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Two Food Panda bicycle riders take a rest under a shaded area along Chavez Street in Davao City. The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Regional Arbitration Branch No. 11 has ordered Food Panda Philippines to pay illegally offboarded delivery riders in Davao City. Edge Davao
CONTAMINATED FOOD Diarrhea outbreak in Toril over, food contamination is culprit
STORY ON PAGE 2
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 92 • SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022
Senate committee chair on health Senator Christopher Lawrence Go says surveillance and border control should be strengthened to prevent the entry of monkeypox into the country. Edge Davao
CONTAMINATED FOOD Diarrhea outbreak in Toril over, food contamination is culprit By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he City Health Office (CHO) announced that the diarrhea outbreak in Toril is over and the indicated source of infection is food contamination based on the laboratory test results. “I officially declare and announce that the diarrhea outbreak in Toril is now over,” said Dr. Ashley Lopez, head of CHO, over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Friday. Based on the final conclusive report, which was
duly approved by Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Lopez announced that the diarrhea outbreak was due to a foodborne microorganism, with Vibrio cholera as the pathogen of concern, which is the most likely vehicle of transmission is con-
taminated food. “From the investigations, food may have been contaminated during preparation and handling by an infected handler/s. It was also found that proper storage, delayed serving, and an unsanitary environment may have contributed to the contamination of food because of exposure to elements,” he said. In line with this, Lopez said CHO is currently coordinating with multiple
he Office of the First Congressional District, Representative Paolo Duterte, extended its support for the construction of facilities for a military brigade at Purok 2 in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. Rep. Duterte’s office gave assistance to the Phil-
ippine Army’s 1003rd Brigade following the request of the latter for support. Among the facilities that the 1003rd Brigade is currently building are their headquarters, sergeant major quarters, mess hall, enlisted women and enlisted personnel barracks, and bachelor office quarters.
According to the 1003rd Brigade, the local chief executives prayed for the protection of the cleared areas against any intrusion and re-infiltration of a counter-terrorist group. The Brigade’s main task is to recalibrate and relocate its forces to effectively implement its sustainable
agencies, offices, and departments to ensure strict enforcement of existing rules on food handling, surveillance to other related activities. “We are for the regulation of street vendors in compliance with the relative laws, but we also look forward to lobbying legislation in improving the Sanitary Ordinance of this City,” he said. Lopez reminded that
operations; thus, the construction of facilities is needed. Rep. Duterte supports those on the front lines aside from giving other assistance to his constituents and those in need of emergency assistance due to COVID-19 pandemic.
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Rep. Duterte’s office extends support to 1003rd Brigade T
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Strengthen surveillance, border control vs. monkeypox: Sen. Go
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urveillance and border control should be strengthened to prevent the entry of monkeypox into the country, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go said here Thursday. Go, concurrent Senate committee chair on health, said everybody should take the lessons of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and make sure not to let it happen again. “We have to study and strengthen the surveillance and border control,” he said. The senator said the government should focus on awareness, detection, disease surveillance, and containment to avoid the spread of monkeypox. “What happened [to the country] on Covid-19 is an eye-opener. We are all shocked, and we won’t let it happen again,” Go said. On July 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency, its highest alert level for a disease. More than 16,000 cases and five deaths of monkeypox so far have been reported in 75 countries and territories. WHO said there is also
a clear risk of the further spread of monkeypox globally, although the risk of interference with international traffic remains low. “By God’s grace, we don’t have a case here. Let us continue to observe minimum health protocol,” Go noted, even has he urged the public to get vaccinated and have booster shots to get protected from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “These (vaccines) are free. You will be protected if you are vaccinated,” he said. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that there is no reported case in the Philippines yet, and that hey are doing everything to prevent it from entering the country. DOH also reported that their preparations are all aligned with WHO’s list of temporary recommendations, which include aggressive information, communication, and educational campaign about the disease in coordination with other relevant government offices and private partners. “DOH has been pre-
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VOL.15 ISSUE 92 • SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022
NEWS
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Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Mayor Al David Uy plans to propose again for the expansion of the services of the Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) in the area and the rest of Davao del Norte province, in place of the North Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco). Edge Davao
Dabawenyos have confidence in newly elected officials: IPO NLRC orders Food Panda to pay offboarded riders
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he National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) ordered food delivery provider Food Panda Philippines to pay illegally offboarded delivery riders in Davao City. In the decision of NLRC Regional Arbitration Branch No. 11 dated June 30, 2022, signed by NLRC Labor Arbiter Rovyne G. Jumao-as, which was shared to the Davao media evening of Thursday, NLRC ordered Food Panda Philippines Inc. to pay the riders who are also the complainants namely Edmund Deala Carrilo, Francis Ghlenn Suplag Costan, Nerjhun Habagat Claramon, Manuel Dolendo Lapiña, Roberto Jabines Gonzaga, Jeffrey Batingan Cabusas, and Nawar Sarip Solaiman their full back wages and separation pay amounting to P2,223,446.83. The NLRC also declared all of the complainants as regular employees of Food Panda Philippines Inc. and to be entitled to attorney’s fees and ordered the food delivery firm to pay them their
respective attorney’s fees with a total of P222,346.68. The NLRC emphasized that “at the end of the day, labor is still an individual’s daily feat to put food on his/ her family’s table, and that because of this he/she may ever be willing to adjust to his employer’s demands if it means sustainability of his/ her life.” NLRC also added that it is its duty, as labor tribunals, “to ensure that this paramount consideration in upholding the rights of labor should not be lost in the analysis of every attempt to create a working relationship utilizing labor in the guise of contractual freedom, where labor is almost always in the losing end.” In July last year, Carillo, who is the president of Davao United Delivery Riders Association, confirmed that some delivery riders were suspended for 10 years and were offloaded from their respective mobile Food Panda apps. Also, about 300 Food
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By MAYA M. PADILLO
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The survey conducted from June 22 to July 1, 2022, aims to determine the trust ratings of the newly installed national and local leaders. The survey comes in anticipation of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, alongside the members of the upper and lower Houses of the 19th
Congress as national leaders, and the administration of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, together with the elected District Representatives. Based on the survey, Mayor Duterte garnered a 59.6% net trust rating while Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain Jr. garnered a 44.1% net trust rating. District repre-
sentatives also posted positive net trust ratings: 43.3% net trust rating for First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, 25% net trust rating for Second District Representative Vincent Garcia, and 45.4% net trust rating for Third District Representative Isidro Ungab. Meanwhile, Dabawenyos have much trust in President Marcos who garnered a trust rating of 64.3%, 21% with slight trust, and 14.8% with no trust, and the net trust of PBBM is 49.5%. For Vice President Sara Duterte, net trust was
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deco). “This is the third time already that we have pushed to replace Nordeco,” Uy said Thursday, noting that IGACOS has been filing the proposal to replace Nordeco with the services of DLPC since 2007. Uy’s statement came af-
ter House of Representatives Bill 10554, which would have expanded the franchise coverage of the DLPC to other parts of Davao del Norte serviced by Nordeco, was vetoed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The President explained that the bill could not be ap-
recent survey by the Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) of the University of Mindanao (UM) showed that Dabawenyos have confidence in their newly elected local and national officials.
78.1%, with 81% of the Dabawenyos saying they have much trust in her, 8.1% with slight trust, and 2.9% saying they have no trust in the former local chief executive of Davao City. The survey classified the members of the Senate as those who are seniors (those elected in the May 2016 elections) and the newly elected ones (elected in the May 2022). Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go placed first as the most trusted senior member of the Senate with a net trust
proved as it violates a provision in Section 10, Article III of the 1987 Constitution, which protected Nordeco’s franchise in the province. The franchise has yet to expire in 2028 and 2033, respectively, for different locations in the province.
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IGaCoS mayor insists on replacing coop as power provider in DavNor sland Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Mayor Al David Uy will propose again for the expansion of the services of the Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) in the area and the rest of Davao del Norte province, in place of the North Davao Electric Cooperative (Nor-
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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 92 • SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022
7-Eleven stores exclusive licensor Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC) ramps up spending and opening more stores, optimistic about continued growth as the government is not planning another lockdown. Edge Davao
Creative industries to help in economic recovery: DTI chief
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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) believes that the creative industries will play a vital role in the economic recovery, the agency’s chief said on Thursday. During the Creative Futures 2022 Conference, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the pandemic brought adverse impacts in terms of operation, jobs and income in the creative industries. “DTI previously estimated that the pandemic cost the local creative industries 90 percent of their revenue. Approximately 61 percent of arts and entertainment companies ceased operations, and more than one-fifth of these businesses were per-
manently closed,” he said. But the DTI chief is optimistic about the future of the industry as “we are reclaiming our path to development”. Pascual said programs and policies are in place to help in the development of the local creative industries. The House of Representatives ratified the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act on May 31, 2022 to make the sector a catalyst for economic
growth and accelerate the country’s recovery from the pandemic. On the other hand, the DTI has been implementing the Creative Economy Strategy of the Philippines (Crest PH) promoting integrated industry development. “Crest PH takes a holistic approach to improving the competitiveness of the creative industries, facilitating the development and promotion of creative goods exports, and assisting creative firms in accessing the global market. Crest PH employs a suite of interventions to address the sector’s top, binding constraints,” Pascual said. The program also uses
evidence-based solutions, data analytics, knowledge management, and competency development to address concerns of creative enterprises, including innovation preparedness and adoption of technology for digital transformation. “The DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group has also developed six roadmaps so far. Digital advertising, animation, game development, software development, toys and characters, and TV, radio, and print media are all examples. The roadmaps are essential in getting stakeholders to agree on where to take specific creative industries,” he added.
Thursday. Paterno said they are “very bullish” about the business as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) lockdowns are over. Lawrence de Leon, PSC head of finance and investor relations, said the company is allotting up to PHP2 billion in capital expenditures this year to support the opening of up to 300 new stores. De Leon bared the company’s investment plan for this year after its growth
momentum slowed in terms of revenue generation and store expansion in 2020 and 2021 amid Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. “As mobility improves, we are seeing better sales numbers… Sales continue to improve and it also allows us to expand our footprint,” he said, adding that its first quarter 2022 profitability already exceeded pre-Covid 2019 level which is “very favorable”. For the first quarter of 2022, the company post-
ed systems-wide sales of PHP13.5 billion, up by 8.2 percent growth from PHP12.5 billion in the first quarter of 2019. De Leon said it registered two years of consecutive net losses in 2020 and 2021 from a profitable year in 2019 of PHP1.4 billion. “So the impact of CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises), which is only onetime on deferred tax assets, was already reflected for the
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7-Eleven operator ramps up expansion
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hilippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven stores in the country, is ramping up spending and opening more stores, bullish about continued growth as the government plans no another lockdown. “The President’s (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) announcement that no more lockdown gives the business certain(ty),” PSC president and chief executive officer Jose Victor Paterno said in a virtual press briefing on
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DOT exec to look into carrying capacity of Boracay, int’l flights
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he new secretary of the Department of Tourism will look into the carrying capacity of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan as well as open talks with airlines for direct flights to Kalibo from Singapore. These were among the concerns that Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) vice president for Visayas Peter Tay, who is based in Boracay Island, brought before Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco during their meeting in Manila on Wednesday. A study commissioned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2018 showed that the island’s carrying capacity is 19,215 tourists a day or about 6,405 arrivals a day based on an average three-day stay. In a phone interview on Thursday, Tay said the current capacity is not balanced with the available room accommodations on the island which presently range from 12,000 to 14,000. “It is very limited. I am explaining to her and I’m glad that she agreed that
6,500 is indeed a small number and they will revisit it. Of course she never committed that they will adjust it to how many but they will revisit the carrying capacity,” he said. Tay added that while there was no discussion as to the possible increase but it was good that the secretary was receptive and understood the position of the tourism players on the island. The TCP official also brought up the possibility of opening direct flights to and from Singapore, which is the gateway for other countries due to its strategic location. “We used to have direct flights from Singapore. Singapore is like a gateway for many countries because of its strategic location. This is something that the secretary is very open and said she will be having discussion with the airlines to talk about it,” he said. Currently, there are two airline companies servicing direct flights from South Korea to Boracay via the Kalibo International Airport in Kalibo, Aklan.
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A vendor prepares chopped banana blossoms at the Organic Farmers Market at Rizal Park in Davao City. The organic market opens on Thursdays and Fridays. Mindanews Photo
BSP to utilize all measures vs. risks in inflation, peso Firm sees recovery in PH property sector in 2022
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he recovery of the property sector is expected to continue this year as the government eased pandemic-related restrictions and plans no another lockdown, a real estate advisory firm said Thursday. In a briefing, Colliers Philippines reported that a quicker pace of recovery is seen in the hotel sector, new supply for office space is reverting to pre-Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) levels last seen in 2016, while condominium take-up this year is expected to breach the 2021 level. Colliers Philippines associate director for research Joey Roi Bondoc said hotel occupancies in Metro Manila from January to June this year reached 47 percent, higher than the 44 percent occupancy rate from July to December 2021. “We attribute the improvement to the gradual return of business travel, especially among investors conducting due diligence; local guests’ growing propensity to spend on leisure, likely supported by a rise in demand from the staycation market in April to June; and a slight rebound in foreign arrivals due
to relaxation of entry restrictions,” Bondoc said. New supply of hotel rooms remain rosy for 2022 to 2024, with projected completion of 2,650 rooms annually, including foreign brands that will open during this period such as Ibis, Pullman, Lansons Place, Westin and Mandarin Oriental. For the office sector, Colliers Philippines is also bullish as it sees new supply of office space reverting to pre-POGO level of around 450,000 to 550,000 square meters (sqm) annual completion. “From 2023 to 2026, we forecast the annual completion of about 543,300 square meters,” associate director for office services– tenant representation Kevin Jara said. Demand for office space in the first half of 2022 rose to 325,100 sqm, up by 62 percent from 200,700 sqm in the same period last year. “Colliers is starting to see a pickup in demand for office space as more traditional occupiers implement RTO (return to office) and outsourcing firms pursue their expansion plans,” Jara added.
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ll possible measures to rein in risks to inflation will be tapped following another 75 basis point increase in the Federal Reserve’s key rates, which is seen to negatively impact the Philippine peso. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla said the additional increase in the Fed funds rates, targeted to tame US’ four-decade high consumer price index along with the tightening of global financial conditions and uncertainties on the global economy, “could continue to drive exchange
rate movements in emerging markets” like the Philippines. “In order to manage the spillover effects of such external developments, the BSP is prepared to utilize the full force of available measures in order to address the potential risks to Philippine inflation expectations arising from an
overshooting or excessive depreciation of the Philippine peso,” he said. The latest Fed rate hike brings to 225 basis points the increase in its key rates thus far this year following the 25 basis points last March, 50 basis points last May, and 75 basis points last June. The BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) has increased the central bank’s key rates by a total of 125 basis points to date -- 25 basis points last May, 25 basis points last June, and 75 basis points this
month. The recent rate hike was made off-cycle, or not during a policy-rate meeting, after the US reported further acceleration of its inflation rate in June to 9.1 percent, which is seen to further weaken the Philippine peso, among others. To date, the local currency is trading at 55-level against the US dollar, an improvement from the past days when it closed at 56-level and almost hit the latest record-low of 56.45 to a greenback, registered
Marco Javier said the bank forecasts the local currency to average at 56 to the US dollar this quarter and improve to 55.30 in the last quarter of the year. The local unit almost hit 56.45 to the greenback in recent weeks, a record-low since Oct. 13, 2004, partly on the surging inflation rate and policy normalization in the US. It has improved to
the 55-level, which Javier traced partly to the off-cycle 75 basis points increase in the BSP’s key policy rates on July 14, which was made after the US reported another jump on its consumer price index to 9.1 for June 2022. Javier said their outlook for the improvement of the local unit’s level in the last quarter of this year leans on the seasonal robust expansion of re-
mittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the Christmas holidays and expectations that oil prices would continue to average at USD100 per barrel until the rest of the year. He said the improvement of domestic demand is a plus for the domestic economy but its continued recovery means higher importation, which is a
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Additional BSP key rate hikes seen to address peso weakness, inflation
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dditional increases in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key rates are expected not only to help address the accelerating inflation rate but also the peso weakness, given the continued hikes in the Federal Reserve’s fund rate. In a virtual briefing on Thursday, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) lead market strategist
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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 92 • SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022
In announcing that the diarrhea outbreak in Toril is over and the indicated source of infection is food contamination based on the laboratory test results:
I officially declare and announce that the diarrhea outbreak in Toril is now over. From the investigations, food may have been contaminated during preparation and handling by an infected handler/s. It was also found that proper storage, delayed serving, and an unsanitary environment may have contributed to the contamination of food because of exposure to elements.”
DR. ASHLEY LOPEZ
Head, City Health Office (CHO)
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LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 92 • SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022
VANTAGE POINTS
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
WATCH OUT FOR DENGUE Of the 974 people infected by dengue from January to July this year, five have already died, according to a news release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The source of the information was the City Health Office (CHO). Melodina Babante, head of CHO’s tropical diseases prevention unit, said the “mortality figure this year could increase in the coming months if residents remain complacent in adhering to anti-dengue measures.” Last year, seven people died from the mosquito-borne disease. “We hope that (the five deaths) will not increase anymore. We are intensifying our campaign in the dengue hotspot areas,” PNA quoted Babante as saying. The following barangays have been identified as dengue hotspots: Buhangin Proper, Talomo Poblacion, Baliok, Bucana, Matina Pangi, and Catalunan Grande. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that has spread alarmingly over the past five decades. From only 9 countries in the 1970s, it is now endemic in more than 100 nations around the world, according to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). Actually, there are two kinds
of diseases caused by dengue virus – classical dengue fever known for more than 200 years and is now resurging. The other new entity, dengue hemorrhagic fever – also called Philippine, Thai, or Southeast Asian hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome – emerged in 1953 in Manila and in 1958 in Bangkok. “Today, severe dengue affects most Asian and Latin American countries and has become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in these regions,” the WHO reports. As global temperature continues to rise due to climate change so are dengue cases. “Climate change endangers human health,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, former WHO director-general. Health scientists pointed out that should earth’s thermostat continue to increase, human health problems will also become more frequent and severe. “The warming of the planet will be gradual, but the effects of extreme weather events will be abrupt and acutely felt,” said Dr. Chan. “Both trends can affect some of the most fundamental determinants of health: air, water, food, shelter and freedom from disease.” Dengue is found in tropi-
cal and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. “Dengue is the world’s most important viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes,” explains Dr. Duane Gubler, health administrator of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on someone who has the virus.” The dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes. Most Aedes mosquitoes are found indoors rather than outdoors. The Aedes aegypti prefers to rest in shaded places while Aedes albopictus prefers to rest in shrubs and trees. When the dengue-carrying mosquito gorges on the blood of an infected human, the virus enters the insect’s salivary gland, where it incubates for eight to ten days. After that, the mosquito can pass the virus on to the next person it bites. The clinical features of dengue fever vary according to the age of the patient. The United Nations health agency says dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain.
The severity of the joint pain has given dengue its other name. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common. A rash usually appears three to four days after the start of the fever. The illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month. Older children and adults are usually sicker than young children. Most dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, but some can progress to DHF. With DHF, the blood vessels start to leak and cause bleeding in the nose, mouth, and gums. Without prompt treatment, the blood vessels can collapse, causing shock. Most people equate DHF with influenza and similar flu-like diseases. “There is usually rash in dengue while there is none in flu,” explains Dr. Allan Schapira, an epidemiologist who was then with the WHO regional office when interviewed by this author. “Fever caused by dengue tends to last almost a week, while that of flu disappears after 3-5 days.” Some 5% of DHF cases are fatal; without proper treatment, the rate rises up to 15%. Most of those who die are children, but adults are at real risk too. “Dengue is a big problem
among children because it is a major cause of illness and deaths,” says Dr. Lulu Bravo, professor at the University of the Philippine College of Medicine. However, “the risk of dying is higher among older children and early adolescents (5-14 years old).” “You either have a milder dengue fever or a more serious DHF,” explains Dr. Eric Tayag, one of the country’s dengue experts. “Dengue fever does not develop into DHF!” In the severe form of infection, cells release chemicals that trigger leakage of plasma from blood vessels. “When plasma leaks out, the circulating blood volume is slowly depleted,” says Dr. Tayag. “This is accompanied by abnormalities in the clotting mechanism that results in bleeding.” “Fluids accumulate within the body and affected organs like the liver or brain, causing profound shock,” points out Dr. Bravo. “After a dengue patient has gone into shock,” adds Professor Zulkifli Ismail, a Malaysian pediatrician, “it’s usually a matter of time before multi-organ failure occurs and death becomes inevitable.” Death often results from bleeding in the brain, intestines or other organs.
DENNIS R. GORECHO AMICUS CURIAE
LOYALTY AND HONESTY IN THE PRACTICE OF LEGAL PROFESSION A lawyer, in some instances, is confronted with tricky cases that will test one’s knowledge of the law and the willingness to compromise honesty. Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a Korean series that revolves around Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), a neophyte lawyer working at the prestigious Hanbada Law Firm. Her main challenge in the legal profession is that she has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. Unlike other people with ASD, Young-Woo has a high IQ of 164 and she graduated at the top of her class from Seoul National University. She has a creative way of thinking despite her low emotional intelligence and poor social skills. Episode 5 is about the legal battle for patent infringement involving the “honesty cassette”
in ATM machines that was meant to cut out embezzlement and financial crime. Her law firm’s client insists that they own the technology while the rival company argued that it belonged to another entity and was copied only by their client. To substantiate their claim, she “fabricated” evidence by coaching the R&D manager (a former theater actor) to become a reference witness that the technology is really theirs. The court issues an injunction against the defendant, preventing them from selling their products. The defendant eventually finds an ATM which proves that the technology already existed before it was “developed” by their client. Unfortunately, their client already won supply contracts with all the banks while the injunction was on so the eventual cancellation of the injunction doesn’t affect them. The client submitted for the patent rights because it wanted to monopolize the industry. And she belatedly realizes that this was their plan all along.
“Do you want to be a competent attorney who only wins in court? Or do you want to be an honorable attorney who reveals the truth?”, a portion of the letter she received from the owner of the rival company. Once a lawyer takes up the cause of a client, he is duty-bound to serve the latter with competence, and to attend to such client’s cause with diligence, care, and devotion whether he accepts it for a fee or for free. He owes fidelity to such cause and must always be mindful of the trust and confidence reposed upon him. However, as officers of the court, lawyers are bound to maintain not only a high standard of legal proficiency, but also of morality, honesty, integrity, and fair dealing. (Go vs. Buri A.C. No. 12296, December 04, 2018) A lawyer is enjoined to employ only fair and honest means to attain lawful objectives. (Pitcher v. Gagate, 719 Phil. 82) Legal ethics are principles of conduct that lawyers are expected to observe in their professional and personal life. In the Philippines, the Code of Professional Responsibility
(CPR) sets out the duties lawyers have toward the courts, their clients, their colleagues, and the wider society. Canon 1 of the Code mandates a lawyer to “uphold the Constitution” and “obey the laws of the land,” while Canon 7 requires lawyers to offer legal services with “integrity.” In a speech, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin said that when lawyers took their oath, they “swore to do no falsehood nor consent to the doing of any in court.” He added that the duties and responsibilities under the CPR actually “underscore our adherence to truth, to honor, to fidelity to the courts and to the public whom we serve. ” In Saladaga v. Astorga (748 Phil 1), the Supreme Court said that to be “dishonest” means the disposition to lie, cheat, deceive, defraud or betray; be untrustworthy; lacking in integrity, honesty, probity, integrity in principle, fairness and straightforwardness. On the other hand, “deceitful” means the proclivity for fraudulent and deceptive misrepresentation, artifice or device to the prejudice and damage of
the other party. In a legal article “Lawyers and Loyalty” published in William & Mary Law Review, lawyer Michael McChrystal noted that loyalty has been used to justify deception and unfairness. He said that the lawyer’s duty of loyalty to the client is often conceived in terms of loyalty to a person, rather than to a cause or ideal. Valid loyalty claims, McChrystal added, can give rise to loyalty dilemmas, in which the lawyer is compelled to do what, in the absence of the loyalty claim, one would consider wrongful. A morally responsible lawyer must be concerned about the valid client loyalty claims to which he will be subject. A lawyer must determine his conduct by acting in a manner that would promote public confidence in the integrity of the legal profession. (Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 09088665786.)
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COMPETITIVE EDGE
vivo X80
raises bar for smartphone photography MANILA -- We get it. You want to nurture your newfound photography interest, start creating still image and video content, and elevate your IG feed or travel blog. But you want to do all these without having to buy separate professional equipment, which means extra costs. You want to have a compact pro-standard camera and online content companion in one elegant build. Here we break down what makes the vivo X80 the best partner to take your smartphone photography to the next level and own your masterpiece. It packs flagship imaging chip and processor performance Boosting the phone’s imaging and processing power is the customized vivo V1+ hardware, the result of vivo’s 600-strong, in-house R&D team. The chip’s noise reduction technology means no grainy and pixelated shots that are common problems with night photography. There’s no need for an external light source as the V1+ automatically adjusts camera settings to produce bright photographs and render smooth videos even in the dark. With its 32MB of SRAM, the V1+ deliver high speed and energy efficiency for all those still and
video work.Marking another first in the market, the X80 is the only smartphone today to incorporate the Sony IMX866 sensor. This ultra-sensing technology captures vivid and lighter images and makes photographed moments look – and feel -- real. The IMX866 uses an RGBW fusion unit that greatly improves the vivo X80’s photosensitivity and guarantees accurately captured rich colors no matter how little light is available in the scene. At the core of the vivo X80 is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor, the world’s first TSMC 4nm class smartphone chip with an octa-core CPU and improved power efficiency. That’s an all-day street photography session, vlog shoot or even all-night astrophotography assured! It is backed by scientifically developed ZEISS lenses and technology Yes, the vivo X80 has the power to capture the beauty of the night sky in vivid, clear photographs and videos. No, it is not an exaggeration. Backed by ZEISS Optics, the pioneer in scientific optics and the company that documented man’s first steps on the moon, the vivo X80 is designed to capture vibrant low-light shots so you don’t have to
worry about finding a light source when taking photos at night. Think bonfire with the barkada or stargazing with the family, but instead of
dark, blurry shots, you get optimized night shots that capture both the scene and the people. The vivo X80’’s state-of-the-art glass lenses equipped with the ZEISS T* coating technology and ALD coating makes this possible, along with the upgraded hardware and software developed by the vivo ZEISS co-engineered imaging system. It features top-grade camera capability The vivo X80 co-engineered with ZEISS promises the ultimate imaging experience and output across different photography categories from portraits, group to landscape shots and even city scenes. Its main rear
MANIL- Have you developed the habit of watching hours and hours of streams from live sellers? You’re not the only one! Pinoys have quickly come to embrace live streaming as an entertaining way to shop. It allows them to view products up close and interact with their favorite sellers in real-time. This makes the “mining” concept grow more popular among Filipino millennials and Gen Zs, where you buy products by commenting “mine” during streams. With the Shopee Live Sulit Sale, livestream shoppers are in for a treat. Unli “mine” all day, every Friday, and enjoy exclusive deals up to 50%, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 15% off vouchers from your favorite live sellers. Shopee users also get a chance to win cash prizes
up to ₱5,000 every Friday when they watch and buy during the Shopee Live Sulit Sale . Just click on any livestream under the “Up to 50% off” tab and check out any item from participating sellers in order to earn raffle entries. To get the most out of your livestream shopping experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you tune in to the Shopee Live Sulit Sale every Friday: 1. Visit Shopee Live at different times of the day. Thousands of sellers go on Shopee Live to sell a wide assortment of products that suit your every need. Starting 10 AM every Friday, you’ll be able to find the perfect seller that can offer the best deals on anything you’re looking for. At the Shopee Live Sulit Sale, log in every hour to catch sellers who offer trending
fashion accessories that can spice up your wardrobe, hottest electronic gadgets for your tech hobby or home essentials to make your living space even better. Whatever item you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find a seller for you! 2. Be part of the live community. Watching a live selling is a unique experience that brings people closer to one another. Most viewers would feel like they’re part of a community when they get to interact with live sellers and viewers who share similar interests. With the Shopee Live Sulit Sale, you’ll feel like you’re among friends when you chat, comment and share ideas with people who are interested in the same things as you. If you’re lucky, you might just find yourself in a watch party with new bud-
camera supports 50MP and the super wide-angle camera has a low distortion design to yield larger and intact images. For even better portraits, the AI Skin Retouching and AI HD algorithms enhance facial details without making the face look unnatural, and both work even in extreme low light. The AI feature also applies to group shots of up to 30 people, ensuring every face is as clear and vibrant as the rest. For outdoor or urban photography making use of city lights, which create a cinematic effect but can also produce unnecessary glare and straylight, the
vivo X80 has the answer. It ensures no backlight can ruin the picture even as you stand directly under street lamps. No more worries with perspective distortion either when taking building and skyscraper shots. It has pro settings perfect for filmmakers Cinematic masterpieces are within reach with the vivo X80’s professional settings and capabilities. Capture movement and flow, experiment with transitions and explore creative angles without worrying about uneven perspective with the vivo X80’s Active Centering OIS System. This enables the lenses to actively return to the center position while keeping the picture still as it transitions from one frame to another, solving laggy frame transition and motion blur problems. So, go ahead and shoot your own or your friend’s dance videos or even short films. Even extreme sports and performance videos are no longer just the turf of the pros. With the vivo X80’s
360° Horizon Leveling Stabilization feature, you have the power of a professional sports camera to handle movement no matter how extreme without messing up the shot. With a wide 2.39:1 film-standard aspect ratio, you can set the mood, move the story forward and let the colors and details tell the story through the vivo X80’s Cinematic Toning Templates. Film-quality color tones inspired by the most beloved film color grades are possible with a few clicks sans external apps to color correct each frame. Immerse yourself in the ultimate professional imaging experience with the vivo X80. Produce studio-quality portraits and create cinematic masterpieces without the complicated settings and bulky gadgets. The vivo X80 is available for Php45,999 on vivo’s e-comm website, Shopee and Lazada. For more information and updates, you may visit vivo’s official Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels.
dies during the next Shopee Live Sulit Sale! 3. Get more out of your live shopping experience. The best thing about live selling is the unbelievable bargains you get. With the Shopee Live Sulit Sale, we’re taking things to an-
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ery week! Make sure to remember all these tips when you tune in to the Shopee Live Sulit Sale every Friday. Just visit the “Live” page on the Shopee app to start your livestream shopping experience!
Experience a new way of online shopping with the Shopee Live Sulit
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Harvesting taro can be fun.
S
weet potato (camote) and cassava (balinghoy) are the two most popular root crops in the country. They are also considered “disaster-after crops” as they can be harvested even after calamities like typhoons and earthquakes as they are grown beneath the soil. Both root crops are also versatile as they can be used in various food preparations. Now, you may add taro to the list. Known scientifically as Colocasia esculenta and the word esculent is an English word taken directly from the Latin which means “edible.” Most Filipinos don’t know that fact. Another fact: gabi – as it is called by most Filipinos – was once the most edible root crop in the world because it is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins. Taro – or gabi as it is called by Filipinos – was once one of the most edible root crops in the world because it is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins. Unfortunately, when French fries (made from potatoes) and ube (a popular ingredient of ice cream) took the center stage in the food business industry, taro faded into oblivion. But taro may soon become popular again. Thanks to a study conducted by the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT). The focus of the study was the giant swamp taro (GST). Known in the science world as Cyrtosperma chamissonis, this is the kind of taro that is abundant in the province. Initial findings of two ongoing GST projects show the crop’s potential as a source of supplemental food. “With its abundance not only in Agusan del Sur but throughout the Philippines, the GST can be an
alternative or supplemental food source, which can contribute in achieving food security in the country,” wrote Sarah Hazel Maranan-Balbieran of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). The researchers said GST can be processed as flour or starch used for making chips for snacks, baby food, and other food products. But to make the venture profitable and sustainable, locations of communities with existing GST, processing plants and produced GST end-products should be discovered and be known to investors and researchers. “Fresh GST corms, also called the ‘crisis food,’ should be processed into dried GST chips for further processing into bakery products because they are highly perishable a few days after harvest,” Maranan-Balbieran wrote. PCAARRD, a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), seemed to agree. That’s why it supported the projects, “Development and Use of a GIS-based System for Giant Swamp Taro Production, Processing and Utilization in Agusan Del Sur” and “Development of Giant Swamp Taro Chipping Machine.” Both are implemented by ASSCAT in Agusan del Sur. The first project aims to determine the magnitude of GST communities
AGRITRENDS
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TARO, AS FOOD, REDISCOVERED Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO
A taro or gabi plant.
in Agusan del Sur in terms of vegetation volume compared with its corresponding utilization. The output will also aid in strategizing the GST production within the province. The objective of the second project, on the other hand, is to extend GST’s
shelf life and maximize its utilization through the design and development of a GST chipper. Assistant Professor II Engr. Manuel T. Tabada, Jr., who is the project leader, said the team had already surveyed a total of 12 out of 14 municipalities in Agu-
san del Sur. He added that they have already conducted three webinars regarding supply and demand, research-writeshop, and basic geographic information system (GIS) mapping and GST characterization. Taro is grown particularly for its corm. It is prepared in various ways. In the Philippines, it is used primarily for ginataan, which uses coconut milk and gabi that are mixed with tropical fruits. Laing is another Filipino dish whose main ingredients are taro stem and petioles that are cooked in coconut milk, salted with fermented shrimp and spiced with red hot chilis. Dindo A. Danao, in an article, wrote that taro’s boiled corm and cooked petioles have numerous health benefits. “This is because taro is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins B, C, and E, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin, and folate,” he wrote. “It has low content of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.” Taro is also popular in other Asian countries. Wikipedia reports that in India, it is used as a staple food, as a side dish, or as a component in various side dishes. As a staple food, taro is steamed, and eaten with a chutney of green
pepper and shallot onions. In China, taro is mainly used as a flavor enhancing ingredient. It is commonly braised with pork or beef. It is used in the dim sum cuisine of the southern part of the country to make a small plated dish called taro dumpling, as well as a pan-fried dish called taro cake. The latter is a delicacy traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year. In desserts, it is used in tong sui, bubble tea, as a flavoring in ice cream and other desserts. In Taiwan, taro chips are often used as a potato-chip-like snack. Compared to potato chips, gabi chips are harder and have a more assertive nutty flavor. They are generally made from upland taro because of their lower moisture. In Japan, taro was a regional staple food before rice became predominant. The corm is often prepared through simmering, but occasionally grated and eaten raw or steamed. In Bangladesh, taro is cooked with small prawn into thick curry. Flour can also be produced from taro corms. The flour can be used for soups, biscuits, bread, beverages, and puddings. Taro starch is highly digestible and is recommended as baby food.
FTARO, P10
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homecooked food and handwashing are still the best way to prevent foodborne illnesses and to seek early medical care. “Most especially, if you have had your third episode of acute watery diarrhea, early medical care is the best way to prevent developing severe complications and death,” he said. Meanwhile, Lopez also announced that the drinking water in Toril serviced by the Davao City Water District (DCWD) is clean and safe. There was a mention of water sources being contaminated, however, DCWD initially announced that the water systems that are catering to the 18 affected barangays in this outbreak are clean and safe. “We are also grateful that they (DCWD) also welcomed the idea of repeat testing, having additional conditions set for the said testing. Samples were taken from both before and after the water meters of affected cases,” Lopez said. He said that testing showed that water samples taken for microbial analysis before the meter are negative of bacteria, but water samples taken after the meter have a statistically significant number of positive results. However, these samples are seen as isolated cases, with frequent cases having pipelines submerged in dirty water or, worse, in canals. “We also submitted water samples to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and it was found that no abnormal growth was found in the bacteriology test on the samples submitted. With this, I also announce that the drinking water in Toril serviced by the Davao City Water District is clean and safe,” he said. However, Lopez voiced his concerns to those who drink water from open wells as the majority of those wells tested for microbial analysis turned out positive. “I am still recommending boiling the water for 10 minutes before using it to drink and prepare food,” he said. Additionally, from the rectal swabs done on the affected cases and submitted to SPMC, 60% turned out positive in the bacteriological culture testing. In line with the results of the investigation conducted by the Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health, they conducted a complete-package comprehensive investigation, from the review of re-
cords, active case finding, key informant interviews, environmental survey to specimen collection, they have concluded that the individuals to be included in the count for the outbreak are those that had onset of acute watery diarrhea, or had three or more episodes within 24 hours, after eating a meal in Rasay Street in Toril or the Toril Public Market from July 12 to 18, 2022. Based on the results, more than 50% of these individuals experienced vomiting, with about 35% experiencing abdominal pain. It was also found that 41% of the affected cases had episodes of eating and drinking in Rasay St., while 21% of the cases ate and drank in Toril Public Market. The remaining 38% are from multiple sources and are statistically insignificant to be considered as exposure for cases. The investigation, which was done separately but unanimously, agreed upon the third party investigators through the epidemiology bureau of the Department of Health (DOH), the DCWD, and the city government of Davao through the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), on the ongoing diarrhea outbreak that affected multiple barangays exactly 18 barangays out the 25 barangays in Toril with validated number of 217 cases and six deaths as of July 28, 2022. “This number I have presented now is surely lower than the number of cases I have previously presented because I have removed those that were not related to our suspected source of the outbreak,” he said. On the updates of the 217 cases, Lopez reported that 163 of the admitted cases have all recovered, there are now only 11 individuals remaining in the hospitals being treated. He also said there are 26 cases treated in the outpatient department of hospitals and 11 cases are still for verification. “Starting July 21, 2022, we have seen that the average number of cases being reported has gradually decreased after a week of having the same trend,” he said. On the other hand, a 27-year-old man is the latest casualty (late reported) in the diarrhea outbreak in Toril. Lopez said the patient ate tapioca in Rasay St., Toril on July 15, 2022 and manifested symptoms of diarrhea.
The soldiers are among the frontliners who work to ensure everyone’s safety. In addition to helping the brigade, Rep. Duter-
te’s office has been providing wheelchairs and building supplies to their constituents who are in need.
rating of 56.7%, followed by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (50%) and Senator Imee Marcos (38.6%). They were followed in the order of net trust rating: Senator Pia Cayetano (22.9%), Senator Francis Tolentino (16.7), and Senator Grace Poe (15.7%), and Senator Sonny Angara (13.8%). Senator Cynthia Villar, the highest voted senator in the May 2016 elections, gained a net trust rating of 2.4%, with 26.7% of Dabawenyos expressing much trust, 49% slight trust, and 24.3% saying they have no trust in the Senator. Of those who were recently elected to the Senate, Dabawenyos find Senator Loren Legarda most trustworthy (net trust rating of 50%) followed by Mark Villar (net trust rating of 47.1%), Senator Robin
Padilla (35.8%), Senator Win Gatchalian (29.5%), and Senator Chiz Escudero (24.3%). Following them are Senators Joel Villanueva (17.6%) and Raffy Tulfo (12.9%). Four other newly elected members of the Senate, however, garnered negative net trust ratings: Senator JV Ejercito (-1.9% ), Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (-2.8% ), Senator Jinggoy Estrada (-23.8%), and Senator Risa Hontiveros (-29.5%). Estrada and Hontiveros were the least trusted new senators on the roster. The survey targeted 1,200 Dabawenyos from the three political districts in Davao City. The survey was done online and set to target respondents at random based on predefined criteria. Sampling was set at a 95% confidence level and 2.5% margin of error.
“Many were disappointed but we will keep on trying,” Uy said. He had been vocal about his disappointment with Nordeco’s alleged inaction over the island’s rotational brownouts. Uy cited Nordeco’s delayed construction of the submarine cable and substation projects, which were seen to improve the power situation on the island.
Currently, the franchise for the Aboitiz-owned DLPC only covers Davao City, and Panabo City, Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte. The vetoed bill would have expanded it to include Tagum City, IGACOS, Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte and Maco in Davao de Oro. (PNA)
Panda riders conducted a protest on Roxas Avenue, Davao City, against the company due to the following reasons: sudden termination, wrong or unfair determination of salary, and their call for a higher wage amidst these challenging times. In her privilege speech last year, former Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata, who was the chair of the Committee on Labor in the City Council, emphasized that the management of Food Panda does not tru-
ly consider their delivery riders as “partners,” for the company refuses to negotiate with the riders for the latter’s welfare. In a statement also last year, Food Panda explained that it has made the difficult decision to offboard a small number of riders who have violated their agreement with Foodpanda by calling for disruptions that may affect the wider ecosystem (other riders, vendors, and customers). By Maya M. Padillo
By accelerating the growth of the Philippine creative industries through the industry and sub-sector roadmaps, Pascual said the Philippines aims to be the top creative economy in
Southeast Asia by 2030. This will also help in improving the competitiveness of local talents to make the country more attractive to the international market for creative industries. (PNA)
paring for the monkeypox virus ever since cases were reported in other countries last May. Rest assured that they are keeping an eye on it,” Go said. Go visited this town Thursday to witness the distribution of assistance to some 2,200 beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Deployment’s
Assistance To Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. While here, the senator also distributed bicycles, volleyballs and basketballs, crutches, shoes, mobile tablets, food and grocery packs, vitamins, face masks, and face shields to the beneficiaries. (PNA)
on Oct. 13, 2004. Medalla said any policy measures will continue to be guided by the monetary authorities’ “assessment of the domestic and global developments that affect the outlook for inflation and growth.” He said the BSP’s policy actions are geared towards bringing the rate of
price increases back to “a target-consistent path over the medium term.” “Further monetary policy adjustments will be carried out in the coming months commensurate with the primary objective of preventing inflation from becoming further entrenched,” he added. Medalla said the central
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According to Wikipedia, chemical studies in Hawaii to determine the food properties of poi (a native food prepared from boiled taro corms mixed with water, cooked, mashed into paste, and slightly fermented) have confirmed its value as food for normal, allergic and potentially allergic babies. Taro is not only good for food but it has some medicinal properties. “Aside from being a main source of nutrients, taro is used as herbal medicine,” wrote Danao. “The juice of its petioles is used for earache, otorrhea, internal hemorrhages, otalgia, and adenitis. Meanwhile, the juice of its corm is a good laxative and acts as an antidote for wasp and insect stings. Heated, the taro corm can ease painful rheumatic joints.” Taro is native to the Old
World, but has become an important crop in the equatorial regions of the world. It is believed to have been cultivated as long as 6000 years ago and some sources assert that it originated in Southeast Asia or India. In the Philippines, taro can be grown anywhere as it grows on all kinds of soils. But for best results, it must be planted on deep, well-drained, friable loams, particularly alluvial loams with a high level of water table. Saline soils could be tolerated by taro. “The crop can be grown in all parts of the Philippines, from sea level to 1,800 meters high,” notes The Philippines Recommends for Gabi, published by PCAARRD. “The crop has particular potential in marshy, waterlogged regions and for coastal and saline areas.”
talent for the pool. “Magbibigay tayo ng one conference para sa Gilas at suportado ito ng lahat ng team owners kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako sa team owners sa tuloy-tuloy na suporta nila,” said Marcial. The PBA chief also as-
sured they will be lending PBA players to Gilas for the next window of the World Cup Asian qualifiers this August. “Okay din ang board na kumuha si coach Chot sa 10 teams na wala sa finals for this coming window,” he said.
that’s okay because even the best athletes have jitters. Use it to pump up the adrenaline and I pray that our veterans and newcomers feed off each other’s energy and inspire one another. After all, we are one family. Let’s all go for the gold!” Noting that the slogan of the 11th ASEAN Para Games was “Striving for Equality,” Barredo said that this was among the core values of the International Paralympic movement which are determination, inspiration, courage, and equality. “Our para-athletes strive to be equals with their able-bodied counter-
parts through the vehicle of sports.” the PPC chief stated. From Manila, PSC executive director, and officer-in-charge Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. also had inspiring words for the PH campaigners competing here. “Some, if not most, of our national para-athletes have not had international competition for the last four to five years. So now make the most of the opportunity to shine and bring glory to our country,” Iroy said. “You have sacrificed and trained long and hard so we believe that you will excel. The entire nation is behind you. We salute you all!” Atty. Iroy added.
year 2021. And moving forward, we expect to benefit from the reduction in the corporate tax rate from 30 percent to 25 percent and this is favorable for the business since it will allow us to reinvest our earn-
ings to further growing our store footprint nationwide,” he added. Republic Act 11534 or the CREATE Act introduces reforms to the corporate income tax and incentives systems. (PNA)
disadvantage to the local currency. He added that the interest rate differential with the US is also a negative for the peso, thus the forecast for continued hikes in the BSP’s policy rates given the same projection for the Federal Reserve’s key rates. BPI forecast the BSP’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate to end 2022 at 4.25 percent. To date, the RRP rate is at 3.25 percent. The BSP’s key rates have been increased by a total of 125 basis points so far this year after the 200
basis points reduction in 2020 to a record-low 2 percent for the RRP. BSP Governor Felipe Medalla on Thursday pledged the use of all measures to address risks to inflation due in part to the depreciation of the peso. This was after the Federal Reserve again hiked its key rates by 75 basis points after the two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee that ended July 27. To date, the Fed fund rates are between 2.25 percent and 2.5 percent. (PNA)
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SPORTS 11 EJ Obiena (right) has gone from no. 5 to no. 3 in the world rankings.
PBA to hold only 2 conferences next season in support of Gilas
T
he PBA will limit its season to just 2 conference next year to support Gilas Pilipinas as the national team prepares for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. This will allow to free up potential Gilas players to join the national team in preparation of the tournament that will be co-hosted by the Philippines from August 25 to September 10, 2023. “All-out ang support natin para sa Gilas,” league commissioner Willie Marcial said in the PBA website after the league’s board meeting on
Thursday. Marcial said Season 48 will open in September next year, after the global meet which will be hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. “Okay na sa board na two conferences lang tayo next season. Tinitignan namin by September next year ang start after the World Cup, most likely All-Filipino then may isang import conference.” Gilas coach Chot Reyes wants to put up a formidable lineup for the FIBA World Cup and the league remains a major source of
FPBA, P10
Obiena climbs to No. 3 in world rankings
T
he Philippines’ EJ Obiena took two notches up to third place in the world rankings in pole vault, according to the latest tally released on July 26 after a historic bronze medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Eugene, Oregon. Obiena went up three rungs after being at sixth
based on the July 11 rankings, accumulating 1,408
points to become the highest-rated Asian in the tally of World Athletics, the governing body of the sport. The top three placers in the World Championships are incidentally also ahead in the world rankings. Armand Duplantis of Sweden remained in first place with 1,612, followed by Christopher Nilsen of the US with
1,408. Obiena was fresh from a bronze medal finish in the World Championships where he cleared an Asian record 5.94 meters. The Filipino pole vaulter will return to competition in two weeks in the Diamond League where he will be pitted once again against Duplantis and Nilsen.
FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN
EJ OBIENA AND LYDIA DE VEGA EJ Obiena just carved his name in world athletics history after winning the bronze in the recent World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. He leapt over the bar to a height of 5.94 meters to eclipse his own personal record and beat the Asian and Sea Games standards. By next year, he should ideally get over the 6 meter barrier which is the target of every one. In our country, pole vaulting is not an attraction because running and the sprints are the centerpieces. It is an event that is considered minor and more forgettable than
remembered because no Filipino athlete has ever figured as prominently as EJ. Not to downgrade anybody but that includes his father Ernesto who represented the country in several international meets including the SEAG during his era. Ernesto is a contemporary of Asian sprint champion Lydia “Diay” de Vega who, unfortunately, is seriously battling the Big C. EJ, by virtue of his podium finish in Oregon, has proven that the Filipino is a world class athlete. He should be ranked higher than his sixth spot world ranking, maybe third by now.
Anyway, the real gist of this piece is the compassionate act Obiena displayed as he pledged his P250,000 reward from the Philippine Sports Commission to be given to the ailing De Vega who is in dire need of financial help to defray mounting medical bills. Upon learning of Diay’s condition, PBBM immediately instructed the Philippine Sports Commission to assist the former Asian queen in whatever way. It should interest us to know that De Vega reaped many honors for the country during the incumbency of the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. who gave Philip-
pine sports the proverbial shot in the arm. PFEM gave the visionary Michael Keon the green light to pursue the goals of the Gintong Alay program - the PSC’s forerunner - that produced several sports heroes and heroines led by De Vega, That was a renaissance period. Today, coupled with the Tokyo Olympic gold medal victory of Hidilyn Diaz and the outstanding performance of Carlos Yulo in world gymnastics, EJ’s sterling achievements are proving to all that given the proper training and support, the Filipino can proudly
stand side by side with his international counterparts. If there is none yet, this is now the appropriate time to legislate a special bill to provide specific medical and hospitalization funding assistance to all athletes who have worn the country’s red, white and blue uniform. EJ is a special person with a kind heart. His charitable gesture lent attention to Diay’s grievous circumstance. GOD BLESS YOU MORE. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
12 SPORTS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 92 • SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022
READY TO GO Dabawenyo chesser Henry Lopez (right) plunges into practice.
PH bets gird for action as 11th ASEAN Para Games unfold
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URAKARTA, Indonesia – Like thoroughbreds chomping at the bit, Filipino para-athletes finally get to showcase and unleash their skills as the 11th ASEAN Para Games formally opens Saturday at the sprawling 20,000-seat Manahan Stadium here. Led by powerlifter Achelle “Jinky” Guion as the standard-bearer, a compact group of 30 athletes, coaches, and officials will attend the ethnic-inspired colorful program in the hometown of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. National team chef de mission Walter Torres announced Friday that the 30-man contingent at the opening day parade will come from 10 ports that the country will be vying in the weeklong meet gathering all the top para-athletes from 11 countries in Southeast Asia. “For health and safety reasons, we decided not to include representatives from swimming because their competition venue is in the city of Semarang, which is about two hours from Surakarta,” Torres said. “Our athletes will be all clad in tracksuits provided by the Philippine Sports Commission,” he added of the stint supported by the PSC. CDM Torres also reminded the athletes that “the Games will start soon. Achieve your dreams and let your disability be your wings to aim and fly high…be it not your anchor to pull and drag you
down. I am confident that you will make things happen. All the best to Para Team Philippines!” Aside from Torres and deputies Irene Remo and Tricia Rana, those attending the inaugural rites are Athletics - Randy Magcawas, Arvie John Arreglado, King James Reyes, and Maekel Lita; Archery – William Cablog and Dina Managdang; Badminton- Julie Peral Guadayo and Johnlo Respicio; Chess- Cheyzer Mendoza, Cheryl Angot, Evangeline Gamao, Felix Aguilera and Patrisha Anne Salgado; Boccia - David Gonzaga and Ruel Fernando; Judo - Rezil Rosalejos and Mary Ann Taguinod; Table Tennis - Gerald Tuazon and Homber Tiongson; Goalball – Jorge Lucero, Marco Lucero, Fred Estacion; Powerlifting – Guion, Nikki Vidal, Rico Canlas; Sitting volleyball – Mayie Procina and Orwen Elumir. Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo, who arrived in Surakarta Wednesday, urged both veterans and rookies alike to compete in the Games “with a positive mindset and winning attitude. If you feel nervous
FREADY, P10