours brought by a low-pressure area (LPA).   Based on executive or-

FBUKIDNON, P7

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday said he is not endorsing any presidential candidate to avoid speculation that he would use public funds to finance his preferred successor’s campaign activities. “Ang akin kasi eh presidente ako tapos magkampi ako ng isa, magdududa ‘yung iba, ginagamit ko ‘yung resources ng gobyerno, magulo na (My take is if you are a president and you side with one candidate, some will cast doubt that you are using the government resources. It would be a problem),” Duterte said in his prerecorded Talk to the People. Duterte reiterated that he would not support the candidacy of any presidential aspirant, as he maintained his stance to stay “neutral.” “Ako, wala akong kandidato, hindi ako namumulitika (I don’t have preferred candidate. I am not politicking). I’m just announcing. Wala akong kandidato ni sino man sa pagka-presidente (I’m not supporting any presidential candidate). I remain neutral,” Duterte

said. Duterte refused to support any presidential hopeful, saying he does not want to be subjected to false accusations. “If you are a president and you have the resources na nasa beck and call mo, ano man ang gawain mo masuspetya ang tao na ginagamit mo para sa isang kandidato (whatever you do, people will suspect that you will use that for your preferred candidate) even if it is not true,” he said. Under the Omnibus Election Code, any person is prohibited to raise funds for an election campaign or for the support of any candidate from the commencement of the election campaign period to election day. Any person or organization, whether civic or religious, is also prohibited to directly or indirectly solicit or accept from any candidate for public office or from his campaign manager o representative. In March, the Comelec also issued Resolution 10772, limiting the campaign donations of domes-

FPRRD, P7

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VOL.14 ISSUE 323 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

NEWS

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Maj. Ma. Teresita P. Gaspan says DCPO will increase the deployment of security personnel to secure the ungated subdivisions and churches during the observance of Holy Week. Edge Davao

Reported bird flu cases not from Davao Region: DA 11 Sara still leads VP race in latest Pulse Asia survey

avao City Mayor Sara Duterte continued her lead among fellow vice presidential bets in pre-election polls, scoring 56% in the latest Pulse Asia survey released Wednesday. Senate President Vicente Sotto III placed second, scoring 34%. Senator Francis Pan-

gilinan was on third with 15% followed by Dr. Willie Ong with 5% and House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza with 1%. Manny Lopez got 0.3%, Walden Bello with 0.1%, while Carlos Serapio and Rizalito David both received 0.01%. According to Pulse

FSARA P7

Don’t mix in-person classes, COVID-19 vaccination in schools, says Briones

chools holding limited in-person classes should not be used simultaneously as COVID-19 vaccination sites, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said Wednesday. Briones made the statement as more schools across the country have resumed physical class-

es, albeit with reduced class sizes as a precaution against the continued spread of COVID-19. “Sa paningin ko, ‘yong vaccination sites should be separate from where the classes are being held dahil kailangan, we need to make sure na ‘yong level of exposure [ng mga

FDON’T, P7

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Flu Focal Person of DA 11 during the AFP-PNP Media Briefing on Wednesday. On Monday, Agriculture authorities have confirmed a bird flu infection among ducks in a village of Magsaysay town of Davao del

Sur. Capuyan added that the ducks are not from Davao Region but from Region 12, which were tested positive of avian influenza upon testing. “Immediately nag-enforce tayo ng border control and at that time we traced kung ano ang mga flocks na pumasok dito sa atin or mga birds or ducks na pumasok dito and na identify

sila ng mga LGUs doon sa mga areas na malapit sa border na pumasok dito sa atin. Gi-hold natin sila for quarantine and kinunan ng samples and during the sampling they were tested positive for avian inluenza (H5N1),” Capuyan said. Capuyan said DA 11 immediately conducted depopulation for disease control measures and sur-

Last year, SSS launched five relief and restructuring programs for borrowers and employers with past-due payments on their employees’ compensation contributions as well as

salary or housing loans to ease their financial burden amid the prolonged economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the Contribution Penalty Condonation Program also called PRRP

2, employers will be able to pay overdue SSS contributions free of penalties in full or installment for a period of four to 24 months depending on the total amount of delin-

he regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA 11) clarified that the reported case of avian influenza or bird flu is not from Davao Region.

“The case na nagkaroon ng bird flu is hindi sa atin nang galing yun kundi sa kabilang region. Dito sa atin walang organic na birds or ducks na nagpositive for avian flu,” said Dr. Armie Capuyan, ASF and Avian

FREPORTED, P7

SSS-Davao urges delinquent employers to avail of PRRP 2,3

n official of the Social Security System (SSS) is urging delinquent employers to avail of the agency’s Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Program (PRRP) 2 and 3.

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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 323 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

On not endorsing any presidential candidate to avoid speculation that he would use public funds to finance his preferred successor’s campaign activities:

My take is if you are a president and you side with one candidate, some will cast doubt that you are using the government resources. It would be a problem.” President Rodrigo R. Duterte

EDITORIAL Constant reminders The city government of Davao has once again urged residents to get vaccinated, including booster shots, against COVID-19 before joining mass gatherings that may become super spreader events. The reminder does not include election rallies as they are discouraged here like caravans that would only waste gasoline which has become very costly these days. However, there are other mass gatherings that happen in the city such as the Roxas night market which are now allowed after the city had been placed under alert level 1. Dr. Michelle Schlosser, COVID-19 Task Force spokesperson, said the people must get protected first before attend-

EDGEDAVAO

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Dr. Schlosser said it is much better that Dabawenyos are fully vaccinated and boostered so that they will have a layer of protection against the severity of the disease and death. Urging more people to get inoculated should never stop because the risk of getting infected when attending events with huge crowd is constant.

For instance, the public should be reminded all the time about the use of facemask and other required protocols when people are in public places. 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

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

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

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ing these activities.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 44th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Alberto T. Ungab - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Pamela A. Librado-Morata Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte - On Official Business Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta - OB – Attended a meeting with the Commercial Attaché of Switzerland Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar - On Sick Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0784-21 Series of 2021

8. Person – an individual, firm, association, tree removal service, corporation, and its agents, officers, employees, or representatives. 9. Private property – shall refer to property or properties not owned by the City or any other government instrumentalities. For purposes of this Ordinance, it shall include, but not limited to, all private lands covered by Original Certificate of Title (OCT); Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT); including Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA); Tax-declared Alienable and Disposable lands of the Public Domain with pending application for titling through administrative or judicial process; and areas under a valid tenurial or land management, occupancy, or allocation instrument issued by government authorities. 10. Protected Non-heritage trees – a group of mature trees classified as such under this Ordinance which include trees within parks, avenues, public spaces, and/ or islands, forest and mangrove parks, tree reserves and ecologically important zones identified in the Zoning Ordinance such as Urban Ecological Enhancement Sub-Zones; Conservation Zones; Protection Forest Zone; inland wetlands or lakes; waterway and coastal easements; and buffer zones, whether in a public land or private property. It does not include trees in tree plantation developments or trees allowed to be harvested under DENR policies. 11. Public lands – lands that are not deemed private property as defined under Section 3 (9) hereof. 12. Urban – scope referring to the Central Business District (CBD) Poblacion, Agdao, Buhangin, Talomo; and including major urban districts in Toril, Calinan, Tugbok, Bunawan, Davao City. 13. Urban Trees Protection Plan (UTPP) – a plan that will map and define action points geared towards the protection and management of identified heritage trees and non-heritage trees within the City. Such plan will be developed within a year after the enactment of this Ordinance. SECTION 4. CRITERIA FOR IDENTIFYING HERITAGE TREES - Trees with any of the following status are deemed HERITAGE TREES of the City: 1. Old-Aged - any tree species with documents, recordings, assessed, or verified to be more than 50 years old. 2. Critical Conservation Status - any tree species that have the following status regardless of size: a. Critically Endangered b. Endangered or Near-threatened listed under the DENR Administrative Order 2017-11 or IUCN appendix of species c. Endemic to the country or region.

AN ORDINANCE PROTECTING HERITAGE TREES AND ALL OTHER TREES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

3. Historical & Cultural Value - a mature tree that has historical significance as per documents, recordings, a historical landmark, or that has provided the citizens or the community with cultural importance.

Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that:

4. Aesthetic/Architectural Value - a mature tree, intentionally preserved through a landscape or architectural design, or has provided aesthetical value for an area, building, establishment, or structure.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE -This Ordinance shall be known and referred to as the “TREES PROTECTION ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICIES -The City Government of Davao hereby declares the following as its policies: 1. The City recognizes the environmental and economic benefits of trees such as its ecological role in the improvement of air quality, reduction of floods, and habitat of several wildlife species, among others. 2. Davao City deeply values the historical importance of heritage trees as it is an icon of the City’s past and a reminder that our forefathers also valued the ecological benefits of trees which would benefit the future generations. 3. The City needs to protect the remaining trees in the urban area to maintain the ecological, social, and historical values of trees. 4. The City recognizes, in the light of Climate Change, the importance of trees that serves as the “lungs” of the earth in mitigating the adverse effect of environmental degradation. 5. Protection and preservation of trees is a collaborative effort not only of the City Government but also of every Dabawenyo resident and private and public institutions based in Davao City. SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS -As used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall mean: 1. City – the City of Davao. 2. Damage – the removal of any part, dislocation of the main trunk, or any injury that compromises the tree’s health, structural integrity, and/or over-all aesthetics as per accepted national forestry standards. 3. DENR – Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 4. Heritage tree – a healthy native or endemic, exotic, rare, threatened and endangered tree with consideration to the scientific, rarity, the historical, cultural, social, educational, and aesthetic significance of the tree, whether in a public land or private property and qualified as such under the provisions of this Ordinance. It does not include trees in tree plantation developments and allowed to be harvested under DENR policies. 5. IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature. 6. Owner – the owner, possessor, occupant, cultivator of the private property on which the tree may be situated. 7. Parks – shall mean both government-owned and maintained public spaces and Privately-owned public open spaces (POPOS).

5. Large Size – all other mature tree of more than THREE (3) meters girth (trunk circumference). SECTION 5. CRITERIA FOR IDENTIFYING PROTECTED NON-HERITAGE TREES - The following are deemed PROTECTED NON-HERITAGE TREES of the City: 1. Trees within Parks, Plazas, Promenades, Center Islands, Riverbanks -These include the protection of all individual trees within Parks, Plazas, Promenades, Center Islands, Riverbanks, and designated open spaces whether privately or publiclyowned or managed. 2. Tree-lined Avenues - These include the protection of all individual trees along avenues such as, but not limited to: a. Roxas Avenue; b. Dacudao Avenue; c. Ecoland Drive; and d. Ecoland-Tulip Drive. 3. Tree reserves - Protection of all individual trees within protected areas, conservation areas and other ecologically important zones identified in the Zoning Ordinance. SECTION 6. TREE PROTECTION MECHANISM FOR HERITAGE TREES AND PROTECTED NON-HERITAGE TREES – Heritage Trees and Protected Non-Heritage Trees, whether on a private property or on a public land, are protected trees. The maintenance and protection of these trees is paramount. However, when the earth-balling, cutting, and/or utilization of the said trees may be allowed, any certificate of no objection to the earth-balling, cutting, and/or utilization of the said trees may only be issued by the City Mayor or an officer duly authorized by the City Mayor, upon the recommendation of the Parks System Board and which recommendation shall only be issued upon showing compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance or the presence of a circumstance allowing the activity under existing laws. Provided, applicants for the said certificate of no objection shall present the extreme necessity of the earth-balling or cutting activity; exhaustion of engineering interventions; and an undertaking to plant new trees, preferably within the area, in addition to the replenishment requirement of DENR. Provided further, that the Watershed Management Council of the City shall exercise jurisdiction and shall continue to exercise its mandate, powers and functions over specific zones or areas defined under the Watershed Code of the City. SECTION 7. ALL OTHER TREES – All other trees, whether on a private property or on a public land, shall also be maintained and protected and may only be earth-balled, cut, and utilized in accordance with this Ordinance, existing national laws, and DENR policies. SECTION 8. PROCEDURE FOR LGU ENDORSEMENT OF NO OBJECTION TO TREE CUTTING –In cases of application for cutting permits for the cutting of a Heritage Tree or a Protected Non-Heritage Tree to be issued by DENR, which requires the prior approval or

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endorsement of no objection from the city or any of the barangay local government units of Davao City, the said application for approval or endorsement of no objection shall be acted upon through the Office of the City Mayor in compliance with Section 6 hereof. Applications for endorsements of no objection to the cutting of all other trees not classified as either a Heritage Tree or a Protected Non-Heritage Tree may be issued by the barangay and validated by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office. For this purpose, barangays shall require applicants to secure a prior certification from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office for the determination of the tree classification and a certification of non-coverage under Section 6 of this Ordinance, when applicable. The City Mayor may issue the necessary issuances to this effect for the effective implementation of this Ordinance. This Ordinance shall not be in derogation of the powers of national agencies on the issuance of permits and licenses under their authority, however, all applications for endorsements of no objection to the cutting of trees covered by this Ordinance shall comply with the procedures and regulations provided herein, unless otherwise exempted under national laws. SECTION 9. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES – It shall be prohibited for any person, natural or juridical, to intentionally commit the following prohibited acts within the jurisdiction of the City of Davao: a. Cutting, earth-balling, destroying, or poisoning of trees through the application of any harmful herbicide or any other harmful chemicals; b. Spilling, washing off, or directing liquid contaminated with oil, petroleum, paint, cement, mortar, or the like, onto the root zone of any tree; c. Ringbarking any tree or the scarring of its bark when operating any machinery; d. Affixing any object (such as a sign) on any tree found using nails, staples, wires, or fastening materials that significantly restrict the normal vascular function of the trunk or branches of trees, except when for horticulture purposes; e. Causing damage to any tree by destroying the tree’s root zone through compaction, excavation, or asphyxiation (including filling or stockpiling it with materials); f. Harming of any tree including the plants and animals that live within or/are interdependent on the said tree for their survival, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and/or ferns. SECTION 10. EXCEPTIONS – The following acts shall not be covered by the prohibitions under Section 9 hereof and shall not be a violation of this Ordinance: a. Earth-balling, or cutting and utilization of Heritage Trees and Protected NonHeritage Trees upon compliance with Section 6 hereof, DENR regulations, and existing national laws or when necessary in times of extreme emergency in order to save lives; b. Earth-balling, or cutting and utilization of all other trees not classified as either a Heritage Tree or a Protected Non-Heritage Tree for public safety upon compliance with DENR regulations and existing national laws; c. Pruning and trimming of trees to remove obstructions on legal easements; d. All other activities allowed under DENR regulations, and existing national laws for public or private purpose or when necessary in times of extreme emergency in order to save lives. SECTION 11. SPECIAL PROVISION – Consistent with Section 26 and Section 27 of the Local Government Code and unless otherwise specifically provided under existing laws, all earth-balling or cutting of a Heritage Tree or a Protected Non-Heritage Tree, whether in a public land or private property, for a government infrastructure project, shall at all times be with prior specific information given to and proper coordination with the City Mayor or an officer duly authorized by the City Mayor. It shall, however, be the policy of the City that Government infrastructure projects must be planned so as to preserve all Heritage Trees and Protected Non-Heritage Trees and all mature trees on public and private lands, parks, plazas, promenades, center islands, heritage sites, historical sites, protected areas, conservation areas, riverbanks in the City of Davao. SECTION 12. MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION - The Davao Parks System Board, created under Section 6 of Ordinance No. 0218-09, otherwise known as the “Davao City Parks System Ordinance” responsible in formulating plans, policies and courses of action for the standard and singular maintenance of all public parks, plazas, promenades, center islands, heritage sites, historical sites, protected areas, conservation areas, riverbanks and memorials within the City of Davao, shall have the primary responsibility of formulating plans, policies and courses of action to ensure the effective implementation of this Ordinance. Specifically, the Parks System Board, in addition to its existing functions, in order to fully implement this Ordinance, shall: 1. Introduce measures in order for the City to identify and maintain a list of all “Heritage Trees” in the City of Davao and also identify and declare areas with “Protected NonHeritage Trees” including the conduct of a yearly monitoring inspection to maintain said trees and to update the list if there are newly discovered “Heritage trees” and “Protected Non-Heritage Trees”. The Board may declare potential heritage trees through public nomination based on the criteria provided under Section 4 of this Ordinance. 2. Cause the installation of labels/signages within the periphery of every recognized “Heritage Trees” and in areas with “Protected Non-Heritage Trees” to indicate the following information: a. Scientific name; b. Local name; c. Approximate age; d. Location of the tree; e. Other relevant information regarding the tree/s.

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of this Ordinance as part of the policies and procedures for the unitary parameter of all Parks, Plazas, Promenades, Center Islands, Riverbanks, and designated open spaces for their proper preservation and regulation, for the furtherance of the ecological balance of the community. SECTION 13. COMPOSITION OF THE DAVAO CITY PARKS SYSTEM MANAGEMENT BOARD – In order to effectively implement the provisions of this Ordinance, the composition of the Davao City Parks System Board created under Section 6 of Ordinance No. 0218-09, otherwise known as the “Davao City Parks System Ordinance” is hereby amended to include: Chairperson: City Mayor or a duly designated representative; Members: Department Head, City Environment and Natural Resources Office; Chairperson, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; Chairperson, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism and Beautification; City Planning and Development Coordinator; City Tourism Officer; City Engineer; City Legal Officer; Interim Office of the City Architect; Peoples’ Park Manager; Representative from the Liga ng mga Barangay; Representative from the Davao City Culture and Arts Council; Representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Representative from the Department of Public Works and Highways; Representative from a Non-Governmental Organization representing the Private Sector. SECTION 14. VOLUNTARY PRIVATE AGREEMENTS INVOLVING HERITAGE TREES AND PROTECTED NON-HERITAGE TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY - Any Heritage Tree and Protected Non-Heritage Tree that has been identified and found within a private property may be covered by a written agreement between the lot owner and the City Government, stating among others, that the property owner had voluntarily approved the tree to be declared as a Heritage Tree or Protected Non-Heritage Tree under this Ordinance. As such, if the property owner decides to develop the land for commercial or any purpose, the declared Heritage Tree or Protected Non-Heritage Tree shall be preserved by incorporating it to the development/architectural design. The property owner shall be entitled to incentives which may be developed by the Parks System Board. For this purpose, the Parks System Board shall endorse to the Sangguniang Panlungsod an incentive scheme for adoption and approval. SECTION 15. PENALTIES – Unless otherwise exempted by the provisions of this Ordinance and existing laws, any person or entity committing the prohibited acts mentioned under Section 9 hereof shall be punished with a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) and/or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year at the discretion of the court. If the offense is committed by a corporation, partnership, or other juridical entity duly recognized in accordance with law, the Chief Executive Officer, president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer-in-charge shall be liable for the commission of the offense and shall be penalized under this Ordinance. SECTION 16. EDUCATION AND INFORMATION – The CENRO, City Information Office in coordination with the Division of City Schools and DENR, shall undertake a massive information/education campaign for the effective implementation of the Ordinance. SECTION17. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) -The City Mayor or any designated committee or body duly authorized by the City Mayor may formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations necessary to carry out the effective and efficient implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Ordinance. Provided that, absence of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) shall not prevent the effectivity and enforcement of this Ordinance. SECTION 18. REPEALING CLAUSE - All ordinances, executive orders inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby deemed repealed and/or modified, and amended accordingly. SECTION 19. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If for any reason or reasons any provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional by a competent court, other provisions which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect. SECTION 20. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after posting and complete publication in a newpaper of general circulation in the City of Davao. ENACTED, November 23, 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum. CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

Jan.11,2022 APPROVED : _______________

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq ATTESTED:

3. Recommend to the City Mayor or the officer authorized by the City Mayor the approval and issuance of clearances or endorsements of no objection or the denial thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance. 4. Develop an Urban Trees Protection Plan (UTPP) within a year after the enactment

AN ORDINANCE PROTECTING HERITAGE TREES AND ALL OTHER TREES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Strong Zero, Horoyoi Peach, and more Japanese faves now available in FamilyMart No need to wait until you can travel to Japan or scout for inconspicuous suppliers to enjoy Japanese convenience store favorites, thanks to FamilyMart. Iconic items such as Strong Zero, and Cheeza are now easily accessible across all FamilyMart stores in the Philippines. “We are so glad to add more Japanese treats to our stores, especially nowadays when travel is still limited. As a brand that originated in Japan, it’s only proper that we finally bring in these favorites so that we can delight more Filipinos amid these trying times,” shared FamilyMart General Manager Celina Matias. The local franchise of the convenience store chain from Japan opened the new year by stocking its shelves with new products that Filipinos only used to enjoy when visiting the land of the rising sun. Some of the standout items include Strong Zero, a line of ‘chuhai’,

which is a traditional Japanese liquor; the Suntory Horoyoi range, including the crowd-favorite peach flavor; and Cheeza, triangular cheese crackers with flavors like ‘Raw Cheese’ and ‘Camembert’. Meanwhile, a healthier option comes in Senbei, a savory, oven-baked rice cracker that’s ideal for snacking. Aside from being available in stores for walk-in customers, these new offerings are also available via GrabMart, so even those working from home or simply staying in can enjoy these treats without even having to leave their house. According to Philippine FamilyMart, this is only the beginning as close to more items will be introduced starting next month. Ms. Matias added, “We’re staying true to the brand’s Japanese heritage, and introducing to the local market close to a hundred new items in February, so watch out for that!”

REPORTED... FROM3

SARA... FROM3 Asia, public sentiment regarding preferences for vice-president remained “essentially constant” between February 2022 and March 2022, as Duterte was the favored vice-presidential candidate of big pluralities to overwhelming majorities across geographic areas and socio-economic classes (44% to 83% and 55% to 63%, respectively). The rest of the respondents were undecided on whom to elect as the next Philippine vice-president (2%), not voting

for any candidate for the post (1%), or refused to identify their choice for vice-president (0.4%). The survey was conducted from March 17 to 21, 2022 with 2,400 respondents and has a ± 2% error margin at the 95% confidence level. Duterte’s running mate former senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. also remained on top in the latest presidential survey of Pulse Asia while broadcaster Raffy Tulfo topped the survey on senatorial candidates.

veillance within the one-kilometer radius of the affected area. “Doon (Magsaysay) located ang flock and gi-hold natin at ang strengthen tayo ng border kasi hindi natin sila puwedeng pabalikin doon kaagad sa kanila dahil baka carrier sila ng sakit,” she said. Capuyan said the farmer who transported the ducks was advised to go home in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat where the ducks also came from. “Meron sa mga farmers natin transitory ang type ng pag-raise ng ducks,” she said.

Capuyan said DA 11 also conducted a meeting with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Magsaysay together with the Provincial Veterinarian Office of Davao del Sur and conducted depopulation of the affected flock as well as conducted surveillance within the one kilometer radius quarantine area. “Part of activities that we are conducting in collaboration with the LGUs is monitoring doon sa mga critical sites dito sa Davao Region. Continued din ang surveillance sa seashores and priorities sites for surveillance,” Capuyan said.

quency. “PRRP 2 and 3 are about employers. Yung mga nagka-delinquent accounts during the pandemic we gave them a chance to settle their accounts through PRRP 2, yun yung with condonation for employers and PRRP 3 for the extended payment,” said Greta Quayle, information officer of SSS-Davao. The Enhanced Installment Payment Program or PRRP 3 allows qualified employers to pay their past due SSS em-

ployees contributions and compensation in installments for a period of nine months to 60 months depending on the total amount of delinquency. “The PRRP programs of the SSS is still ongoing especially for employers. We would like to announce that we are still accepting applications for the PRRP 2 and 3. I hope the employers can personally see their account officers to know the mechanics of both programs,” Quayle said. Meanwhile, the PRRP

1 was implemented in 2020 wherein SSS gave relief to its members so they can pay their June 2020 to October 2020 contribution until December 2020. The employers have no penalty that time and had the chance to pay their contribution. “Ang PRRP 4 is something to do with a housing loan. Nagbibigay tayo ng condonation program. In fact, malapit na rin ang deadline and it was supposed to end on February 21, 2022, so SSS commission extended it

to May 21, 2022,” Quayle explained. PRRP4 or Housing Loan Restructuring and Penalty Condonation Program allows qualified SSS housing loan borrowers, successors-in-interest, and legal heirs may pay the outstanding principal, interests, insurance dues and legal expenses of their SSS housing loans in full within 90 calendar days from the receipt of the notice of approval of the application or pay 50% within 90 days from the receipt of notice of

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DON’T... FROM3 estudyante] will be minimized,” Briones said at the Laging Handa public briefing. (For me, the vaccination sites should be separate from where the classes are being held because we need to make sure the students’ level of exposure will be minimized.) The Philippines has used schools, malls, covered courts and other areas as vaccination sites since government kicked off its COVID-19 inoculation program in March 2021. Briones did not say how many schools are currently being used as vaccination sites. “Ayaw kong ihalo ‘yong iba’t ibang klaseng activities,” Briones said, noting how schools have also been used as COVID-19 isolation facilities and evacuation centers during calamities. (I don’t want schools being used for different types of activities at the same time.) On Tuesday, the Department of Education

reported that 17,524 public and private schools have begun holding limited face-to-face classes, equivalent to 30 percent of the total number of schools nationwide. DepEd officials bared the figure at the launch of the “BIDA Kid” campaign, which it organized with the Department of Health and United States Agency for International Development. The campaign highlights 3Bs: Bakuna (Vaccination), Bayanihan (Cooperation), and BIDA or “Best friend natin ang mask, Ingatan at hugasan ang kamay, Dumistansiya upang makaiwas sa sakit, Airflow ay panatilihin” (Wear masks, wash hands properly, observe distancing to avoid illnesses, and maintain airflow). At the launch, Briones said the campaign aims to encourage more schools to reopen for face-to-face instruction and secure the confidence of parents to allow their children to attend physical classes.

approval and pay the remaining 50% in 12 equal monthly installments. “Parehas din sa ating PRRP 5 for short term loans supposedly nag-end na tayo

nung Valentines Day and was extended until May 14, 2022 to give chance to other members na hindi naka apply,” Quayle said. By Maya M. Padillo

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Live chickens and ducks are sold at the livestock area of Agdao Public Market in Davao City. The Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) has clarified that the reported case of avian influenza or bird flu is not from Davao Region. Edge Davao

Villar remains PH’s richest, net worth at $8.3B: Forbes

ycoon Manuel “Manny” Villar remains the richest person in the Philippines, with net worth estimated to be at $8.3 billion, according to the latest Forbes’ world’s billionaires list.

The real estate titan’s estimated net worth of $8.3 billion landed him in the 263rd spot in this year’s list from 352nd in 2021, Forbes said. Villar’s net worth is also over $1 billion higher compared to his $7.2 billion total last year, the report showed. Villar chairs Vista Land. He also has an expansive interest in property development and mall chains, among others. Port and casino magnate Enrique Razon was the second Filipino on the list at the 369th spot with an estimated net worth

of $6.7 billion. Razon jumped higher from his 561st ranking last year, Forbes said. Tied at the 1096th spot were SM Group’s Henry Sy Jr and Megaworld’s Andrew Tan with an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion. The other Sy siblings also made it to the list, followed by San Miguel Corp’s Ramon Ang, JG Summit’s Lance Gokongwei, Jollibee Group’s Tony Tan Caktiong and Philippine Airlines’ Lucio Tan. New entrants on the list include Converge ICT Solutions Inc’s Maria Grace Uy and Dennis An-

thony Uy, Monde Nissin’s Betty Ang as well as the members of the Genomal family, who owns Page Industries, or one of the biggest licensees for underwear maker Jockey, Forbes said. Filipinos who made it to the World’s Billionaire’s List 2022: #263 Manny Villar (net worth of $8.3 billion) #369 Enrique Razon (net worth of $6.7 billion) #1096 Henry Sy Jr (net worth $2.8 billion) #1096 Andrew Tan (net worth $2.8 billion) #1196 Hans Sy (net worth $2.6 billion) #1196 Herbert Sy (net worth $2.6 billion) #1292 Harley Sy (net worth $2.4 billion) #1292 Teresita SyCoson (net worth $2.4 billion) #1445 Elizabeth Sy

thority (NEDA) projects the target to be hit by 2023 or 2024. At the Philippine Economic Briefing on Tuesday, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the government “actually adjusted the pov-

erty targets to take into account the COVID-19 pandemic.” The government adjusted its poverty incidence rate target to 15.5% to 17.5% from 14% after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed 3.9

(net worth $2.1 billion) #1513 Ramon Ang (net worth $2 billion) #1818 Lance Gokongwei (net worth $1.6 billion) #2190 Tony Tan Caktiong (net worth $1.3 billion) #2324 Betty Ang (net worth $1.2 billion) #2324 Lucio Tan (net worth $1.2 billion) #2324 Maria Grace Uy (net worth $1.2 billion) #2578 Nari Genomal (net worth $1 billion) #2578 Ramesh Genomal (net worth $1 billion) #2578 Sunder Genomal (net worth $1 billion) * #2578 Roberto Ongpin (net worth $1 billion) #2578 Dennis Anthony Uy (net worth $1 billion)

million more Filipinos to poverty as the poverty incidence rate increased to 23.7% as of the first half of 2021 from 21.1% in the same period of 2018. “The original target of

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NEDA: Reducing poverty to 14% will be achieved in 2023 or 2024

he Duterte administration’s goal of reducing poverty incidence to 14% by the end of its term this year will probably be achieved by the next administration as the National Economic and Development Au-

FNEDA, A3

DOF on Marcos estate tax: BIR cutting through issues to do job

he Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue is still keen on collecting all taxes, in response to reports claiming that heirs of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos could not be compelled to pay P203 billion in estate taxes. Sought for comment on a recent report citing anonymous sources within the BIR, Dominguez said statements were not the official stance of the agency. “Neither are official statements of the BIR,” Dominguez was quoted as saying by Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Alvarez in a mobile message to reporters. A newspaper report, citing anonymous “field officials” of the BIR, said that the heirs and administrators of the Marcos estate could not be mandated or sued should they refuse to pay the tax deficiencies. Dominguez last week said that the BIR was collecting and demanding payment from the Marcos estate administrators, adding that they

hadnot paid. The BIR said it already sent a written demand to the Marcos family, demanding to pay their tax deficiencies. “We have been in discussions, intense discussions with the Bureau of Internal Revenue,” Dominguez told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Pasay City on Tuesday. “As you know, this has a long history. This history goes back to when the estate actually was created when former President Marcos passed away and it has been encrusted with a lot of court cases and my understanding with the Bureau of Internal Revenue is that they are trying to cut through all these issues in order to do their job,” he added. According to the BIR, estate tax is on the right of the deceased to transmit estate to lawful heirs and beneficiaries at the time of death and on certain transfers equivalent to testamentary disposition. “It is not a tax on

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ECONOMY

For the older generation, this has always been called as Cawa-cawa, a seashore shaped like a giant wok. Just two decades ago, it used to be a beach front where folks in the city would go for swimming. Recently, pollution set in and people were warned against swimming here. The city government instead improved on the shoreline and converted it into a modern park, best experienced at sunset and into the night. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

PH economy seen to grow by 6% in 2022, ADB says BSP studies setting up gold buying stations

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) bared plans of setting up gold buying stations in strategic areas in Mindanao. In the recent Kapihan sa PIA, BSP Acting Bank Officer IV Engr. Johannes Bantugan shared that there is an ongoing study to determine areas where a gold buying station will be set up. Bantugan said certain factors are being looked into such as the feasibility of the station that includes the determination if the government can benefit more by setting up a station near the mining sites so gold miners need not travel far just to sell their gold. Security of the area is another factor determined before the BSP will set up a buying station. “We are seeing a big chance for Butuan and Surigao City to have their own gold buying station especially that BSP also

has an office in those areas,” Bantugan said. The setting up of gold buying stations in strategic areas is one of the plans of the BSP as part of the Gold Buying Roadmap. The BSP also bared the duplication of the Gold Buying Roadmap in Davao Region through the Regional Development Council XI. The RDC XI created an inter-agency sub-committee on gold trading in Davao Region which aims to craft and implement a Gold Buying Roadmap for Davao Region from 20222026 that will encourage the delivery of gold to the BSP based on the provisions of RA 7653 or the New Central Bank Act; RA 7076 or The People’s Small Scale Mining Act of 1991 and RA 11256 or an Act to Strengthen the Country’s Gross International Reserves. Bantugan said the

FBSP, A3

he Philippine economic growth is seen to gain pace in the next few years due to rising domestic investment and consumption, among others, the Asian Development Bank said Wednesday.

The gross domestic product (GDP) could grow by 6 percent in 2022 and 6.3 percent next year, the ADB said in its recent Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2022. Philippine economic managers have set a target of 6 to 7 percent growth for 2022. The projected expan-

sion could be attributed to the easing of restrictions that allowed for more business activities, the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program and relaxed international travel restrictions. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier announced that the country would allow

entry of vaccinated international tourists this month. “Nearly all indicators point to higher growth for the Philippines this year and in 2023, barring the impact of external factors from geopolitical tensions that may dampen growth globally, including in the country’s key export markets Europe and the United States,” said ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird. Metro Manila and other areas shifted to Alert Level 1 in March.

he national government will pay its remaining PHP300-billion bridge financing from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) by June 12, 2022 as state revenue collection continues to improve. This was disclosed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III during the

Philippine economic briefing on Tuesday. “The national government has started reducing our provisional advance arrangements with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from PHP540 billion to PHP300 billion. This amount will be totally paid off by June 12 of this year,” he said.

The BSP has extended funding accommodation to the national government since 2020 to boost its cash position vis-à-vis pandemic-related expenses. The first one is through a PHP300-billion reverse repurchase (RRP) agreement in March 2020, and then followed by three

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the goal is to shift most areas in the country to Alert Level 1 to boost economic activities. Chua earlier said if the entire country eases to Alert Level 1, it would translate to P16.5 billion per week of economic activity, P5.2 billion more in salaries and 297,000 less unemployed. Increased public investment in large infrastructure projects will continue to boost growth,

PHP540-billion provisional advances, all of which have been repaid. The BSP, under Republic Act 7653 or the New Central Bank Act, is allowed to extend provisional advances to the national government equivalent to 20 percent of the latter’s average revenues in recent years. (PNA)

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Nat’l gov’t to pay provisional advance from BSP by June T

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DOF... FROM A2 Gov’t firm on collecting Marcos

heirs’ unpaid taxes: Dominguez

he government is intent on collecting the unpaid estate taxes from the Marcoses, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said. “We have been in discussion, intense discussion with the Bureau of Internal Revenue on this issue and they are studying this issue very carefully,” he told journalists on Tuesday. There have been several amounts on how much the estate tax due to the government from the family of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Dominguez said “that is

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for the BIR to determine.” Dominguez said the amount originally was about PHP9 billion but because of penalties and interest after several court cases, there have been several amounts floated, such as PHP99 billion and PHP203 billion. “So which amount is going to be settled is in discussions now with BIR,” he said, adding that from his understanding from the BIR, “is that they are trying to cut through all these issues in order to do the job.” BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay last month said

the agency sent the Marcos heirs last December a written demand letter regarding their tax liabilities. According to the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, the Supreme Court (SC) in July 2003 ruled that over PHP25 billion worth of Marcos assets were considered ill-gotten. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), created in 1986 to recover the Marcoses’ and their cronies’ ill-gotten wealth, has so far recovered PHP171 billion. (PNA)

LAKERS... FROMA4

Meanwhile, Elon Musk was named the world’s richest man with a net worth of $219 billion. Musk’s portfolio includes Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, among others. He also recently bought over 9 percent stake in the social media platform Twitter. Musk “tops the World’s Billionaires list for the first time,” Forbes said. Amazon and Blue Origin’s Jeff Bezos, LVMH’s Bernard Arnault and family, Microsoft’s Bill Gates

and investing legend Warren Buffet rounded up the world’s top 5 billionaires. Forbes said this year’s 2,668 billionaires list has 87 fewer people compared to a year ago. Collectively their net worth totaled $1.7 trillion, which was also lower by $400 billion than in 2021. In Russia, there were 34 fewer billionaires, it said. The US meanwhile, still leads with the most number of billionaires followed by China.

ified the bench. Phoenix’s 63-16 record is eight games better than the Memphis Grizzlies, who are second in the NBA with 55 wins. TIP-INS Lakers: Howard had eight points and six rebounds in the first quarter. He came into the game averaging 5.8 points per game. ... Austin Reaves scored 18 points off the bench. Suns: Booker, Ayton

and Jae Crowder all played after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Thunder. ... McGee added nine points and nine rebounds. ... The Suns topped their previous record of 62 wins in a season. They accomplished it twice, in 1992-93 and again in 2004-05. ... The Suns swept the Lakers this season, winning all four games. ... The Suns hosted a sellout crowd for a 25th straight game.

BSP has been holding information drive and focus group discussions to gather the feedback of the small scale miners and disseminates information that the BSP buys gold from small scale miners and applies tax exemption to small scale miners registered in the Mines and Geoscience Bureau and the Provincial Mines Regulatory Board. BSP is intensifying their campaign to urge

small scale miners to sell their gold to the BSP instead of selling it in the black market. “We have also seen a significant increase of small scale miners now availing the gold buying program of the BSP after they’ve learned about the tax exemption law. There is about 50 to 60 percent increase in volume that’s sold as compared before,” Bantugan said. (PIA XI/ Frances Mae Macapagat)

the Manila-based multilateral lender said. The ADB said recent rules which sought to ease foreign equity ownership and the lowering of minimum paid-up capital of foreign retailers would also support growth. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the amended Public Service Act, to complement the first two key economic measures, namely the amended Retail Trade

Liberalization Act and the Foreign Investment Act. Meanwhile, the ADB projected inflation to rise to 4.2 percent in 2022 due to the higher global oil and commodity prices brought about by the tension between Russia and Ukraine. The forecast is slightly lower than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2022 projection which was at 4.3 percent for the year.

with 5.6 seconds on the clock and the Jazz leading 109-108. Utah went ahead for good when Mitchell and Gobert scored on backto-back possessions to help the Jazz carve out a 119-113 lead. Memphis was held without a basket for four minutes in overtime. Utah built a 30-19 lead a minute into the second quarter after Clarkson and Mike Conley capped a 10-1 run with back-toback 3s. Memphis erased the double-digit deficit right before halftime. The Grizzlies tied it on a corner 3 from Bane and took a 50-48 lead on a pair of

free throws from Jackson with 7.2 seconds left in the half. Bane scored four baskets in 3 ½ minutes after halftime to help propel Memphis to a 68-57 lead. The second-year guard had 12 points in the third quarter alone. With Bane leading the way, the Grizzlies made six of their first nine shots in the second half. Utah surged back ahead 91-83 early in the fourth quarter behind a 21-7 run fueled by three baskets and three assists from Clarkson. Danuel House, Jr. capped the surge with a four-point play and an alley-oop dunk.

between 13% and 15% of poverty reduction would be achieved in 2023 or 2024,” Edillon said. The NEDA official said by the end of the Duterte administration, the

poverty incidence rate “would still be much lower than the 2018 numbers,” noting that official figures will be released by the third quarter of the year.

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property. It is a tax imposed on the privilege of transmitting property upon the death of the owner,” it said in its official website. “The estate tax is based on the laws in force at the time of death notwithstanding the postponement of the actual possession or enjoyment of the estate by the beneficiary,” it added. Marcos and his family fled to Hawaii amid the EDSA Revolution in 1986, bringing with them 22 crates of cash valued at $717 million; 300 crates of assorted jewelry with undetermined value; $4-million worth of unset previous gems; and $7.7 million worth of jewelry; among others. A Supreme Court document showed that the its ruling to affirm the Court of Appeals decision on the Marcos estate tax in 1994 were final and executory, and the deficiency income were unappealable. Court records show that the estate taxes were set at P23 billion in 1991, and have since reportedly grown to P203.819 billion. “There was the amount of originally I think P9 billion and then it became P23 billion and then now because of penalties and interest, it’s now, they say, around P203 billion so which amount is going to be settled is in discussions now with BIR,” Dominguez explained. “The DOF and the BIR are intent on collecting all taxes due,” he added, when asked to clarify whether the agency is still keen on collecting the estate taxes from the Marcos heirs. Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has filed Senate Resolution 998, pushing for an investigation as to why the estate taxes dues of the Marcoses had yet to be collected after nearly 25 years. Marcos’ son and presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. claimed that there is “a lot of fake news” involved in the issues regarding his family’s ill-gotten wealth, and the issues should be left with the lawyers to discuss. A spokesperson for the younger Marcos also noted that the ownership of the properties subject to the estate taxes had yet to be settled. “It’s not a coincidence that rivals of presidential frontrunner Bongbong Marcos are raising this matter in unison a few weeks before the elections. Sadly, this is all about politics,” Atty. Victor Rodriguez said.

Co-administrators Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said that under the Tax Code and the Revenue Regulations, the co-administrators of the Marcos Estate, Imelda Marcos and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as well as the other heirs of Marcos Sr. are expressly made liable to pay the estate tax in the original amount of P23.3 billion, which has now ballooned to more than P203 billion. Carpio stated Section 91(D) of the Tax Code, indicating that “the estate tax imposed by Section 84 shall be paid by the executor or administrator before delivery to any beneficiary of his distributive share of the estate.” “Where there are two or more executors or administrators, all of them are severally liable for the payment of the tax. The executor or administrator of an estate has the primary obligation to pay the estate tax, but the heir or beneficiary has subsidiary liability for the payment of that portion of the estate which his distributive share bears to the value of the total net estate.” Carpio said it is clear that the Tax Code and its implementing regulations impose upon the co-administrators of the Marcos Estate “the primary obligation to pay the estate tax, and the subsidiary obligation to pay the estate tax falls on all the heirs in proportion to their distributive share in the estate.” Rodriguez, Marcos’ spokesman, said the “political adversary is again painting the town yellow with his usual falsehood, lies, hatred and black propaganda.” “As held in this case by the Supreme Court, in the case of notices of levy issued to satisfy the delinquent estate tax, the delinquent taxpayer is the Estate of the decedent, and not necessarily, and exclusively Bongbong Marcos as heir of the deceased,” Rodriguez said. “Mindful that cases are still pending in court, truth however must be told, peddlers of lies unmasked; negative and hateful campaigning be stopped,” he added. The lawyer said Marcos’ critics have omitted to mention that the Bureau of Internal Revenue have issued a total of 30 Notices of Levy, resorted to public sale of levied properties and there being no bidder, lots subject of the public sale was declared forfeited in favor of the government in satisfaction of the estate tax due.

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Lakers ousted from playoffs P

HOENIX — Devin Booker scored 32 points and the Phoenix Suns won their franchise-record 63rd game of the season on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manil time), beating a Lakers team minus LeBron James 121-110 to eliminate Los Angeles from the playoff race.

Suns big man JaVale McGee blocks Lakers star center Anthony Davis.

It was a tight game during the first half but Phoenix used a 29-9 run in the third quarter to create separation. The rest of the game was essentially a celebration for the Suns, who danced and dunked their way past the forlorn Lakers. Los Angeles — playing without James for a second straight game because of a sprained ankle — has lost seven straight. Russell Westbrook scored 28 points while Anthony Davis added 21 points and 13 rebounds. Deandre Ayton had 22 points for Phoenix (6316), which avoided its first three-game losing streak of the season. Even without James, the Lakers led for a big chunk of the first half. But the Suns started to take control late in the second quarter, and two straight alley-oops from Chris Paul to Ayton put Phoenix up 56-50. The Suns took a 6358 into halftime. Booker scored 16 points and Ayton added 14. Westbrook had 18 points for the Lakers before the break. Phoenix pulled away in the third quarter, jumping to an 84-65 advantage in the first six minutes. Booker scored 16 points in the third and finished

12 of 22 from the field, including 6 for 9 from 3-point range. Once the Suns built their big lead, the Lakers didn’t seem particularly interested in mounting a comeback. Los Angeles finished with 16 turnovers, plagued by the same poor decisions that have hurt the Lakers much of the season. NO PLAYOFFS The Lakers have potentially five future Hall of Famers on their roster — James, Davis, Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard — and still couldn’t find a way to make the playoffs. Davis and James missed significant chunks of the season with injuries and Westbrook never seemed to mesh well with his new team. SURGING SUNS The Suns surprised much of the NBA by making a run to the Finals last season before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. Phoenix didn’t sneak up on anyone this season, but has been even better. Paul and Booker were once again All-Stars, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Ayton continued to improve and new additions like JaVale McGee and Landry Shamet solid-

FLAKERS, A3

Clarkson, leads Jazz past Grizzlies to secure playoffs

ALT LAKE CITY — Rudy Gobert had 22 points and 21 rebounds, and the Utah Jazz clinched a playoff berth with a 121-115 overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time). Jordan Clarkson also finished with 22 points for Utah. Donovan Mitchell added 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Hassan Whiteside tallied 14 points and 10 boards off the bench. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 28 points for the Grizzlies. Tyus Jones added 24 points and Desmond Bane had 23 points, seven rebounds

and four steals. Memphis played without its top two scorers. Ja Morant (right knee soreness) and Dillon Brooks (right hip soreness) were both inactive. The same injury has sidelined Morant since mid-March. Their absence didn’t stop the Grizzlies from producing big baskets as the fourth quarter wound down. Jackson made a pair of 3-pointers in the final minute of regulation and Kyle Anderson put back Bane’s airball on a 3-pointer before the buzzer to force overtime. Mitchell went 1 for 2 from the free throw line

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Jordan Clarkson goes 7 for 13 in 31 minutes of action for Utah. PHOTO: AP

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PINOY HERITAGE Fil-Am Remy Martin proudly reps PH Fil-Am Remy Martin celebrates after leading his Kansas team to victory.

after keying Kansas to USNCAA title

niversity of Kansas guard Remy Martin put his Filipino heritage front and center as he celebrated their triumph in the US NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Martin was crucial to the Jayhawks’ 72-69 triumph against the University of North Carolina in the title game, scoring 11 of his 14 points in the second half including a crucial step-back three-pointer with 2:39 to play in the game. In his first post since winning the national championship, Martin posed with the NCAA trophy with a Philippine flag draped across his back. In his caption, he declared: “This Is Bigger Than Me.” The 23-year-old Martin has long expressed his desire to one day play for the Philippines, and was previously included in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ “23 for ‘23” roster where they identified potential members of the national team for the FIBA Basketball World

Cup 2023. Ahead of the Final Four, Martin again reiterated that suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas remains a major goal for him. “I still gotta go through a process out here and make sure I give myself the best chance. But that’s my dream,” said Martin, who traces his roots to Pampanga through his mother. “I always love to represent the Philippines and play one day. I know one day, it will happen,” he stressed. Martin played four seasons of collegiate basketball at Arizona State University before transferring to Kansas. He became the third Filipino-American player to win the national championship, joining Ray Towsend (UCLA, 1975) and Kihei Clark (Virginia, 2019).