“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” BUSINESS Room 310-A, 3rd floor WDC Bldg. Osmeña Blvd., You may visit Cebu Business Week WEEK Facebook page. December 14 - 20, 2020 Volume 2, Series 65 www.cebubusinessweek.com 12 PAGES P15.00 NEW CUSTOMS OFFICE PUSHED P350M building to boost morale, says Mendoza

BUREAU of Customs of Cebu have already signed By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO agency despite the econom- of Subic and Manila Inter- (BOC) Acting a usufruct agreement for it, ic recession suffered by the national Container Port District Collector Charlito and the Department of Fi- ed and a portion will be con- world due to Corona Virus (MICP). Martin Mendoza strongly nance (DOF) has allocated verted into a customer care Disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Mendoza told Cebu Busi- pushed for the construction of the needed budget to imple- center. For the first seven work- ness Week that in the initia- a P350 million building. This ment it. “The idea is that all con- ing days of December 2020 tion stage of the Performance will serve as physical repre- Mendoza said the usu- cerns will pass through it alone, the BOC Port of Cebu Governance System (PGS), sentation and morale booster fruct is good for 25 years and so the stakeholders will not has collected about P822.3 there is a formulation of of its officials and employees. renewable for another 25 anymore go to a specific BOC million. The target goal for strategies and strategic road The BOC Port of Cebu years. office. All the documents will December is P2.5 billion so map which should be aligned transferred to its present lo- Once the project will be be brought there, then the the balance to be collected to the strategic map of the cation adjacent to the Cebu realized, the existing build- BOC personnel will bring it in the remaining days of the BOC in Central Office. International Port (CIP) in ing will be demolished. The to the office concerned. In month is P1.7 billion. “We cascade what have 2005, during the time of area will be converted into a this way, it can implement Mendoza said that of the been done in central office then District Collector Ma. parking space. social distancing in conso- 17 collection BOC districts and implement innovations Lourdes Villamar Man- In the meantime, Men- nance to health protocol,” in the country, the Port of which are peculiar to us. Ba- gaoang, after then President doza said the existing cash Mendoza said. Cebu is one of the three ports sically, that is the purpose of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo division of the Port of Cebu On the other hand, the that received the Gold Gov- the initiation stage,” Mendo- converted its old building which is located at the BOC remains a positive in- ernance Trailblazer Award. za said. into Malacañang sa Sugbo. ground floor will be renovat- come generating government The other two ports are Port Mendoza said they creat- The late Cebu Port Au- ed an office for strategy man- thority (CPA) General Man- agement (OSM) team headed ager Angelo Verdan said the by Port of Cebu Deputy Dis- building presently occupied trict Collector for Adminis- by BOC Port of Cebu is owned tration Shirley Nagac Abar- by CPA and was designed as rintos together with Erwin passenger port. Andaya, the junior OSM. Mendoza said that if you “They are my backbone. put an official or employ- We are really working hard. ee in a beautiful place, even We worked for it for almost their demeanor will go with three months especially in it. Even the stakeholders information dissemination,” will be hesitant to throw any Mendoza said. waste everywhere if they see He said the ultimate ob- a beautiful office. jective is to improve the pro- The construction of a cesses, to make it easier for new BOC Port of Cebu build- the stakeholders, to make our ing will be at the parking processes more effective and area in front of their existing ADUANA DE CEBU WILL RISE ON THE ADJACENT LOT OF THE CEBU INTERNATIONAL PORT (CIP) efficient, and to boost the mo- office. The CPA and the Port COMPLEX WHERE THE PRESENT BUILDING STANDS. rale of BOC employees. 2 December 14 - 20, 2020 Cebu Business Week LOCAL Veco meets Cebu business on high rates THE Cebu business sec- In that meeting, Calo- tor met with the officials of oy said the businessmen the Visayan Electric Compa- learned that in 2019, VECO ny (VECO) last Dec. 9, 2020 had a peak demand of 601 about the skyrocketing pow- megawatts. The peak de- er rates in Cebu, said busi- mand in 2020, under pan- nessman Rey E. Calooy. demic, was last November Calooy, chairman of the with 520 megawatts. “If you Filipino-Cebuano (FilCeb) compare that with 2019, al- Business Club, said that Cebu most 80 megawatts were un- has the highest power rate in used.” South East Asia. He said that the lowest In fact, Cebu City un- 2020 peak demand was re- der VECO has higher power corded in October with 418 rate than Mactan Electric megawatts. This was the re- Company (MECO), anoth- sult of the Local Government er power distribution utility Unit’s (LGU) announcement (DU) supplying electricity in that it will order another En- Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova hanced Community Quaran- town, Calooy said. tine (ECG). The meeting was facili- asked VECO officials to con- quarter of 2020, and 11.5 the expenses are for salaries “This shocking LGU an- tated by Secretary Michael sider reducing the power percent negative GDP at the and wages. Second is power nouncement had big effect Lloyd Dino of the Office of rates to invite investors es- end of the third quarter. consumption. The others are to the economy. A busi- the Presidential Assistant for pecially at this time that we “We need more investors water and space rental. nessman had daily sales the Visayas (OPAV), in coor- are in the fight against Coro- and more company recover- “That is a big concern. of P50,000 a day when he dination with the Regional na Virus Disease (Covid-19) ies to increase employment In fact, in the whole country, returned to business. But Development Council (RDC) pandemic. as millions of workers lost Cebu is number one and one when the LGU announced chaired by International De- He said the economy their jobs during the lock- of the highest power rates in another ECQ, his sales signer Kenneth Cobonpue. suffered 16.5 percent nega- downs because of the pan- Asia. We are not competitive, went down to only P6,000 a In that meeting, Calo- tive Gross Domestic Product demic,” Calooy said. and we are behind economi- day,” Calooy said. ELIAS O. oy said Dino and Cobonpue (GDP) at the end of second Calooy said the bulk of cally in Asia,” Calooy said. BAQUERO Reduce proposed 2021 budget: Dizon PEPC warns vs. illegal CEBU City Councilor riculture Office; provision Alvin M. Dizon has recom- of livelihood assistance for refilling of LPG mended the reduction of the displaced workers by the De- THE Philippine Eco- once the customers will Cebu City Government’s pro- partment of Social Welfare gas Producers Coopera- return the empty cylinder posed P10.8 billion 2021 an- Services (DSWS); and the tive (PEPC) has warned all and canister and the deal- nual budget to give way to the plan to strictly implement dealers of its stainless cyl- ers and retailers will refill essentials in the fight against the waste segregation poli- inders and aluminum can- them from a source other the Covid-19 pandemic. cy and manage plastic waste isters designed for Lique- than Phoenix, that’s illegal Dizon told Yagyagan pro- by the Department of Public fied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and subject to arrest by any gram over DYRC last Dec. Services (DPS). and were issued Standard law enforcement agency. 10, 2020 that the budget Dizon authored the ur- Compliance Certificate The LPG in aluminum for travel, snacks and other ban food gardening ordi- (SCC) by the Department cylinder or canister is the related expenses in all city nance together with City of Energy (DOE), to refrain legal alternative of the il- hall departments and offices Councilors Nestor Archival from refilling from illegal legal LPG-refilled butane must be reduced. and Phillip S. Zafra. sources. canister. This is also a legal Dizon said the confi- “I even volunteered to In a press conference, lucrative business because dential funds of the mayor’s help in the human rights PEPC lawyers Jingo Quija- this is now used by the peo- office must also be reduced education for PROBE oper- no, Roel Vincent Tabunag ple in lieu of firewood and and instead realign the extra COUNCILOR ALVIN M. DIZON atives in the conduct of dem- and Carie dela Serna Unch- charcoal. funds to our city’s continu- olition,” Dizon said. uan said that PEPC’s refiller “That’s why; LPG cyl- ing Covid-19 pandemic re- under the 2021 annual bud- Dizon wants a revision is Phoenix which has been inder or LPG canister is sponse. get,” Dizon said. of the proposed 2021 annual issued SCC by the DOE. environment friendly be- He suggested that the These are the construc- budget, and ensure that pub- Of course, the marketer is cause the people will not Cebu City Government put tion of medium rise social- lic funds are used properly, PEPC and the dealers are anymore use firewood and away non-essential infra- ized housing buildings for and the social-economic im- mostly PEPC officials who charcoal. This is also af- structure projects at least for informal settlers; and im- pacts of the pandemic should are all SCC holders. fordable because the LPG 2021 like the P120 million plementation of education be seriously considered in ap- They said the retailers refill will cost only P35 or proposed command center, initiatives, particularly the proving next year’s budget. who are individuals are also below,” said DOE Visayas and purchase of new motor radio-based instruction. “Let me be clear that issued SCC by DOE upon Field Office Legal Officer vehicles. Dizon also noted sever- these are only suggestions the endorsement of PEPC. Mark Gamallo. “Apart from the afore- al worthy proposed expen- and recommendations. It is They said that if the At present, if an 11-kilo mentioned recommenda- diture programs and action up to the mayor if he accepts dealers and retailers who LPG tank will go empty, tions, I would like to place plans. it. That is his prerogative have SCC will use the stain- the household needs more on record that this represen- These are the allocation as local chief executive to less steel cylinder and alu- than P800 in order to buy tation expressed support to of P10 million for urban food veto the appropriation ordi- minum canister designed another one, hence, not af- some notable projects pro- gardening ordinance to be nance,” Dizon added. ELIAS for LPG and refilled by fordable to poor families. posed by the mayor’s office undertaken by the City Ag- O. BAQUERO Phoenix, all is legal. But ELIAS O, BAQUERO Cebu Business Week December 14 - 20, 2020 3 NEWS Ligas pushes campaign vs. Veco ‘overcharging’ MEDIA practitioner and By: EMMANUEL N. Ligas had filed a com- international boxing judge MONGAYA plaint against Veco because of Edward Ligas presented ev- his own experience. While Li- idence of overcharging by the last was for P2,207.14. gas insisted he paid his bills, the Visayan Electric Compa- When the consumer com- Veco officials said he only ny during a dialog between plained to the Veco teller, he complained because he had the power firm and the Cebu was advised to pay by install- failed to pay. business sector. ment. Since filing a case, Ligas Ligas said a poor con- According to Ligas, the had gained the support of sev- sumer received four separate dialog was organized by eral NGOs include the TUCP Veco billings dated July 30, the Office of the Presiden- Partylist. During a recent 2020. One billing was for tial Assistant for the Visayas press conference, Rep. Ray- P8,792.20. The second was (OPAV) headed by Sec. Mike mund Mendoza received a let- for the amount P6,671.03. The Dino at the Montebello Hotel ter from various NGOs seek- third printed P4,424.21. And last December 9, 2020. ing Congress intervention. Council to cut 2021 Reduce water rate, MCWD urged FOUR water advocates Chiong said the MCWD ity. We maintain our stand budget proposal: Rama have reminded the Metro- Board must follow the Unit- that MCWD must source its CEBU City Vice Mayor politan Cebu Water District ed Nations (UN) declaration own water with less produc- Michael “Mike” Rama said (MCWD) Board of Directors that water is people’s right tion. At present, MCWD buys the initial understanding to find ways to reduce water and must provide affordable water from Ayala group at of the rates and avoid dealing with and accessible water. P25 per cu.m,” Almeria said. members is to reduce the profit-oriented businessmen. “The people suffer due to “With private groups, proposed P10.8 billion 2021 A press conference last lack of water and expensive water rate will go high. If it annual budget which is Dec. 10, 2020 was attended water rates as a result of pri- will remain with the govern- higher by P400 million than by Abegail Almeria, pres- vatization, liberalization and ment, service is a priority,” that of the P10.4 billion 2020 ident of both MCWD Em- corruption,” Chiong said. Echavez said. annual budget. ployees Union and Alliance Almeria said the people For his part, Salcedo said Rama said this is the of Government Workers in must know that water is their the consumers oppose water reason why they created a Water District (AGWWAS); right. MCWD must source districts’ privatization and Committee of the Whole in Ramon Jose Echavez, AGW- and distribute water to them are against business groups the City Council to sit down WAS secretary general and and avoid private suppliers. in MCWD because “ang ser- with both legislative group MCWD Employees Union “Water is life. This is a bisyo mahimong negosyo.| and local finance group to VP-external; Felicisimo Sal- big government responsibil- ELIAS O. BAQUERO rationalize the proposed cedo of water consumers 2021 annual budget. VICE MAYOR group; and Victor Chiong, Rama said he and Mayor MICHAEL “MIKE” RAMA Public Service International Edgardo C. Labella will set (PSI) Philippine water proj- a schedule for a one-on-one On the other hand, ect coordinator. talk for purposes of aligning both Rama and Cebu City It was to commemorate his line of thinking to the Councilor Alvin Dizon are International Human Rights minds of the City Council, amenable to paying in full Day and the United Nations so the chief executive can the remaining balance of declaration that water is peo- articulate the situation. P2.8 billion from foreign ple’s right. “We should also be loan in creating the South The MCWD Board is focusing and emphasizing, Road Properties (SRP). composed of Atty. Joey Daluz that whatever approved “That’s why the Cebu as chairman, and Atty. Frank 2021 annual budget is Need- City local finance and the Malilong, Atty. Frank Dinsay Basis Budget (NBB) which legislative group must sit IV, Mike Pato and May Seno will actually for pandemic- down and discuss to find out as members. oriented response, flooding if that is doable,” Rama said. Lately, MCWD reported- solution, food production, He added that while the ly planned to buy bulk water social services, plus peace City Council has required the from a private supplier at and order, public safety and executive department to fully P65 per cubic meter (cu.m). other urgent needs from liquidate the P3.5 billion This is clearly detrimental to January to May 2021,” Rama appropriation for Covid-19 people’s interest because the said. response, it should not rates now are: P16 plus (1-10 He said that they can hamper the approval of the cu.m) P17 plus (11-20 cu.m), start discussing and passing 2021 budget. The liquidation P19 plus (21-30 cu.m) and supplemental budget by is a continuing matter. P48 (31 cu.m and above). February 2021 but there are “What is important The MCWD Board al- TOP PHOTO: ATTY. FRANK MALILONG AND ATTY JOEY DALUZ OF already activities by January here is that the executive legedly refused to implement THE MCWD BOARD. that will include , department must be mindful the Memorandum of Agree- ABOVE PHOTO: ABEGAIL ALMERIA, PRESIDENT OF BOTH MCWD EMPLOYEES UNION AND ALLIANCE OF GOVERNMENT WORKERS Charter Day Celebration and that this matter cannot be ment (MOA) that Danao City IN WATER DISTRICT (AGWWAS) AND VICTOR CHIONG, PUBLIC the 500th of Christianity in overlooked,” Rama said. Government will sell bulk wa- SERVICE INTERNATIONAL (PSI) PHILIPPINE WATER PROJECT Cebu. ELIAS O. BAQUERO ter to MCWD at P20 per cu.m. COORDINATOR. 4 December 14 - 20, 2020 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Veco and Plantation Bay

The Aboitiz group of businesses seemed to enjoy the best pub- lic relations through the decades until these consumer complaints against the Visayas Elec- tric Company (Veco) emerged. Without their PR people, top Veco of- ficials attended a dialog with Cebu businessmen. Weekly Notes During the gathering, it Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya was obvious to those who attended that these Veco officials had little knowledge of the extent of the crisis they are facing. First, the Veco officials failed to recognize Edward Ligas who brought specific documents that caught them flatfooted. Ligas was the media man who filed a case against Veco for overcharging. The man then connected with several NGOs including TUCP Partylist. Rep. Raymund Mendoza. During a press conference weeks ago, Rep. Mendoza received a letter from an alliance asking him and Speaker Lord Velasco to facil- itate an inquiry in issues about electricity charges. Second, they wrongly thought a dialog between Veco and local business leaders without media coverage would remedy the problem. Third, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Mike Dino called for the meeting at his Montebello Hotel in a bid to impress Cebuanos he still is a power broker in Cebu City. However, the groups that gravitated around Ligas are not ex- actly within the OPAV sphere of influence. Ligas belong to the camp of with former Mandaue Mayor Luigi Quisumbing who was closer to Jun Evasco and the Level 8 group. Besides, Editorial Dino had been identified with the faction of former speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Bong Go. Can he operate with the camp of Mayor Inday Sara and Speaker Lord Velasco? The way I looked at Veco’s PR problem, they should Where is the water? rely on former CDN reporter who is now an Aboitiz official, One columnist once only succeeded in bringing Perhaps, Daluz should Willy Rodulfo. He knows the Cebu terrain while enjoying (I joked to a drinking partner water to communities in wa- explain why the refusal to heard) a connect with the power brokers in Davao. about what members of the ter tankers. award the winning bidder. Lack of Empathy board of the Curiously, bulk water Instead, the MCWD talked Plantation Bay resident shareholder Manny Gonzales does Water District (MCWD) can supplier Mactan Rock can about desalination plants not need a public relations person. What he needs is empathy. do. supply cheap water as low as that sell at a higher cost per Even his apology letter smacks of an utter lack of empathy for “We can approach an P13 per cubic meter. How- cubic meter. an autistic child and his mother. Even a professional public re- MCWD director about cut- ever, the Labella-appointed For ordinary Cebua- lations man will fail if the principal will impose his bias. ting the water supply of peo- board ignored this company nos, the board appointed by With empathy, Gonzales would have understood why ple you do not like. But you because it refused to give in Mayor Labella failed miser- the complaint aired over Tripadvisor.com and responded will go nowhere if you want to what favored sacred cows ably in providing affordable appropriately. The complaint would have never exploded water to flow through your asked. water. If these people have into a crisis. Now, even the Department of Tourism (DOT) faucet,” he said. The MCWD board pro- any delicadeza, they should will look at what happened. Government action will stir It has been over a year ceeded to bid the Lahug resign and give the mayor more media attention. that Cebu City Mayor Edgar bulk water project at P65 a free hand in selecting a Sayang. Plantation Bay is one of the resorts I like. How- Labella complained that the per cubic meter. However, board that can deliver. ever, reputation problems like this will hurt like a festering former MCWD board mem- the board refused to award If they refuse to do so, carbuncle. bers had no plans to make the winning bidder. There the mayor should just re- (Emmanuel ‘Anol’ Mongaya is a member of the Political water flow in your faucet. are rumors that the winning place them. Unless, he wants Officers League of the (POLPhil). He is also a The new board he appointed bidder balked at the huge for to be blamed for the failures co-founder and director for strategic PR of PRWorks Inc. headed by Atty. Joey Daluz the boys and for the bosses. of the Daluz board. DM him @anol_cebu.

“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” Atty. Gerardo Carillo Emmanuel delos Santos Rabacal Cebu Business Week is published every Chairman President week by Cebu Newsmakers Forum, Inc. All contents of this newspaper are placed online CEBU through Cebu Business Week Facebook page. Emmanuel “Anol” Mongaya Elias O. Baquero BUSINESS Editor VP-Finance email: [email protected] Keres H. Aviles Bebie Hiñola Baquero Room 310-A,3rd floor WDC Bldg. WEEK Writer Marketing Manager Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City Cebu Business Week December 14 - 20, 2020 5 OPINION UK readies for Brexit ‘no-deal’ chaos companies unable to plan inflation would remain order-in dining are very increasing number of properly. Businesses benign in the near term as a different markets, but people to eat meals at warned of potential flare-up in new COVID-19 as end to the COVID-19 home. (Newsweek) food shortages and price infections restrains the pandemic appears to oOo rises, and the threat of labor market and demand be in sight, Airbnb and A Chinese mystery heaping significant costs for services. While other DoorDash are looking toymaker has seen his onto our car industry, data on Friday showed to expand by issuing wealth surge after his and of concerns around a surprise improvement IPOs. The IPOs for both company was floated on financial services. in consumer sentiment companies hit the market the stock market on Friday. BIZBITS James Sibley, head of early in December, as the Labor Department Pop Mart, founded by Wang Manny de los Santos Rabacal international affairs at the that largely reflected announced that a Ning, has grown rapidly to UK’s Federation of Small increased optimism seasonally adjusted figure become a company worth Businesses (FSB), told the among Democrats and of 853,000 Americans around $7bn. The firm BBC he expected terrible Independents following filed for unemployment sells collectible figures for disruption in January. Joe Biden’s electoral last week for the first about $8 each in packaging But even as the clock ticks victory over President time, the largest number that doesn’t allow buyers down to Brexit, the country Donald Trump. That is since mid-September. to see what’s inside. Mr has already had a taster: unlikely to translate into Current jobless claims Wang owns around 50% A logjam at seaports has robust consumer spending, rose to 5.8 million, the of Pop Mart following lasted several weeks, given business restrictions first rise in those figures the stock market launch disrupting supply chains. related to the coronavirus since late August. Overall in Hong Kong on Friday, As talks with Brussels Many businesses are outbreak and the unemployment declined and now has a net worth remain unresolved three trying to order in supplies accompanying job losses. slightly in October to 6.7%. of $3.2bn, according to weeks before leaving the early as a precaution Millions of unemployed But Airbnb and DoorDash Forbes. Beijing-based Pop European Union single while others are ordering Americans are set to lose are betting on better times Mart raised $674m from market, the United larger quantities to boost their government-funded ahead. DoorDash, a food the share sale, which it will Kingdom is preparing production to compensate benefits on Dec. 26, with delivery service, rode use to open more stores for a chaotic “no-deal”. for this year’s coronavirus Congress struggling to that trend to a strong IPO and expand overseas. It Business groups this week lockdown. (AFP/CNA) agree on another pandemic Wednesday after state shares rose 100% higher warned of difficulties from oOo relief package. (Reuters/ officials closed restaurants in early trading after the Jan 1 as a frustrating lack U.S. producer prices CNA) last spring as part of the stock market debut. of clarity on a post-Brexit barely rose in November, oOo effort to curb spread of mannyrabacal1144@ trade deal has left many supporting views that Leisure travel and COVID-19, forcing an gmail.com

Cebu Provincial Capitol Satellites: North & South lite offices. of the Minimum Wage Law Samboan with a population likewise impress upon the In the north, there was and providing for all the of 184,116 in 1884-85. Filipino youth, our future the Municipality of Tubu- statutory obligations and Barili had the highest leaders, their duty to let ran. Once the biggest town ordinary essential services population in the vicariate our heritage of resilience of Cebu, its area was de- of a, regular municipality. with 15,748 in 1884-85, and nation-building fur- creased with the creation of The town of Tuburan, while Ronda the smallest ther flourish, and to always one of its barrios as a town, meanwhile, functioned population with 3,392.” remember to protect the that is what is now known creditably its municipal On July 17, 2014, it had legacy bequeathed to us by as Tabuelan. government and met all its 4th Centennial, an evi- our forefathers. President Elpidio Quiri- statutory obligations, and dence that it is one of Ce- We have hurdled great Cebu Legal no created the town after provided for ordinary es- bu’s pioneer or old towns, challenges in 2013, and Pedia the Provincial Board of sential municipal services. then President Benigno have emerged a more unit- Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oaminal Cebu recommended munic- On the south was the Aquino III said ed, empowered nation. Let ipality to be known as the Municipality of Barili. The “We Filipinos are en- us further bridge the social municipality of Tabuelan town used have its own nobled by the sense of his- gap among our people and on September 23, 1953. Register of Deeds and oth- tory that guides us as we fortify our community ties The new town consisted of er extension offices of the navigate today’s rapidly as we optimize the potential the barrios Tabunok, Olivo, Province of Cebu which shifting milieu. Solidari- of our beloved country.” Tigbawan, Maravilla and used to hold office in the ty, determination, passion, Erecting a Provin- Cantoba-on, all of the mu- historical, . and integrity are ideals in- cial Capitol in Balamban, nicipality of Tuburan, same Barili, in the census stilled in us through our Cebu is a doable concept. The plan of Gov Gwen province. conducted in the 1880s, forebears’ story of commu- But it is most respectfully Garcia to transfer the seat The municipality of said that the town had the nity-building, serving as suggested that instead of of the Cebu Provincial Gov- Tabuelan began to exist highest population: pillars to the vibrant nation vacating the present mag- ernment to Balamban town upon the appointment and “Western Cebu Vicari- we are today. nificent Provincial Capitol has led us to look back into qualification of the mayor, ate was composed of Bogo, Take this fiesta as an (inaugurated in 1937) it history. vice-mayor and a majority San Remigio, Daanban- opportunity to look back should remain as its main Decades ago, there was of the councilors thereof, tayan, Bantayan, Santa Fe, on these arcing narratives offices, to be augmented such sub-provincial offices and upon the certification Tuburan, Balamban, Astur- as generations of Cebuanos with Sub-Provincial Cap- for Cebu. The Spanish Gov- by the Secretary of Finance ias, Toledo, Pinamungajan, gather in celebration of a itols for the North and ernors of Cebu adminis- that said municipality is Barili, Dumanjug, Ronda, blessed year, and in hope- South: Barili and Tuburan. tered Cebu with appointing financially capable of im- Moalboal, Baidan, Alegria, ful anticipation of better This is in submission to municipalities as its satel- plementing the provisions Malabuyoc, Ginatilan, and days ahead. Let this event Cebu’s history. 6 December 14 - 20, 2020 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Solving the Wee murder case vice revealed vital informa- the gunmen used when they of Peralta was taken when footages showed that one tion leading the investiga- traced the registration to a he had his temperature of the suspects was walking tors to unmask the gunmen. car rental service. The car checked and when he took back and forth within the vi- The car, a Toyota Vios, was taken from the CCTV at out the unit. cinity of the building while happened to have a CCTV the crime scene. The same The Toyota Vios also had talking to someone on his camera and a GPS tracker happened with the moto- a built-in GPS that tracks phone. which allowed the car rental rycycle used as the getaway the location. “Afterwards, we can see service to track their units. vehicle. According to NBI 7 Di- him boarding the getaway This was how Peralta, From the CCTV footages rector Rennan Augustus Ol- vehicle. The other suspect Suarez, and Palparan and at the crime scene, pension iva, someone financed the (Peralta) also boarded the The Legal Front other suspects were identi- house, and the car rental ser- suspects’ transportation. Toyota Vios at 10:49 in the Atty. Gerry Carillo fied. The tracker also pro- vice, the investigators iden- “Definitely, there is a finan- morning,” said Galendez. vided the good leads where tified the perpetrators as cier. It was an expensive trip The suspects then left the suspects went and stayed Fausto Edgar Benigno Per- because they came from Lu- the crime scene and came during their stay in the city alta, John Raymond Suares zon,” he said. back and parked the same for two weeks. and Randy Benito Palparan, He likewise he believed Toyota Vios across the build- Curiously, the shoes with three other John Does. that Wee’s murder was job ing at 11:56 a.m. At the same Peralta used matched with The mastermind though was related. They will now zero time, a motorcycle believed the one he wore during the still to be identified. The in which case he handled to have been another get- This is the story of the attack. This was the same triggermen were pinpointed could have lead to his brutal away vehicle was seen pass- camera, the car, the shoes, shoes he used during the as Peralta and Suares, while death. ing through the same street. and the shirt. time he negotiated the rent- Palparan was the driver. During the press con- Later that afternoon, These played a vital role al of the Toyota Vios. During The gunmen, according ference, NBI-7 supervising Attorney Wee arrived in his in the arrest and identifica- the arrest, the operatives re- to the NBI, rented a pen- agent Wenceslao Galendez vehicle. Two primary trig- tion of the gunmen of Atty. covered the same shoes. sion house in Cebu City two Jr. presented the chronolog- germen were captured in Joey Wee. Of course, we The shirt worn by Peral- weeks prior to the shooting. ical order of the CCTV foot- a CCTV during the actual credit the hard work of the ta during the online prelim- He rented a Toyota Vios from ages retrieved during their shooting and then boarded NBI-7 personnel headed by inary investigation showed a car rental services to study investigation. the Toyota Vios. Atty. Rennan Oliva. Our hats the same shirt he used the movement of the lawyer. Galendez said that as Investigation later re- off to the men and women of during the time he went to The suspects did not early as 10:29 a.m. of No- vealed that the motorcycle the bureau. the car rental service and at know the car rental service vember 23, the suspects and Toyota Vios were found The CCTV cameras at the time he went to the pen- had a camera when they were already spotted and be- parked at a pension house the crime scene, at the hostel sion house. check the temperature of lieved to have been conduct- where the suspects alleged- where the gunmen stayed, The investigators were the persons that come inside ing their “final casing.” For a ly stayed. Write us at caril- and the at the car rental ser- first able to identify the car their premises. The picture few minutes, several CCTV [email protected]. Trade unions and precarious work a political economist and a for Workers’ Activities (AC- tively for better wages and contract or “Endo” work ar- former ILO official. TRAV). working conditions, among rangements. The book was written The same observation others, the IndustriALL It constitutes labor-only during the tumultuous and mentioned by the ILO AC- statement said. contracting which has been volatile year in 2011 when TRAV, stating among oth- Though by simple under- a prohibited practice. The the burgeoning “Occupy ers, that with the advent of standing precariat is defined bill does not meet President Wall Street Movement” had another global crisis, pre- as a mass class by unstable Duterte’s promise to end gained momentum around carious work has not only labor arrangements, lack contractualization. More im- the world as unemployment affected several millions of of identity and erosion of portantly the TUCP adheres and poor-quality employ- workers worldwide but also rights. These attributes are to ILO Convention 181, thus ment were on the rise. challenged the power of imminent and now emerged declaring, private employ- The Labor Front Apparently, the book’s trade union movement and as today’s “dangerous class”. ment agencies are not party Art Barrit publication was very timely. the ILO Addressing the issue to the employment relation- It came out during the time “Casual, temporary, in- back home. Trade union ship, the TUCP statement when democratic systems direct, zero-hours contracts, movement led by the Trade said. and economies in the Unit- are all terms that describe Union Congress of the Phil- Obviously, the employ- ed States and the European precarious work. This type ippines (TUCP) and other ers always maintain that the Union were on the brink of of work is increasingly be- organized labor groups are labor market like other mar- In his book, The Pre- collapsed. And incidents ing used to replace direct, acting in unison in oppos- kets in a liberalized econ- cariat: The New Dangerous of uprisings had already permanent jobs, allowing ing the provisions of the omy works best when it is Class, by Guy Standing, first erupted across Middle East employers to reduce or even Labor Code on permissible freed from restrictive labor published in 2011 (373 pp.) and North African (MENA) abandon their responsibility job contracting and prohib- laws regulations. fully described the precariat countries, Europe and South to workers”, the Industri- ited labor-only contracting Equally important is the as an emerging class of peo- America. ALL publication added. (LOC). 45th Anniversary Celebra- ple facing insecurity, mov- People everywhere, it It also explained that The recently approved tion of TUCP Labor Cen- ing in and out of precarious seems, are suffering from “people in precarious work House Bill 7086, or the Se- ter under the leadership of work that gives little mean- precarity as a result of eco- lack job security and gener- curity of Tenure (SOT) Bill Congressman Raymond DC ing to their lives. nomic and financial crisis, ally have lower salaries, lim- was opposed by TUCP be- Mendoza, a lawyer, with The author warns that and weak government pol- ited social protection, face cause it deliberately not ad- the theme: “Rise Up to the the growth of the precari- icy responses to these, stat- more difficulties to exercise dresses the decades-long Pandemic Towards A New at is producing instabilities ed the International Labor their rights, notably to join injustice workers under the Normal of Decent Work and in society. Mr. Standing is Organization (ILO) Bureau union and bargain collec- highly exploitative end-of- Empowered Unionism”. Cebu Business Week December 14 - 20, 2020 7 NATION Wider economic reopening in January seen THE unemployment ment of Trade and Industry seven to eight areas under face shields. tors might trigger a surge in rate in the country could (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. GCQ at present while the “Hopefully, we continue infections. go back to the pre-COVID Lopez. He added that more rest of the country are now with the improvement in our IATF Vice-Chairman level as wider reopening of sectors and communities under modified GCQ. This numbers so we could wel- Karlo Nograles, who is also the domestic economy and may be allowed at higher allowed more sectors to op- come a better New Year,” he Cabinet Secretary, said easing of quarantine restric- capacities in January next erate liberally although the said. MICE is one sector that also tions by the first quarter year. sectors under Category 4 are Already, the Inter-Agen- needs help where risks can next year are expected. As the latest October un- still limited to 50 percent of cy Task Force (IATF) has al- be very well-managed. He “We are hoping that employment rate eased up capacity. lowed the MICE (meetings, explained that in allowing our improved numbers will to 8.7 percent, Lopez raised To further improve the incentives, conventions, ex- the reopening of sectors was continue this Christmas so the country can go back to numbers, Lopez urged ev- hibits) at 30 percent capac- in consideration of the re- by January we could have a the 5 percent jobless rate eryone to observe prop- ity. Fears have been raised viving economy, providing modified general communi- pre-COVID. er physical distancing and that the gradual reopening more jobs to Filipinos, with- ty quarantine,” said Depart- He noted there are only wearing of face masks and of the MICE and more sec- out sacrificing life. BIR collects 86% of taxes online BFAR gets P500-M EIGHTY-SIX percent of platforms. Also accepting tax for Bidding Purposes last the Bureau of Internal Reve- payments were the Gcash month as part of its digital nue’s (BIR) total tax payments e-wallet app, the Land Bank shift. stimulus package were revenue was collected of the Philippines e-payment The BIR is also aiming to THE Bureau of Fisher- According to the bureau, through online channels after portal Linkbiz, the PayTax launch its One-Time Transac- ies and Aquatic Resources the culture technology for on-site operations were hin- service of the Development tions Tracking System, which (BFAR) was granted P500 glass eel will be presented dered by the quarantine. Bank of the Philippines, the was developed in house, and million worth of stimulus via demonstration projects, The Department of Fi- UnionBank Online app and the taxpayer identification funds under Republic Act while fingerlings will be giv- nance (DoF) said P1.241 PESONet. number Verifier mobile appli- No. 11494 or the Bayani- en to selected growers in the trillion of the BIR’s total tax It also launched in April cation this year. han to Recover as One Act Cagayan Valley and North collections of P1.45 trillion pilot operations for its web- The BoC in June started (Bayanihan II). Cotabato. between January and Sep- based Internal Revenue In- accepting customs duties and BFAR said the P500-mil- Sea urchin production tember were accumulated via tegrated System, which will fees through PayMaya and has lion stimulus package is ex- will be promoted in the Ilocos electronic payment channels. centralize the processing of been simplifying its processes pected to help the aquacul- Region, the Cagayan Valley, Based on preliminary taxpayer information. The sys- with the aid of the Customer ture industry produce an ad- Caraga, Bicol, and Zambo- data, tax returns filed elec- tem is targeted for full launch Care Portal System, through ditional 9.6 thousand metric anga, with fisherfolk under- tronically hit 16.45 million, by the end of 2021, according which shippers and brokers tons (MT). going training on grow-out or 94% of the total in the nine to the bureau. can digitally track the status of The focus of the aid will and cage culture technology, months. The Electronic Audited their inquiries, requests, and go to growers of glass eels, while equipment and infra- “The BIR and Bureau of Financial System introduced concerns. sea urchins and seaweed, structure such as sea urchin Customs (BoC) have imple- in June also allowed busi- It also launched the Cus- while also helping establish hatcheries, nursery tanks, mented various digital tools to nesses to submit their finan- toms Service Center in Febru- hatcheries. and processing areas will facilitate trade. These include cial statements to the bureau ary as a receiving and releas- “The stimulus package also be established. making the filing and payment digitally, while an e-appoint- ing portal for documents, fea- aims to help the fisheries sec- The BFAR also plans to of taxes and duties easier and ment facility was set up in turing an information kiosk tor, especially aquaculture, set up hatcheries, nurseries, more convenient for taxpayers October for taxpayers to raise and payment functions. The to recover and improve amid solar dryers, and farmhouses as well as curbing corruption,” concerns online. bureau has installed these various challenges such as for seaweed growers. the DoF said. The BIR also launched centers in 13 major ports to natural calamities and the “The establishment, re- The BIR in February in- its digital Procurement, Pay- date. pandemic,” the BFAR said. habilitation, and repair of cluded the digital wallet Pay- ment, Inventory and Moni- Tax collections hit P2.059 “Glass eels, sea urchins multi-species hatcheries and maya application to its ac- toring System and the Online trillion in the 10 months to and more species of seaweed broodstock facilities, includ- credited electronic payment Application for Tax Clearance October. are only some of our many ing of high-value species like abundant fisheries com- sea bass, siganids, and blue modities with culture tech- swimming crabs, among oth- Better access to loans for SMEs nologies that we have yet to ers, will also continue in or- sustainably develop,” BFAR der to ensure production of National Director Eduardo good-quality fingerlings and with new credit scoring system B. Gongona said. broodstock,” the BFAR said. SMALL and medium tangible step in building lenders, which are CRD enterprises (SMEs) will now a sustainable financing members. The processed have a better access to loans ecosystem for SMEs, the data will generate a credit solve the SMEs’ difficulty support SMEs and aid them through a system that collects backbone of our economy scoring for the SMEs to better in getting funding for their to withstand the negative their data and generates their and the driver of the country’s guide banks and financial business, and will address effects of the pandemic. credit scoring. inclusive economic growth,” institutions in lending funds the banks’ concern of high Around 99.5 percent The Bangko Sentral ng BSP Governor Benjamin to these businesses. cost and high risk lending to of the businesses in the Pilipinas (BSP) and the Japan Diokno said. The BSP said encoding small-time enterprises, said Philippines are SMEs, International Cooperation “It aims to improve access of SMEs data into the system the BSP. employing 62 percent of Agency (JICA) launched the among SMEs by promoting will start by the end of the The project is part of total workers and adding 36 Credit Risk Database (CRD) risk-based lending, which year. the government’s thrust to percent to total sales. project that seeks to generate uses credit scoring models to It expects to build the and analyze credit scoring assess the capacity of SMEs scoring model by mid-2021, data of SMEs for easier to pay their loan,” he added. and deliver the credit scores borrowing. A CRD Data Center will results by 2022. “The CRD project is a collect data of SMEs from The CRD system will 8 December 14 - 20, 2020 Cebu Business Week NEWS No expiration for GCs or pay hefty fine GIFT checks, gift certif- because said GCs do not bear The LKI founder called icates, and gift cards (GCs) in prints the approval and the on DTI to enforce the rules have no expiry dates. permit number of the loyalty and guidelines in the Gift Consumer advocacy rewards or promotional pro- Check Act. group Laban Konsyumer, Inc. grams granted by the Depart- “We ask the government (LKI) is reminding the public ment of Trade and Industry to protect consumer welfare citing Republic Act No.10962 (DTI),” Dimagiba said. by making sure that all estab- or the Gift Check Act of 2017. Dimagiba, a former DTI lishments follow these rules LKI president Victorio Undersecretary for consum- strictly, especially given the Mario Dimagiba said issuing er welfare, said the violating circumstances of the pan- GCs bearing an expiry date is parties should return the un- demic where consumers have a violation of the law. lion shall be imposed to “The misuses and abuses used GCs with expiry dates had a very hard time going A hefty fine of those found violating the Gift of the said GCs with expiry within 90 days of the viola- out and using GCs,” Dimagi- PHP500,000 to PHP1 mil- Check Act. date proliferate in the market tion. ba said. Philippines can meet rising demand of VCO THE Philippine coco- the Philippines are pushing covered rapidly by incorpo- bean and Pacific Islands and looking at a 20-percent growth nut industry has more than government agencies like the rating coconut oil into their Africa. in the demand by 2021. enough untapped capacity to health department to support daily diet while those who UCAP and VCO Phil- A Department of Science meet the expected increase in and promote Covid-19 natu- are taking it as a supplement ippines data indicated that and Technology-led commu- demand for virgin coconut oil ral alternative options. have seen their immunity only 30 percent of the current nity-based study “Effects of (VCO). UCAP executive director strengthened,” she said in a 73,000 metric ton capacity Virgin Coconut Oil among VCO has shown to pre- Yvonne Agustin said coconut statement. is being utilized. The current Suspect and Probable Cases vent the progression or sever- oils and their inherent medi- Marco Reyes, president local market consumes about of Covid-19” showed that VCO ity of Covid-19, according to um-chain triglyceride (MCT) of the VCO Producers and 470 metric tons of VCO as of could prevent the progression industry players. properties have long been Traders Association of the 2019 data. or severity of the disease. The United Coconut As- recognized for their antiviral Philippines, said VCO is an With renewed public in- Agustin lauded the sociations of the Philippines action. age old daily diet not only of terest in VCO, MCT and other DOST’s Food and Nutrition (UCAP) and VCO Producers “Many who tested Filipinos, but in other tropical coconut oils’ alternative health Research Institute result as and Traders Association of Covid-19 positive have re- countries in Asia, the Carib- benefits, stakeholders are positive proof to these claims. 2020 Global FinTech Innovation Challenge Winners THE Monetary Author- change. submissions from across 55 AIZEN Global Co., Inc. (Re- Emerging Stronger” for the ity of Singapore (MAS) has Both awards were hand- countries. public of Korea); and The FinTech Innovation Chal- announced the results of the ed on December 10, 2020 at They are: Triterras Fin- Bank of New York Mellon lenge, as a clarion call to Fin- 2020 MAS Global FinTech the Singapore FinTech Fes- tech Pte. Ltd. (Singapore); Corporation (USA). Techs to play a greater role in Innovation Challenge. tival x Singapore Week of finChat Technology Pte Ltd Sopnendu Mohanty, addressing the generational Under the theme of Innovation and TeCHnology (Singapore), Hashstacs Pte Chief FinTech Officer, MAS, challenges of COVID-19 and “Building Resilience, Seiz- (SFF x SWITCH) 2020. Ltd (Singapore); AwanTu- said, “The Global FinTech climate change. ing Opportunities, Emerging The winners of the Glob- nai, Windy Hill Pte. Ltd Hackcelerator and the Fin- “We are pleased to see Stronger”, three winners for al FinTech Hackcelerator (Singapore); NXTBK, Inc. Tech Awards have served as this year’s winners demon- the Global FinTech Hackcel- and their prize money are: (Philippines); FlexM Pte Ltd. key platforms to identify and strate strong potential in erator and twelve winners Matter, S$50,000; RegulAI- (Singapore): Validus Capital recognize innovative, high helping the industry tackle for the FinTech Awards have tion Ltd, S$50,000; and In- Pte Ltd (Singapore); Over- quality solutions that are these critical issues. MAS been selected for their solu- tensel Limited, S$50,000. seaChinese Banking Corpo- able to address real needs in would also like to thank tions that address the chal- The 12 winners of the ration Limited (Singapore); the financial industry. KPMG Digital Village and lenges faced by the financial FinTech Awards, support- DBS Bank (Singapore);Swiss This year, MAS chose PwC Singapore for their con- industry due to the COVID- ed by PwC Singapore, were Reinsurance Company Ltd. the theme, “Building Resil- tinued support,” Mohanty 19 pandemic and climate selected from a total of 326 Beijing Branch Switzerland); ience, Seizing Opportunities, said. Region 7 Bags Top Philippine Sports Tourism Awards PRIVATE and public pines, and Smart Communi- Galura. Network for News Coverage Hotel of the Year. sectors and personalities in cations. • Organizer of the Year of the Year. • Subic Bay Metropoli- region 7 dominated the re- Notably, majority of this (government) award- City of • New Clark City for tan Authority for Destination cently concluded 4th Philip- year’s awardees are credited Dumaguete. Sports Venue of the Year. Marketing of the Year. pine Sports Tourism Awards to sports initiatives in Cebu • Sports Tourism Per- • Philippine Airlines • Triathlon Associa- held in Marriot, Clark last and Dumaguete. Region 7 sonality of the Year -May- for Airline of the Year. tion of the Philippines for December 10, 2020. bagged the following in par- or Felipe Remollo and Mr. • Resorts World Ma- Sports Association of the Now in its 4th year, ticular: Manuel V. Pangilinan. nila for Charity Event of the Year. the 2020 Philippine Sports • International Event • Adventure Event of Year. • TINMAN Ilocos Tourism Awards is fully sup- of the Year award -2019 70.3 the Year -Tour de Cebu • Coca-Cola Beverages Norte for Event of the Year ported by the Clark Devel- IRONMAN in Cebu province. Other awardees in the Philippines for Event Spon- (domestic). opment Corporation, Uni- • Organizer of the Year 4th Philippine Sports Tour- sorship of the Year. • Clark Freeport Zone versal Robina Corporation, (private) award -Sunrise ism Awards include: • The Mansion Bou- for Sports Tourism Destina- Coca-Cola Beverages Philip- Events, managed by Princess • People’s Television tique Hotel and Villas for tion of the Year. Cebu Business Week December 14 - 20, 2020 9 NEWS Gordon’s bill simplifying land titling to benefit farmers SENATOR Richard J. the land,” Gordon said. to extend or remove the Gordon sponsored Senate With Gordon’s proposed period of application, no Bill No. 1931 that aims to bill, the need for DENR new agricultural free patent improve the confirmation Secretary’s certification will be issued by DENR and of imperfect titles by and the barriers of proving poor rural farmers may not simplifying the procedure ownership is removed. It also be able to title their lands. and requirements in synchronizes and shortens Under this proposed bill, we granting land deeds to help the period of possession now remove the deadline for rural farmers and those who required for perfection of the application through free are unable to afford legal imperfect titles from 74 years patent, making it available representation to secure land to 30 years. at any time, for qualified titles. Another objective of beneficiaries,” said Gordon. The present law the bill is to remove the Gordon emphasized that governing land titles in fixed term set on December land title is a clear proof of the country requires the 31, 2020 for the filing of ownership and is important production of a copy of application of agricultural to protection of one’s the original classification alienable and disposable. the strict standards set by free patents as stated under property rights. approved by the Department These requirements have the Supreme Court in the Republic Act 9176. “Property rights are of Environment and Natural been difficult to secure that judicial confirmation of After this period, titling important to the country’s Resources (DENR) Secretary, the demands to present proof imperfect titles. While the of agricultural lands through growth and development. as well as a City Environment of property rights before the courts impose stringent free patent will expire, which Unclear and unenforceable and Natural Resources Office courts are stringent. requirements, it should will result in an impasse rights to property could (CENRO) Certification, that “The first primary be emphasized that the where unregistered owners lead to underinvestment, should be accompanied by objective of this bill is to document certifying that the of agricultural lands will no undervalued properties, land an official publication of the address the difficulties land is within alienable and longer be able to formalize grabbing, fake titling, lack of DENR Secretary’s issuance encountered in proving disposable lands will not their ownership. access to credit and certainly, declaring that the land is ownership since 1945 and show the relative location of “If no law is passed poverty,” he said. PR House panel mulls creating PH’s digital currency A HOUSE of Representa- dium of exchange for finan- Digital Currency (CBDC), the my term,” Diokno said. tives committee announced cial transactions of the gov- regulated equivalent of cryp- BSP bank officer Faith the formation of a technical ernment and all merchants tocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Cacnio echoed Diokno, say- working group to consolidate in the country. and the use of e-money for ing the central bank is not yet four bills to create the coun- Mhel Plabasan, Bangko government transactions. ready to issue its own digital try’s digital currency. Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) However, BSP Governor currency. According to the House director of Technology Risk Benjamin Diokno, said the “The BSP is not actually Committee on Banks and Fi- and Innovation Supervision, creation of the digital cur- that ready to issue its own nancial Intermediaries, the said the creation of a digital rency would not happen in CBDC and as the experience bills aim to create the Bangko peso has been in the works his time. of other central banks has Sentral Digital Peso to pro- but is unlikely to be issued “The end of my term is shown, it really takes time, mote the adoption of elec- soon. 2023. I don’t think so. Most many are still in the research tronic money in the country. Plabasan said her depart- central banks say they will process. Some central banks The House committee ment has been studying the not issue a CBDC within the are in their pilot but that said currency could be a me- creation of the Central Bank next 5 years, so not within takes years,” said Cacnio. Pinoy consumers, businessmen upbeat on 2021 prospects A SURVEY showed that For the first quarter of Business sentiment on availability of the vaccine; services and wholesale and confidence returned to Fili- 2021, the confidence index the economy improved for the relaxation of quarantine retail trade sectors turned pino consumers when asked reverted to positive territory the first quarter of 2021 with restrictions, and rising sales optimistic. about their expectations for at 4.3 percent from the previ- the next quarter’s confidence and orders. For the first quarter of the first quarter of 2021. ous survey result of -4.1 per- index rising to 37.4 percent Similarly, the business next year, business confi- A parallel survey of the cent for the current quarter. from the previous quarter’s outlook on the country’s dence indices rose across Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Consumers cited their survey result of 16.8 percent. economy was more optimis- sectors as they expected (BSP) also showed that local anticipation of the availabil- The respondents’ more tic for the next 12 months as people to adjust to the new businesses were even more ity of more jobs for more buoyant outlook for the first the confidence index rose to environment and for the positive about their forecasts working family members; three months of next year 57.7 percent from the previ- economy to recover from the in the first three months of additional and higher in- was associated mainly with ous quarter’s survey result of pandemic. next year. come; the possible end of the expectations of the reopen- 37.5 percent. Increases in sales and The Filipino consumers’ health crisis as well as the ing of firms and adapting to In the current quarter, market demand, new proj- overall confidence index im- discovery of COVID-19 vac- the “new normal;” the grad- the business sentiment of the ects and new product lines proved to -47.9 percent from cine, and the reopening of ual recovery from the coro- industry and construction were also cited as reasons for -54.5 percent in the third businesses as reasons behind navirus pandemic, partic- sectors was more upbeat, the more upbeat sentiment quarter of 2020. their optimism. ularly with the anticipated while the sentiment of the across sectors. 10 December 14 - 20, 2020 Cebu Business Week THE ACADEME DepEd blamed for poor PH ranking in TIMMS A PROGRESSIVE law- ternational large-scale as- intensifying all these efforts,” maker has scored the De- sessments like PISA or the he said. “We will always be partment of Education Program for International trying to make adjustments, (DepEd) for the dismal rat- Student Assessment because monitor what’s happening ings of Filipino students in it covers subjects like math, and evaluate with the nec- an international assessment science, and reading. essary adjustments on the for mathematics and sci- “I think it’s a matter of plans.” ence. ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said the DepEd could not blame pre- vious leaders for the “signifi- FUn TRiVIA cantly lower” scores in the 2019 Trends in Internation- Do you know that… al Mathematics and Science n Over one quarter of the world’s hazelnuts are REP. FRANCE CASTRO, ACT TEACHERS Study (TIMMS). used to make Nutella? Each year, roughly 365 “We attribute this to the were Morocco, Kuwait, South effectiveness of school - man million kilos – the rough weight of the Empire DepEd because of its lapses Africa, and Pakistan. agement and the availability and incompetence, and they On the other hand, the of learning resources,” San State Building – of Nutella is consumed.? should not blame the teach- Department of Education Antonio said. ers because they are making (DepEd) said it continues San Antonio also said up for the DepEd’s short- to address factors to further that the government has comings,” she said. improve the quality of ed- been investing on education- Castro made the re- ucation, amid results of a al facilities, and transformed marks after Filipino stu- study that ranked the Philip- the National Educators Acad- dents ranked lowest among pines last among countries in emy of the Philippines to im- 58 countries in the TIMMS, Grade 4 math and science. prove teacher competencies which assessed mathemat- DepEd Undersecretary through trainings. ics and science competency for Curriculum and Instruc- “In fact, recently, we among Grade 4 students. tion Diosdado San Antonio also reviewed the Philippine The Philippines scored said the department is trying Professional Standards for 297 in mathematics and 249 to address factors that were Teachers to be more attentive n Car manufacturer Volkswagen makes sausages in science, which were “sig- identified in the 2018 World to the competencies expected and they make more revenue from their sausage nificantly lower” compared Development Report. of them so that they could be sales than they do from their car sales? to other participating coun- “It goes with like the very effective,” he said. n In 2009, scientists have named a snail, Crikey tries. motivation of the learners, San Antonio said they Other countries at the the commitment and com- are also streamlining the steveirwini in honor of the late Crocodile bottom five of the TIMMS petence of the teachers, the DepEd’s participation in in- Hunter, Steve Irwin? Its shell was khaki in color, like signature outfit.of Irwin? n Sierra Leone is the world’s roundest country and it sits not too far from Egypt, which is the world’s squarest country? PH schools among top 650 n Leukophobia is the Fear of the color white? list of Asia’s best HEIs Now you know! SOME Philippine (166) Central Philippine Uni- schools made it to on the list versity (601+) of Asia’s best higher-educa- (451-500) Xavier University (601+) tion institutions (HEIs), ac- Ateneo de Davao Uni- The recognition given Best Quotes cording to an international versity (501-550) to the additional HEIs as think-tank. Mapua University (501- among the best in Asia “is from Successful People University of the Philip- 550) welcome news to show that “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” — pines (UP) was listed 69th, 3 Silliman University our efforts to provide ac- Muhammad Ali, American professional boxer places higher than the previ- (501-550) cess to quality education are ous published rankings. Mindanao State Uni- bearing fruit,” Commission “A year from now you may wish you had started today.” The list released by versity - Iligan Institute of on Higher Education chair- — Karen Lamb, author Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Technology (551-600) man Prospero De Vera III included Adamson University said. “Someday is not a day of the week.” — Janet Dailey, Ateneo de Manila Uni- (601+) De Vera added that the author versity (135) Central Luzon State Uni- CHED has continuously “What we fear of doing most is usually what we most University of Santo To- versity (601+) supported Philippine HEIs need to do.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist, mas (186) Central Mindanao Uni- through various internation- philosopher, and poet De La Salle University versity (601+) al programs and initiatives. Cebu Business Week December 14 - 20, 2020 11 WORLD NEWS Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Time magazine’s 2020 person of the year JOE Biden and Kamala steps of Barack Obama vice president. day, the magazine announced Harris have been named Time (2012) and Donald The Person of the Year four finalists, included Biden magazine’s person – or per- Trump (2016). Last is usually an individu- and Trump – as well as two sons – of the year for 2020. year’s winner was cli- al, but multiple people broader categories: the move- “Together, Joe Biden and mate activist Greta have been named in the ment for racial justice, and Kamala Harris offered resto- Thunberg. past. In recent years the frontline healthcare workers ration and renewal in a single Biden, 78, who magazine has also taken and Dr Anthony Fauci, the ticket. And America bought served two terms as to recognizing groups or country’s leading infectious what they were selling: after vice president to Barack movements. In 2017, the diseases scientist. Trump has the highest turnout in a cen- Obama, will become the magazine selected “The been on the shortlist every year tury, they racked up 81 million oldest person to assume Silence Breakers” of the since he won the 2016 election. votes and counting, the most the office of US president MeToo movement, and Along with its Person of in presidential history, topping when he is sworn in on in 2018, chose to desig- the Year honor, Time maga- Trump by some 7 million votes 20 January. Harris will nate journalists who were zine named the Korean pop and flipping five battleground become the first woman, imprisoned or killed for group BTS as its Entertain- states,” the magazine said: the first Black and the their work. er of the Year, and basket- The accolade for Biden first person of Asian de- Prior to naming this ball star LeBron James was sees him follow in the foot- scent to be inaugurated year’s winner on Thurs- crowned Athlete of the Year. Google fined £91m over ad-tracking cookies GOOGLE has been fined ies were saved on their com- euros per day until the chang- latory guidance are uncertain lator over its plans to change 100 million euros (£91m) in puters. es are made. and constantly evolving.” the way the Chrome browser France for breaking the coun- Google and Amazon also In a statement published Amazon said it disagreed handles cookies. try’s rules on online advertis- failed to provide clear infor- by Reuters, Google said: “We with the CNIL decision, Google wants to stop ing trackers known as cookies. mation about how the online stand by our record of provid- “We continuously update advertisers using cookies It is the largest fine ever trackers would be used, and ing upfront information and our privacy practices to en- to track users as they move issued by the French data pri- how visitors to the French clear controls, strong internal sure that we meet the evolving around the web from one vacy watchdog CNIL. websites could refuse the data governance, secure infra- needs and expectations of cus- site to another when using US retail giant Amazon cookies, the regulator said. structure, and above all, help- tomers and regulators and ful- Chrome, in a bid to improve was also fined 35 million euros It has given the tech giants ful products. ly comply with all applicable privacy. for breaking the rules. three months to change the in- “Today’s decision un- laws in every country in which It plans to introduce an CNIL said Google and formation banners displayed der French ePrivacy laws we operate,” it said in a state- alternative system know as Amazon’s French websites on their websites. overlooks these efforts and ment. the Privacy Sandbox that will had not sought visitors’ con- If they do not comply, they doesn’t account for the fact In a separate case, Google only provide anonymised sent before advertising cook- will be fined a further 100,000 that French rules and regu- is being probed by a UK regu- feedback. Israel unveils parts of Herod’s buried palace ISRAELI authorities near Bethlehem in the occu- foyer, and private theatre. main entrance facing Jerusa- ever, would not have satisfied are set to unveil previously pied West Bank but falls in an The Judean desert com- lem, was Herod’s favorite. Herod, who wanted his final off-limits structures within area where Israel exercises full plex was built by the Ro- It was the only one he place of rest to overshadow his King Herod’s palace-fortress military and civilian control. man-appointed king known named after himself and palace. Herodium, which the tyranni- Israel’s Nature and Parks both for his brutality and the where he chose to be buried, “That’s why he covered cal Roman-era leader interred Authority plans to open the magnificent structures built said Roi Porat, the Hebrew the mountain, including the as his enormous burial plot. revamped site, allowing vis- during his reign over Judea University archaeologist in palace, to emphasize it,” said Herodium, a hugely pop- itors to see for the first time from 37 to 4 BC. charge of the excavations. Eran Kruzel of the Israel Na- ular tourism destination, is Herodium’s arched stairway, The hilltop palace, its A mere burial plot, how- ture and Parks Authority. Facebook US lawsuits may force sale of Instagram, WhatsApp FACEBOOK Inc. might be legal challenge this year after specifically on its previous ac- James said the company “The government now forced to sell its prized assets the US Justice Department ac- quisitions of Instagram for $1 acquired rivals before they wants a do-over, sending a WhatsApp and Instagram af- cused Google of using its mar- billion in 2012 and WhatsApp could threaten the company’s chilling warning to American ter the US Federal Trade Com- ket power to fend off rivals. for $19 billion in 2014. dominance. business that no sale is ever mission and nearly every US The lawsuits highlight the “For nearly a decade, Facebook’s general coun- final,” Newstead said. state filed lawsuits against the growing bipartisan consensus Facebook has used its domi- sel Jennifer Newstead called Ms. Newstead also raised social media company, claim- to hold Big Tech accountable nance and monopoly power to the lawsuits “revisionist his- doubts about alleged harms ing it used a “buy or bury” for its business practices and crush smaller rivals, snuff out tory” and said antitrust laws caused by Facebook, arguing strategy to keep smaller com- mark a rare moment of agree- competition, all at the expense do not exist to punish “suc- that consumers benefited from petitors at bay. ment between the Trump ad- of everyday users,” said New cessful companies.” She said its decision to make WhatsApp With the filing of the twin ministration and Democrats. York Attorney General Letitia WhatsApp and Instagram free, and rivals like YouTube, lawsuits on Wednesday, Face- The complaints on James on behalf of the coali- have succeeded after Face- Twitter, and WeChat did “just book becomes the second big Wednesday accuse Facebook tion of 46 states, Washington, book invested billions of dol- fine” without access to its de- tech company to face a major of buying up rivals, focusing DC, and Guam. lars in growing the apps. veloper platform. 12 December 14 - 20, 2020 Cebu Business Week BISAYA EDITION KARNENG BABOY HAYAN MOMAHAL SA PASKO UG BAG-ONG TUIG ANG Cebu City Depart- ado anaa lang sa 11,757 ka ment of Veterinary Medi- baboy. cine and Fisheries (DVMF) Ang demand sa karneng nipasidaan nga posibleng baboy gipaabot nga musa- momahal ang karneng ka sa Pasko ug ug Bag-ong baboy panahon sa Pasko ug Tuig ug tungod sa kanihit sa Bag-ong Tuig. supply, adunay posibilidad Matod ni Dr. Jennifer nga mosaka ang presyo sa Laurente, DVMF head, ang maong produkto. pagdili sa karneng baboy On the first two weeks of gikan sa gawas sa probin- December 2020, the price siya sa Sugbo nunot sa pag- of pork has risen from P100 katap sa African Swine Fe- per kilo to P140 per kilo, or a ver (ASF) nakaaqpektar sa 40 percent increase per kilo. suplay sa siyudad. “So far naa ra man gyoy “Naglisod na tag kuha supply atong mga ihawan, og supply from Negros, so pero nimahal na gyod siya ato supply naa ra gyod diri kay mosaka man pud ang sa Cebu Province,” she said. demand. Nimahal sad ang Sa buwan sa Nobyem- live hog. Kami gimonitor bre ning tuiga, ang kinati- lang namo ang pagsulod an- buk-ang supply sa karneng ing atong pork products,” babot nga natala sa merk- matod ni Laurente. Torotot, pito ginadili paggamit pagsugat sa bag-ong tuig TUNGOD sa COVID-19 Ang Department of opisyal nga pasidaan batok pandemic, gidili ang pag- Health (DOH) nirekomen- sa pagpahigayon og dagko gamit sa torotot ug pito isip dar hinuon og pito ka bu- nga panagtigom atol sa pag- hulip sa firecrackers aron tang nga gamiton kon buot saulog sa Pasko ug Bag-ong pagsugat sa tuig 2021. gyud nga magsaba saba inig Tuig. Si Health Undersecretary sugat sa Bag-ong Tuig. Kini Misugyot ang DOH nga for Public Health Services mao ang drums, busina sa ang iregalo sa Pasko mga Myrna Cabotaje niingon nga sakyanan, mga guba nga face masks ug face shields ang laway gikan sa ginamit kaldero, kaha, alkansiya, aron sa pagpahinumdum sa nga torotot ug pito hayan tambourines, glow sticks, makadawat niini nga ania pa mamahimong tinubdan sa ug pagpatukar og kusog nga kita sa pandemya ug kinah- pagpasa pasa sa kagaw nga music. anglan moruman sa health COVID-19. Gisubli ni Cabotaje ang protocols. Limitahan ang pasudlon sa Mga drayber sa PUJ nga simbahan atol sa Misa de Gallo dunay pending nga multa ANG Archdiocese sa was na lang ipahimutang. hapon. tugtan pagmaneho sa mga bus Sugbo mipasidaan sa tanang “Among hangyo sa mga Ang aktwal nga Misa de MGA drayber sa PUJ nga drivers nga naay penalty pag parokya sa Sugbo nga 50 parokya ug parokyano nga Gallo himoon matag 4:30 sa gikuha sa Vallacar Transit pre-pandemic aron ma-is- porsiyento nga kapasidad ni- mosunod lang ta sa physical kadlawon alang lamang sa (Ceres) aron momaneho sa suehan silag CCTO (Cebu ini ang mahimong pasudlon distancing ug health proto- Cathedral. mga bus niini, apan dunay City Transportation Office) sa simbahan atol sa Misa de cols,” matod ni Geonzon. Ang mga parokyano gi- pending nga multa sa wala identification cards (ID). Gallo. Ang mga manimbahay awhag sa pagpakisayod sa pa ang pandemya, tugtan sa Naghire man gud silag mga Subay niini, si Rever- gidastg sa pagdala og payong ilang parokya sa schedule sa pagmaneho sa mga bus. jeepney drivers sa una nga end Father Japeth Geonzon, basin unya kon moulan. Simbang Gabi ug Misa de Si Cebu City Councilor wala pa tawn kabalik og pas- vice-chairperson sa Com- Sa Cebu Metropolitan Gallo. James Cuenco niingon nga ada,” matod ni Cuenco. mittee on Worship, niingon Cathedral, adunay Simbang Nanghinaut si Rev. makigtigom na sila sa Val- Nidugang si Cuenco nga nga ang pagsud sa simbahan Gabi Mass matag 6:00 sa Geonzon ang hapsay ang lacar Transit mahitungod ni- kadtong mga penalties sa “first come, first served” ba- gabii sugod sa Disyembre pagpahigayon sa Misa de ini. wala pa ang pandemya isyu- sis. 15, Lunes hangtod Biyernes, Gallo ug ang katawhan mag- Matod ni Cuenco, ni- han na karon og mga CCTO Kinahanglan lang nga samtang ang Simbang Gabi tamud gyud sa standard hangyo ang Vallacar Transit identification cards. unahon pagpuno ang sud sa Mass sa Sabado ug Domingo health protocols. nga temporaryong isuspenso Labing menos 60 ka mga simbahan ug ang uban sa ga- pagahimoon sa alas 5:30 sa ang pagbayad sa mga multa drayber ang maka benepisyo ug tugtan ang mga drayber sa temporaryong pagsalin- FOR YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS sa pagmaneho sa mga bus. dot sa mga penalties. Sila na PLEASE CONTACT: “Ang ila lang gusto kay imya ang mudala sa mga ruta 0995 912 5514 dili usa pabayron tong mga sa Ceres bus sud sa siyudad.