“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” CEBU BUSINESS Room 310-A, 3rd floor WDC Bldg. Osmeña Blvd., You may visit Cebu Business Week WEEK Facebook page. August 9 - 15, 2021 Volume 3, Series 99 www.cebubusinessweek.com 12 PAGES P15.00 SARA TO RUN NOT AS PDP Digong’s men fear they will be out by July 1, 2022

A NEW umbrella orga- ban, who will pose for Sena- By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO maybe testing the water if his sincerity. They may betray nization was hatched to con- tor Christopher “Bong” Go for endorsement will be accept- you in the last minute,” Dela solidate all groups supporting president and PRRD for vice tion of the Philippines) which able to the people. Fuente quoted Sara. the candidacy of Davao City president. is now lorded with Chinese “Senator ’s rat- He said some Cebu poli- Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio for He said the group of executives,” Dela Fuente said. ing is very low because as I ticians campaigned for then president nationwide. Matibag and Cusi are not in He added that when Sara said in past interviews, the presidential candidate Je- Dr. Winley Sanchez Dela good terms with Sara. They took over as Davao City may- Duterte legacy cannot be jomar Binay in 2016 and after Fuente, founding chair of Or- are for Go in the hope that or, all the officials appointed passed on to other person Binay gave them huge cam- dinaryong Lungsoranon sa they will remain in power by by her father when he was like Go. Only a member of paign funds, they left him for Sugbo, called the federation as July 1, 2022. mayor were removed. Duterte family is acceptable. Duterte and are now occupy- “Sara All Philippines 2022.” “They (Mitra and “Those who campaigned The people are more trusting ing influential positions. “That is Sara Alliances. Cusi among oth- for Go for president are afraid on Sara than Bong Go,” Dela The founder of Ordinary- Sara All. Or Sarado all. Sara- ers) think that that if Sara will become Fuente said. ong Lungsoranon sa Sugbo do ang druglords, Sarado ang if Go will be- president, they will be re- He said he has nothing said several groups have al- corruption. Sarado ang crim- come pres- moved from the service--- against Go. He campaigned lied with them in maintain- inality. Saradohon ta nang ident, tuloy from Malacañang down for Go to become senator. ing their stance for Sara to utok sa mga buangbuang,” ang kanilang and will become ordinary But this time, Go should stick run for president. Dela Fuente said. ligaya. Ma- citizens. Kapit sa patalim in the Senate and make good Dela Fuente founded Or- He added that he was tibag is the ni sila,” Dela Fuente said. legislations as mandated of dinaryong Lungsoranon sa told by leaders in Davao City president of He said that Presi- him. Sugbo to convince Sara to run recently that this is different the NGCP (Na- dent Duterte has already “It is very clear that those for president, hence, the Run from what happened to Presi- tional Grid Cor- endorsed Go twice, who pushed Go for president Sara Run Movement. dent Rodrigo R. Duterte in the pora- are those with vested interest He said that even Cebu 2016 election when a person and are afraid to become an Market Vendors Cooperative will first file for the certificate ordinary citizen by 2022. It is (CEMVEDCO) chaired by of candidacy, to be replaced by also clear that Sara is running Erwin Goc-ong is allied with him later. for president as independent, Ordinaryong Lungsoranon “Inday Sara will file her not under PDP-Laban,” Dela sa Sugbo. certificate of candidacy for Fuente said. Dela Fuente said their president within the period When Sara was in Cebu, major aims are to continue of filing set by the Comelec she told Dela Fuente that she maintaining peace and order, (Commission on Elections) wanted to hear the sentiment uplifting the lives of the peo- on October 1-8, 2021,” Dela of ordinary people, not of ple, continue the campaign Fuente said. politicians or government of- against illegal drugs, and stop Dela Fuente said that he ficials. corruption. knew a certain Atty. Melvin “I don’t want the en- He said that thousands of Matibag, a protégée of De- dorsement of mayors, gov- motorcycle riders are now al- partment of Energy (DOE) ernors and other politicians lied with Ordinaryong Lung- Secretary Alfonso Cusi, the because they are always soranon sa Sugbo’s Run Sara secretary general of PDP-La- clapping their hands without Run Movement. 2 August 9 - 15, 2021 Cebu Business Week NEWS No to power rate hike sans a clear and justifiable investigation SENATOR Risa Hon- Capital (WACC) is brought tiveros renewed her call to down to an appropriate lev- suspend any power rate hike el, an issue pressed strong- until the Energy Regulatory ly by Hontiveros since last Commission (ERC) has pro- year. vided a clear explanation of Last month, Hontiveros a continued rise in power also urged the ERC to sus- cost and the investigation pend the rules on Automatic on rotational blackouts has Generation Rate Adjustment concluded. (AGRA) and temporarily de- A press statement from fer the rate increase for dis- the Senator came as Manila tribution and transmission Electric Co. (Meralco) an- charges that continue to nounced, on the 5th straight burden the consumers. month, that its August rate “I am expecting ERC to will increase by P0.0965/ diligently exercise its reg- kWh. This was equivalent to ulatory functions to the P19.00 for households that The Senator recalled vestigation, these agencies central issue during the Sen- fullest and ensure that con- consume at least 200 kWh that, except for NGCP, agen- left us with an assurance ate inquiry into the power sumer welfare is protected, per month. cies and other stakehold- that there will be no increase outages that occurred during and power rate and service The higher transmission ers have impressed upon in transmission charges the first week of June. Other are justly regulated without charges this month were due the Senate that no upward even if non-firm contracts than the AS, also discussed further delays especially in to higher ancillary services movement in transmission of NGCP’s ancillary services during the previous hearings bringing down the price of (AS) which jumped from charges was going to happen were converted to firm con- was the possibility of a fur- our electricity. If not, then P0.5992/kWh in July to once AS is made firm from tracts. Lip service lang ba ther reduction in transmis- they should voluntarily re- P0.7323 this month, accord- non-firm. ito?” Hontiveros asked. sion cost once NGCP’s 15% sign from their posts,” Hon- ing to Meralco. “During the Senate in- The AS has become the Weighted Average Cost of tiveros concluded. Make use of DOH 7 Emergency HealthLine THE Department of following hotline numbers: Cebu, when the Covid-19 cas- emergency room nga dili within Metro Cebu and Cebu Health (DOH) 7, in part- 411-6900 and 09672219120. es are experiencing a surge. puno para ma-atiman dayon Province as part of their pilot nership with the Office of DOH 7 regional direc- The HealthLine service sila,” said Dr. Bernadas. area. the Presidential Assistant tor Dr. Jaime Bernadas has would provide guidance on In a recent meeting with Dr. Bernadas, on the for the Visayas (OPAV), has urged the public to utilize which hospital they could go OPAV Undersecretary Jonji other hand, assured the strengthened the hotline the HealthLine before going for consultation and treat- Gonzales, DOH 7 promised public that they have enough where the public can call be- to the hospitals. The Emer- ment. to accommodate all con- agents who can take the fore going to the hospitals in gency HealthLine will allow “Very critical ang role cerns of the calls received phone calls 24 hours, 7 days Cebu. the public to inquire about sa atong One Hospital Com- thru the HealthLine. The a week. Those who are experi- health-related services or mand or sa HealthLine, nga DOH-Central Visayas 24/7 OPAV and DOH 7 first encing COVID-19 symptoms emergencies needing referral unta manawag lang sila diha. Emergency HealthLine was launched the HealthLine in or other ailments can call the and coordination. This ser- Magiyahan sila og asa ang first launched in August of 2020 to help both the public DOH-Central Visayas Emer- vice is especially helpful in hospital nga naay imme- 2020. Currently, the Health- and hospitals in emergencies gency Healthline through the the recent situation in Metro diately bakante or asa ang Line is open to serve areas during the pandemic. PR DOLE gives labor ED to NegOr grad students OVER a thousand grad- to DOLE-7 Regional Director Architecture (CEA); College nearest DOLE Provincial Of- webinar series successful. uating students in Negros Salome O. Siaton, will help of Arts ad Sciences (CAS); fice signifying its intention to DOLE-NOFO Head, Oriental recently joined a se- the students become familiar College of Criminal Justice avail of the seminar/webinar. Marites G. Mercado said that ries of Labor Education for with DOLE’s services more Education (CCJE); and the “Due to the restrictions the webinar was likewise Graduating Students (LEGS) specifically on employment College of Teacher Education being brought about by the made possible in partnership webinars conducted by the facilitation, workers protec- (CTE). pandemic, the Department with the NORSU’s Counsel- Department of Labor and tion and social security cover- “Graduating students of also took advantage of the use ling, Assessment, Resourc- Employment Negros Oriental age for the employees. vocational and baccalaureate of technology by conducting es, Enhancement Center Field Office (DOLE-NOFO). Participants are from the courses, who would sooner these seminars through an (CARE). Participating students Negros Oriental State Uni- or later join the labor force, online platform in close coor- The LEGS is just one were introduced to labor laws, versity (NORSU) particularly are given orientation on la- dination with the concerned component of the DOLE’s work ethics, values and other from the College of Business bor and employment matters Public Employment Service Labor and Employment Edu- labor-related information as Administration (CBA); Col- through the conduct of the Offices or PESOs,” she con- cation Services (LEES), apart part of the LEGS- a program lege of Nursing; Pharmacy LEGS,” said Siaton. tinued. from the Labor Relations, of DOLE, which will help pre- and Allied Health Sciences She added that the School The Regional Head Human Relations and Pro- pare graduating students in (CNPAHS); College of In- Management of any educa- thanked PESO-Dumaguete ductivity (LHP) Seminars and entering the world of work. dustrial Technology (CIT); tional institution may avail of for taking an active part in Continuing Labor Education The seminar, according College of Engineering and this program by writing to the making the conduct of the Seminar (CLES). PR Cebu Business Week August 9 - 15, 2021 3 NEWS No extension of voter registration: Comelec AN OFFICIAL of the linta said there is a Disabilities (PWDs) Mamalinta said that for Commission on Election mall registration of and Senior Citizens those who want to register, the (COMELEC) Cebu City North voters on August 21, at the same time. COMELC office is open from said that as of now, there is no 2021, at Ayala Cen- We will also con- 8:00 am to 5:00 pm., Mon- extension of registration of vot- ter Block in IT Park. duct voters’ educa- day to Friday. Just go to the ers, the deadline of which, will This coming Au- tion to enlighten the COMELEC office within your be on September 30, 2021. gust 29, 2021, and people who have place. Omar Sharif Dilangalen September 4, 2021, not yet registered Those who are qualified Mamalinta said that they are they have mall reg- that they need to be to register are Filipino citi- finding ways to register vot- istration of voters at registered so they zens, 18 years old, resident of ers at Ayala Center Cebu every SM City Cebu. can vote this com- the Philippines and in a place Friday of the week once the This coming ing May 9, 2022, where they intend to vote for Modified Enhanced Commu- September 11, Sep- national and local at least one year. nity Quarantine (MECQ) will tember 18, and Sep- elections,” Mama- You may register online. be lifted. tember 25, Mama- linta said. If you want to get a form, just Mamalinta said that be- linta said they will On the other go to: comelec.gov.ph. If you fore the MECQ was imple- have a mall registra- hand, Mamalinta arrange an appointment, go to: mented by the Inter-Agency tion of voters at Rob- OMAR SHARIF DILANGALEN MAMALINTA said that if a youth irehistro.comelec.gov.ph. Fill Task Force (IATF), COMELEC inzons Cybergate. is 17 years old at up the form and print out after- has scheduled the registration On September 27, September tember 30 is the deadline. present, he can register if he wards, bring that to COMELEC of voters at Ayala Center Cebu 28, September 29 and Septem- “While we conduct mall will be 18 years old by May 9, office for biometric data like for August 7-14, 2021. ber 30, the mall registration will registration, we have special 2022. That is COMELEC’s de- picture, signature and thumb Other than that, Mama- be at Robinsons Galleria. Sep- registration for Persons with termining factor. mark. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Capitol awaits city response to land swap review BOARD Member Isma- Province of Cebu and the Cebu ernment is willing to help the the Cebu City Government, el “Jimbo” Borgonia said the City Government is as is, and I Cebu City Government espe- is included in the land swap. Cebu City Government has not hope our meeting on this mat- cially in providing lots to resi- However, the Cebu City Gov- yet answered their request to ter will start,” Borgonia said. dents within the provincial lots ernment has entered into a review and evaluate the land The land swap was signed (like those covered by Provin- memorandum of agreement swap between the Province of by then Cebu Provincial Gover- cial Ordinance No. 93-1). with Metropolitan Cebu Water Cebu and the city during the nor Hilario Davide III and then “The land swap deal must District (MCWD) for the water past administration. Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Os- be at least value-for-value. utility firm to use it for about 15 Borgonia, a lawyer and meña. Kanang dili pud maalkanse years. chairman of the Committee “That land swap deal of the ang probinsiya. We under- “Nahulog og kataw-anan on Cebu Provincial Properties, previous administration is clear- stand that the residents on the kay atoang yuta sa Probinsiya said that Cebu City Mayor Ed- ly in favor of Cebu City. That is PB MEMBER. ISMAEL “JIMBO” provincial lots are Cebu City sa Sugbo, pero ang mogamit gardo C. Labella is frequently why incumbent Cebu Governor BORGONIA voters, and we want to give that ang MCWD. Mora bag imong absent and Acting Mayor Mi- Gwen (Garcia) wants to review a meeting with Cebu City offi- to Cebu City Government,” rehistro sa awto pero naay chael “Mike” Rama has not yet it. If there is a land swap, at least cials,” Borgonia said. Borgonia said. agreement nga laing tawo mog- assumed with full power. the deal is fair. That is also the The board member said He added that a lot near amit,” Borgonia said. ELIAS O. “Our deal between the reason why we are requesting that the Cebu Provincial gov- SM City, which was owned by BAQUERO Diamante reveals administration’s secret TUBURAN, Cebu Vice “We avail of the partnership Diamante said that the Barangay Poblacion to Baran- Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Mer- and linkages with National Gov- planting of coffee trees was also gay Bangkito which is around cado Diamante said one of the ernment Agencies or any funder partnered with the Department 36 kilometers. secrets in their administration for government projects. We of Environment and Natural Re- In the past years, without is upgrading the municipality partnered with almost all gov- sources (DENR) under the Na- the road, the people of Bangki- and winning the trust and con- ernment agencies like the De- tional Greening Program (NGP). to would go to Danao City and fidence of the people. partment of Trade and Industry “The DENR also has a take a bus to Poblacion, Tubu- “The direction of our gov- (DTI) that has Roads Linkag- great contribution to coffee ran. The road from Poblacion ernance is not for ourselves es, Leverages of Industry and planting by the poor residents to Bangkito will soon be ce- but for the people or constitu- Trade,” Diamante said. with financial assistance for the mented and transporting ents that we are mandated to He said that the leverage people’s organization for the people and cargo will soon serve,” Diamante said. that they’ve done in Tuburan first five years of operation,” be convenient. When Diamante became are the coffee planters who Diamante said. After his three-term the mayor of Tuburan, Cebu now plant thousands of hect- Diamante also said that mayorship of Tuburan, from July 1, 2010 to July 1, ares with coffee. So, they have a highway is now being con- Diamante was elected 2019, majority of the roads availed of budget from DTI structed in Tuburan, Cebu that vice mayor from July 1, in 54 barangays were almost which is part of the General Ap- will connect to Danao City. The 2019 while his brother, Dan- non-passable, but are now ex- propriations Act (GAA) of the budget is only for the construc- ny, is now the incumbent mayor. VICE MAYOR DEMOCRITO panded to at least four lanes. National Government. tion of road in Tuburan from ELIAS O. BAQUERO “ALJUN” MERCADO DIAMANTE 4 August 9 - 15, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Revamp DOH

The time has come to kick out Health Secre- tary Francisco Duque III and revamp the Depart- ment of Health (DOH). With the Commission on Audit (COA) uncover- ing several multi-billion anomalies at the DOH last year, Sen. Manny Pacquaio does not need additional information Weekly Notes to back up his accusation Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya of Sec. Duque and Pres. . Would the president still resort to helping his DOH friend? The DOH anomalies are unconscionable amid the pan- demic. So many have died. Skillful handling by the opposi- tion would succeed in the court of public opinion and the courts. It would be good damage control if Pres. Duterte would immediately sack Duque and order the replacement to the revamp DOH. The anomalies cannot just be the liability of one man. Visayas Perhaps, if ever Pres. Duterte revamps the DOH, please investigate DOH 7 regional director Dr. Jaime S. Bernadas and the spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche. I cannot for- get that image of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia pointing to the two as her consultants in managing the Covid-19 situa- tion in Cebu. The over 500 deaths in Cebu Island should be proof of how mismanaged the situation had been under their watch. Gov. Garcia needed better scientific advice especially if she wants to defy Dr. Edsel Salvaña of the IATF. Both Bernadas and Loreche failed to convince Gov. Editorial Garcia to vigorously pursue vaccination. Achieving herd immunity is the scientifically correct way of preparing Cebu for tourism and economic recovery. The Singapore example that the governor held as an example was achieved because More vaccines needed over 50 percent of the population had been vaccinated. LENI Although vaccinations in Then some point to There indeed those who ir- It seems Vice President has done more in the Philippines began early deaths despite the completion rationally reject getting their uniting the opposition than 1Sambayan. Remember, 1Sam- this year, a huge portion of of the vaccine doses. And, of jabs. bayan immediately rejected Sen. Manny Pacquaio. Howev- the population continue to course, a number do not like The fear of the dreaded er, the vice president reached out to the other contenders fear being vaccinated against injections. There is always Delta variant, nevertheless, like the Pacman, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Sen. Pan- Covid-19. this fear. had driven thousands to get filo Lacson. The reasons are fascinat- So far, no one had become their injections. In 1985, the opposition only had to unite the Yellows ing, though sad. a zombie yet. And one can see Unfortunately, the na- under Cory Aquino and the Greens under Doy Laurel. The Imagine, there are still the contents of the syringe tional government had been Reds erred when they advocated a boycott. The Cory-Doy those who believe the vac- before injection. Moreover, remiss in providing ade- team defeated the dictator. Today, Robredo had a tough- cines eventually make one deaths caused by Covid-19 quate vaccines. And we hear er job of uniting a fragmented opposition. In contrast, the a zombie. Another wants to had reached hundreds of of billions of unused funds Duterte camp is now further split with Sen. Bong Go and the know what exactly the vac- thousands and counting. And by the Department of Health incompetent old men around Digong going their own way. cine ingredients. They sug- how many are dead because (DOH). (Emmanuel Mongaya, co-founder and director for strate- gested that the vaccine had a of the vaccines again? Indeed, we need more gic communications of PRWorks Inc., is a member of the small object injected into the One reason for these vaccines. The country had Political Officers League of the Philippines or POLPhil.DM skin as foretold by the biblical wrong beliefs is the lack of a jabbed a very small portion of him @anol_cebu) Apocalypse. vigorous information drive. the population.

“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 August 9 - 15, 2021 5 OPINION UAE’s Masdar inks deal to drive Iraq’s clean energy revolution levels in the region, the state- from the US$350 billion in aid million. Total investment in the gansky district of Moscow on ment added. The agreement granted to state, local, territorial company now stands at $363 the lawsuit of administrative was signed at a virtual ceremo- and tribal governments under million, according to start-up wrongdoing under Part 8 of ny by Majid A Hantosh, Minis- the American Rescue Plan Act. tracker Crunchbase. Founded Art. 13.11 of the Administrative ter of Electricity, the Republic of The department added that it in 2016, Neuralink is trying to Offenses Code of the Russian Iraq, Suha Al-Najar, president would provide technical assis- develop high-bandwidth brain Federation (‘Violation of Rus- BIZBITS of the National Investment tance in using these funds to implants that can communicate sian Federation legislation in Manny de los Santos Rabacal Commission for the Republic support increased vaccinations. with phones and computers. the field of personal data,’ Goo- of Iraq, and Mohamed Jameel The Treasury said in a state- The company is targeting its gle LLC has been sentenced to Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar. Ih- ment that such incentives are first devices at quadriplegics — an administrative fine of 3 mil- san Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Min- an allowable use of funds from who are unable to interact with lion rubles. This is the compa- ister of Oil for the Republic of the US$350 billion in aid grant- many of today’s devices — and it ny’s first sanction for refusing to Iraq, said that the government ed to state, local, territorial and is working toward human trials. localize the datasets of Russian intends to increase and en- tribal governments under the So far, the technology has been users in the nation. Previous- Masdar, the Abu Dha- hance the national production American Rescue Plan Act. The trialed on pigs and a monkey ly, the court punished Google bi-based clean energy major of clean energy. Through this department added that it would that was able to play the video for refusing to erase prohibited and a subsidiary of Mubadala agreement with Masdar, we will provide technical assistance in game Pong with its mind. The content. Previously, the Rus- Investment Company, has an- generate 2GW of solar power using these funds to support company said its first product, sian Federal Service for Su- nounced that it signed an agree- through projects in central and increased vaccinations. Earlier known as the N1 Link, will be pervision of Communications, ment with the Republic of Iraq southern Iraq. He added that on Thursday, New York City completely invisible once im- Information Technology, and to develop solar projects in the Iraq is targeting 20-25 percent Mayor Bill de Blasio announced planted and transmit data via Mass Media stated that Google, country. The projects will have a of energy coming from renew- that anyone getting their first a wireless connection. Musk, Facebook, Twitter, and other minimum total capacity of two able sources, rather than fossil COVID-19 vaccine shot at a who is CEO of Neuralink as well social media behemoths had gigawatts (GW), a statement fuels, equivalent to 10-12GW. city-run site would receive a as Tesla and SpaceX, has pre- failed to localize Russian users’ said. Iraq, the second-largest oil (Arabian Business) US$100 payment. (CNA) viously described Neuralink as personal data by July 1, 2021. producer in the Organisation of oOo oOo a Fitbit in your skull with tiny According to the watchdog, an Petroleum Exporting Countries President Joe Biden is call- Elon Musk’s brain-ma- wires that go into your brain. administrative process was put (OPEC), is looking to increase ing for state, local and US terri- chine interface company, Neu- (CNBC) up against Google for violating the percentage of renewables in torial governments to provide ralink, has raised $205 mil- oOo Russian database localization its total power production ca- US$100 payments for every lion from investors including According to a spokesman regulations. It also anticipates pacity by the end of this decade newly vaccinated American to Google Ventures, Peter Thiel’s of the court’s press office, the a response from Facebook and to address supply issues and boost COVID-19 inoculation Founders Fund, and OpenAI Magistrates’ Court in Moscow Twitter, after which the issue meet climate objectives. The rates, the US Treasury Depart- CEO Sam Altman. The series C fined Google 3 million rubles of commencing administrative country, which this year ratified ment said on Thursday (Jul round, announced in a blogpost ($40,975) for refusing to lo- procedures will be resolved. the Paris Agreement on climate 29). The Treasury said in a Thursday, was led by Dubai- calize its users’ data in Russia. (Russia Business Today) change, enjoys some of the statement that such incentives based Vy Capital. It comes two According to the decision of mannyrabacal1144@ most attractive solar irradiation are an allowable use of funds years after Neuralink raised $51 the magistrate court of the Ta- gmail.com

Gibo T. best running mate for Inday Sara nance, from Malacañang down Teodoro, a servant-lead- ing that this election is not only help to Sara in solving the West to the Local Government Unit er or a leader who serves his among Filipinos but possibly Philippine Sea (WPS) issue (LGU). constituents, said that a vice between the United States and caused by China’s intrusion to Teodoro ran for president president must be ready to be China. the Philippine territory. in 2010 but unfortunately lost a shock absorber of the Presi- On trade, there is a huge Teodoro said WPS must be to Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, dent in times of crisis, and may trade imbalance between the a concern of all nations in the a loss that was heavily attribut- represent the President in any Philippines and China. The world especially that all coun- ed to the death of his mother, field if the country’s chief exec- Philippines is importing Chi- tries must have “free passage” former President Corazon C. utive has an equally important nese products almost daily. But in the area in delivering car- Aquino. thing to do. China is not importing Philip- goes and passengers. Teodoro, son of the most He added that the country pine products. Alkanse ta. He said that the Philip- Smorgasbord credible administrator of the also needs to strengthen the On the other hand, the pines has an exclusive econom- Elias O. Baquero Social Security System (SSS), military to protect its sover- United States has heavily im- ic zone in WPS;China should can relate the sufferings of eignty against all foreign ag- ported Philippine products get out of the area immediate- the Filipino people, both on gressors. And I believe him be- through economic zones and ly. China should not bully the health pandemic and econom- cause he was a former defense other industries. America is a Philippines especially that the For me, the best running ic debacle. chief. big brother of the Philippines. Mutual Defense Agreement mate for Davao City Mayor In my interview with Te- According to Teodoro, he Remember that there is a between the Philippines and Sara Duterte Carpio once she odoro through Yagyagan pro- met Sara in Davao City sever- growing anti-China sentiment the US is still in effect. will file the certificate of can- gram over DYRC radio, 648 al times. He offered himself to all over the country. He added that all nations didacy for president is former KHz, he told me that a vice Sara to be her running mate Under these circumstanc- in the world must be briefed Department of National De- president must be observant for the May 9, 2022, national es, plus Teodoro’s record as a on how important WPS to fense (DND) Secretary Gilbert and must be ready to give elections. US-educated person, I think all of them, that they should “Gibo” Teodoro. suggestions and advice to the While there is no positive Gibo is the most acceptable respect the EEZ right of the Teodoro, the number President in all aspects of gov- result to his offer yet, I think candidate to be Sara’s running Philippines, and the Filipino one in the bar examination, is ernance, either domestic or Teodoro is the most logical mate. people must know that we knowledgeable in good gover- foreign affairs. running mate of Sara consider- Teodoro can also be a big own the place. 6 August 9 - 15, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

2022 Political Exercise amidst Pandemic ified our norms and be- COMELEC offices and the ing to cut down that number voter will have to wipe down haviour. I would be walking voting precincts. If the same in lieu of the pandemic, but surfaces before using it. May- not knowing who I met as still be done, transmission that’s the number that will be put a spray bottle there or their faces are now covered of the COVID virus cannot determine how many voting just, do the work of keeping with the face shield and be prevented just like what booths will be placed in one each other safe,” Jimenez he mask. Court hearings are happened in India where classroom,” Jimenez said in noted in a mix of English and now most virtual meetings the spread was connected to the podcast. Filipino. now done in zoom or other their political exercise. Comelec has not ruled Some voters may have to online portals. Shopping are Political campaign and out utilizing open air spaces transfer their registration in done online. gathering should be more in- as voting areas but acknowl- case sudden travel restric- The Legal Front The political scenes are novative to encourage virtual edged the logistical problems tion will be imposed during Atty. Gerry Carillo drawing also in different rather than physical meet- to it. the election days. Comelec styles. Politicians are now ings. “There’s a shortage of noted that some voters reg- getting use of Facebook, The setup and design places with huge open spaces istered in the city but work Messenger, Twitter adds and of polling places must have like gyms, basketball courts. outside the province. They other social media platform. to be reconfigured to suit We really have to empty the might be discouraged from This pandemic has But is the Commission the health protocols. Barri- classrooms even with the returning home and partici- transformed our way of life. on Election (COMELEC) pre- ers has be to be established. booths, if those are the only pating in the election period My day would normally start pared for the upcoming Na- Polling places must have ones available,” Jimenez due to the strict travel guide- at 5 am for an hour jog and tional and Local Elections? enough ventilation to pro- added. lines that may be impose. for an early coffee and then How would they prepare the vide continuous airflow. Our electoral officers Everything turned up- for my trial duty and wind up upcoming election? Comelec’s Jimenez said need to consistently comply side down with the increas- my day at 11 in the evening Here’s my take for the the number of voting booths with health protocols. Elec- ing presence of delta variant for writing court memoran- upcoming political exercise. in a classroom will depend toral Officers must be re- abound in the region, we can dums for court submission. For one, COMELEC must on the number of people as- minded to disinfect chairs, only hope for the 2022 polit- Today everything I once use study the virtual registration signed to cast their ballots in pens, and other surfaces that ical exercise to turn for the to do like clubbing every Fri- of voters. Our experience in that voting precinct. were usually touched by vot- better as we choice our lead- day and Saturday nights are past registration and elec- “Our precinct sizes ers. ers the next administration. now things of the past. toral exercises, a mile-long during election time are 800 “In the future, part of the Writes us at carillogerry@ The pandemic has mod- line of registrants before the to 1,000 [people]. We’re look- [voter] education is that the yahoo.com.ph.

Labor sector’s stand on MCWD water subsidy financial aid from the Cebu According to a United guish the socio-economic primary grade notebooks to City government is meritori- Nations Educational, Scien- condition of households and schoolchildren, COA disal- ous. tific and Cultural Organiza- to delete those who could af- lowed and even reached the “On principle we are not tion (UNESCO) report, in ford. Supreme Court. against it”, reads the posi- cities, middle-income fam- The TWG should devel- If the requests for finan- tion paper of the Associated ilies with piped water ten- op an instrument on how to cial assistance of P200M Labor Unions (ALU), biggest dered to pay far less per liter come up with the formula on for year 2022 and P72M for affiliate of the Trade Union while the poor and informal water subsidy. Is the calcu- the last quarter of 2021 is Congress of the Philippines settlers often had to buy wa- lation based on the income intended to finance water (TUCP). Minimum salaried ter from trucks and other generation capacity of house- sourcing, and thus, making The Labor Front workers and urban poor pay vendors, shelling out 10 to hold members adjusted for the water subsidy as a “rider” Art Barrit higher water than the rich. 20 times more for their water the level of economic need? or “incentives” then the more However, there are some val- than their richer neighbors. This is to eradicate manipu- the labor sector is asking the id issues that needs to be ad- Most city residents belonging lation and take advantage of water firm for the road map dressed such as the parame- to informal settlers doesn’t the program at the expense of the water infrastructure ters of the water subsidy set have water connections with of the taxpayers’ money. projects. by MCWD? the MCWD due to some Accordingly, we hope The labor sector main- In the proposed resolu- stringent requirements im- that MCWD as a proponent tains that water is one of the tion it adopted the year 2020 posed by the water firm from shall revisit a “Compilation infrastructure programs that Water affordability for the number of water conces- the would-be applicant. and Analysis of Supreme needs to be addressed by the the poor is a perennial sub- sionaires; 18,189 consum- “The misperception on Court – Water Related Cases government not only to en- ject in developing countries. ers with monthly consump- the marginalized sector hav- from 1901 to 2010 and Policy tice more investors, having Despite many improve- tion of 0 to 10 cubic meters ing no water because they Recommendations: MDG-F a reasonable price on water ments, there are still many and 36,798 registered city can’t afford it is completely 1919: Enhancing Access to but also to provide the labor challenges to make piped residential consumers with wrong, with some spending and Provision of Water Ser- sector and the marginalized water coverage universal monthly consumption of 11 up to 30 percent of their sala- vices. with greater access to their and affordable among poorer to 30 cubic meters, respec- ries, UNESCO reports added. There are already a lot of basic needs. households. tively. In order to come up with COA disallowances the city Predicated on this, the la- The attainment of 100% The union’s position also a well-targeted beneficiaries has incurred in its latest exit bor sector appeals to MCWD access to potable water lies stated, on how to determine on the distributional impact financial report made by the to come up with a consol- heavily on local government eligibility for the water sub- of the water subsidy, there agency recently. Remember idated and complete data- delivery to the devolved wa- sidy? Is it determined by should be first a Technical the City Hall financial aid base on consumers based ter service. socio-economic need based Working Group (TWG) to given to the barangays which on socio-economic profile to The proposed resolution on the current instrument study and determine a dwell- COA disallowed? And during be prepared by a TWG with of Metropolitan Cebu Water to gauge the socio-economic ing geographic classification the term of Mayor Osmeña the participation of the labor District (MCWD) requesting conditions of households? system in order to distin- when he distributed free union of the water firm. Cebu Business Week August 9 - 15, 2021 7 BUSINESS Probe unreleased health worker benefits A CONGRESSWOMAN Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. spoke has filed a resolution seek- with his Saudi counterpart ing to investigate the Health Adel Bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir on department’s alleged failure and phone and discussed is- to release benefits and al- sues of mutual interest. lowances to health workers “The kingdom offered under the country’s second again to host more Filipino stimulus package. nurses where they are deeply “The Department of appreciated; not depreciated Health (DoH) should deter- and detained back home,” he mine the reasons for such tweeted. failure and identify viable About a tenth of the Phil- solutions to give healthcare ippines’ health workers live workers the benefits due to in poor households, while them,” Marikina Rep. Stella more than 80 % belong to Luz A. Quimbo said in House the middle class or higher, Resolution 2121. according to a University of She also sought the pas- the Philippines Population sage of a third stimulus mea- Institute report last year. sure that is still pending at Mr. Al-Jubeir told Mr. the Senate. “It is under the law that medical workers will get haz- Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia Locsin to give Filipino health Meanwhile, Senator Rich- you receive justified sup- ard pay and allowance. DoH in has offered to host more Fil- workers “a chance to earn ard J. Gordon, Sr. said health port, not just cash aid,” he June said P9 billion had been ipino nurses during bilateral decent living and up their workers should get the active said in Filipino during a dia- released for health workers. discussions with the Philip- skill set, then get recruited hazard duty pay and special logue with health workers on But various groups of health pines, the Department of For- by Western countries, which risk allowance that the gov- Thursday. workers said many of them eign Affairs (DFA) said. is fine with the kingdom.” ernment had promised them. Under the law, qualified had yet to receive the benefits. Foreign Affairs Secretary BUSINESS WORLD Accept mutilated currencies from public: BSP THE Bangko Sentral ng in transit, Ø a (WST), unless the same is Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednes- banks are portion of lost or damaged due to fire, day reminded all authorized advised any one of water, chemical or bitten by agent banks (AABs) to accept to place the signa- termites/rodents and the mutilated or doubtful cur- mutilated tures of the like. rencies from the public. currency President Banknotes whose EST or BSP Circular 829 states in appro- of the Phil- WST were willfully removed that AABs shall subsequent- priate con- ippines or shall not be valid for redemp- ly forward the mutilated tainers,” the Gover- tion. or doubtful banknotes and the central nor of the The BSP encourages the coins to the BSP for exam- bank said. BSP re- cooperation of the banks and ination of redemption value Mutilated banknotes Ø the remaining sur- mains; the public in its commitment and/or genuineness. shall be valid for redemption face area is no less than 3/5 Ø presence of the em- to preserve the integrity of “To avoid disintegration if all of the following require- of the original size of the bedded security thread (EST) Philippine currency. THE or further deterioration while ments are met: banknote; or windowed security thread MANILA TIMES Pag-IBIG Fund earns COA’s highest audit rating for 9th straight year PAG-IBIG Fund has plemented a number of loan tary Eduardo D. del Rosario, are presented, in all material opinion from COA shows that earned the Commission on payment reprieves and stim- Chairman of the Department respects, in accordance with we have achieved three things Audit’s highest audit rating ulus programs to help our of Human Settlements and applicable financial reporting last year. First, we were able for the 9th consecutive year members and stakeholders Urban Development (DH- frameworks. to safeguard the health and even amid the pandemic. during the lockdown while SUD) and of the Pag-IBIG Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Ex- welfare of our workforce In a letter dated July 29, ensuring that these did not Fund Board of Trustees. ecutive Officer Acmad Riz- which was necessary for the COA informed the agency affect our robust financial From 2012 to 2017, Pag- aldy P. Moti added that even Fund’s continued service to that it has rendered an un- standing. Our ninth straight IBIG Fund earned COA’s un- while they rapidly respond- the public. Second, we took modified opinion – its high- top rating from state audi- qualified opinion and from ed to the needs of members, good care of our members est rating – on the fairness of tors is a milestone for us as 2018 to 2020, it has gained stakeholders, and their own through the speedy deploy- the presentation of Pag-IBIG an organization and serves its unmodified opinion. Au- personnel through numerous ment of programs responsive Fund’s financial statements as proof that even amid the ditors use both the unquali- programs and interventions, to their needs. And lastly, we for the year 2020. health emergency, we heed fied opinion and unmodified the agency made sure that were able to do all these while “We faced many chal- the call of President Duter- opinion, which are the high- all requisite processes were still maintaining the highest lenges last year. However, te in ensuring that govern- est ratings that COA gives to a strictly followed ensuring that standards of financial integri- we remained committed in ment offices like ours are run government agency or corpo- all were above-board prior to ty. That is Lingkod Pag-IBIG managing the Filipino work- professionally and remain ration, to mean that the finan- implementation. service at work,” Moti said. ers’ fund excellently. We im- corruption-free,” said Secre- cial statements of an agency “Our latest unmodified MANILA BULLETIN 8 August 9 - 15, 2021 Cebu Business Week BUSINESS COA report shows Duque is ‘incapable’ health chief MEDICAL students said lion worth of misstatements, the 2020 audit report on the partly due to unrecorded re- health department’s deficient imbursements from the Inter- use of P67 billion worth of im Reimbursement Mecha- COVID-19 funds makes one nism (IRM) fund. thing clear: Health Secretary This reflected a complaint Francisco Duque III is inca- already filed by the National pable of leading the country’s Bureau of Investigation (NBI), pandemic response, let alone which accused PhilHealth ex- the entire Philippine health ecutives, excluding Duque, of system. designing a scheme that would “This evidently shows how favor some hospitals and clin- incapable Secretary Duque ics for the IRM payouts. is to effectively manage and “The COA audit proved lead the country’s health sys- what the PMSA and the health tem together with his personal sector have been calling out agendas to defraud the Filipi- regarding the very poor lead- nos and deprive them of their ership and failed COVID-re- right to health,” the Philippine sponse of the DOH under the Medical Students’ Association helm of Secretary Francisco (PMSA) said in a statement on Duque,” said the PMSA. Friday, August 13. as well as Malacañang, have “As the COVID-19 crisis corruption of the DOH un- Just as senators had done Duque had already said said that they would wait until has been waging its devastat- der Secretary Duque and the on several occasions, the that the Department of Health the DOH fully complied. ing impacts to the already per- Duterte administration,” the PMSA asked Duque to resign, (DOH) would submit addi- But for the PMSA, defi- ishing Philippine health care PMSA said. or for President Rodrigo Dute- tional documentation to the cient use of billions of funds system for over a year, the As for the Philippine rte to fire him. Commission on Audit. The in a pandemic that has dev- billions worth of unused and Health Insurance Corporation The Senate will investi- Department of Justice (DOJ), astated millions of Filipinos is deficient funds underscore the (PhilHealth), the COA report gate the audit of DOH next the Office of the Ombudsman, already a form of corruption. criminal negligence and gross said DOH incurred P944 mil- week. RAPPLER Locsin backs travel ban extension on 10 countries FOREIGN Affairs Sec- only way to curb the spread of tion and special commercial retary Teodoro Locsin Jr. different COVID-19 variants flights for Filipinos. However, lauded President Duterte’s of concern in the country. they will be required to follow decision to extend the travel Earlier, Presidential the prescribed testing and restrictions imposed on trav- Spokesman said quarantine protocols. elers from 10 countries until the restrictions were imposed The Delta variant first the end of the month, saying on travelers from the said detected in India was report- this was to curb coronavirus countries to “prevent the fur- ed to have paved the way for (COVID-19) infections in the ther spread and community the deadly second wave of country. transmission of COVID-19 COVID-19 infections in the Locsin made the state- variants” in the Philippines. said country. ment after Duterte approved “The only way. Anyone The Department of Health the recommendation to ex- • India • Oman comes up with laxer pro- (DOH) reported 177 new cases tend the travel ban on the fol- • Pakistan • Thailand posals needs Lomotil of the of the said variant on Thurs- lowing countries from August • Bangladesh • Malaysia head,” he said. day, bringing the total number 16 to 31, 2021 amid the fight • Sri Lanka • Indonesia He added that travel re- of Delta infections in the Phil- against the highly transmissi- • Nepal In a tweet, Locsin said ex- strictions were subject to the ippines to 627 as of August 12. ble Delta COVID-19 variant: • United Arab Emirates tending the travel ban was the same exceptions on repatria- MANILA BULLETIN It’s still online learning in private schools amid Delta threat THE Coordinating Anthony Tamayo said online of our students and stake- teachers safe while accom- Labor and Employment, De- Council of Private Educa- learning has been their main holders at this time of the plishing our mission of de- partment of Health and the tional Associations of the teaching method during the pandemic is our paramount livering quality education.” Commission on Higher Edu- Philippines (COCOPEA) has pandemic as they adapt to a concern.” “We are also committed cation. We have been strict- assured that private schools “better normal.” At present, COCOPEA to follow health and safety ly enforcing these protocols are committed to continue “COCOPEA mem- member-schools are devot- protocols in the workplace since the pandemic began. with online learning to keep ber-schools are resolved to ing their resources to online as outlined by the concerned We continue to be cautious both students and teachers continue with online learn- learning including teach- government agencies like and practice vigilance espe- safe as the country battles ing for this school year. The er training and upgrading the IATF [Inter-Agency cially now with the spread the spread of the Delta vari- presidents of the associa- of their IT infrastructures. Task Force for the Manage- of the Delta variant,” COCO- ant. tions that comprise COCO- “Online learning allows us to ment of Emerging Infectious PEA added. BUSINESS MIR- COCOPEA Chairman Dr. PEA agree that the safety keep both our students and Diseases], Department of ROR Cebu Business Week August 9 - 15, 2021 9 CEBU CITY PAGE Herd immunity possible by December 2021: Rama CEBU City Acting Mayor will be helping, and the med- Michael “Mike” Rama said ical staff and volunteers will we can reach herd immunity be available, we will reach by November or December herd immunity by November 2021 if the people will sup- or December 2021. port, and medical staff and He said that at one time, volunteers will be available. nobody believed that they Rama also opened the will be able to establish Noah Mega Stay-In Center or Iso- at South Road Properties lation Facility within Cebu (SRP) to help the people with City Sports Center last Au- Covid-19 and provide accom- gust 8, 2021. modation to people in dis- He talked with Sena- tress. And Noah came. tor Christopher “Bong” Go He added that when they last August 7 and requested started preparing for vacci- him to tell President Rodri- nation sites, he told his staff go Duterte to come down and the people within the and help Cebu City constit- group that they cannot imag- uents especially the vendors ine how they can make 21 when hunger comes, and the vaccination sites. streets will become aggra- “Sometimes, when you vated. have doubt, you cannot see He urged Go to tell all RIBBON CUTTING AT THE MEGA STAY-IN CENTER OR ISOLATION FACILITY WITHIN CEBU CITY the light. If you are over- good people out there that SPORTS CENTER LAST AUGUST 8, 2021. whelmed with fear, you can- we need more vaccines for not develop courage. If you the target herd immunity. ward and I saw it. That’s why ternates,” Rama said. nated per day. If multiplied are always thinking that it “I repeat, we need more we have about 21 vaccination He said the 15 vaccina- by 15 and multiplied by one cannot be done, it cannot be vaccines. Yours truly, being sites, 15 of these are opera- tion sites can accommodate week, we can easily reach done,” Rama said. ELIAS O. the convenor here, I see for- tional, and six others are al- 1,000 people to be vacci- herd immunity. If everybody BAQUERO 2nd dose Sputnik maybe extended 3 months THE Cebu City Health is required to supplement the sibility of inoculating anoth- Department (CHD) urged in- first shot. er vaccine as second dose to dividuals who were inoculat- Even with a few weeks Sputnik. ed with the Russian Gamalea delay, Sputnik-inoculated in- Acting Mayor Michael Sputnik vaccines to wait for the dividuals gets the maximum Rama said he would be seeking arrival of their second dose. protection of the shot which is the help of Honorary Consul of Doctor Jeffrey Ibones, purportedly at 80 percent effi- Russia, Armi Lopez-Garcia, to CHD head, urged the Sput- cacy. get more vaccines. nik-inoculated individuals not Ibones assured that the For her part, Lopez-Gar- to worry because they would Sputnik-inoculated individuals cia assured Cebuanos that she definitely get their second would get their second dose be- would be making representa- dose soon. fore those three months would tions to the Russian Ambassa- Moreover, the first dose of have passed. Sputnik in the past months, Nevertheless, the Depart- dor to the Philippines, hoping the Sputnik vaccine is valid for At least 5,100 individuals and many of them are now due ment of Health (DOH) said it to allocate more Sputnik vac- three months before a booster in the city were inoculated with for their second dose. was now looking into the pos- cines to Cebu. CEBU CITY PIO Additional incentives to public school honor graduates GOOD news to public who proposed the amend- amendment, valedictorians second to eight honorable amendment and facilitate school students, who gradu- ment, said that giving incen- will now receive an incen- mentions receive P500 each. the distribution of the cash ate with honors. tives for academic achieve- tive of P6,000; salutatori- “Realities have changed incentives to the recipients Ordinance No. 2454 or ment “would reinforce ans,P4,000; first honorable since the passage of the Ordi- after the schools would have An Ordinance Providing In- positive behavior towards mentions,P3,000; and sec- nance in 2016 and there is a provided the final list of hon- centives to Cebu City Public learning and the recognition ond to eighth honorable men- need to make adjustments on or graduates to the LSB at School Honor Graduates was provided to honor graduates tions will get P3,000 each. the amount of cash incentives least 15 days before gradua- amended, doubling ing the in public schools in Cebu City In the previous ordi- to be given to students who tion. amount of the cash incentives would help encourage stu- nance, valedictorians receive graduate with honors factor- The ordinance amend- to public school honor gradu- dents to excel in their stud- P3,000, salutatorians receive ing inflation,” said Dizon. ment is expected to be imple- ates. ies”. P2,000, first honorable men- The Local School Board mented in the next gradua- Councilor Alvin Dizon, With the passing of the tions receive P1,000, while is expected to implement this tion season. PR 10 August 9 - 15, 2021 Cebu Business Week CEBU CITY PAGE “Puyo” to be strictly implemented: Rama CEBU City Acting May- without essential purpose, or Michael “Mike Rama said and the hard-headed. the Task Force Puyo that they However, there is no wor- created will visit sitios and ry about the responsible peo- barangays to arrest those who ple and those who are pro- are walking around without tecting themselves and their essential purpose. fellows. Rama talked to Cebu City Rama said he is grateful Police Office (CCPO) chief to those who helped him in Lt. Col. Ceferino Ligan and implementing the health pro- Col. Wilbert Parillo about the tocols against Covid-19 Delta implementation of his order Variant. to restrict people roaming Rama added that the big around the city if not needed. challenge for them is the be- They had virtual meeting havioral concern in the com- with department heads and munity movement. the police officials and came “So, please pray for us. up with a particular executive Please help us. We have no ACTING CEBU CITY MAYOR MICHAEL RAMA ADDRESSING CEBU CITY RESIDENTS ON OPLAN PUYO order which will be the Bi- WHICH TAKES EFFECT 12 MIDNIGHT OF AUGUST 16, 2021. other intention but to arrests ble for the next two weeks of and reduce this Covid-19 with Modified Enhanced Commu- side their residence, then they hard-headed to think twice. self-protection, self-defense, the presence of Delta Variant. nity Quarantine (MECQ). should stay at home. We have Stay at home or be arrested and self-discipline,” Rama Rama thanked Cebu “We have to do what we Task Force Puyo nga maoy by Task Force Puyo. said. Archbishop Jose Palma who ought to do to prevent the magpapuyo ninyo. That’s why “It is an individual re- He said that those who supported the Cebu City Gov- spread of Covid-19 with Del- we fine-tuned this executive sponsibility, it becomes a civ- will be affected by Task Force ernment and the police in the ta Variant. If the people have order,” Rama said. ic duty, and we are now high- Puyo are the people who are fight against this health pan- no important thing to do out- Rama warned all those lighting self-preservation, roaming around Cebu City demic. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu City Hall focuses resources against Covid-19 COUNCILOR Raymond hospitals full of patients, as many people as we can provinces. That’s why we on the stimulus package for Alvin Garcia said the Cebu prompting them to make daily so the whole of Cebu cannot impose border con- people who lost their jobs City Government is now counter-measures like es- will be free from this health trol because the people in and livelihood because of focusing and using various tablishment of isolation pandemic,” Garcia said. the provinces need our help. Covid-19 pandemic. resources to fight against centers so the people hit by Garcia said that as of “The hospitals in Cebu City “We are now waiting for Covid-19 response especial- Covid-19 who have difficulty now, Cebu City has no bor- are more equipped and have the completion of the doc- ly the Delta Variant. in breathing, mild to moder- der control as regards with a better health care com- umentation of this project Garcia, a lawyer and ate, can avail of this facility. the Province of Cebu. So, if pared to the other hospitals because we are using di- majority floor leader of the “We should focus on you are in the island Prov- outside our area of jurisdic- saster funds which are al- Cebu City Councilor, said our own Cebu City Isolation ince of Cebu, nobody is re- tion. Of course, we will al- lowed under the law. We the Local Government Unit Centers. We have mega iso- quired PCR result and other low them to enter Cebu City want complete documenta- is counting not only those lation centers and baran- test result. to get the medical care that tion for smooth review of infected but the number of gay isolation centers to fast He said that 50 percent they need,” Garcia said. COA (Commission on Au- deaths. tract services like vaccina- of patients admitted in hos- On the other hand, Garcia dit),” Garcia said. ELIAS O. He said that we can see tion. We should vaccinate pitals in Cebu City are from said they are now working BAQUERO Set aside politics, focus on fight v. Covid-19: Totol ABANTE Barangay vincial and district hospitals Batuhan said. tors who are willing to enlist are 50 years old above are re- Chairman Aristotle “Totol” of the Cebu Provincial Gov- He said the oxygen tanks their services at Cebu City fusing to conduct rounds of Batuhan said that all people, ernment. and regulators were turned Medical Center (CCMC) and duty. whether in private or public, “We initially donated over to the Cebu Provincial other areas. This will be more “In Cebu City, we have a must set aside politics and thirty oxygen tanks, and Health Office and Cebu Gov. than the usual compensation personal experience that doc- focus on the fight against we have agreed to donate Gwendolyn Garcia. of doctors and nurses. tors who are making rounds Covid-19 with delta Variant. more because of the rising Batuhan said the heads Batuhan added that all of duty are below fifty years Batuhan told Yagyagan Covid-19 cases. We have seen of provincial and district hos- over the country, and in fact old. Those aged fifty years old program over DYRC radio through pictures that district pitals were present and ac- in other nations, there is a and above are afraid of being that last August 13, 2021, to- hospitals turned away pa- knowledged the fact that their shortage of health care work- hit by Covid-19. So, the chal- gether with Rotary Club of tients, due to lack of hospital hospitals lack medical equip- ers (HCW) who are frontlin- lenge is to provide hospitals Mandaue and Cebu Link Joint equipment, personnel, and ment and medical personnel. ers. with equipment and person- Venture (CLJV), the general oxygen tanks. We also thank He said that in Cebu City, He said his siblings who nel, especially that this health contractor of Cordova-Cebu CLJV, the Rotary Club of Acting Mayor Michael Rama are nurses and doctors in the pandemic will stay for a long City Bridge, they gave oxygen Mandaue and Abante Baran- has offered a compensation United States informed him time,” Batuhan said. ELIAS O. tanks and regulators in pro- gay for responding quickly,” package to nurses and doc- that medical frontliners who BAQUERO Cebu Business Week August 9 - 15, 2021 11 BOHOL NEWS Bohol’s vax program lauded by Secs. Puyat, Dizon THE vaccination pro- or the Sputnik V vaccines are gram of the Provincial Gov- arriving in the Philippines ernment of Bohol earned the this week and assured Bohol praise and commendation will get its share. from two Cabinet secretaries. In closing, Dizon en- Sec. Bernadette Romu- couraged Yap. “Gov. Art, lo-Puyat and Sec. Vince Di- stay strong. I know it’s not zon arrived in Bohol and easy, I know it’s very diffi- gave 2,520 doses of Moder- cult now. But I know your na vaccines and 5,000 doses leadership will steer Bo- of Sinovac for the economic hol towards victory against frontliners of Bohol. COVID-19 and bring back “I am actually very happy tourism and the economy. with how fast the Boholanos And the National Govern- are being vaccinated. And ment, with the help of the palagi naman akong masaya President, Secretary Ber- ‘pag naririnig ko na nauu- na Puyat, Secretary Charlie bos na ang mga bakuna; ibig SEC. BERNADETTE ROMULO-PUYAT AND SEC. VINCE DIZON Galvez, Secretary Francisco sabihin mabilis ang pag-vac- ed tourists pero for me ang and response to the pandem- how Yap made constant fol- Duque and myself will al- cinate,” Puyat said importante is fully vaccinat- ic low ups on the vaccine allo- ways be here to support you “Nagpapasalamat ako ed din ang mga tao dito para “Bohol, through the lead- cation for Bohol. and support Bohol.” kay Governor Yap na pi- protektado din sila, the Tour- ership of Governor Art Yap, “Si Gov. Art makulit yan. In response, Yap thanked na-prioritize niya ang ating ism Secretary said.” has really been outstanding Makulit yan para sa mga ta- Puyat and Dizon for their mga Tourism Frontliners She promised to give in its response, not only in ga-Bohol. Because he wants help in securing vaccines for sa A4 Category. Ang Bohol additional 10, 000 doses of minimizing the number of the Boholanos to get vac- Boholanos. ay talagang hanapbuhay ay Pfizer and 5, 000 doses of cases but because of strict cinated as fast as possible The governor reiterated tourism. And the only way na Sinovac to Bohol for its eco- protocols being enforced, that’s why I think there is the importance of the vac- makaka-ahon ang turismo nomic frontliners. Bohol is still holding strong. very little vaccine hesitancy cines as Bohol moves for- dito sa Bohol ay kung fully On the other hand, Dizon And I think the leadership of in Bohol,” he said in amuse- ward and opens its econo- vaccinated na ang lahat ng of the National Task Force Gov. Art is a major reason for ment. my which is 78% reliant on tao dito. Pwede naman kay- Against COVID-19 (NTFAC) this, he said.” Dizon also announced tourism and services sector. ong tumanggap ng vaccinat- applauded Yap’s approach Dizon jokingly shared that the Gamaleya Vaccines PRIMER/ ELIAS O. BAQUERO Bohol Province’s priority projects get nod from SP THE Sangguniang plemental Budget No. 7, the ment of equipment and sup- gram. (SIRT) projects, counterpart Panlalawigan (SP) led by projects to be funded are plies for the Bohol ART Card The supplemental bud- fund for Peace and Order, Vice Governor Rene Lopez the following: Procurement or Contact Tracing Cards, get also includes the nec- capacity development for Relampagos approved an and provision of Hybrid Rice Renovation and improve- essary allocation for New the Special Citizen’s Armed Appropriation Ordinance Seeds for Food Security and ment of the old Department Emerging and Re-emerging Forces Geographical Unit authorizing the funding of Rice Self Sufficiency under of Environment and Natural Disease Management Sup- (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary II priority programs and proj- the Advance Rice Technol- Resources(DENR) building port Fund including support in the Province of Bohol, ren- ects of the Provincial Gov- ogy (ART) 160, Waterworks for the Office of the Provin- for the Vaccination Program, ovation and improvement ernment of Bohol (PGBh) program in Bohol, Construc- cial Social Welfare and De- consulting services for envi- of Governor’s Mansion, and under Supplemental Budget tion of a dietary build at velopment’s new office, and ronment and social impact repair and maintenance of No. 7. Cong. Natalio P. Castillo, Sr. Latrine program under Com- assessment for Sustainable elevators at the Provincial Under the approved Sup- Memorial Hospital, Procure- munity Development Pro- Inclusive Resilient Tourism Capitol. PR Bohol: Best Performing Local Nutrition Council Committee THE Province of Bo- Local Government Units trition Awards named the among the poor”, nine of tions to reverse it? What kind hol was recognized as Best (LGUs). Bohol Milk-Feeding Program which are in the 2nd District of leadership are they imple- Performing Local Nutrition The awards were based as Best Practices for Covid-19 of the province. menting?” Relampagos said. Committee in Region 7 under on the results of the 2021 Response for 2020. Bohol Vice Governor Relampagos added that Dimensions 1,3 and 4 during Monitoring and Evaluation In an interview with Yag- Rene L. Relampagos also told Yap, supported by the Bohol the Grand Awards 2021. of the Local Level Plan Imple- yagan program over DYRC DYRC that the category as Provincial Board, is provid- In a virtual awarding cer- mentation (MELLPI) done by radio, Yap said his adminis- poorest of the poor towns will ing water projects to all ba- emony last August 13, 2021, the Regional Nutrition Evalu- tration is also focusing on the reflect on the kind of leader- rangays and municipalities several barangays and prov- ation Team. nutrition of the people as a ship of the congressman of in Bohol to upgrade the living inces in Central Visayas were Governor Arthur Yap way of improving their health. the district and the mayors of condition of the people. honored for continuing their thanked the nutrition coun- Yap is concerned of the the towns. “Water is a right, not a mandates in National Nutri- cil for the awards due to the report of the Philippine Sta- “Why are these towns so privilege. So, we must provide tion Council in giving good efforts of the Bohol Provincial tistics Authority (PSA) that poor according to PSA? Why potable water in every home,” nutrition to the people under Government. ten municipalities in Bohol are the congressman and the Relampagos said. PR/ELIAS the jurisdiction of concerned To recall, the Grand Nu- are categorized as “poorest mayors not giving interven- O. BAQUERO 12 August 9 - 15, 2021 Cebu Business Week WORLD NEWS Biden signs EO aiming for new vehicles to be electric by 2030 AUTOMAKERS’ expected bolic, aims to federal help to gines but use them only if the quick transition from gas-burn- set federal ex- achieve the goal. battery runs out. Fuel cell elec- ing cars and trucks to electric is pectations for The rapid shift tric vehicles, which burn hydro- a key part of the White House automakers to toward elec- gen and emit no carbon dioxide, strategy to fight global warming. rapidly make tric vehicles has also count, Biden administra- President Joe Biden signed the transition stoked concerns tion officials said. an executive order setting a na- from gas-burn- for U.S. au- In tandem with Biden’s tional goal for zero-emissions ing cars and toworkers about executive order, the Transpor- vehicles to make up half of new trucks to elec- more outsourc- tation Department and the En- cars and trucks sold by 2030. tric ones, a key ing of jobs over- vironmental Protection Agency Biden was joined at the component of seas, as the U.S. on Thursday will begin the pro- White House by Ford and GM Biden’s climate remains far be- cess of replacing the Trump- executives, along with leaders change strategy. hind Europe and era fuel efficiency and tailpipe from the United Auto Workers. Transportation Asia in building emissions standards. In addition to setting the 50 accounts for the and buying elec- Biden this year called for percent-by-2030 goal, the exec- largest share of tric cars. $174 billion in federal spend- utive order will also kick off the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. lantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Included in the goal that ing to build a network for a process to replace former Pres- “There’s no turning back. — said the agreement reflected half of new vehicles sold be half-million electric vehicle ident Donald Trump’s more The question is we will lead or their “commitment to be lead- “zero-emissions” by 2030 are charging stations across the relaxed tailpipe and emissions fall behind in the race for the fu- ers in the U.S. transition to battery electric vehicles, which country, in a nod to one of the standards with stricter ones. ture,” Biden said electric vehicles.” But in a joint have no internal combustion biggest impediments to EV The 50 percent goal, while The big three U.S. auto- statement, they emphasized engines, and plug-in hybrid adoption: fear of running out nonbinding and largely sym- makers — GM, Ford, and Stel- that they would need reliable cars, which have gasoline en- of battery. NBC NEWS China’s port shutdown raises fears of closures worldwide THE Port of Los Ange- cury Resources, said that in a phone interview. “You’re tions are threatening to spread operating normally. The port is les, which saw its volumes dip many companies chartering going to have a secondary hit.” at docks just as the world’s actively negotiating with ship- because of a June Covid out- ships are already adding Covid The shutdown at Ning- shipping system is already ping companies, directing them break at the Yantian port in contract clauses as insurance bo-Zhoushan is raising fears struggling to handle unprec- to other terminals, and releas- China, is bracing for another so they won’t have to pay for that ports around the world edented demand with econo- ing information on a real-time potential decline because of the stranded ships. will soon face the same kind of mies reopening and manufac- data platform, it said. To mini- latest shutdown at the Ning- It seemed as if things were outbreaks and Covid restric- turing picking up. mize the impact, it’s also adjust- bo-Zhoushan port in China. just starting to calm down, “and tions that slowed the flows of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port ing the operating time of other Anton Posner, chief exec- we’re now into Delta delays,” everything from perishable said in a statement late Thurs- terminals to make sure clients utive officer of supply-chain Emmanouil Xidias, partner at food to electronics last year as day that all other terminals can clear their shipment. THE management company Mer- Ifchor North America LLC, said the pandemic took hold. Infec- aside from Meishan have been ECONOMIC TIMES UK inhaler firm backs Marlboro-maker’s £1bn bid DIRECTORS at UK in- respiratory illnesses such as counts Novartis and GSK solve the problem of cigarette lief. It is bitterly disappointing haler company Vectura have asthma. among its customers, have smoking once and for all”. that Vectura have so far failed recommended shareholders Dozens of health groups soared 33% in value since Car- However, health charity to exercise duty of care to pa- accept a £1 billion bid from had urged Vectura to reject the lyle’s first offer in May. Ash said it was hard to take tients and scientists and reject tobacco giant Philip Morris In- firm’s offer. Philip Morris recently said such claims seriously from the this takeover by big tobacco. ternational (PMI). The health groups warned it could stop selling cigarettes firm responsible for selling “This is now a test for Sajid The Marlboro cigarette that the deal would significant- in the UK in 10 years’ time as it over a tenth of cigarettes glob- Javid. When we know smoking maker’s offer of £1.65 per share ly harm the prospects of the focuses on alternatives, such as ally. causes so much serious illness beat a rival bid from US private healthcare company, as it will heated tobacco. Labor’s shadow health and premature death, it’s time equity group Carlyle, whose fi- deter top lung researchers and The firm indicated it would secretary Jonathan Ashworth this government takes the right nal offer was £1.55 per share. scientists unwilling to work for welcome a government ban on said: “Philip Morris’s attempt- course, stands up to this tobac- Vectura makes inhaled a tobacco company. cigarettes and said “strong reg- ed takeover of a key player in co giant and blocks this take- medicines and devices to treat Shares in Vectura, which ulation” was needed to “help lung health products begs be- over.” BBC US lawmakers launch bill to control Apple, Google app stores A BIPARTISAN trio of bill, which would bar big app an interview on Wednesday. lic information about apps to federal judge is reviewing tes- senators introduced a bill that stores from requiring app pro- “Their power has reached a compete with them. timony on this issue to rule on would rein in app stores of viders to use their payment point where they are impact- Tile, which makes tags to an antitrust lawsuit brought by companies they said exert too system. It would also prohib- ing the whole economy in sti- help consumers find lost ob- “Fortnite” creator Epic Games. much market control, includ- it them from punishing apps fling and strangling innova- jects, complained earlier this Epic also sued Google ing Apple Inc and Alphabet that offer different prices or tion.” year about Apple launching for its app store practices, Inc’s Google. conditions through another Blumenthal said he ex- AirTags as a rival product. as have a big group of state Senators Richard Blu- app store or payment system. pected companion legislation Apple’s control over what attorneys general alleging menthal and Amy Klobuchar, “I found this predatory to be introduced in the House apps enter its app platform that it unlawfully worked both Democrats, teamed up abuse of Apple and Google so of Representatives “very soon.” and its commissions of 15% to to maintain a monopoly for with Republican Senator Mar- deeply offensive on so many The bill would also bar app 30% on digital sales have come its app store for Android sha Blackburn to sponsor the levels,” Blumenthal said in stores from using non-pub- under regulatory scrutiny. A phones. BUSINESS TODAY