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June 15-21, 2020
Amid Covid-19 crisis
Beng continues with pro-poor programs
D
ESPITE THE health crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the local government of Zamboanga continues to roll out its pro-poor programs that will benefit residents here. Just recently, the beneficiaries enrolled by Philippine Health In- the local government. surance Corporation Because of Climaco’s through its Zamboanga priority programs on SeTeam headed by Local curity, Health and EduHealth Insurance Of- cation (S.H.E.), the Philfice head Nadzmir Sajili Health beneficiaries are turned over to Mayor now covered and can easiBeng Climaco and Vice ly avail of various medical Mayor Rommel Agan programs offered by Philnearly 9,000 PhilHealth Health. Climaco has commitidentification cards and member data records of ted some P22 million Continue on page 3
Mayor Beng Climaco
BLACK PROPAGANDA Anti-Climaco trolls continue attacks on Mayor
BENG members at work in Zamboanga village. (Bong Serondo)
POLITICAL SUPPORTERS of Mayor Beng Climaco have denounced what it perceived as an orchestrated black propaganda and false or fake news being peddled in social media, especially in spon-
sored public groups believed being funded by anti-Climaco forces. The black propaganda, according to the mayor’s supporters, is being used to attack Climaco’s integrity and her strong
moral principles, and moral uprightness. And even the local government’s welfare programs are being maligned anti-Climaco groups to reinforce the spread of fake Continue on page 9
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The Zamboanga Post
June 15-21, 2020
Tricycles, pedicabs bawal pa rin sa highway
Bantay-sarado ng mga pulis ang isang kalsada sa Zamboanga City. MAHIGPIT PA rin ipinagbabawal ang mga tricycles at pedicabs sa lahat ng national highways kahit pa nasa ilalim ng general community quarantine (GCQ) at modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) ang bansa. Ayon kay Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, ang mga local government units (LGUs) ang nangangasiwa sa operasyon ng mga tricycles at pedicabs na bumibiyahe sa mga secondary roads. “Pinapayagan lamang po ang operasyon ng tricycles sa secondary roads at ipinag-uutos na ng Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) ang one-passenger, no-back ride policies sa lahat ng GCQ at MGCQ areas,” ani Año. Sumang-ayon at ipinapaalala ni Año ang sinabi ni Presidential Spokesperson Roque na hindi maaaring magbigay ng authorization ang mga alkalde na payagan ang pagba-backride sa mga GCQ at MGCQ na lugar alinsunod sa direktiba ng IATF. “Ibayong pag-iingat pa rin po ang ipinapatupad kahit pa GCQ o MGCQ na. Batid naman ng gobyerno ang daing sa
transportasyon ay kailangang manguna pa rin ang pagsunod sa physical distancing at iba pang health safety protocol dahil hindi pa naman po nawawala ang banta ng Covid-19. Hindi pa tayo puwedeng maging kampante,” dagdag ni Año. “Ang pamamasada ng tricycles sa secondary roads ay konsiderasyon sa mga tricycle drivers na nakasalalay ang kabuhayan dito subalit kailangang sundin ang mga pag-iingat na bahagi na ng ating new normal.” Sinabi rin ni DILG Undersecretary at Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya na bago pa man magsimula ang pandemya ng coronavirus ay ipinagbabawal na ang mga tricycles at pedicabs sa highway. Ipinaliwanang ni Malaya na bukod pa sa Republic Act No. 4136 o ang Land Transportation and Traffic Code, naglabas rin ang DILG ng mga direktiba na nagbabawal sa operasyon ng mga tricycles at pedicabs sa mga national roads at nagbibigay rin ng panuntunan sa kondisyong dapat sundin para sa operasyon at pagbigay prangkisa sa mga tricycles. Sinabi ni Malaya na dapat naka-suot palagi ng face mask o di kaya ay face shield at gloves ang mga tricycle driver at isang pas-
ahero lang kada pasada alinsunod sa pagpapatupad ng physical distancing, maliban na lamang kung ang pasahero ay may medical emergency at kailangang may kasama. Pinaalala rin ni Malaya sa mga LGUs na lahat ng uri ng pampublikong sasakyan, mga terminal at pasilidad ay dapat regular na i-disinfect at magpatupad ng social distancing ayon sa payo ng Department of Health. Upang mapatupad ang physical distancing, lahat ng public utility vehicles (PUVs) at mga pribadong sasakyan ay maaari lamang magsakay ng 50% o kalahati ng normal nitong seating capacity at gawin pa rin ang physical distancing sa loob ng mga PUV at sa terminal, pati na rin sa pagpila sa pagpasok mismo sa sasakyan at sa pagpasok sa terminal. Binigyang diin ni Malaya na ang paghahatid o pagbibigay ng masasakyan sa medical frontliners ay dapat pa rin ipagpatuloy. “Bigyan prayoridad pa rin natin ang pagkakaroon ng masasakyan ng ating medical frontliners. Kasama dito ang mga free transport services, libreng sakay galing sa gobyerno, at ang prayoridad sa mga terminals sa pagsakay ng mga PUV,” dagdag ni Malaya. (Zamboanga Post)
PMA 89 grad is new Western Mindanao police chief
Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay.
An unidentified policeman in Zamboanga City assists a boy pushing a wheel chair with a PWD while dangerously traversing the road due to a truck parked on the side of the street.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1989 has taken over as the new regional police chief in Western Mindanao, replacing Brigadier General Froilan Quidilla, who has retired at age 56. Brigadier General Jesus Cambay Jr. was previ-
ously the Deputy Regional Director for Administration and Deputy Director for Operations in Western Visayas, and was largely credited for the 2018 peaceful and orderly rehabilitation of Boracay Island as commander of the 600-strong Metro Boracay Task Force helping the De-
partment of Environment and Natural Resources. He was also awarded during last year’s 118th Police Service Anniversary for his effort in the sixmonth Boracay rehabilitation program ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte. Cambay, a native of the small Ifugao town of Lagawe, also served as the Director of Philippine National Police (PNP) Intelligence Group in March this year, according to Major Helen Galvez, a regional police spokeswoman. Galvez said Cambay’s new designation has been approved by PNP Chief, General Archie Francisco Gamboa upon the recommendations of the PNP Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board. “As the Regional Director, Brigadier General Cambay will lead the 8,000-strong men and women of the police command covering the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and the cities of Isabela and Zamboanga,” Galvez said. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
June 15-21, 2020
Amid Covid-19 crisis
Beng continues with pro-poor programs pneumonia for P333,519; and critical pneumonia for P786,384. These new rates and the guidelines on how hospitals should be able to assist patients in availing of
PhilHealth Zamboanga Team headed by Local Health Insurance Office Nadzmir Sajili. turns over to Mayor Beng Climaco and Vice Mayor Rommel Agan identification cards and member data records of identified beneficiaries of the City Government’s sponsored program. (Bong Serondo) Continued from page 1 in funds for the program. Those who received their PhilHealth cards thanked Climaco for her benevolent program and vowed to support her administration’s other programs. With the Climaco’s priority program for the poor, many residents will also benefit from PhilHealth’s health programs, especially at this time of the Covid-19
pandemic. PhilHealth also announced the new rate of its benefit package for Covid-19 testing. The adjustment resulted from its continuing consultation with stakeholders and infectious disease experts, increased availability and affordability of testing kits in the market, and increased number of qualified facilities to do Covid-19 testing. The health agency as-
sured the public that it is committed to pay benefits due all Covid-19 patients regardless of their admission date and through its new case rate packages starting April 15 onwards. Under the new case rates, patients confirmed with Covid-19 and developed into severe illnesses will be compensated as follows: mild pneumonia for P43,997; moderate pneumonia for P143,267; severe
DILG says no spraying of disinfectant on people THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded the public that the misting and spraying disinfectant chemical on people is still banned. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also told all local government executives and other agencies under the DILG to strictly follow his order after a 31-year old police doctor Captain Casey Gutierrez died from inhaling disinfectant inside a quarantine facility in Pasig City. “Ikinalulungkot namin ang pangyayaring ito lalo pa’t nilinaw naman ng DILG at ng Department of Health (DOH) noong Abril pa na mapanganib sa kalusugan ang misting at
spraying,” he said, citing, DOH’s Memorandum 2020-0157, stating that there is no evidence to support large-scale misting, fogging, or spraying indoor or outdoor with disinfecting agents kills the coronavirus. “LGUs and all public and private establishments are reminded that misting causes additional health concern because pathogens may be dispersed further, may result to skin irritation and inhalation of chemicals, and could even cause environmental pollution,” he said. In a DILG advisory dated April 18, Año advised LGUs to prohibit the use of disinfection tents, misting chambers or san-
itation booths for individuals without personal protective equipment. It said commonly used chemical disinfectants such as hypochlorite are irritants to the skin and the mucous membrane (eyes, nose, and throat) and may have adverse effects when inhaled. There are also limited studies that support the effectiveness of the chemical disinfectant. “Bagamat maganda ang intensyon ng misting, nilinaw na po ng DOH na hindi ito mainam sa kalusugan. Let’s be informed of the dos and don’ts as we continue to fight Covid-19 in a concerted and scientific-based efforts and strategy,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
the benefits are contained in its Circular No. 20200009. The state agency also said that it is now paying for testing based on another circular (No. 2020-0010)
which prescribes coverage for Covid-19 tests from P2,710 to as high as P8,150 depending on how the test kits were procured by the accredited testing laboratories. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
June 15-21, 2020
Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos by Bong Serondo, Eugene Elnar, Carlo Ezer Camins, and Giana Andrion)
June 15-21, 2020
The Zamboanga Post
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News
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The Zamboanga Post
June 15-21, 2020
June 15-21, 2020
The Zamboanga Post
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The Zamboanga Post
June 15-21, 2020
Across : 1. Wind dir. 4. Large bodies of water 8. Astronaut ___ Armstrong 12. Weeding tool 13. Peel 14. “The Diary of ___ Frank” 15. Ecstasy 17. Fails to exist 18. Option 20. Of course! 21. Shudder 24. ___ Kippur 27. Antlered animal 28. Sis’s counterpart 29. ___ wing and a prayer (2 wds.) 30. Fragrant flowers 32. Science rm. 33. ___ Moines, Iowa 34. Choose 35. City trains 36. Take for granted 38. 100% 41. Was thankful for 46. Circle sections 48. Glue, e.g. 49. Fatigue 50. Juvenile 51. Once called 52. Encourage 53. Make ___ meet 54. Furthermore Down : 1. Citi Field predecessor 2. Inner being 3. Cried 4. Fern “seed” 5. Merits 6. Operatic melody 7. Seahawks’ hometown 8. Innocent 9. Coordinated outfit 10. Roadhouse 11. Rent 16. “You there!” 19. Bothers 22. Exam type 23. Steals from
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The Zamboanga Post
June 15-21, 2020
BLACK PROPAGANDA Anti-Climaco trolls continue attacks on Mayor Continued from page 1 news on social media. Climaco’s political advisers also echoed the same suspicion and said all the black propaganda and fake news against the mayor is part of a strategy as early as today in preparation for the next elections. One of her adviser’s likened these black propagandists to a cancer cell that multiplies and attacks the good cells, but “the mayor’s hard work and outstanding and transparent governance is like a strong antibody that completely destroys the cancer.” This is Climaco’s last and final term and several political personalities are eyeing the top post and the vice mayoralty position. Anti-Climaco groups have also attacked the local government’s welfare programs, particularly on the purchase of rice for each of Zamboanga’s household in 98 barangays, despite the strict guidelines in the procurement process followed by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) headed by Erwin Bernardo. Strict Procurement Law Bernardo has flatly rejected allegations of overpricing in the purchase of some 250,000 bags of rice for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. He said the acquisition of rice went through negotiated procurement under emergency case, particularly in the instance, “when time is
of the essence arising from natural or man-made calamities.” He said the BAC approved the purchase of rice at P1,300 per 25 kilo-bag after the supplier, 5MJ Marketing, submitted all legal documents required by laws. Bernardo explained that in order to determine whether the supplier is technically, legally and financially capable to address the emergency, BAC required 5MJ Marketing to submit the following documents – the PhilGeps (Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System) Platinum Certificate, Omnibus Sworn Statement, Latest Income Tax Returns and Business Permit. He said aside from the submission of the documents, it is very important that the supplier has an excellent track record with the procuring entity. “It is equally important to use the contents of the PhilGEPS electronic registry of suppliers to determine the eligibility of a supplier relative to its past transactions with other entities of the government,” he told the Zamboanga Post, adding, “the procurement of rice was done within the bounds of the procurement law and the price is reasonable based on the prevailing market price.” Bernardo said the
procurement of rice went through the process and it was done within the bounds of the procurement law and the price is reasonable based on the prevailing market price. “It cannot be denied that we are in a state of worldwide calamity. Hence, this alternative mode of procurement was resorted to instead of the usual competitive bidding because it relates to time element as the primordial reason,” he said. Processes Bernardo further explained that the procedure is, upon receipt of the purchase request together with supporting documents to include the approved budget for the contract from the end-user which is the City Social Welfare and Development Office; the BAC may directly negotiate with a supplier with technical, legal and financial capability to deliver the goods. And upon confirmation and ascertainment of such capability to address the emergency, the head of the procuring entity, upon recommendation of the BAC, shall immediately award the contract to the supplier. He said while rice are sold by retailers and traders at lower price, the Procurement Law (RA 9184) mandates that local government units only transact with “technically, legally and financially” eligible suppliers, that is, compliant with
requirements set by law. “Inasmuch as we want to buy directly from traders and retailers, requirements of the law (RA 9184) preclude us to do so. The amount of P1,300 per sack was indicated in the purchase request and the approved budget for the contract before it reached the BAC. And upon receipt of the purchase request, the BAC made its own calculation based on the prevailing market price. During the market survey, the price ranged from P1,120 to as high as P1,250.” “Allowing the 10% markup under COA (Commission on Audit) rules, the allowable price per sack would be around P1,232 to P1,375. The 10% markup is intended for handling costs, labor costs, other overhead expenses incurred by the supplier and his allowable profits,” Bernardo said. He said the BAC cannot settle with the lowest amount only because, considering the instability of supply and abnormal demand in the market, the supply for the lowest priced premium rice may not suffice the demand of the City Government which is 250,000 sacks. Hence, the ceiling price was pegged at P1,300 so that the supplier can still go for other rice brands of higher price without going beyond the ceiling price. Extraordinary Times
Bernardo clarified that the price of rice is variable and can easily change depending largely on the law of supply and demand amid the pandemic. “We are in a state of extraordinary times and not normal times where time is of the essence in the procurement process. The City Government cannot purchase it directly from the retailers or wholesalers, as some would tend to believe, because of the volume of the transaction nor can it split the contract since it is prohibited by law. It needs the services of the supplier who will buy it from retailers and traders and deliver it and collect (it) later from the (local) government,” he said. He also cited that COA allows 10% markup on normal or ordinary times and considering the different factors affecting price and supply in the market such as higher labor cost due to scarcity of laborers, doubling of cost of transportation of goods, disruption of normal supply in the market since even ordinary buyers hoarded for their own supply, “the City Government complied with the 10% allowable markup during this pandemic to religiously comply with laws and rules. Had the City Government not provided the allowable higher maximum price per sack, we will not be able to procure the
needed 250,000 sacks and be able to distribute the same to the people of Zamboanga City, because the supply for the lowest price is not sufficient.” Replaced Bernardo said the few reported cases of spoiled rice were immediately replaced by the supplier. “As admitted by the supplier, rice spoilage may not be easily detected in big volumes of rice. The immediate replacement of spoilt or low quality rice signifies the City Government’s commitment in assuring that the supplier fully complies with its obligations,” he said. However, despite Bernardo’s pronouncement, Climaco’s political detractors continue to peddle lies and fake news on Facebook and anti-Climaco groups even created fake accounts on social media platform so it can further spread false information, attack and insult the mayor and members of the City Council supporting the local government’s efforts during this time of crisis. Climaco have shrugged off all black propaganda and fake news and false information against the local government and she urged her political enemies to move on if they cannot help in unified efforts to fight the pandemic, heal the sick and feed the hungry. (Zamboanga Post)
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June 15-21, 2020
Pasonanca is now eagle habitat (USAID photos via City Government)
F
OR THE longest time, proof of Philippine eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) inhabiting Pasonanca Natural Park here relied merely on brief sightings by forest guards or eagle feathers found on the forest floor. But this changed in study to survey Philip- first expedition, PEF ex2019 when, for the first pine eagles and find an perts trained the partner time, a Philippine ea- active nest inside Paso- institutions on eagle regle family and their nest nanca Natural Park. The search techniques, such were fully documented 17,000-hectare protected as surveying nesting arand observed in a se- area is one of the few re- eas, observing eagle beries of field expeditions maining intact forests in haviors, trapping and Peninsula, tagging live eagles, and led by Philippine Ea- Zamboanga gle Foundation (PEF), making it an important analyzing telemetry data. In October last year, together with partners habitat for many bird spethe team embarked on from the Zamboanga cies and other wildlife. And through a se- their first expedition inCity government, Zamboanga City Water Dis- ries of expeditions, the side Pasonanca, just in trict, Department of En- field study aims to locate time for the eagle breedvironment and Natural nesting sites in the park, ing season in Mindanao. Resources (DENR), and record and observe be- Team members set up at United States Agency for haviors of resident eagles, their observation posts— International Develop- and tag and monitor live both on the ground and high above on tree platPhilippine eagles. ment (USAID). Led by experts from forms—on a site near the Threatened by hunting and habitat loss, the PEF, the expedition team edge of the park. Using Philippines’ national is composed of personnel scopes and binoculars, bird has around 400 pairs from the city government they scanned the forleft all over the coun- and local DENR, forest est canopy every day to try; half of which can guards from Zamboanga search for signs of eagle be found in Mindanao. City Water District who activity. After almost 10 days While PEF has led Philip- patrol Pasonanca’s forests, pine eagle studies in var- and representatives from into the expedition, an adult Philippine eagle ious parts of the region, universities here. PEF and USAID chose was finally photographed an eagle subpopulation in Zamboanga Penin- this multisectoral ap- emerging from a tree sula, including those in proach to involve partners line—the first time that Pasonanca, is yet to be in experiential learning on the national bird was offistudied and fully under- eagle research, and to en- cially documented inside sure that eagle conserva- Pasonanca. stood. The male eagle was “We can only save tion efforts are sustained seen carrying a large prey what we can under- beyond the field study. “Eagle conservation is and was spotted again by stand,” said Dr. Jayson Ibañez, PEF Director for never the work of just one the team for three consecResearch and Conserva- person. It requires part- utive days. These observation. “For a critically en- nerships, multiple skills, tions mean that the eagle dangered species like the and resources toward a could be providing food Philippine eagle, finding, common goal,” said PEF for a potential mate and studying, and protect- Executive Director Dennis their eaglet, and that an ing each individual bird Salvador. “This collabora- active nest was not too far in the wild are the only tion paves way for build- from the site. “Finding active eameans to save it from ex- ing regional capacity on research and conservation gle nests and protecting tinction.” This has led PEF, to help address the unique them is very important,” USAID, and partners in needs of Philippine eagles Dr. Ibañez said. “As centers of reproduction, proZamboanga City to roll in Zamboanga.” Before going on their tecting nesting areas enout the first-ever field
sures that eagle pairs can nest safely and that their young survive to become future breeders for their species.” The team returned for a second expedition in November to December 2019 to record more sightings of the male eagle, observe its behavior, and map out its flight patterns and home range, with the goal of locating its nest. They also scoured the forest for clues, such as eagle droppings, prey remains, molted feathers, and large masses of ferns growing on tree branches that could be suitable nests for eagles. Finally, on the morning of December 4, as the team spotted the male eagle flying from a tree canopy after delivering food, an adult female eagle emerged into view from a thicket of ferns. From afar, the team observed the nest and its feathered dwellers, including a healthy and well-fed onemonth-old eaglet. This is the first active Philippine eagle nest recorded in Pasonanca and the third in the whole Zamboanga Peninsula. “The presence of an eagle nesting pair and their young is strong proof that conservation is working in the park.” Dr. Ibañez explained. “Eagles breed and nest only in safe and healthy forest habitats. If forests are intact, that means the rest of biodiversity therein is also diverse and thriving.” Things took an unfortunate turn when the team returned in Janu-
ary and saw the nest was empty. When the team climbed onto the nest, they found a few feathers, small bones, and skin patches of the eaglet, with no sign of its parents. The team collected the scant remains of the young eagle and sent these to the University of the Philippines for DNA and genetic tests. While the cause of the eaglet’s death is still uncertain, such a tragedy is not uncommon among eagle parents in the wild. Not all hope is lost, though, as the team spotted the eagle parents numerous times in February and March. Both eagles showed courtship behaviors, such as exchanging vocals, soaring together, and displaying their talons, with the male even attempting to mate with the female on a few occasions. These are hopeful signs that the eagle pair can still re-nest and lay a
new egg. Mayor Beng Climaco was also elated on the reports that eagles now abound the watershed. “Gracias a Dios y con orgullo that the Pasonanca watershed is also a habitat of the Philippine eagle. With evidence of the presence of Philippine eagles in Zamboanga City, there is indeed hope for future generations to continue conservation and protection of our precious watershed and its vital ecosystems,” Climaco said. “Our researchers, in partnership with DENR and USAID, collaborated efforts in preparing our forest land use plan and identifying indigenous flora and fauna. We commit to harness efforts to make our natural habitats safe for God’s precious creations,” she added. (USAID. With a report from the Zamboanga Post.)