“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” CEBU BUSINESS Room 310-A, 3rd floor WDC Bldg. Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City You may visit Cebu Business Week WEEK Facebook page. March 22 - 28, 2021 Volume 3, Series 79 www.cebubusinessweek.com 12 PAGES P15.00 REVISED LABOR LAW COMPLETE Existing code made 47 years ago as a martial law presidential decree THE former Department Seno brothers (of the Trade By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO er countries because while the because of pandemic. of Labor and Employment Union Congress of the Philip- workers are peacefully per- He added that when (DOLE) undersecretary has pines) already passed away,” ing student and finished the forming their jobs, inspectors OFWs arrived, they went submitted the proposed Jimenez said. course as magna cum laude. of the Department of Labor straight to the hotels for 14- amendment to the 47-year- He said that the con- “I have contributed some- and Employment (DOLE) day quarantine paid by the old Labor Code of the Phil- gressman in Baguio City who thing to the existing labor conducted raids even on small Overseas Workers Welfare ippines to benefit both labor is an expert on labor law has code. But this law is only ef- firms and penalized them for Administration (OWWA). and management. hired him as consultant in the fective during Martial Law. labor violations in the amount “Bello has no more time to Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez House of Representatives to This law was made 47 years of P300,000 and above. improve the labor code. So, I said the Philippines is a dem- pass a new labor code. ago. We need to have a new “Even if a small facto- have to make it as a labor con- ocratic country. However, the As a result, Jimenez who labor code,” Jimenez said. ry has employed about 20 sultant in the House of Repre- labor system was in a form of studied labor laws, made the He added that due to the employees, they just closed sentatives,” Jiminez said. a presidential decree issued draft labor law which is now a pandemic, millions of work- to avoid DOLE harassment. He said that House Speak- by the late dictator. bill filed in the Lower House. ers lost jobs because several Instead of helping the small er Lord Alan Velasco received Jimenez, a former vice Records showed that in companies cannot anymore companies as they are paying his draft appointment paper, president on human relations 1974, then President Ferdi- operate. Their families are taxes and salaries, they are he (Velasco) recognized him as of San Miguel Corporation nand E. Marcos ruled the economically suffering. being harassed based on the his former law professor at the (SMC) and Pepsi Cola, said country under Martial Law. The tourism industry is labor code. So, we will amend University of Sto. Tomas and that because we are in a pan- Jimenez, a new lawyer at that affected. Several hotels are the labor code,” Jimenez said. he immediately approved it. demic, the workers need dem- time, was hired by then Labor closed. Shangri-la has closed. He said he pity his friend, Jimenez said that he fo- ocratic rules and regulations. Minister Blas Ople of the Min- The Nissan and Ford au- DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bel- cused on rewriting the labor Jimenez, also a law pro- istry of Labor to help him in to-manufacturing firms have lo III due to several problems code since January 2021 un- fessor, said that there should constructing the labor code. closed and transferred to oth- not only in the domestic front til his birthday last March 19 be an independent system of Ople knew that Jimenez er country. but also the Overseas Filipi- and has submitted it to the running a private company studied law at the Universi- Jimenez said that foreign no Workers (OFWs) who are congressman who chaired the since under the present situa- ty of the Visayas as a work- firms are transferring to oth- coming to him by thousands Committee on Law. tion, the management’s hands He said the House Com- are tied because the labor code mittee on Labor will put that is a dictatorial system. for deliberation and public Jimenez said that while hearing. he respects all the Cebuano One change in the labor members of Congress, none code is to stop the brain drain of them specializes in labor where intelligent Filipino laws. The Cebuano congress- workers are going abroad. men and congresswoman do “We want to think what not know the philosophy and the needs are of the Filipino reality in labor. workers to convince them to “We have no more la- stay here, and only the excess bor experts in Cebu. Atty. work force shall be sent to oth- Democrito Mendoza and er countries,” Jiminez said. 2 March 22 - 28, 2021 Cebu Business Week NEWS DOLE-7 releases half a million worth of livelihood assistance in Bohol ADDITIONAL beneficia- that DOLE provides finan- ries are to start soon with their cial assistance. The Depart- business projects after col- ment does not just give it to lectively receiving more than anyone. It means to say that P500,000.00 from the Depart- the DOLE’s livelihood benefi- ment in the province of Bohol. ciaries received the assistance Department of Labor because they deserve it after and Employment 7 (DOLE their respective project pro- 7) -Bohol Field Office (BFO) posals have passed the stan- Officer-in-Charge Angelie T. dards of the Regional Project Salgados reported to DOLE-7 Management Team,” added Regional Director Salome O. Director Siaton. Siaton that funds have been Under the DOLE Inte- released to beneficiaries of grated Livelihood and Emer- DOLE’s livelihood program in gency Employment Program a ceremonial turn-over held BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS. SENIOR LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT OFFICER MA. CORAZON MON- (DILEEP), livelihood projects at the New Provincial Capitol ROID OF DOLE-BOHOL FIELD OFFICE (FOURTH FROM LEFT) IS JOINED BY REP. EDGAR CHATTO are categorized into Group DURING THE TURNOVER OF CHECK WEDNESDAY (MARCH 17, 2021) AMOUNTING TO PHP560,000 Building, Barangay Cogon, IN LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE TO PAGMATA PRESIDENT CONCEPCION BRUÑIDOR (THIRD FROM Projects and Individual Proj- Tagbilaran City. RIGHT). MEMBERS OF THE BOHOL-BASED ASSOCIATION WILL USE THE FUNDS TO START THEIR ects. Witnessed by Congress- RESPECTIVE ENTERPRISES. (PHOTO COURTESY OF DOLE-7) Beneficiaries under Group man Edgar M. Chatto, mem- Projects could be granted a bers of the Panaghiusa sa Mga are expected to produce san- “After canvassing and pro- form of some trainings on sim- maximum financial assistance Gagmay’ng Magpatigayon dals, bags and other souvenir curement of goods have been ple bookkeeping and project of One Million Pesos depend- saTagbilaran (PAGMATA) items,” she said, adding that carried out, beneficiaries will management. ing on the number of members and three more individuals the other three individual ben- receive the tools, jigs and ma- Siaton congratulated the that comprises the group or received livelihood funds for eficiaries will engage in food terials required by their respec- latest additions to the pool of association and their project their new business undertak- selling and tailoring business. tive projects,” said Salgados. DOLE livelihood program ben- requirements. Those under ings. The assistance that benefi- She said that to ensure that eficiaries. Individual Projects, on the According to Salgados, ciaries received, falls under the recipients are socially ready for She urged them to work other hand, could be given up PAGMATA members will soon Individual Projects category the DOLE’s assistance, they hard and do their best in to Thirty Thousand Pesos de- venture into Production of that granted each one of them were provided with the neces- sustaining their individual pending on the project require- Souvenir Items Projects. “They Php20,000.00. sary technical assistance in the projects. “It’s not every day ments. Business in limbo as consumers show no confidence: businessman BUSINESSMAN Rey E. Product (GDP). of economy, and if Manila’s suffering from heart problem personnel who are focused on Calooy said the business sector In the United States, economy will be crippled, the cannot anymore consult Covid-19 and the other diseases is still in wait-and-see stance Americans reopened their entire country will be affected doctors because they cannot are left behind which caused while the consumers still economy but the vaccination because the heads of offices, the travel, and their doctors are more fatalities? have no confidence because is fast. In the Philippines, the decision makers are there. either attending to Covid-19 He said that the vaccines of Covid-19 resulting to the economy was reopened but the He said there is a lot of patients or they themselves given to the Philippines by collapse of the economy. vaccination is slow. destruction to the economy. were affected and are not China are also called “vaccine Calooy, president of the In the Philippines, There are more people who available. This means that the diplomacy” because this is one Filipino-Cebuano Business President Rodrido Duterte died of heart attack than maintenance medicines and the way of how to influence Asian Club (FilCeb), said that for the wants about 75 million people Covid-19. The comparative data regular check up were halted,” countries and other countries. last two weeks, quarantine and or haft of the Filipino population from 2019 to 2020 showed Calooy said. He also said the vaccine travel restrictions were lifted. to be vaccinated. That is only that the number of people who Calooy added that because diplomacy has become “vaccine But the spread of Covid-19 for the vaccine and does not died of heart attack caused of Covid-19, our resources politics” because several increased especially in Metro include the logistical effort. by the Covid-19.problem had were diverted and we are politicians went to Malacañang Manila which has almost 70 The problem now is that increased. facing scarce logistics. How and asked for vaccine. ELIAS O. percent of the Gross Domestic Cebu is a tail of Manila in terms “The people who are many medical experts, medical BAQUERO

THE Home Development its income for dividend of its Mutual Fund (HDMF), Investors in Pag-IBIG get 6.12% dividend members. most popularly known as those who received dividends earns only a little with as low The advantage of saving “This is why PagIBIG PagIBIG Fund, has given 6.12 are investors and regular as 1.5 interest per year subject under MP2 program is the members and MP2 depositors percent dividend to investors members who are saving their to 20 percent tax by the policy of giving dividend received big dividends. That’s and savers under Modified money at MP2. Bureau of Internal Revenue which is a little higher than the why, through Yagyagan PagIBIG 2 (MP2) program. “There are now several (BIR). In PagIBIG’s MP2, the active members. program of DYRC and Cebu PagIBIG Fund Vice MP2 depositors because of dividend for the year 2020 is In the prior year, the Business Week, I encourage President for the Visayas and our campaign that former 6.12 percent despite Covod-19 Pag-IBIG charter allows only the people, OFWs (Overseas Mindanao Rio Teves said that PagIBIG members, pensioners pandemic. 70 percent of its income for Filipino Workers), and those if investors deposited their and retirees invested or savde For regular PagIBIG dividend to its members. But self-employed to deposit their money in the bank, the income their extra money at MP2,” members who are active and for 2020, the Board of Trustees extra money in MP2. Your is interest. But in MP2, it is Teves said. are still paying contribution, and PagIBIG President Acma money is safe and your dividend called dividend and tax free. He said that if a person the dividend is 5.62 percent net Vicente P. Mote decided to has no tax obligation,” Teves Teves said that most of saves money in the bank, it without tax deduction. give a little over 90 percent of said. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu Business Week March 22 - 28, 2021 3 NEWS BIR closes firm in Liloan for P2B deficiency THE Bureau of Internal Importation records at Dragon for obstructing the cation on the company’s viola- products are low priced, these Revenue (BIR) 13 has pad- the Bureau of Customs were passage of its delivery trucks. tions, it was initially found out are found to be substandard. locked the Cebu Grand Drag- given to the BIR which is now Atty. Nico Lim of BIR 13 to be a tax evader. Even the employees know that on Corporation in Liloan, conducting investigation of regional investigation division The company is selling fab- while the products are of low Cebu last March 19, 2021 and its operation and how much said that Cebu Grand Dragon ricated metals and is really get- price, the quality is also low, was assessed of a P2 billion taxes it paid. has committed tax evasion for ting materials from China but which is also a violation of the tax deficiency. A source said that these big not issuing official receipts un- cannot present importation laws implemented by the De- Atty. Nico Lim of the BIR businessmen always sought the der the 254,255 and 266 of the documents from the Bureau of partment of Trade and Indus- 13 Legal Division told Cebu services of a tax lawyer whose Tax Code of the Philippines. Customs (BOC) as proof. The try (DTI). Business Week and DYRC ra- wife is working with BIR. Lim said that it has big op- presumption is that the com- Lim said they also heard dio that Cebu Grand Dragon Cebu Grand Dragon which erations but with low sales dec- pany is onto smuggling. that Cebu Grand Dragon has Corporation has been import- is located in Barangay Canaan, laration by not issuing official “We try to communicate also violated the laws, rules ing construction materials di- Liloan and has been operating receipts to customers. with BOC officials and cus- and regulations of the Secu- rectly from China and is not ten-wheeler trucks to transport The BIR also found out toms brokers to submit legal rities and Exchange Commis- paying the correct taxes for the its products from China to their that Cebu Grand Dragon is importation documents to sion (SEC). Philippine government. bigtime customers. actually owned by Chinese determine the legality of the Despite the glaring viola- Lim said big companies Canaan resident Alexander nationals and the Filipino entry of the products to the tions of Cebu Grand Dragon, like Vic Enterprises are getting Mendiola told Cebu Business stockholders appeared to be Philippines,” Lim said. its officials have no respect to their stocks from Cebu Grand Week that Liloan authorities dummies, in violation of Phil- One of the stockholders Philippine laws and the au- Dragon which means the com- would drive them away when ippine laws. who is the president is a big thorities maybe because they pany is bigger than their deal- their vehicles everytime they Lim said that while they businessman inIloilo City. have “padrinos”. ELIAS O. ers like Vic Enterprises. park in front of Cebu Grand are conducting further verifi- Lim said that while their BAQUERO Globe’s tower builds on track; secures 495 permits in Jan-Feb GLOBE’S target of in- by NCR with 118 and Vi- ple see their LGUs in these 22 and Makati third with 11. supporting the Race To Zero stalling 2,000 new towers sayas with 78. Mindanao was challenging times,” said Joel Quezon City released nine global campaign spearhead- this year got a massive sup- fourth with 71 and South Lu- Agustin, Globe Senior Vice permits while Paranaque ed by the United Nations port after it secured a total of zon getting 64 permits. President for Program De- handed out seven permits. Framework Convention on 495 permits from different “More and more local gov- livery, Network Technical Globe’s aggressive and Climate Change (UNFCCC) local government units with- ernment units are now realiz- Group. sustained network builds and COP26 Presidency and in the first two months of the ing the value and importance When it comes to prov- and upgrades are showing backed by the GSMA, the year. of connectivity especially for inces, Nueva Ecija released enhanced overall customer global mobile industry body. The company gained 253 people who work from home the most permits with 40, data experience as the tel- Globe supports the Unit- permits in the first month of and for children doing online Pangasinan came in second co emerged as the most im- ed Nations Sustainable De- the year before following it learning. They have seen the with 32 while Davao del Sur proved in mobile average velopment Goals, specifically up with another 242 permits importance of having a strong was at third with 31 -- 23 download speed across all UN SDG No. 9 which em- in February. These devel- internet connection and good of which came from Davao technologies to 16.44 Mbps phasizes the roles of infra- opments augur well for the signal on how to extend ba- City alone. Cebu released 30 in Q4 2020 from 13.50 Mbps structure and innovation as company as it targets to build sic government services to while Bulacan handed out 20 in Q4 2019, a 22% improve- crucial drivers of economic a record number of new cell their constituents. Not having permits. ment according to Ookla growth and development. sites this year. connectivity, while the whole In Metro Manila, Pasig data. Globe is committed to up- North Luzon topped the country has embraced the City topped the LGUs with Globe puts into action holding the 10 United Na- areas with the most permits new normal, will really have the most permits issued with its commitment to reduce its tions Global Compact princi- secured with 164, followed an impact on how the peo- 25, Manila is second with carbon footprint by actively ples and 10 UN SDGs. Megawide Carbon Market modernization holds groundbreaking THE Carbon Market Mayor Edgardo Labella ter the groundbreaking, that director of the Cebu Vendors vision to improve Carbon modernization program fi- and Megawide Executive for the groundbreaking was able Credit Cooperative, said that market and now it has come nally had its groundbreaking Infrastructure, Louis Ferrer to push through. the vendors are thankful for to fruition,” Labella said. on March 24, 2021after fac- led the momentous event. “We’ve had to postpone the city government initia- The city government and ing delays for two times. To recall, the delay was this twice. That is okay, we tive to modernize the Carbon Megawide dropped a time This signals the launch of caused by the objections of actually understand. We Market since the vendors capsule at Senior Citizen’s the multibillion public-pri- vendors of the market to some prefer that our partners talk continue to grow in business park that would signify the vate partnership project of portion of the joint-venture to us, ask us questions, and in Cebu’s largest market. starting point of the con- the Cebu City government agreement (JVA) that would even argue with us for some Mayor Edgardo Labella struction ceremonially. and of Megawide Construc- allow Megawide to collect the major concerns and doubts. thanked the City Council for The P5 billion project tion Corp. rent of the new market and Mas okay na nga magprang- their support to the project. is expected to finish in five The groundbreaking was increase the rent after three kahay ta sa sugod ba because He said that Carbon market years and will include a sea held at the Senior Citizens years. we believe that open com- has been the home for ages taxi port, boqueria, mall, a Park, the section that would Only after the vendors munication is the foundation for many vendors yet re- Sto. Niño chapel and city turn part of the mixed-use and the city government of a good relationship,” said mained a challenge for the check-in for the airport, development in the next five signed a resolution that ne- Ferrer. government to improve. which is also managed by years. gotiations would resume af- Shirley Cadinez, board “It has always been my Megawide. 4 March 22 - 28, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Unity against Duterte? 1Sambayan seeks unity among the pres- identiables to field one candidate against the one supported by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. However, the convenors rejected one key presidentiable – Senator Manny Pac- quiao. The way I see the Weekly Notes situation, President Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya Duterte will field his daughter Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio. Senator Bong Go now poses as her rival now inside the Duterte camp. Apparently, certain officials prefer the senator because they can continue with their present programs and whatever else they are doing. Inday Sara had this record of bringing new faces with her in Davao City Hall in lieu of her father’s trusted men. The young Duterte makes the incompetent old men around the president in Malacañang insecure. Between Sara and Bong, however, most Duterte supporters I know today committed themselves to the candidacy of the presidential daughter. Yes, Senator Bong Go is the president’s most trusted man. He is said to be the one carrying his cell phone. Thus, he also man- ages the president’s private meetings. But will Duterte Editorial back him as presidential candidate? I will still bet on Inday Sara. After all, she has Duterte blood. For 1Sambayan’s Carpio, Pacquiao is a Duterte en- abler. The Pacman supported the drug war. He espoused Fearsome Covid-19 at night the death penalty. Apparently, the retired justice needs to learn more Many accepted that im- As one Netizen asked: 21, 2021, counted 7,757 more about political warfare. Let me cite two Sun Tzu quotes. posing curfew and forcing “Unsa man kining virus, additional Covid-19 cases. “If his forces are united, separate them,” he said. An- people to go home early at nightshift?” The other day, the total of other quote went, “We cannot enter into alliances with night would prevent Covid-19 Come to think of it, pro- new cases reached 7,999. neighboring princes until we are acquainted with their from spreading. However, vided people strictly observe Instead of using the po- designs.” people go out during the day. health protocols, why cannot lice for imposing curfews, The political world knows the unity within PDP-La- Is the Covid-19 virus less in- they stay late and socialize how about refocusing gov- ban nears breaking point. The faction supporting Sena- fectious when the sun rises? inside restaurants and bars. ernment priority on increas- tor Bong Go has forced the holding of consultations and The imposition of cur- They can even stay until ing our supply of vaccines to circulation of a resolution asking President Duterte to fews makes people accept as morning. Of course, these be able to achieve herd im- run for vice president. The move earned the ire of Sen- truth that the corona virus people will sleep during the munity faster? ator Pacquiao. Meanwhile, the DDS online horde began becomes more infectious at day. A recent simulation of anti-Pacquiao tirades even as the faction allied with In- night. Perhaps, our health Minus the curfews, the the vaccination process, of day Sara sits by and watches. experts should explain the economy can stay alive 24/7. course an amusing show of With this development, why is Carpio pushing Pac- science behind the imposi- It is ironic. The country the supposed unity of Cebu quiao away from 1Sambayan and its call for unity of an- tion of curfews. has imposed the harshest and City Mayor Edgar Labella and ti-Duterte forces? A Pacquiao run will deny Inday Sara Our health experts longest lockdown to combat Vice Mayor Mike Rama, fell a huge chunk of votes in Mindanao and the Visayas. should explain why health Covid-19 that knocked down flat without clear information Nevertheless, 1Sambayan holds a basic flaw, said one protocols like wearing masks the economy. Now, we want on the purchase and arrival of veteran Duterte strategist. It seeks to unite personali- and face shields, frequent to continue relaxing the lock- vaccines for Cebuanos. ties wanting to be the opposition standard-bearer them- hand washing, and social dis- downs and open the econo- Perhaps, with vaccina- selves. tancing are not enough past my amid a spike in the num- tion still a long way off, our (Emmanuel Mongaya co-founded PRWorks Inc. He 9 pm or 10 pm? However, the ber of cases nationwide. officials could just do away also belongs to the Political Officers League of the Phil- situation changes again at 6 The Department of with curfews and stimulate ippines or POLPhil. DM him @anol_cebu) am. Health, as of 4 pm on March our economy 24/7?

“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 March 22 - 28, 2021 5 OPINION

G7 agrees to back expansion of IMF financial firepower nance ministers had agreed billion had been under dis- of his net worth. The office ment’s antitrust division to support a new and size- cussion. (CNA) towers he owns or co-owns was looking in to wheth- able increase in the volume oOo have seen big drops in valu- er Visa limited merchants’ of Special Drawing Rights Donald Trump’s net ations as more people work ability to route debit-card (SDRs), an internal cur- worth dropped by about from home, a trend that transactions over card net- rency used by the IMF. The $700 million to $2.3 bil- could last in the long term. works that are often less news was welcomed by IMF lion during his time as Bloomberg, which provides expensive. Visa shares fell Managing Director Krista- president, according to financial news and data, sharply on Friday, sinking BIZBITS lina Georgieva who said the the Bloomberg Billion- estimates a 26% drop in 6.2% to close at $206.90. Manny de los Santos Rabacal G7 finance ministers’ meet- aires Index. The Covid-19 the value of his main com- Merchants have long com- ing was productive. Last pandemic hit his fortunes mercial property holdings. plained about the high cost year the IMF said it want- hard, with Mr. Trump’s (BBC) of network fees, or inter- ed the allocation of SDRs office buildings, branded oOo change fees, which can be to rise to the equivalent of hotels and resorts losing The US Justice Depart- 2% or more of each trans- US$500 billion from the revenue and falling in val- ment is looking at Visa Inc’s action and go to the finan- US$293 billion agreed at ue. His fleet of planes and debit practices, the compa- cial institutions behind the the time of the last expan- golf courses have also seen ny said on Friday, after re- transactions. While such sion in 2009, just after the drops in their value. Mr. ports the United States was investigations are not un- The world’s seven larg- global financial crisis. That Trump is currently under a investigating whether the usual, this one comes amid est advanced economies expansion was opposed by criminal investigation into credit card company uses a greater interest in the have agreed to support the then US President Don- his financial affairs and his anticompetitive practices digital marketplace. Earli- first expansion of the Inter- ald Trump. Last month US family business. Bloomberg in the debit-card market. er this year, Visa and fin- national Monetary Fund’s Treasury Secretary Janet analyzed financial docu- The Justice Department is tech startup Plaid called reserves since 2009, a Yellen said she would like ments and other filings probing whether Visa uses off a $5.3 billion merger step meant to help devel- an expansion but wanted from May 2016 and Janu- anticompetitive practices after the government sued oping countries cope with greater transparency about ary 2021 to calculate Mr. in the debit-card market, to stop the deal and called the coronavirus pandemic, how the SDRs would be Trump’s wealth before and a source familiar with the Visa a monopolist in online Britain said on Friday (Mar used and traded. Sources after he became US presi- matter said on Friday. The debit transactions. (Reu- 19). Britain, which is chair- in the United States famil- dent. Mr Trump’s commer- Wall Street Journal, which ters) ing the Group of Seven iar with the G7 talks said an cial real estate accounts first reported the news, mannyrabacal1144@ (G7) this year, said G7 fi- increase of around US$650 for about three-quarters said the Justice Depart- gmail.com

Pres. Sergio Osmeña’s appointees in Bukidnon cial Governor of Bukidnon, Aniceto Dorado was wa ko Day and Sa Lungsod Fortunato Baldo, Claro July 23, 1945. appointed, ad interim, Jus- sa Buevanista. Abelgas, Antonio Arago, Pedro Elizalde, ap- tice of the Peace of Impasu- Majority of the appoin- Urdaneta Capito, Generoso pointed, ad interim, Pro- gong, Sumilao, Maramag, tees of Osmena and those Caratay, and Eugenio Daza, vincial Treasurer of Bukid- Kabawi, and Pangantokan, who served the people of appointed Acting Coun- non, August 7, 1945. Pedro Bukidnon, February 5, Bukidnon traces its roots cilors of Borongan, Samar Bernal Elizalde was born 1946. to Cebu. Even up to now, October 6, 1945. on January 17, 1890 in San Jesus Murillo was ap- more than half of the local Fructuoso Lentejas, ap- Jose, Antique. He was the pointed, ad interim, Jus- officials not only of Bukid- pointed Acting Mayor, and Cebu Legal youngest Provincial Trea- tice of the Peace of Malay- non but of the entire Min- Esteban Tan, Acting Vice surer appointed at that balay, Bukidnon, February danao island their forefa- Mayor of Tinambacan, Sa- Pedia time at the age of 21. He 6, 1946. thers came from Cebu. mar, October 5, 1945. Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oaminal was assigned to different Rosito Minister was Aside from Bukidnon, Lorenzo Daguman, provinces such as Antique, appointed Acting Mayor of President Sergio Suico Os- Felix Bracamonte, Mag- Albay, Palawan, Negros Talakag, Bukidnon, April 5, mena Sr. appointed the fol- no Sapinit, and Gorgonia and Cebu. 1946. lowing in the province of Ravena, appointed Acting Elizalde was appoint- Braulio Yagahan was Samar: Councilors of Tinambacan, ed by President Elpidio appointed Acting Mayor Eladio Balite, appoint- Samar, October 5, 1945. Quirino as Cebu City May- of Impasugong, Bukidnon, ed Acting Mayor, and Agus- Simon Tan, appointed or from August 18, 1951 to April 5, 1946. tin Pomdemira, Acting Vice Acting Mayor, and Antonio July 23, 1952. It was Serg- Zubiri Mayor of Bobon, Samar, Muncada, Acting Vice May- ing V. Osmena, the Gover- The Cebuano Musical October 5, 1945. or of Laoang, Samar, Octo- Don Sergio Suico Os- nor of Cebu at that that rec- Legend, Wenceslao Zubiri, Valentin Tenedero, ber 5, 1945. meña Sr. is the only Cebua- ommended him to the post. more known as Ben Zubi- Miguel Torres, Ruperto Hilario D. Dulay, Ro- no who became the Liber- Pedro was the Provincial ri and had a radio name Telegrafo, Feliciano Pare- mulo Giray, Candido Baluy- ator President and rebuilt Treasurer at that time. as Iyo Karpo was the son des, Domingo Agasang, ot, Jose Balerite, Juvencio the country by appointing Vicente Neri San Jose of Jesus Zubiri who hailed and Franciso Gamay, ap- I. Muncada, and Guillermo officials to govern the lo- was appointed Acting Gov- from Bukidnon. However, pointed Acting Councilors Sarmiento, appointed Act- cal government units after ernor of Bukidnon, Decem- Ben Zubiri grew up in Cebu of Bobon, Samar, October ing Councilors of Laoang, World War 2. ber 1, 1945. City with his mother, Ser- 5, 1945. Samar, October 5, 1945. These were his appoin- Alfredo R. Esplana- gia Dacayana of San Nico- Fortunato R. Abella, Pedro Rebaulla, ap- tees in Bukidnon (now part da was appointed Acting las District, Cebu City. appointed Acting Mayor, pointed Acting Mayor, and of Northern Mindanao): Member of the Provincial Ben Zubiri composed and Teodulfo Paliso, Acting Homobono Jolijoli, Acting Dr. Carlos Fortich. Board of Bukidnon, De- the immortal songs among Vice Mayor of Borongan, Vice Mayor of Catubig, Sa- Designated Acting Provin- cember 1, 1945. others: Mutid Nila, Pasaya- Samar, October 6, 1945. mar, October 5, 1945. 6 March 22 - 28, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Do medical practicioners need to warn patients on risks? was made. clotting blocked his arter- But in our local juris- No. 122445, 346Phil. 872) Initially, the doctors ies causing his untimely prudence applying partic- d) There is causation be- found a tumor in his lung. demise. ularly Lucas vs. Tuano GR. tween the breach and the So, they recommended Would the attending NO. 178763, 586 SCRA, injury. The act or omission an operation to remove physicians be made liable 200 April 21, 2009, be- complained of is the prox- the tumor. The physi- under the given circum- fore a physician could be imate cause of the injury cian informed him that he stances and eventually made liable the elements suffered. The proximate needs to be immediately would the hospital be held of medical malpractice cause of an injury is that be placed in the operation liable? must exist a) There is a cause that, in the natural otherwise he will not be An English Jurispru- physician-patient re- and continuous sequence, The Legal Front able to survive as the tu- dence of SIDEWAY V. lationship. The physi- unbroken by any efficient Atty. Gerry Carillo mor blocked his air pas- BOARD OF GOVERNORS cian-patient relationship intervening cause, pro- sage. OF THE BETHLEM ROY- is formed when a patient duces the injury or death His family produced AL HOSPITAL, AC 871 or his immediate relative and without which the the needed money for the 1985 U.K which is com- engages the services of result would not have oc- operation and the medi- monly cited in our juris- the physician b) There is curred. (Vda de Bataclan cines. On the same day, prudence held that the duty on the part of the vs. Medina 102 Phil. 181) Jimmy underwent an op- patient and his immedi- physician to observe the Under the circum- A reader of Cebu Busi- eration to remove the tu- ate relatives should be in- same level of care that stance, the physician is ness Week asked this mor. However, Jimmy did formed of the risks of the any reasonably compe- required to inform the pa- writer whether a medical not make it. procedure before an oper- tent doctor would use to tient or his immediate rel- doctor needs to warn a Susan, Jimmy’s wife, ation goes through. This treat the condition under ative of the consequence patient on the danger of complained that the at- is commonly called the the given circumstances of the operation, his fail- the operation and the side tending physician did not doctrine of INFORMED (Cayao-Lasam vs. Ramo- ure constitute a neces- effects of the treatment? inform him of the com- CONSENT which re- lete, G.R. No. 159132, 574 sary causation that leads Jimmy was rushed to plication Jimmy will have quires that a patient and SCRA 539, Dec. 18, 2008.) the death of Jimmy. The the Hospital because he with such kind of opera- his immediate relatives c) There is a breach of physician or the hospital had difficulty of breath- tion. The attending phy- must be informed of the duty and injury. The should have exercise the ing. After arriving at the sician said that they have substantial risk of grave injury contemplated by principle of INFORMED hospital he was placed at done everything under adverse consequences be- law is a bodily injury to or CONSENT. Write us at the emergency room and the given circumstances. fore he undergoes an elec- death of the patient (Cruz carillogerry@yahoo. a through medical check But the unexpected blood tive surgery. vs. Court of Appeals. G.R. com.ph

Health and safety in the workplace. A bane or boon? The issue on occupational among others, “hundreds 2019 Centenary Confer- into force in 2019. health and safety (OHS) of millions of people world- ence with a view for inclu- But sadly, the govern- for all workers was unan- wide are harmed each year sion of FRAW to the agen- ment has estimated that imously adopted by gov- by their work. Millions da of the 2021 ILC. 17 of 18 persons in the na- ernments, workers and more die”. “Giving health and tion’s workforce of 38.8 employers during the “This carnage is pre- safety the legal status, million Filipino workers 108th session of the In- ventable but only if the it deserves will write a do not benefit from accept- ternational Labor Confer- protection of workers historic wrong, and also able working conditions. ence (ILC). from harm is given high boost efforts to bring the Studies have shown Thus, in response priority and worker health COVID-19 pandemic un- that OSH conditions in to these challenges the and safety is recognized der control”, said the fi- micro-firms and the infor- The Labor Front ILO during its 100 years as a fundamental human ery statement from ITUC mal sector pose risks and Art Barrit founding anniversary, it right,” added the Collegi- General Secretary Sharan hazards, the labor depart- presented a roadmap for um Ramazzinin reports. Burrow. ment data revealed. a human-centered future, And to gain momen- The ITUC Burrow has Included in the cam- dubbed as, a Centenary tum to the decisions ad- said, some employers and paign to ensure safety of Declaration for the Future opted during the ILC, the even governments seem to workers in the entertain- of Work. world’s eminent experts think that the costs of do- ment industry is the pro- As a matter of urgen- recommended that ILO ing business can be trade posed measure filed by cy, the concern to elevate must act at the earliest off against workers’ lives. TUCP Party-list Congress- Recognizing the ac- health and safety to the opportunity to recognize Bringing the issue man Raymond DC Men- countability of govern- highest level of interna- OHS as an ILO Fundamen- home. The Philippines doza, the so-called Eddie ments and employers tional labor standards was tal Right at Work (FRAW), have ratified the Promo- Garcia Bill. in saving lives at work, the recommendation by ideally at the 2021 ILO tional Framework for OSH The legendary 90-year- unions all over the world the Collegium Ramazzini, Conference. Convention. The instru- old actor during the taping are calling for the Inter- the premier independent Accordingly, the fore- ment of ratification has of an upcoming television national Labor Organiza- international body of ex- most experts on OSH de- already been deposited to series, Rosang Agimat ac- tions (ILO) to designate perts on OHS and envi- cision were supported by the ILO on June 17, 2019. cidentally tripped over a workers’ health and safety ronmental medicine. the London-based Society Commendably, the cable, fracturing his neck as a fundamental right. The world’s foremost of Occupational Medicine. government has contrib- which left him in coma- Nevertheless, the ac- experts in OHS categorical- It urged the ILO Govern- uted to the ILO Centenary tose, and 12 days after the tion taken by trade unions ly had cited in its reports ing Body on its March Ratification Campaign, be- accident, died. is just a reminder of a made available by the Inter- 23 meeting to act expe- ing one of the 52 countries The issue of OSH is a pledge in the 2019 ILO national Trade Union Con- ditiously to progress the with new ratifications and non-negotiable matter. Is Centenary Declaration. federation (ITUC), stating decision made during the with instruments entering it a bane or boon? Cebu Business Week March 22 - 28, 2021 7 BUSINESS Airlines continue to operate flight schedules AIRLINES have an- it as convenient as possible nounced they will continue for everyone to travel, apart to operate flight schedules from ensuring you arrive as planned. safely at your destination Cebu Pacific (CEB) said with confidence and peace of it will continue to oper- mind especially during these ate its flight schedule, as challenging times,” AirAsia planned, for the next three Philippines Spokesperson days, the airline announced Steve Dailisan reiterated. last March 21 after the gov- Non-essential travelers ernment restricted travel in coming from and going to the next two weeks, starting Manila with existing flight March 22 until April 4, 2021. bookings with a departure AirAsia Philippines also date from March 22, 2021 to assured guests of its regular April 4, 2021 can move their flight operations inbound flight from April 5, 2021 un- and outbound Manila to do- til June 30, 2021 and will be mestic destinations for es- able to select from a range of sential travelers. extended flexibility options CEB will provide up- for future travel. dates on flights from March The airline urges guests 25 to April 4 in the coming to check the latest travel re- days as more information strictions and advice of re- becomes available. to their respective destina- such as identification cards as prescribed by their re- spective local and national For their part, AirAsia tions. that will show proof of resi- spective Local Government governments before travel- Philippines assured the safe Essential travelers must dence and must comply with Units. ling, as policies may change return of essential travelers present valid documents other travel requirements “AirAsia aims to make frequently. Business name registration pitched 48% DATA from the Depart- retail business. Of the total percent of the total business tions over the last several and to make sure that they ment of Trade and Industry business name registration, name registration in 2020. years. Together with the in- have an effective after sales (DTI) showed that business 88,574 approved registra- DTI Undersecretary crease in the number of on- service provided. The DTI is name registration, the first tions were for online busi- Ruth B. Castelo said the line shoppers come the in- also strengthening its rules step in starting a single pro- nesses. This reflected a whop- growth in online retail busi- crease in the number of reg- and enforcement against un- prietorship business, during ping 5,294 percent growth nesses is driven by most con- istered online businesses,” scrupulous traders engaged the pandemic year 2020 from only 1,642 online busi- sumers now opting for online said Castelo. in online retailing. reached 916,163 or 48.69 per- nesses that registered in 2019. retail shopping instead of go- Castelo expressed hope “This will help increase cent from 637,577 in 2019. As of March 15 this year, ing to physical stores for fear that online businesses will consumer confidence not only Notably, the growth was DTI business name registra- of infection. respect and fulfill their obli- in their business but also in led by sole proprietorships tion for online businesses “We have seen the con- gation to consumers to deliv- online shopping and eCom- that intend to go into online already reached 7,525 or 8.5 stant rise of online transac- er exactly what is purchased merce in general,” she said TESDA launches agribusiness program for OFWs THE Technical Educa- plans. tion and Skills Development He said 1.2 million in- Authority (TESDA) said it dividuals registered with has launched a program to TESDA’s online programs train repatriated overseas in the March-December pe- workers in agribusiness. riod, with about 100,000 of At the launch on March them OFWs or their depen- 16, TESDA Secretary Isidro dents. S. Lapeña said the program In November, a joint is intended to aid overseas memorandum circular was Filipino workers (OFWs) signed by TESDA, the De- affected by the pandemic, partments of Agriculture, while addressing food secu- Trade and Industry, and rity concerns. Science and Technology, “There are a lot of op- and the National Economic portunities in agriculture. and Development Authori- You can also establish your ty to implement integrated own mini-organic farms,” Lapeña said the program will also open par- ment and financing and programs and services re- Lapeña said. Agri-Negosyo Para sa OFWs ticipants’ projects to invest- assist in creating business lated to agribusiness. 8 March 22 - 28, 2021 Cebu Business Week BUSINESS E-commerce seen to rise due to digital payments CONSUMERS have expe- Wolbert also ex- involve food and gro- e-payments lessen the spread rienced convenience on their pects more business- ceries, bills payments, of infection, are more conve- financial transactions during es to operate on digi- and pharmaceutical nient, provide consumers with the pandemic. It is expected to tal platforms as more purchases, with one in a financial record, and lower heighten electronic commerce people turn to online four Visa cardholders the risk of theft. (e-commerce) post-pandemic. shopping for their posting his first e-com- Wolbert said Visa data Dan Wolbert, Visa country needs. merce transaction in shows a steady month-on- manager for the Philippines “We continue to the first half of 2020. month rise of contactless and Guam, sees e-commerce see more SMEs (small This annual transactions in the Philippines in the country to “continue to and medium enter- online survey is being since August 2020. thrive” even after the pandemic. prises) going digital,” conducted in several “Even though we’ve made “We believe that as more he added. during the pandemic through Asian countries. progress in digital payments people start using digital com- Wolbert said results of Vi- mobile apps and websites. Visa’s Consumer Pay- adoption, there remain huge merce and platforms, they sa’s 2020 Consumer Payment Also, about 43 percent of ments Attitude study also opportunities for us to encour- will embrace the benefits of Attitudes study for the Philip- the respondents said they made showed that 53 percent of the age more Filipinos to embrace shopping online, which will pines showed that 52 percent their initial online purchase respondents carry cash in their digital payments as we look to lead to the continued growth of the about 1,014 Filipinos through social media channels. wallets, a drop from around 70 expand digital payments ac- of e-commerce,” he said in a surveyed nationwide said they The bulk of these initial percent level pre-pandemic. ceptance across the country,” briefing Thursday. shopped online for the first time online financial transactions Respondents said these he added. VCMC undergoes rebranding VISAYAS Community that involved not only over- top-grade facilities, (patients) which will house the integrated both share the same visions in Medical Center is undergoing hauling the hospital’s edifice will be expecting a holistic VCMC and AppleOne Medical innovating the healthcare in- a rebranding as well as a re- but also revamping its entire approach to healthcare,” she Arts Building is in line with dustry,” said Gaviola. vamp in its entire operations. operations. said. AMG’s rebranding project. VCMC, located along Os- Dr. Giselle Gaviola, Presently, the initial stag- “VCMC promises to pro- Stakeholders are target- meña Boulevard, was founded VCMC business development es of the rebranding process vide a better healthcare sys- ing VCMC’s turnaround to be in 1952 by the United Church executive said that the project covered structural renova- tem that walks with the pa- completed within this year. of Christ in the Philippines was aimed to give future pa- tions, facility upgrades, and tients side by side. We want to Gaviola, meanwhile, was (UCCP) to accommodate tients an all-around health- training of over 200 person- emphasize that this is a part- delighted that AppleOne Prop- patients in the aftermath of care system by fusing well- nel, said Gaviola. nership. Let us take into con- erties’ key officials offered her World War II. ness and hospitality. “It (the hospital) would sideration our current health- to take the helm in leading the In August 2020, Apple- The project is undertaken actually have a bit of a hotel care system that is usually not hospital’s new direction. One signed a joint venture by AppleOne Medical Group touch. We are also changing in tandem (with the patients). “I am very happy that Mr. with UCCP formalizing its ac- (AMG), the health and well- the culture within to make That way, the whole health- Ray Manigsaca (API Presi- quisition of majority stakes of ness arm of developer Apple- it aligned with the hospital’s care process is not complete,” dent and CEO) and Ms. Venus the hospital as well as UCCP’s One Properties Inc. (API). It new vision and programs… she added. Manigsaca (API Vice Presi- United Shalom Medical Cen- is currently embarking on a All in all, aside from the prom- The ongoing development dent and Chairperson) wanted ter (USMC) in Tacloban City, rebranding venture for VCMC ise of better equipment, and of Visayas Med City Center me to lead this venture as we Leyte. DOF supports PDIC charter changes THE Department of Fi- Increasing the depos- The last time the PDIC’s as liquidator of failed banks, each time the maximum cov- nance (DOF) is supporting it insurance coverage from deposit insurance coverage we will ensure even better erage needs to be adjusted.” the proposed measure seek- P500,000 to P1 million per was increased was 12 years institutional efficiency than “The proposed bill will ing to increase the deposit depositor will encourage ago from P250,000. what we have at present,” make the PDIC more respon- insurance coverage provided small savers to entrust their The proposed removal of Dominguez said. sive to the constantly changing for by the Philippine Deposit hard-earned savings to the PDIC’s regulatory function was “All regulatory functions, financial landscape. With this, Insurance Corp. (PDIC) and banks, Dominguez said. also supported by Dominguez, such as the issuance of cease- the PDIC will be better capable the removal of the latter’s reg- “It promotes a broader noting that “there should be and-desist orders relating to of fulfilling its mandate of pro- ulatory function. depositor base for our banks only one regulator for banks unsound banking practices viding insurance coverage for During the Senate hear- and a better savings rate for and that should be the Bangko will be ceded entirely to the small depositors and support- ing on proposed amendments our economy. In addition, Sentral ng Pilipinas [BSP].” BSP. This will help prevent ing a sound and stable banking to the PDIC charter, Finance the PDIC insurance coverage He explained that PDIC confusing functions and con- system,” Dominguez said. Secretary Carlos G. Domin- prevents bank failures from should focus on its role as a founding signals to the indus- “As an institution, it will be guez III said the proposal will inflicting a larger dislocation deposit insurer and as a liqui- try,” he added. nimble and adept in respond- help in the development of in our market. All these are dator. Likewise, the finance ing to prevailing economic the banking industry and the necessary to build a strong “By sharpening the focus chief also supports the pro- conditions, such as elevated in- stability of the financial sector financial system,” Dominguez of the PDIC to that of a ‘pay posal that will remove the “te- flation rates or sharp currency in the country. said. box’ for insurance claims and dious process of passing a law fluctuations,” he added. Cebu Business Week March 22 - 28, 2021 9 CEBU CITY HALL Cebu City welcomes Spanish navy ship MAYOR Edgardo C. La- just a start of months of com- bella marked a historic week- memoration about that his- end by welcoming to Cebu toric milestone 500 years ago. City the captain and crew Labella added that Cebu of the Spanish Royal Navy City is excited to be part of the training ship Juan Sebastian Quincentennial Commemo- Elcano led by Captain Santi- rations and they look forward ago de Colsa. for all the other activities that The ship is retracing the have been lined up in the route taken by the Spanish comings week and months. armada led by world naviga- “I ask everyone to take tor Ferdinand Magellan 500 the time to join events orga- years ago when they found nized by the church and gov- their way to Cebu. ernment agencies. Most of In his Facebook Page these are online and can be post, Labella said the 500th watched safely from home. year celebration of the arrival Our Cultural and Historical in Cebu of Magellan should Affairs Office, for example, stir in us a pride in our her- has organized very informa- itage, respect for our history, tive online discussions and and love for our people. talks. Let us take this oppor- “These 500 years saw tunity to honor and preserve blood and sacrifice. It also our past by making sure the saw courage and heroism,” look back in honor across the world. Despite our past, embassy officials at City Hall future of our city, our chil- Labella said in his post. centuries of our people’s and largely because of it, we on Friday to talk about this dren, remember our histo- “These coming months struggle. It is also prompts us have strong bilateral rela- goodwill visit,” Labella said. ry,” Labella said. ELIAS O. will give us a reminder to to look ahead to our place in tions with Spain. I welcomed Labella said this event is BAQUERO Mayor to give fund aid to senior citizens Cebu City Mayor Edgardo pandemic and follow the min- 84,000 are senior citizens. we are still in pandemic. senior citizens because these C. Labella has signed an ex- imum health protocol. According to Labella, “We want you to be safe people have contributed to ecutive order giving financial The financial assistance senior citizens who have re- and not exposed to Covid vi- nation building during their assistance to senior citizens will be distributed by the staff ceived cash cards issued by rus because the World Health prime time. at P1,000 a month or a total of the Cebu City treasurer’s Land Bank may activate it Organization said senior citi- Secretary Franklin Quija- of P3,000 for the month of office, Office of the Senior Cit- and inform OSCA or Ocampo zens are vulnerable to get the no, the chief of the Presidential January, February and March izens Affairs (OSCA) headed about it so they can get their disease,” Labella said. Commission on Senior Citi- 2021 starting at 7:00 a.m. on by Jeffrey Ocampo, barangay financial assistance. He advised the senior citi- zens, told Cebu Business Week March 27. officials, and enforcement The others who have no zens to use the financial assis- that they are now finalizing a The distribution of finan- group of the Philippine Na- cash cards yet shall wait at tance for their maintenance new law for senior citizens that cial assistance is still house-to- tional Police (PNP). their respective residences medicines and vitamins. will have a uniform implemen- house to make sure that senior Ocampo said Cebu City because Labella want it deliv- Labella said that his ad- tation of the law in all Local citizens will be spared from Co- has more than one million ered personally to senior citi- ministration is distributing Government Units (LGUs). rona Virus Disease (Covid-19) population and more than zens so they will stay home as the financial assistance to ELIAS O. BAQUERO Labella, Rama lead simulation of vaccination MAYOR Edgardo C. La- one with all by PPC Pres- has allocated P400 million bella and Vice Mayor Mi- stakeholders ident Elias O. to purchase anti-Covid-19 chael Rama have led the in Cebu City Baquero, Par- vaccines which is included simulation exercise at the in making this ish Priest Rev. in the 2021 annual budget. gym of Lourdes Shrine, rollout plan Fr. Randolph The city legislative body Punta Princesa, Cebu City possible. “Randy” Fig- again allocated P100 mil- for the Covid-19 vaccina- Labella, uracion said lion to purchase vaccines tion of the Cebu City Gov- for his part, that the gym under a supplemental bud- ernment in preparation for said that the as vaccination get. the arrival of the vaccines. simulation is site is one of Labella said they will The rollout of Covid-19 a rehearsal or the church’s use the money to purchase vaccination in Cebu City has practice so it help to the vaccines by batches de- started early this month but would be easy government to pending on the availability the frontliners in hospitals for the people and the front- In a monthly meeting of vaccinate as many people as of vaccines to be provided were prioritized. lines during the actual vac- the Lourdes Shrine Parish it can. by the national government. Rama said that they are cination. Pastoral Council presided The Cebu City Council ELIAS O. BAQUERO 10 March 22 - 28, 2021 Cebu Business Week CEBU CITY HALL Ermita chief backs Carbon modernization BARANGAY Captain Megawide President Louie Mark Miral of Ermita, Cebu Ferrer earlier said that their City said that development is company will not increase good for the city government market stall rentals for at and its people; hence, he is least three years as a corpo- supporting the moderniza- rate social responsibility to tion of Carbon Public Market help the vendors. He said all by Megawide Corporation. the vendors will be accom- Miral said Ermita Baran- modated. gay Government is ready to “We know based on the help the Cebu City Govern- joint venture agreement that ment in solving any problem Freedom Park and Barracks that will come out especially will be the new Carbon mar- if it involves the vendors. ket area where existing stall Miral added that during vendors and ambulant ven- the Cebu City Council session dors will be accommodat- last week presided by Vice ed. The existing Unit 1, Unit Mayor Michael Rama, the 2 and Unit 3 will become a sides of Megawide, barangay Miral said. the Public Market Oversight MIral said the PMOC will commercial hub,” Miral said. officials, and vendors were Ermita has 80 percent Committee (PMOC) to solve crossmatch the list to make Miral added that PMOC heard. jurisdiction over the Carbon all the problems arising from sure that nobody will be dis- which is holding successive “So, we see and believe market area, while the other the modernization like rec- placed. meetings will solve all prob- that the Cebu City Council 20 percent is within Baran- onciling the list of vendors in Miral said they focus lems that involve vendors, direction is to support Car- gay Sto. Niño. the hands of Barangay Coun- on making sure that market market stakeholders, and bon market area redevelop- Miral said that Mayor Ed- cilor Maria Pino, and that of stall rentals will be low and the buying public. ELIAS O. ment and modernization,” gardo C. Labella has created the market administrator. affordable to the vendors. BAQUERO Espina urges vaccination vs. Covid-19 A RESERVED general “We are going to public ment has rolled out an ap- Espina said. “These are the realities of the Armed Forces of the awareness or storm roll- propriation of P400 million, In the meantime, Espina way down the road. If we Philippines (AFP) urged out program of the vaccine and eventually there will be said, the people must keep purchase vaccines and give the people to be vaccinated against Covid. We are pre- another P100 million or a themselves safe and should them to the people, with- against Corona Virus Dis- paring for the arrival of the total of P500 million. follow the health protocol in six to eight months, that ease (Covid-19) so the econ- vaccines,” Espina said. “We will review the pri- to avoid being contracted are already way down to the omy will be reopened com- He said that there are orities and then we can also with Covid because that six campaign period going to- pletely. two kinds of vaccines. One include other individuals to to eight months is too long wards the May 2022 elec- Erik Espina, a former is from the national govern- be given priorities in Cebu and there are six variants in tion,” Espina said. Cebu City councilor and a ment. The order that must City. The present vaccina- the country. He added by asking if the media man, said that vac- be followed will come from tion activities are from the He said the scientists election is so important by cine is one way to prevent Manila and based on the De- National Government. The are now studying wheth- risking the lives of our fam- the spread of Covid-19 and partment of Health (DOH) order of Cebu City to pur- er the existing vaccines are ilies? This is a serious ques- the people are safe if they standard and priorities. chase vaccines will take six still effective with the new tion, and this is a serious are vaccinated. The Cebu City Govern- to eight months to arrive,” variants. time. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Guardo inspects Mabolo asphalting project COUNCILOR Jerry Mabolo. Guardo inspected the newly Guardo also inspected finished asphalting project the newly-completed con- of Mayor Edgar C. Labella creting of Gaisano Street, in Sitio Holy Name, Mabo- North Reclamation Area lo, Cebu City which is one (NRA) at the side of the of the city’s massive asphalt burned White Gold to the projects in all barangays. side of Benedicto College in Guardo, chairman of Barangay Tejero. the Committee on Infra- He believed that the structure, thanked the De- living condition of the peo- partment of Engineering ple will be improved once and Public Works (DEPW) all city roads and barangay team for undertaking the roads will be asphalted and massive asphalt projects in Recently, Councilors Niña Mabatid and Joel Gar- monial kick-off of the proj- concreted. ELIAS O. BAQUE- the entire Cebu City. Raymond Garcia, Prisca ganera conducted a cere- ect in the area in Barangay RO Cebu Business Week March 22 - 28, 2021 11 BOHOL NEWS Bohol SP allows Yap to borrow up to P2 billion THE 28th Sangguniang according to Cecilio Clarete, Panlalawigan (SP) of Bo- head of the Bohol Lending hol has given its go signal to Center of LBP, the interest Governor Arthur Yap to avail payment for the P1 billion of the Omnibus Term Loan loan is at two percent per Facility (OTLF)/Credit Line annum under the Bayanihan of the Land Bank of the Phil- Law, according to. ippines (LBP) in the amount “The loan that will be of P2 billion. availed of by the Provincial The amount is said to be Government which has al- the biggest loan so far in the ready been approved by us history of Bohol. previously in the amount SP Resolution No. 2021- of One Billion Pesos will 271 passed during the regu- be a supervised credit by lar session approved the P2 the LBP and the release of billion credit line by a 9-2 funds of the loan availment vote with eleven SP members will be based on actual ac- present and no abstention. complishments of the in- The approved resolu- dividual projects under tion “authorizes the Local the program,” Relampagos Chief Executive of the Prov- ernment of Bohol to have a by Majority Floor Leader, billion Omnibus Term Loan/ stressed. ince of Bohol, to represent Standby Credit Facility with 1st District Board Member credit line, the Province of Masamayor said water the Provincial Government LBP for drawdown to fund (BM) Ricky Masamayor and Bohol will only make use of projects of the LGUs will of Bohol (PGBh) to avail of the proposed One Billion co-sponsored by Vice Gover- the P1 billion which is part undergo bidding under Re- the Omnibus Term Loan Pesos (P1,000,000,000.00) nor and SP Presiding Officer of the 2021 annual budget of public Act 9184 known as the Facility (OTLF)/Credit Line loan for its various water de- Rene Relampagos. the province. “Government Procurement of the Land Bank of the velopment projects.” According to the jour- Relampagos said that Reform Act.” Philippines (LBP) amount- Governor Arthur Yap nal of proceedings of the SP ing to Two Billion Pesos can now borrow P2 billion to session on March 9, 2021, (P2,000,000,000.00), thus spend for his water projects Relampagos stressed that of UPDATED TRAVEL allowing the Provincial Gov- The measure was sponsored the maximum amount of P2 GUIDELINES Yap orders resort’s foam party dropped BOHOL Gov. Arthur Yap has directed the mayor of Panglao to order a resort there to drop plans to hold a foam party. Yap said Alamanza Re- sort has no accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT) which was a requirement for leisure establishments to oper- ate during a state of public health emergency. To recall, President Ro- drigo Duterte declared a tablishments with DOT ac- party. nationwide state of pub- creditation to operate during The order, the governor lic health emergency in the state of public health said was issued “to avoid the May 2020 because of the emergency. recurrence of reported viola- COVID-19 pandemic. It re- Yap, in a memo, said he tions of minimum health and mains in effect. was exercising his power as safety protocols” to prevent The governor said guide- governor and chair of the the transmission of SARS lines of the Inter-Agency Bohol IATF in directing Pan- Cov2, the coronavirus that Task Force for Emerging glao Mayor Leonila Montero causes COVID-19. Diseases (IATF) allowed only to stop the resort from push- The order was for the hotels and other tourist es- ing through with the foam mayor’s “strict compliance.” 12 March 22 - 28, 2021 Cebu Business Week WORLD NEWS PH apprehensive over huge Chinese ‘fishing fleet’ THE Philippines has that it uses fishing fleets to called on China to withdraw help assert its territorial more than 200 ships alleged- claims. ly encroaching upon its ter- Five years ago, an inter- ritorial waters in the South national court rejected Chi- China Sea. nese claims of sovereignty Photos released by the over 90% of the water mass. Philippine coast guard show The Philippines, Brunei, about 220 Chinese vessels Malaysia, Taiwan, and Viet- moored at Whitsun Reef nam have all been disputing (called Julian Felipe Reef by China’s claim to almost all of the Philippines) in the South the Sea for years. China Sea on 7 March. China continues to claim Defense Minister Delfin an area known as the “nine- Lorenzana said the Chinese dash line” and has supported ships were violating the Phil- its claim with island-build- ippines’ maritime rights. maritime militia. violating our maritime rights He accused the Chinese ing and patrols, expanding He said the fishing boats “We call on the Chinese and encroaching into our of a “provocative action of its military presence while do not appear to be fishing to stop this incursion and im- sovereign territory,” Defense militarizing the area”. maintaining that its inten- and are crewed by China’s mediately recall these boats Secretary Lorenzana said. China downplays reports tions are peaceful. US Defense Secretary meets Afghan president UNITED States Defense line would be hard to meet Zalmay Khalilzad, has also Secretary Lloyd Austin met and that his administration been travelling in the region Afghan President Ashraf was consulting with allies in recent weeks with pro- Ghani in an surprise visit and in the process of a deci- posals including an interim to Kabul on Sunday, as US sion. Afghan government and a reviews the peace process The United States spe- summit in Turkey to jump- there and its intended troop cial envoy for Afghanistan, start the peace process. withdrawal. Austin said he had come to “listen and learn,” on his first trip to Afghanistan UAE to test cloud-busting since his appointment. “This visit been very drones to enhance rainfall helpful for me, and it will in- The meeting comes at a by the insurgent Taliban and DRONES that fly into try to help with rainfall,” he form my participation in the crucial time for the Afghan the administration of previ- clouds, giving them an elec- told the BBC. review we are undergoing peace process ahead of a ous US President Donald tric shock to “cajole them” The country does “have here with President (Joe) May 1 deadline for the with- Trump. into producing rain, are plenty of clouds”, so the Biden,” he added. drawal of US troops agreed Biden said that the dead- about to be tested in the plan is to persuade the water United Arab Emirates. droplets in them to merge The country already uses and stick together, “like dry cloud-seeding technology, hair to a comb” when it meets Trump plans social media comeback dropping salt to encourage static electricity, he said. FORMER US President way, for more than 10 years, to precipitation. But with aver- “When the drops merge Donald Trump will soon re- bypass the traditional media. age rainfall in the UAE at just and are big enough, they will turn to social media “with his Mr. Miller provided no 100mm per year, the country fall as rain.” own platform”. details on this, saying only that wants to generate more. Alya Al-Mazroui, director Jason Miller, Trump’s “everybody is going to be wait- In 2017, the government of the UAE’s rain-enhance- adviser, has said he believes ing and watching to see what provided $15m (£10.8m) for ment science-research pro- “ we’re going to see President exactly President Trump does”. nine different rain-enhance- gram, said: “Equipped with Trump returning to social The adviser said Trump ment projects. a payload of electric-charge media in probably about two had already had “high-powered Scientists at the Univer- emission instruments and or three months.” by Trump supporters saw five meetings” with various teams sity of Reading are heading customised sensors, these He said the platform will people including a police officer regarding the venture at his one of them. drones will fly at low alti- be the hottest ticket in social killed and shook the founda- Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The project aims to tudes and deliver an elec- media and would completely tions of American democracy. Numerous companies had change the balance of elec- tric charge to air molecules, redefine the game. Several days later, Twitter already approached the former trical charge on cloud drop- which should encourage pre- Trump was suspended said Mr Trump’s account - @ president, Mr. Miller said. lets, explained Prof Maarten cipitation.” from Twitter and Facebook realDonaldTrump - was “per- “This new platform is Ambaum, who worked on the The study will then be after January’s deadly riots at manently suspended due to going to be big,” he added, project. evaluated, with the hope of the US Capitol in Washington the risk of further incitement predicting that Mr. Trump “The water table is sink- more funding for a larger air- DC. of violence”. would draw “tens of millions ing drastically in [the] UAE craft to deliver the payload in The attack on 6 January Trump used Twitter as a of people”. and the purpose of this is to future.