“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” CEBU BUSINESS Room 310-A, 3rd floor WDC Bldg. Osmeña Blvd., Cebu You may visit Cebu Business Week WEEK Facebook page. January 11 - 17, 2021 Volume 3, Series 69 www.cebubusinessweek.com 12 PAGES P15.00 SEAFARERS GIVE ECONOMY P300B 500K working in international vessels despite pandemic: Marino

OVER half million Filipino Seafarers with big income By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO ping is unhampered even if He said that in the data seafarers are working continu- and having new families are there is Covid-19 pandemic,” of the Philippine Overseas ously around the world con- mostly investing in the busi- jected to a 14-day quarantine, Lusotan said. Employment Administration tributing to the economy some ness of their choice or keep and other health protocols. Lusotan said about that (POEA), there are more than US$6.5 million, equivalent to big savings in banks, and the The seafarers who are there are more than 3,000 two million Overseas Filipino P300 billion despite the pan- banks are lending capital to affected are those who are seafarers who are waiting to Workers (OFWs) around the demic, said Marino Party-List Micro, Small and Medium En- waiting to replace their coun- be called to board the vessels, world. The highest numbers of Rep. Macnell Lusotan. terprises (MSMEs). terparts who are on board ves- but because of the pandemic, OFWs are in the Middle East. Lusotan told Cebu Busi- Most Filipino seafarers sels and who choose to extend they are stranded in Manila, Of the two million, 25 percent ness Week that the Filipino abroad only problem is their their contract because of the some of whom are living with or 500,000 are seafarers. seafarers are working in dif- failure to go home immedi- pandemic. friends, and some are billeted The traditional seafarers ferent international vessels, ately because of travel ban. On If foreign vessels stop ply- in hotels. Their families are are those manning the ships. travelling in different coun- the other hand, they are lucky ing, Lusotan said there will be expecting that they are already But now, seafarers include tries, continuing the interna- because they are continuously scarcity of supplies of essential on board. those working in cruise ships tional trade. working bringing goods to dif- goods around the world. He said that Marino who are e cruise, Lusotan said The estimated remittance ferent countries. District Collector Charlito Party-List, the government the personnel are about 1,000, of seafarers has helped the Thousands of seafarers Martin Mendoza of the Bureau through the Department of and the tourists that they are government in preventing our have extended their period of Customs (BOC) Social Welfare and Develop- servicing are about 3,000. So, economy from collapsing be- of work because they cannot said that they are always above ment (DSWD), and the Of- cruise ships stopped operating cause of lockdowns caused by disembark from the vessel be- target collections despite the fice of the Workers Welfare because of social distancing as pandemic. cause of the travel ban. If they pandemic because importa- Administration (OWWA) are one of the health protocols. Lusotan said that sta- will force to go home to the tion of goods had continued. working together to extend “At present, Marino Par- tistics show that goods like , they will be sub- “The operation in ship- help to stranded seafarers. ty-List is working to hold the computers, construction ma- repatriation of seafarers from terials, among others cannot various countries in Europe be brought to other countries because of the new Covid vari- through airplanes but through ant. But this is temporary be- vessels. cause we believe that in the “Ninety percent of our coming days, the ban will be international trade passes lifted,” Lusotan said. through shipping. The role of The party-list representa- the seafarers is to man ships. tive said that with Rep. Zandro In 2019, Bangko Sentral ng Gonzales, Marino Party-List is Pilipinas (BSP) estimated that continuously helping seafarers all seafarers have earned a who are affected by the pan- combined US$6.5 million or demic. There are seafarers who P300 billion at P50-$1 foreign are in the different internation- exchange rate that has been al vessels wanting to go home added to the Philippine econ- but because of the travel ban, omy,” Lusotan said. they remain in their workplace. 2 January 11 - 17, 2021 Cebu Business Week LOCAL VECO must refund excessive power collection: Ligas CHEAPER power advo- and unreasonable amount, he “I believe that a Senate in- cate Edward Ligas said they will file criminal charges against quiry will force VECO to refund are waiting for the resumption VECO officials and the Aboitiz the excessive payments of pow- of inquiry by the Cebu Provin- family in a competent court. er customers. I am happy that cial Board on the unreasonable He is amenable to the sug- complaints against VECO are and high electric billing by the gestion that Cebu Provincial now by thousands,” Ligas said. Visayan Electric Company Government or any Local Gov- He suggested that if VECO (VECO) during lockdowns ernment Unit (LGU) may hire management headed by Pres- caused by Covid-19 pandemic. a technical team to study the ident/CEO Raul Lucero and Ligas, a radio commenta- VECO electric billings which VECO owners (Aboitiz family) tor and international boxing are subject to complaints to de- will ignore the complaints, the judge, said that in the recent termine any cover up. government may take over its Energy Committee hearing Ligas is also amenable to operation to protect the inter- chaired by Board Member Red a Senate inquiry on VECO’s est of the public. Duterte with Board Member operation like what it did with Ligas also said that it is Glenn Soco, VECO officials ad- Manila Electric Company now time for the government mitted several lapses in power (MERALCO) attended by En- to dismantle the VECO pow- EDWARD LIGAS billing that led to questionable ergy Regulatory Commission er distribution monopoly, charges. the power company. amount. (ERC) Chairperson Agnes especially that Aboitiz is also Unfortunately, Ligas said Ligas said that even busi- Ligas fully paid his power Devanadera. engaged in power generation the committee hearing was at- ness firms that were closed bills for the entire 2020. If he MERALCO refunded all which contradicts the Energy tended by VECO officials who and had no operation during will again receive a VECO elec- the excessive payments made Power Industry Reform Act were not decision makers of lockdowns were billed at a high tric bill with another excessive by power consumers. (EPIRA). ELIAS O. BAQUERO NMIS notes increase in pork prices THE National Meat In- opportunity to sell pork in lation in Cebu is 80 percent spection Service (NMIS) has Metro Manila even at P400 in backyard-raised. The other noted an increase in the price per kilo. There is a high price 20 percent is from commer- of pork caused by high de- if the demand is high,” Oble- cial hog traders. mand as against supply due na said. Swine is categorized to massive transport of the “Our hog raisers observe as backyard, medium, product to Manila and . preventive measures to pre- semi-commercial and com- Dr. Eduardo Oblena, vent the entry of ASF in Cebu. mercial. NMIS director, said that pork So, even if the price of pork Last year, May- now is sold at P250 per kilo, is high, it is safe from ASF,” or Edgar Labella has lifted the although he received infor- Oblena said. ban on the entry of pork from mation that some markets are Oblena will request hog ASF-free provinces in Min- selling it now at P280 per kilo. it was sold at P200 per kilo. P11-billion hog industry. The raisers to limit pork supply to danao. Cebu City is the only In January and February Cebu is one of the few hog traders got more prof- Manila to prevent further in- LGU in Cebu that lifted the 2020, or before the Covid-19 places in the country not hit it when it started supplying crease of prices. pork ban from . pandemic hit Cebu in March by the African Swine Fever pork to Metro Manila where At present, traders are But Oblena said the pork 2020, pork was sold in the (ASF). Luzon and other parts businessmen are selling it at buying live pigs at P150 per that enters Cebu City from market at P210 per kilo. of and Mindanao re- P400 per kilo. kilo, and sell the pork in the Gen. Santos City shall be dis- In other areas where gions were hit by ASF. “We have a free enter- market at P250 per kilo. tributed within the city only. there is less demand of pork, Oblena said that Cebu has prise, and traders took the He said the swine popu- ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu City to build drug rehab center COUNCILOR Philiip S. City. Pia made the facilitation first phase, we are hopeful that the Dangerous Drugs Board happened. Zafra said the Cebu City Gov- in the Senate, while Alan Peter Congress will also appropriate (DDB), said that Cebu City, a He said there is a rehabili- ernment will soon construct the in the House of Representatives funds for the Phase 2,” Zafra premier city, failed to construct tation center in Argao, Cebu es- Phase 1 of the P3 million “Balay during the discussion of the said. a rehabilitation center. Ba- tablished by Senate President Silangan” in Guba for 2021 national annual budget. He said that it is the man- lay Silangan is a project of the Vicente Sotto III and the late the rehabilitation of persons Zafra said the P3 million date of all Local Government Philippine Drug Enforcement Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. who are hooked to illegal drugs. for the Phase 1 of Balay Silan- Units (LGUs) in the country to Agency (PDEA). Oaminal said that he is Zafra said that he was gan is now part of the General construct and establish a drug Oaminal said that because happy that the Cayetanos were called by both Senator Pia Cay- Appropriations Act of 2021. rehabilitation center under Re- Cebu City has no drug rehabil- able to source funds for drug re- etano and Rep. Alan Peter Cay- “We are looking forward public Act 9165 or the Danger- itation center, there was a pro- habilitation center in Cebu City etano who facilitated the appro- to construct that rehabilita- ous Drugs Act of 2002. posal to build it in the Osmeña because drug addicts are also priation for the construction of tion center at a city-owned lot Atty. Clarence Paul Oam- Shrine, instead of putting a considered victims of circum- a rehabilitation center in Cebu in Barangay Guba. After the inal, former vice chairman of cemetery there, but nothing stances. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu Business Week January 11 - 17, 2021 3 NEWS Carmen folk press for free water from town’s own water district OVER a thousand residents Hon. Martin Gerard T. Villam- Jasmin S. Paden, Carlyle Allen mitted thereof. of Carmen, a municipality in or as Chairman. In both MOA’s, M. Pono, Vicente A. Tacocong Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia northern Cebu, have gathered it was made clear that the Bulk Jr., Manuel Mari A. Durano, also went to Carmen town the at the Carmen National High Water Supply source will only Arriane B. Pono, and Remegio next day and announced that School gym on January 8, 2021, be the surface water of Cantu- K. Benitez. the Cebu Provincial Govern- and expressed support for ef- mog-Luyang River. On January 7, 2020, the ment will take charge of the forts to gain free water from the The residents aired their Sangguniang Bayan success- operation and management of town’s own water district and desire to do away with the fully override a veto of Carmen the waterworks system in Car- against the water foundation. CMWD Foundation Inc. due Mayor Carlo T. Villamor of a men by creating the Provincial The residents expressed to the alleged conflict of inter- Council resolution and pushed Waterworks System invoking support for moves of the town’s est, lack of transparency and for two things: provisions of the Local Govern- councilors who questioned the accountability to live up to its 1. The CMWD will no lon- ment Code. support of Mayor Carlo T. Vil- mandate, objectives, mission ger pay the add-on tariff direct- The governor motored to lamor for the water founda- and vision. ly to the CMWD Foundation the northern town and spoke tion. This developed even as They likewise object to Inc. Instead, the CMWD will before another gathering at one Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia went the extraction of ground wa- remit the money directly to the of the beach resorts in Carmen, to Carmen town and showed GOVERNOR GWEN GARCIA ter without the Sangguniang Carmen Water Supply System. Cebu as a show of support for support for Mayor Villamor. Bayan’s approval. They prefer The money will be used for re- Mayor Carlo Villamor. This Since 2012, the Municipali- the Municipality going to Metro Provincial officials to leave res- pair, maintenance, and reha- transpired after the assembly ty of Carmen, Cebu and CMWD Cebu Water District (MCWD). idents to decide for themselves bilitation of the existing water of residents at the Carmen Na- entered into an agreement for Along with the Bulk Water Sup- about the water sourced out of supply system. tional High School Gym. the Bulk Water Supply Project ply MOA, the Municipality and Cantumog-Luyang River with- 2. The availability of pota- “Dili na magapos ang of Cantumog-Luyang River. CMWD entered into another out interference. ble free water to Carmen resi- Mayor ug dili na nila magapos The MOA will give CMWD the agreement for the creation of They supported the posi- dents for one year because of ang katawhan sa Carmen,” exclusive right to get and deliver the CMWD Foundation Inc., tion pushed by seven council- the illegal construction of deep Garcia said during the gather- treated bulk water supply from headed by the Mayor that time, ors, namely Merian V. Buot, wells and other violations com- ing. Danao earmarks P1.3B budget for 2021 THE Danao City Govern- employer in this Local Govern- plying its constituents with the boats for the Philippine Na- zone in Lapu-Lapu City closed ment has about P1.3 billion ment Unit (LGU) is Mitsumi cheapest water in the country at tional Police (PNP). operation because of the Covid annual budget for 2021 which Inc., a Japanese locator at the P5 per cubic meter for the first Mitsumi is presently em- pandemic, Mitsumi operation will surely increase next year Philippine Export Zone Ad- 10 cubic meters of consump- ploying 20,000 people whose continued which has main- because of the continued eco- ministration (PEZA). tion. The cost of consumption salary clearly circulated to the tained the income of Danao nomic activity despite the Co- Nito Durano has been Ce- of about 11 to 20 cubic meters is community because after re- City. rona Virus Disease (Covid) bu’s vice governor, three terms P7 per cubic meter. ceiving it, they buy rice and Durano said that one of the pandemic. 5th District congressman, Da- Durano said that of the other daily needs. important projects in Danao The P1.3 billion 2021 nao City mayor and vice may- P1.3 billion budget for 2021, He said that during the City for 2021 is the construc- annual budget is higher by or. His sons are former 5th about P700 million will come lockdowns, Mitsumi spent tion of a water reservoir to im- P100,000 compared to the District congressman Red Du- from the Internal Revenue Al- money for the contract tracing prove the distribution of cheap P1.2 billion annual budget for rano and former Department lotment (IRA), while the rest of their employees, and they water to the people. 2020. of Tourism (DOT) Secretary will be from the local income. provided them company trans- The Durano administration Danao City Mayor Ramon Joseph Ace Durano. Aside from Mitsumi, an- portation. is also making “Ayuda Card” for “Nito” Durano III told Cebu Durano said that Danao other big firm is Dynacast He added that even when medical and occupational bene- Business Week that the biggest City Government is also sup- which manufactured speed some locators at the economic fits. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Scholars to trace roots of CEBU scholars and an Sinulog Roots) this January the Sto. Niño. Visayas Association of Muse- strate Cebuano traditional way Islamic Studies Tausug pro- 14, 2021, at 2:30PM at Palm To recall, in a 1600’s Vi- ums Inc. and Diyandi Heri- of life-- maglubok, magtahop, fessor will look at the origins Grass Hotel sayan dictionary, the Sinu- tage Center in holding the fo- magkagod og lubi, puso-weav- of the different versions of the USC Department of An- log word referred only to the rum that will also launch the ing, arnis and others. Sinulog: the war dance and the thropology, Sociology, and island of Sulu and a Tausug hotel’s series of activities for There will also be a candle vendors’ Sinulog in a History (DASH) Chair, Pro- woman’s clothes. the #Cebu500. re-screening of a 2020 vid- blended event featuring an on- fessor Laila Labajo will also University of the Philip- #Cebu500 celebrates the eo tracing the Sulu roots of line panel discussion with live explore the origin of the Sto. pines (UP) Diliman Institute 500 years of the arrival of the Sinulog created by Hong audience and performances. Niño image and the develop- of Islamic Studies Professor Christianity in Cebu, the Vic- Kong-based communications The former Executive Di- ment of the Cebuano devotion Darwin Absari will then de- tory at Mactan, and Cebu be- specialist Prospero Laput. rector of the University of San to the Holy Child. scribe the influence of Sulu ing part of the first circumnav- The event will be lives- Carlos (USC) Cebuano Stud- Moreover, the forum will in the 1500’s in the islands of igation of the world. treamed on the sponsoring ies Center Dr. Erlinda Alburo look into how Cebuano pre- what is now the Philippines. Following health proto- organizations’ pages; and lim- will trace the journey of the colonial dance rituals such as Palm Grass The Cebu cols, community theater Bag- its the physical audience to 50 Cebu dance prayer, Sinulog, those performed by the “ba- Heritage Hotel partners with ong Teatro Junquera will per- participants. There will also in a forum dubbed, “Sayaw sa baylan” have been integrated the USC DASH, Hambin form live Palm Grass version be a Sinulog trivia quiz with Gera ug Tindera” (Retracing into the Christian devotion to (Cherished Heritage), Central of the Sinulog; and demon- prizes. 4 January 11 - 17, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

New strain spreading? Is the new, more contagious strain of coro- navirus now spreading in the Philippines? I ask this question after a Filipina do- mestic worker tested nega- tive for the coronavirus in Manila last December 2020. However, she tested positive of the new variant after her arrival in Hong Kong on December 22. Weekly Notes I worry because the Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya Philippines reportedly does not yet have that capacity to test for the new variant. What we have are tests that can recognize the original virus genome. However, I was told by a reliable source that we still need to gain the capacity to test for the new variant. Because of this, how do we know the new variant is already spreading in the country undetected? Moreover, the people who had been vaccinated in the coun- try so far used smuggled vaccines. Thanks to President Rodrigo Duterte for telling the country about the inoculation of Filipino soldiers. It seems the president finds it okay for his soldiers to use something smuggled. No wonder, the administration lacks cred- ibility in its so-called anti-corruption campaign. The country still needs to legally acquire vaccines for the rest of the population. This is happening while positive cases in Cebu City are rising again. This began when a doctor, who turned out to be positive later, arrived to operate on a patient in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) last December. The latest I read, the number of positive cases among doctors and nurses from the hospital alone reached over 30. The contact tracing operations now include their families. Editorial Finally, authorities seemed helpless in ensuring social dis- tancing during religious super-spreader events. In Manila, tens of thousands have turned up for the Black Nazarene procession. Cebu City authorities may have cancelled Sinulog activities. But Safety first thousands have been flocking to the daily novenas for the feast Thousands of Cebua- for Covid-19 turned positive. one must go physically to the of Señor Santo Niño. nos believe the Señor Santo During the Christmas holi- basilica. This has been the The way I see it, the Cebu City government lacked a vigor- Niño will protect them from days, he infected several doc- practice for centuries. ous information drive in making religious folks grasp the need to Covid-19 as they go out and tors and nurses. The contact However, the corona- stay at home. One can pray to God anywhere. There is no need pray at the Basilica del San- tracing includes their friends virus spreads during mass for physical presence inside the Church. Creative ways online to Niño during the nine-day and relatives. gatherings. The virus does can be used to keep the population virtually engaged and from Novena and during the feast This developed as Cebu not care if the occasion was a gathering in mass. However, I see nothing of the sort. itself of Cebu City’s Patron. City goes into the Pista Sen- religious gathering dedicated No unity Thus, they go out of their yor mode. to the Senyor or not. Thus, Unlike the unity of Ilongos under Mayor Jerry Treñas in plan- way and show themselves at While it is good that Cebu there is this real danger of a ning and carrying out Dinagyang Digital, the leadership in Cebu the basilica despite the dan- City officials heeded calls for spike again in positive cases. City showed disunity. Late last year, Mayor Edgar Labella turned gers. doing away with Sinulog fes- It would be unfortunate over to an excited Vice Mayor Mike Rama the conduct of Sinulog Starting late December tival activities that would if authorities would be forced 2021. I thought Rama would receive all the support he needed 2020, the number of posi- have attracted millions of to impose again the harsh from all Sinulog stakeholders. However, it seems the office of the tive cases in Cebu City has revelers, the mass gather- lockdown we experienced vice mayor and the Sinulog Foundation has not coordinated with began rising. This was trig- ing at the basilica continues. last year. But the implemen- the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of gered by the arrival of a doc- This development raises the tation of a better information Emerging Infectious Diseases in (RIATF-7) and tor from Manila who did an specter of super-spreader campaign would been better. the local police. This led to the cancellation of Sinulog activities. operation at the Vicente Sot- events for Covid-19. The Senyor would not mind (Emmanuel Mongaya is co-founder and director for Strate- to Memorial Medical Center While one can pray to prayers done at home. He gic PR of the Cebu-based PRWorks Inc. He is also a member (VSMMC). Although initially God anywhere, there is this would be happy if Cebuanos of the Political Officers League of the Philippines) tested as negative, a later test notion that during the fiesta, would consider safety first.

“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 January 11 - 17, 2021 5 OPINION Asian stocks jump because of hopes for recovery while bond prices fell as urged senior US officials News reported recently. In- Japan and surrounding re- markets bet a new Demo- to consider removing Pres- cluding Thursday’s gains in gions. The collaboration be- crat-controlled government ident Donald Trump from Tesla shares, Musk, 49, had tween the Tokyo-headquar- would lead to heavy spend- office after supporters of the a net worth of more than tered shipping giant and a ing and borrowing to sup- outgoing president stormed US$188.5 billion, US$1.5 firm called Bombora Wave port the U.S. economic re- the US Capitol. Trump has billion more than Bezos, the Power will center on find- covery. U.S. government of- 14 days remaining in office report said. Musk’s personal ing possible locations for ficials have begun weighing before President-elect Joe wealth has been boosted by the latter’s mWave system, removing President Donald Biden is sworn in on Jan 20. last year’s more than eight- as well as hybrid projects BIZBITS Trump from office before The mayhem at the Capitol fold surge in the shares of which combine mWave and Manny de los Santos Rabacal President-Elect Joe Biden’s forced Congress to tempo- Tesla, which became the wind energy. The search inauguration date of Jan. rarily postpone a session to world’s most valuable car- for site locations follows on 20 after he incited a vio- certify Biden’s victory. The maker. He has a 20 per from what MOL described lent riot against at the U.S. chaotic scenes unfolded af- cent stake in the carmaker as a “detailed internal tech- Capitol building. On Thurs- ter Trump, who before the and about US$42 billion of nical review” of Bombo- day, the Dow Jones Indus- election refused to commit unrealised paper gains on ra’s wave energy convert- Asian stocks opened trial Average rose 0.69%, to a peaceful transfer of vested stock options, ac- er technology. In simple higher on Friday, with Ja- the S&P 500 gained 1.48% power if he lost, addressed cording to the Bloomberg terms, the tech developed pan hitting a three-decade and the Nasdaq Composite thousands of supporters report. Tesla shares were up by Bombora — which has high as investors looked added 2.56%. MSCI’s gauge near the White House, re- as much as 7.4 per cent on offices in both Wales and beyond rising coronavirus of stocks across the globe peating unfounded claims Thursday at a record high of Australia — is based around cases and political unrest gained 1.18%. The dollar that the election was stolen US$811.61. The Forbes Bil- the idea of using rubber in the United States and bet also strengthened on hopes from him due to widespread lionaires List, however, said membrane “cells” which are on an economic recovery of a meaningful econom- fraud and irregularities. Musk still trails Amazon’s filled with air and fitted to later in the year. Futures for ic recovery later this year. (CNA) Bezos by US$7.8 billion. a structure submerged un- the S&P 500 jumped 1.48% (Yahoo Finance) oOo (CNA) derwater. While some are and Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose oOo Tesla chief and billion- oOo excited about the prospect 0.84%, hitting its highest The head of a major US aire entrepreneur Elon Mitsui O.S.K. Lines of marine-based energy, the level since August 1990. business group that rep- Musk surpassed Amazon. (MOL) is to partner with sector still faces hurdles. The broadly upbeat mood resents 14,000 companies com Inc’s top boss Jeff a company specializing in (CNBC) came after Wall Street hit including Exxon Mobil, Bezos to become the world’s marine energy to scope for mannyrabacal1144@ record highs on Thursday Pfizer and Toyota Motor richest man, Bloomberg potential project sites in gmail.com

Cebu: center of 4th centennial celebration the participation of the gov- DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL Paulin, Assistant Provincial Atty. Anatolio Ynclino, As- ernment in its celebration. President of the Philippines Board Secretary: Atty. Fe- sistant Provincial Assessor: Recognizing Cebu as the Recorded in the Offi- lisberto Sosmena. Adalberto Balbuena, Regis- center of the celebration, cial Gazette is the meetings (Months after the Cen- ter of Deeds: Atty. Martina President Macapagal de- between the President and tennial Celebration, an elec- Arnoco, Assistant Register clared the following holiday Cebu City Mayor regarding tion was held on November of Deeds: Atty. Cecilio Casa- in Cebu: the commemoration; 19, 1965, an election for the ls. PROCLAMATION NO. 391 July 20,1964: president, senate, as well as Provincial Warden: Em- DESIGNATING THE “—PRESIDENT Ma- local. President Diosdado igdio Tocao, Assistant Pro- PERIOD FROM APRIL 26 capagal conferred this Macapagal lost in his re- vincial Warden: Bartolome Cebu Legal TO 28, 1965, AS SPECIAL morning with Cebu Mayor election bid, with President Buscato. Pedia SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FOR Sergio Osmeña, Jr., on the Ferdinand E. Marcos elect- Superintendent of celebration on the 400th Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oaminal PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ed for the first time for the Schools: Frucuoso Yanson, SCHOOLS IN THE CITY anniversary of Christian- presidency). Assistant School Superin- OF CEBU. ity in the Philippines. The Judges of the Court of tendent: Catalino Delana. WHEREAS, the fourth event, which is scheduled First Instance (today’s Re- Highway District Engineer: centennial of the Christian- from April 28 to May 2 next gional Trial Court): Mateo Engr. Nicolas Aldana. ization of the Philippines year, will have Cebu City as Canonoy, Guillermo Villa- Provincial Health Offi- will be celebrated from April the center. sor, Amador Gomez, Jose cer: Dr. Galo Franco, Assis- The Philippines cele- 25 to May 2, 1965, in Cebu Among the matters tak- Mendoza, Jose Borromeo tant Provincial Health Offi- brated the 4th Centennial City; and en up were the proposed Provincial Fiscal (to- cer: Dr. Galileo Pepito. Pro- of its Christianization from WHEREAS, students schedule activities and day’s Provincial Prosecu- vincial Agriculturist: Isidro April 27 to May 2, 1965. and school children should public improvements, such tor): Pio Ferrandos, Assis- Opsima, Assistant Provin- General Miguel Lopez de be afforded an opportunity as, expansion of the water tant Provincial Fiscals: To- cial Agriculturist: Gregorio Legaspi docked his ships in to participate in the celebra- supply and widening of mas Evangelista, Medardo Cabahug. Cebu City on April 27, 1565 tions; streets.” Conde, Catalina Ybanez, Cebu City was then part and established the coun- NOW, THEREFORE, I, The following were the Samuel Carin, Bienvenido of the political structure of try’s first Spanish govern- Diosdado Macapagal, Pres- officials of Cebu provincial Belarmino. the Provincial Government. ment center christened as ident of the Philippines, by government: Provincial Treasurer: Cebu was divided into seven . virtue of the powers vest- Governor: Rene G. Espi- Atty. Panfilo Dunque, Assis- congressional districts with On July 7, 1964, Presi- ed in me by law, do hereby na, Vice Governor: Priscil- tant Provincial Treasurer: Cebu City being part of the dent Diosdado Macapagal designate the period from lano D. Almendras, Board Atty. Dominador Durano. second district. Cebu City issued Administrative Or- April 26 to 28, 1965, as Members: Nazario Pac- Provincial Auditor: Atty. had the biggest population der No. 98, creating a com- special school holidays for quiao, Salutario Fernandez, Sulpicio Paredes, Assistant with 400,000. The total mittee for the Christianiza- public and private schools Isidro Escario. Provincial Provincial Auditor: Felipe population of Cebu at that tion of the Philippines on in the City of Cebu. Board Secretary: Atty. Jose Son. Provincial Assessor: time was 1,629,603. 6 January 11 - 17, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Regalian Doctrine Marlon Medida filed with the and had since then declared On June 21, 2006, the ownership are presumed to Regional Trial Court (RTC), the properties for tax purposes trial court ruled in favor of belong to the State. Accord- Argao, Cebu a petition for under his name.2 Medida granting title to him. ingly, public lands not shown registration of title over two Asunction Derama Bina- Unsatisfied with the decision to have been reclassified or parcels of land situated in gatan, daughter of Derama, of the RTC, petitioner Repub- released as alienable agricul- Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu, testified that her father had in- lic, through the Office of the tural land, or alienated to a identified as Lot Nos. 817 and herited the subject properties Solicitor General (OSG), filed private person by the State, 597 of Boljoon Cad. 1049-D from his uncle, one Florencio an appeal before the CA based remain part of the inalienable and measuring 5,972 and 533 Villareal, who possessed the on a lone assignment of error public domain. The burden of square meters, respectively. lots even prior to the Second to wit: proof in overcoming the pre- The Legal Front The petition was docketed as World War. She presented The trial court supposed- sumption of State ownership Atty. Gerry Carillo LRA Case No. AL-31 and raf- the old Tax Declaration No. ly erred in granting appellee’s of the lands of the public do- fled to Branch 26 of the RTC, 08590 under the name of her petition for registration be- main is on the person apply- Argao, Cebu. father and covering the sub- cause the subject lands were ing for registration, who must The initial hearing on the ject properties.3 not occupied and possessed prove that the land subject of A friend sought advice petition was conducted on Engr. Rafaella Belleza, for the period required by law. the application is alienable or regarding the property he September 22, 2005, with the the Chief of the Technical On December 16, 2010, disposable. To overcome this planned register in the court. attendance of the public pros- Services of the Land Manage- the CA rendered the assailed presumption, incontrovertible He inquired about a certifi- ecutor. The RTC delegated ment Services – Department Decision dismissing the ap- evidence must be presented to cation coming from CENRO the reception of evidence to of Environment and Natural peal. It ruled that the doctrine establish that the land subject about land that is alienable its Clerk of Court. Before the Resources (DENR), Region invoked by the OSG had been of the application is alienable and disposable. He further court, Medida testified that he VII, testified that the lots’ sur- abandoned by recent juris- or disposable.” inquired about the concept of purchased the subject proper- vey conducted by Geodetic prudence. Clearly, the certifica- REGALIAN DOCTRINE as ties in February 1997 from one Engineer Jose V. Dumaguing However, the Supreme tion alone that the proper- applied in titling of properties. Eufemia Romero, who had (Engr. Dumaguing) was ap- Court ruled otherwise, to wit: ty is alienable, and dispos- To accommodate him previously obtained the lots proved by their office. Per the “Under the Regalian Doctrine, able would not be sufficient. let me discuss a case of the from Nabor Derama. At the Advance Survey Plans for Lot which is embodied in our Con- Hence for any applicant one Supreme Court in G.R. No. time of the lots’ purchase by Nos. 8174 and 5975 identified stitution, all lands of the pub- should prove evidence that 195097 August 13, 2012, RE- Medida, the properties were by Engr. Belleza, the subject lic domain belong to the State, the has been in position for PUBLIC OF THE PHILIP- covered by Tax Declaration properties had already been which is the source of any as- more than 30 years for him to PINES, Petitioner, vs. MAR- No. 08774 under the name of declared alienable and dis- serted right to any ownership successfully have a property LON MEDIDA, Respondent. Romero. Medida started oc- posable portions of the public of land. All lands not appear- registered. Write us at caril- On October 22, 2004, cupying the properties in 1997 domain. ing to be clearly within private [email protected]

Attract investors and generate jobs of some hindrances in attract- called “new normal”. 1930 (No. 29) and its 2014 Pro- tistics Authority (PSA) report ing more domestic and foreign Predicated on this, trade tocol; 4) Abolition of Forced revealed. investments to pour in such as unions and organized labor is Labor Convention, 1957 (No. Surveys indicated the av- real implementation of “Ease not against this set-up as long 105); 5) Minimum Age Con- erage jobless rate for 2020 in Doing Business” that would as government’s commitment vention, 1973 (No. 138). was 10.4 percent or 4.5 million promote transparency and ef- to core labor standards are not Added to the list, 6) Worst people, the highest since 2005, ficiency in government doing being compromised. Forms of Child Labor Conven- added the PSA report. business processes. “The core labor standards tion, 1999 (No.182); 7) Equal Nevertheless, the same The country’s ranking has are a set of four fundamen- Remuneration Convention, PSA report mentioned that the improved significantly since tal, universal and indivisible 1951 (No. 100); and, 8) Dis- October data, equivalent to3.8 2013, jumping 43 notches. Cur- human rights: Freedom from crimination (Employment and million jobless individuals was The Labor Front rently, the Philippines ranks forced labor; Freedom from Occupation) Convention, 1968 almost twice the 4.6 percent in Art Barrit 95th out of the 189 countries child labor; Freedom from dis- (No. 111). the same period last year but that were covered by the Doing crimination at work; Freedom Rising amid the pandemic. below the record 17.6 percent Business survey, from 124th to form and join a union, and “We sorely need investments in April. With the new year, business last year, according to Doing to bargain collectively”. in the field of agriculture and To address the factors that organizations in the country are Business 2020 report. Those are separate from manufacturing – massive and may have hindered the success eyeing and wishing for a better Among the ASEAN mem- the eight ILO fundamental sufficient – to generate and of some industries, Speaker 2021 as the previous year a lot ber states, Singapore still leads Conventions. The Philippines sustain employment’, thus said Velasco’s antidote of luring of challenges and uncertainties followed by Malaysia and Thai- has ratified 38 ILO Conven- House Speaker Lord Allan Vel- investors to create additional were encountered due to the land. The Philippines remained tions of which 30 are in force. asco reported Daily Tribune. employment opportunities is coronavirus pandemic that dev- at 7th place followed by Cambo- These include all fundamen- Consequently, the situation to introduce amendments to astated the economy. dia, Lao PDR and Myanmar for tal Conventions covered by is amplified by the rising num- some existing laws that will Big businesses suffered both 2019and 2020, the same the 1998 Declaration on the ber of Overseas Filipino Work- relax the restrictive provisions huge losses due to the stringent report added. Fundamental Principles and ers (OFW) who returned to the for foreign capital. measures imposed by the gov- Apparently, businesses Rights at Work. country after being laid off due Equally important, I would ernment to contain the spread are asking for more from gov- The 8 fundamental Con- to the pandemic disease only to like to take this opportunity by of the pandemic disease but ernment such as relaxation of ventions are: 1) Freedom of As- find similar limited sources of chanting Pit Señor to all my are starting to bounce back business regulations to attract sociation and Protection of the income, Speaker Velasco noted. friends and readers alike as we with the gradual reopening of more business enterprises to Right to Organize Convention, Still, about 14.4 precent celebrate our annual celebra- the country’s economy. come in and in order for the 1948 (No.87); 2) Right to Or- of Filipinos are seeking jobs as tion, in honor of Señor Santo Nonetheless, there are economy to return to normalcy ganize and Collective Bargain- more were laid off due to busi- Niño – a celebration of faith, some factors which govern- which will allow local business- ing Convention, 1949 (No. 98); nesses severely affected by the a time of particular reflection ment have to address to get rid es to bounce back under the so- 3) Forced Labor Convention, pandemic, the Philippine Sta- and rediscovery of our faith. Cebu Business Week January 11 - 17, 2021 7 NATION More business registrants since pandemic MORE than 500,000 new group that would train new business names registered business owners. From start- from March 2020 to January ing with a few hundred mem- 2021 with retail via internet bers sometime in March, or online selling leading at their members are now close 87,223 and retail selling in to a million with groups sari-sari stores at 68,241. forming in different regions Department of Trade and in the country. Industry (DTI) NCR Region- They conduct trainings, al Director Marcelina Alcan- webinars from experts of the tara said this shows Filipino business to inspire and help resilience after the COVID-19 give ideas to new business pandemic led hundreds of owners. thousands of Filipinos being “I wanted Bounce Back displaced from jobs. PH to be as a sign of hope for Alcantara said 35,908 all Filipinos. All experts from of the 500,000 were mobile all industries I put them to- food delivery services while gether to help the SMEs 19,156 were businesses that (small and medium enter- had to do with apparel retail, prises),” Dela Rosa said. and 19,534 were retail sale of He said SMEs are import- food products. ant since 90 percent or more Bounce Back PH Found- of the country’s economy is er Jason Dela Rosa, an en- based on SMEs, and for the trepreneur for more than 2 country to bounce back, SMEs decades, decided to start a also have to do the same. Senate, House to suspend TikTok officially PhilHealth, SSS premium hike turns over P7M Speaker Lord Allan Ve- For 2021, the increase in Lawmakers across party lasco filed two separate bills the contribution rate would lines have jointly filed a res- seeking to grant the Pres- be from the current 3% of the olution calling for the defer- donation to PNRC ident the authority to sus- monthly basic salary of the ment of the increase in the TikTok has officially turned over its US$150,000 pend the scheduled increases member to 3.5%. PhilHealth contribution rate (Php7,000,000) donation to the Philippine National Red in PhilHealth and Social Se- Earlier, President Rodri- for 2021, Anakalusugan par- Cross (PNRC). curity System (SSS) contri- go Duterte ordered the defer- ty-list Representative Mike The donation was given in support of the organiza- bution rates in “times of na- ment of the 2021 contribution Defensor. tion’s disaster relief efforts. tional emergencies.” hike for members of the Phil- Defensor, who serves as This is part of TikTok’s #TikTokTogetherPH initiative, In House Bills 8316 ippine Health Insurance Cor- vice chair of the House com- where a total of US$300,000 (Php14,000,000) was com- and 8317, Velasco sought to poration (PhilHealth). mittee on health, said the pro- mitted to support select partner organizations with their amend the Universal Health Duterte said there would posal to defer the PhilHealth typhoon relief programs, as well as a fundraising concert Care (UHC) Act and The be no increase in contribu- contribution rate adjustment featuring top local artists and the app’s content creators. Social Security Act (SSA) tions amid the pandemic. came up after a discussion According to Philippine National Red Cross, the of 2018 which provide for “At this time of our life, among lawmakers on Mon- funds will be used for food, shelter and medical assis- the gradual increases in the may I just suggest to Phil- day. tance for those who were affected by the recent typhoons. monthly premium contribu- Health chairman, si Dante Gi- “After our discussion yes- tions of PhilHealth and SSS erran, at ‘yung lahat na, wag terday, nag-post ako sa mga members. muna ngayon. No increase in thread naming members of The Social Security Act of contributions,” Duterte said. Congress. Immediately 30 2018, which was passed to en- “I will look for the money authors coming from differ- sure the long-term viability of to fill it up. Anyway, that is ent political parties, different the SSS’ fund life, mandates a the job of the government: to political influences filed a 1% increase in the contribu- make it easy for everybody at joint resolution to defer it to tion of its members this year, this time of our lives,” he add- 2022,” he said. bringing the monthly contri- ed. “For 2021 there will be no bution rate to 13%. Senator Bong Go earlier increase,” he added. Meanwhile, under the said Duterte had expressed Defensor then issued a filed Universal Health Care (UHC) willingness to sign any paper copy of Joint Resolution No. law, premium contributions that would allow the defer- 33 by both houses of Congress to PhilHealth will increase ment of the contribution in- deferring the PhilHealth pre- to increments of 0.5% every crease, which was mandated mium rate hike for this year, DONATION. IN PHOTO ARE PHILIPPINE RED CROSS SECRE- year, starting 2021 until it by the Universal Health Care authored by 54 lawmakers at TARY GENERAL ELIZABETH ZAVALLA AND CHAIRMAN AND reaches the 5% limit in 2025. (UHC) law. the House. CEO SEN. RICHARD GORDON. 8 January 11 - 17, 2021 Cebu Business Week NEWS Villar lone Filipino in Bloomberg’s list of world’s richest 500 BUSINESS tycoon Man- world’s richest with a total company, and Vistamalls, a uel B. Villar has surfaced as net worth of US$209 billion, shopping mall operator. the only Filipino listed in followed by Amazon’s Jeff He also owns 89 per- Bloomberg Billionaire Index, Bezos with $186 billion, and cent of Golden Bria though ranking as the 382nd of the Bill Gates with $134 billion. Fine Properties, Cambridge world’s top 500 richest peo- Villar has also been Group and directly. He also ple as of January 9, 2021. ranked by Forbes Magazine controls about 75 percent Villar’s fortune, consist- as the Philippines’ richest in- of Vista Land through Fine ing of businesses in real es- dividual in September 2020. Properties, Althorp Hold- tate, retail, and utilities, is es- Villar is the Founder and ings, Manuela Corporation timated to be worth US$6.76 Chairman of Vista Land & and directly. billion—managing to grow Lifescapes, the largest home Vista Land owns most US$92.7 million or 1.4 per- builder in the Philippines. of the shares of its publicly cent from the same day last The firm has built about traded subsidiary Vistamalls year despite the stock market 300,000 homes in more than while Villar’s holding com- crash triggered by pandemic 140 . pany also owns 1n percent of in 2020. He also has stakes in the stock. The tycoon is also The Bloomberg list ranks Golden Bria Holdings, a calculated to own 68 percent Tesla’s Elon Musk as the property and death care of AllHome Corporation. DTI sets up testing facility for cement THE Department of Trade “For setting up a testing ing laboratories for cement, he International Laboratory Ac- sonal protective equipment, and Industry (DTI) said it is facility for cement by BPS, our added. creditation Cooperation. face masks, and air purifiers. setting up a new testing fa- target is to finish within the Catajay added that the BPS Aside from cement, BPS is “We are looking at adding cility for cement this year to first semester of the year. Our also accepts product standard adding testing equipment for these products for mandato- strengthen the country’s test- procurement of equipment is testing done overseas from steel products. ry certification that’s why we ing capabilities. ongoing so that in the third foreign laboratories which are He said the BPS also eyes are preparing the equipment DTI Bureau of Product quarter, we can conduct test- recognized by an accreditation to expand the mandatory cer- to test these products,” Cata- Standards (BPS) director Neil ing),” Catajay said. body that are signatories to the tification for e-cigarettes, per- jay said. Catajay said the agency allocat- He said the BPS taps third ed budget for the testing facil- party testing laboratories to ity for cement as well as other test cement products to be sold Competition policy awaits approval equipment for testing of prod- in the domestic market. THE National Competi- ernment agencies to craft competition-related issuances, ucts that need certification. The country has two test- tion Policy (NCP) is just await- pro-competitive policies and laws, and documents through- ing approval by Malacanang interventions; promote com- out Philippine government. for its implementation via an petitive neutrality and review It stands to reinforce the Visayas, Mindanao administrative order. possible anti-competitive Philippine Competition Act, The NCP has been adopted measures within the bureau- and is prescribed in the Philip- by the National Economic De- cracy; strengthen the Gover- pine Development Plan 2017- supply pork to Luzon velopment Authority (NEDA). nance Commission for GOCCs 2020 as a means to level the THE Department of Ag- She said they are coordi- The Philippine Competi- (GCG); and implement the economic playing field. riculture (DA) said it is work- nating with the National Meat tion Commission (PCC) report- competition law. PCC Chairman Arsenio ing on increasing the supply Inspection Service (NMIS) to ed that the approval of the NCP The joint circular also aims Balisacan said the NCP serves of pork to address high pork check on the inventory status to be signed as an administra- to foster an environment that as a framework to steer all prices in the markets of Met- of hogs and frozen to deter- tive order for implementation penalizes anti-competitive policies, rules, regulations, ro Manila and other areas of mine if there really is enough across government is pending practices, supports regulatory and interventions by national Luzon. supply for Luzon. in Malacanang. reforms, improves trade poli- government agencies, govern- DA Assistant Secretary “This will also help and A Joint Memorandum Cir- cies to stimulate investments ment-owned or controlled cor- Kristine Evangelista said guide us if the price point of cular (JMC) was signed with and innovation, and boost porations (GOCCs), and local pork supply from the Visayas our traders is correct, which NEDA in July last year. Once competitiveness. government units toward the and Mindanao will continu- in turn is passed on to our approved by President Dute- The NCP marks an import- promotion of fair market com- ously flow to Luzon. vendors,” she said. rte, the NCP will be imple- ant milestone in mainstream- petition. “Because of the law of Evangelista noted that mented across all government ing competition policy to fos- “It complements the PCA supply and demand, if the the African swine fever (ASF) agencies and instrumentalities ter a culture in the country, in guiding the design of gov- supply is low, definitely there and the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to red flag an- especially for the public sector ernment interventions, espe- will be a movement in prices. have affected the livestock ti-competition practices in the to embrace competition poli- cially those relating to micro, This is the reason why we see industry which contributed country. cy. The NCP is considered the small and medium enterprises’ high prices of pork,” she said. to the low supply. The JMC enjoins gov- “master” policy governing all recovery,” said Balisacan. Cebu Business Week January 11 - 17, 2021 9 NEWS New CIP cargo release sched starts Jan. 15 EFFECTIVE January 15, that is happening during The decision to move the 2021, there will be a read- the daytime is affecting ev- releasing and pulling-out justment in the schedule for eryone. For those that are hours of cargoes in CIP was releasing and pulling out of in private vehicles going to also made in line with a uni- cargoes at Cebu Internation- their work or their offices, form truck ban imposed in al Port (CIP). they spend more time on the the towns of Consolacion and From Mondays to Sun- road than in the office itself Liloan which will run from 5 days, goods held at the port because they need to leave a.m. to 9 p.m. will now be released at night- early or else, they would be CIP, located at North time, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. late,” said Garcia. Reclamation Area (NRA) in the next day. LTO-7 director Victor Cebu City, formed part of This is so, to decongest Caindec had suggested to Port of Cebu, and is one of traffic in major thorough- local officials that regulating the busiest ports outside Lu- fares of northern Metro tions, Land Transportation The Capitol decided to the volume of traffic could zon. Cebu. Office (LTO), Land Transpor- intervene to address traf- help alleviate traffic prob- From January to July in Governor Gwendolyn tation and Franchising Regu- fic woes still hounding the lems there. 2020, CPA registered having Garcia, representatives from latory Board (LTFRB), and national highways covering “We can regulate the vol- handled over 32.7 million the Cebu Port Authority local chief executives agreed Mandaue City, and the towns ume (referring to vehicles on metric tons (MMT) of car- (CPA), Bureau of Customs to make adjustments in mov- of Consolacion, and Liloan. the road) but we cannot stop goes both in its domestic and (BOC), truckers’ associa- ing out cargoes from CIP. “The traffic congestion the volume,” he said. international ports. SEC revokes Super Cash Lending’s license THE Securities and Ex- Financing Companies and abusive language to collect the facts, circumstances, and lending and financing com- change Commission (SEC) Lending Companies. debts, according to the CGFD. gravity of the case. panies to formulate and adopt has revoked the certificate of The CGFD found the The CGFD added: “Worse, “The revocation of respon- certain strategies to effectively authority (CA) of Super Cash company, through its online in one of the screen captures dent’s CA is not merely appro- collect debts and secure their Lending Corp. to operate as a lending platforms Super Cash, submitted by one of the com- priate, but rather necessitated profitability,” SEC Commis- lending company for its unfair Cash Porter, and Loan Bee, plainants, messages show- by the gravity and number of sioner Kelvin Lester K. Lee debt collection practices. to have threatened borrowers ing threats of inflicting grave its offenses,” the CGFD said. said. In an order dated No- with shaming on social me- physical harm upon the per- SEC MC 18 took effect on “However, harassment vember 11, the SEC Corpo- dia through the publication son of the complainant could September 8, 2019, as part of and other abusive or preda- rate Governance and Finance of their loan and personal de- be seen. These unfair collec- the Commission’s response to tory practices will never be Department (CGFD) found tails, as well as with estafa and tion practices are all too ob- several complaints for unrea- acceptable and tolerated. As Super Cash liable for nine vi- theft charges. noxious to ignore.” sonable, abusive, and unfair we pursue erring lending and olations of SEC Memorandum Super Cash likewise A third violation of SEC practices that lending and fi- financing companies, we also Circular No. 18, Series of 2019 threatened borrowers that MC 18 merits the imposition nancing companies used in advise the public to be cau- (SEC MC 18), which provides they would be blacklisted with of either a monetary fine, sus- order to collect debt from bor- tious and mindful of their for the Prohibition on Unfair the National Bureau of Inves- pension, or revocation of the rowers. transactions with entities rep- Debt Collection Practices of tigation, and used profane and company’s CA, depending on “We respect the right of resenting themselves as such.” ERC surpasses 2019 accomplishments despite the pandemic THE Energy Regulatory es acted upon during the year schemes were undertaken to PhP318.8 Million; to Murang Kuryente Act; Commission (ERC) in its year- (2020) as against the 2019 through Orders and Adviso- (5) Lowering of the RCOA (9) Suspension of FIT-All end report indicated better accomplishment of 617 or a ries issued during the gov- (Retail Competition and and Universal Charge – Envi- numbers when compared to 21% increase. There are also ernment’s imposition of com- Open Access) threshold to ronmental Charge (UC-EC); its Accomplishments in 2019. increases in the number of munity quarantine to provide cover more consumers that and There is a noted 21% increase Orders, Decisions, Resolu- rate relief to the consuming will enjoy lower generation (10) Suspension of Bill in terms of cases acted upon tions, Notices, and Certificate public, particularly the fol- rates; Deposit Adjustment. by the Commission despite of Approval/Authority issued lowing: (6) Refund of over-re- Distribution Utilities the challenges brought forth by the Commission. The ERC (1) Reduction in the Sys- coveries of 64 Distribution (DUs) were likewise ordered by the COVID-19 pandemic. promulgated the “Guidelines tem Loss cap which was low- Utilities (DUs) amounting to to allow their electricity cus- “ERC’s ability to quick- Governing Electronic Appli- ered by PhP0.05/kWh; PhP3.3 Billion; tomers to pay their electricity ly adapt to the ‘New Normal’ cations, Filings, and Virtual (2) Reduced Feed-In- (7) Refund of excess Mar- bills on a staggered basis up to proves its resiliency and de- Hearings” to properly guide Tariff Allowance (FIT-All) by ket Transaction Fees (MTF) six (6) equal monthly install- termination to fulfill its man- the relevant stakeholders PhP0.1731/kWh; equivalent to PhP688 Million; ments for their electricity bills date that even this pandemic with the electronic system (3) Rate adjustment in (8) Avoided rate increase during the Enhanced Com- did not get in the way,” said of transacting with the ERC the Net Settlement Surplus (amounting to PhP95.4 Mil- munity Quarantine (ECQ) and ERC Chairperson and CEO while protecting the health (NSS) equivalent to PhP1.94 lion) due to the dismissal of Modified Enhanced Commu- Agnes VST Devanadera. and ensuring the safety of all Billion; PSALM’s Applications for re- nity Quarantine (MECQ) pe- In its report, the ERC stakeholders. (4) Refund of Regulatory covery of Stranded Debts and riods without penalties, inter- registered a total of 748 cas- Various rate reduction Reset Experts Cost equivalent Stranded Contract Costs due ests, and other fees. 10 January 11 - 17, 2021 Cebu Business Week THE ACADEME ALS Act a step to making education inclusive THE enactment of the with their peers — especial- his/her peers, and develop to Alternative Learning System ly during this time that nor- his/her full potential,” Save (ALS) Act is a step towards malcy was disrupted by the the Children said. achieving inclusivity of ed- COVID-19 pandemic. Children in disadvan- ucation, especially for vul- “Inclusive education taged sectors experience nerable sectors and amid the means actively working to compounding issues on hun- COVID-19 pandemic. ensure that every child, irre- ger and malnutrition, lack of Save the Children Phil- spective of gender, language, access to learning, and are the ippines said that Republic ability, religion, nationality or most prone to abuses and ex- Act No. 11510 if implemented other characteristics, is sup- ploitation. These are further properly would provide access ported to meaningfully par- exacerbated by the risks of to education for children who ticipate and learn alongside COVID-19. cannot attend regular classes due to various circumstances. Republic Act No. 11510 mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) in part- FUn TRiVIA nership with the Department upholding the right of every was instituted as a “practical of Budget and Management child to access quality edu- option to the existing formal Do you know that… and the Civil Service Commis- cation that will support the instruction” — which means n sion, to create teaching posi- development of their per- that people who lack access In the original version of Cinderella the slipper tions and corresponding sala- sonality, talents, mental and to formal education formats was made out of fur, not glass? ry grades to boost the existing physical abilities and achieve can still catch up through this n “Happy Birthday” was the first song to be ALS Teachers Program. their fullest potential,” Save mode. performed in outer space, sung by the Apollo This would help out- the Children Philippines chief As a response to the con- IX astronauts on March 8, 1969? of-school youth — or young executive officer Atty. Alberto stitutional mandate to pro- n Dell’s first advertisement was made on the back people who have opted out Muyot said. vide every Filipino the right of a pizza box? of their studies due to sever- “We welcome the enact- to free basic education, ALS al problems like poverty, dis- ment of the law that aims to was created to service these ability, geographical and in- address education and devel- individuals. frastructure challenges, and opment needs of children and To ensure that education ongoing conflict. youth, and opens opportunities would be inclusive, Save the President Rodrigo Dute- for context-specific learning Children said that every Fil- rte recently signed the bill models fit for the intersectional ipino student must get the into law. needs of learners,” he added. support they need to allow “Inclusivity is critical in According to DepEd, ALS them to catch up and match Ensure child protection vs all n If you fell into a volcano, you’d float on the lava instead of melting? This is because the molten forms of violence, sexual abuse goo’s density is so thick that you would just SCHOOLS must ensure private elementary and sec- holders that gadgets or in- land on it and ‘float’ until you burst into flames. the protection of all children ondary schools to establish ternet connections are not n Philemaphobia is the Fear of kissing? from all forms of violence, and strengthen their respec- requirements for distance including sexual abuse, fol- tive Child Protection Com- learning,” DepEd said. Now you know! lowing reports that some stu- mittees (CPC),” the educa- “Depending on the avail- dents have been selling lewd tion department said. able resources, public schools photos and videos online to “These CPCs must pro- are also implementing other support their distance edu- actively initiate information alternative distance learning Best Quotes cation. dissemination programs and modalities such as modular, from Successful People The Department of Ed- organize activities for the radio, and TV-based instruc- ucation (DepEd) expressed protection of children, as tion,” it added. “Education is the passport to the future, for alarm by the rise of cases of mandated by DepEd Order The Department of Jus- tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” online sexual abuse and ex- No. 40, s. 2012 or the Child tice (DoJ) has already or- Malcolm X ploitation of children during Protection Policy,” it added. dered the National Bureau the pandemic, including the According to Gatchalian, of Investigation (NBI) to “People learn something every day, and a lot of reported students’ online sex some students have resorted conduct an investigation into times it’s that what they learned the day before was “Christmas sale” activity re- to selling lewd photos and the matter and file charges wrong.” Bill Vaughan cently cited by Senator Sher- videos online to buy gadgets against individuals involved “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if win Gatchalian. needed for their distance in any unlawful acts connect- you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, Gatchalian called for an learning. ed with the reported sale of he will continue the learning process as long as he investigation into the report. “We are continuously indecent photos and videos lives.” Clay P. Bedford “We enjoin all public and reminding our direct stake- by students. Cebu Business Week January 11 - 17, 2021 11 WORLD NEWS Twitter freezes Trump account TWITTER locked the ac- Trump’s accounts. to clarify how they were han- count of US President Don- The president and his al- dling Trump’s posts, with ald Trump for 12 hours and lies have continuously spread some calling for his account threatened its permanent unsubstantiated claims of to be taken down inciting the suspension following his election fraud that have violence at the Capitol. baseless claims about the US proliferated online. Trump “Can we get some cour- presidential elections amid on Wednesday blamed Vice age and actual action from riots at the US Capitol. President Mike Pence for leadership in response to The social media plat- lacking “courage” to pursue this behavior? Your silence form hid and required the those claims in a tweet that is disappointing at the least removal of three of Trump’s Twitter later took down. and criminal at worst,” one tweets “as a result of the un- YouTube said Trump’s employee wrote. precedented and ongoing video violated its policy The Anti-Defamation violent situation in Washing- against content that alleges League called for social me- ton, D.C. “widespread fraud or errors dia companies to suspend Pro-Trump protesters changed the outcome of the Trump’s accounts perma- stormed the US Capitol in an 2020 US Election.” YouTube nently, saying the events at attempt to force Congress to meaning the president would tion was fraudulent. spokesman Farshad Shadloo the Capitol resulted from overturn the election results, be unable to tweet from @re- Tech companies have said. “fear and disinformation where one woman was shot alDonaldTrump. been under pressure to po- Both Facebook and Twit- that has been spewed direct- and killed inside the Capitol Facebook Inc and You- lice misinformation on their ter had originally added la- ly from the Oval Office.” building in the chaos. Tube, owned by Alphabet’s platforms around the US bels and measures to slow Former Facebook securi- If the tweets are not re- Google, also removed a video election, including calls by the video’s spread. ty chief Alex Stamos tweeted: moved, the account would in which Trump continued to users on Wednesday for Dozens of Facebook “Twitter and Facebook have remain locked, Twitter said, allege the presidential elec- major platforms to suspend staffers called for executives to cut him off.” WhatsApp, Fb to share users’ data outside Europe and UK WHATSAPP is forcing us- cy-focused messaging services WhatsApp does not share those kinds of purposes in Eu- your phone, including make, ers to agree to share informa- like Signal and Telegram. European region WhatsApp rope, because of negotiations model, and mobile company tion with Facebook if they want There was initial confu- user data with Facebook for with European data protec- • your IP address, which to --keep using the service -- or sion over how much the en- the purpose of Facebook us- tion bodies. indicates location of your inter- delete their accounts, except hanced sharing of data would ing this data to improve its Some held the develop- net connection European and UK users affect EU and UK users. products or advertisements,” ment up as a success for Eu- • any payments and Facebook, which owns The “key updates” sum- a spokesperson said. rope’s tighter privacy regu- financial transactions made WhatsApp, said Europe and mary of important changes However, the new version lations introduced in recent over WhatsApp UK would not see the same highlights integration with of the privacy policy for Euro- years. But it also said it may share data-sharing changes, but they Facebook in the international pean users explicitly says that What is collected else- any data covered by its privacy will need to accept new terms. copy - but not on the European data can be shared with other where? policy - which could include The deadline in both re- version of the same page. Facebook companies to show WhatsApp said it shares a contacts, status updates, when gions to accept the change is Later on, Facebook issued personalized advertising and wide range of user information people use WhatsApp and for February 8. a statement saying there would offers, make suggestions for with other Facebook compa- how long, and unique identify- The move has prompted be no changes in the “Europe- content, and “help” to com- nies, including: ing numbers for users’ phones. some people online - includ- an region” - which covers the plete purchases, among other • phone number and Facebook has not re- ing Tesla and SpaceX founder EU, EEA, and post-Brexit UK. reasons. other information provided on sponded to a request for clar- Elon Musk - to call for users “For the avoidance of any Facebook says it does not registration (such as name) ification on why it has made to switch to other more priva- doubt, it is still the case that use WhatsApp information for • information about the sudden changes. UAE to restore Qatar trade and travel links Elon Musk, world’s richest THE United Arab Emir- A joint declaration bro- Qatar’s Foreign Minister, ELON Musk has become GM, and Ford combined. ates could re-open trade and kered by Kuwait and the Unit- Sheikh Mohammed bin Ab- the world’s richest person, as Musk reacted to the news travel links with Qatar within ed States pledged to “restore dulrahman Al Thani, mean- his net worth crossed $185B in signature style, replying a week under a deal that end- collaboration” among the six while said that it had agreed (£136bn). to a Twitter user sharing the ed a bitter dispute between the members of the Gulf Co-oper- to suspend legal cases against The Tesla and SpaceX en- news saying, “About half my Gulf states. ation Council (GCC), but it did its neighbors related to the trepreneur was pushed into money is intended to help However, Emirati Minis- not give any timelines. embargo, and that it would the top slot after Tesla’s share problems on Earth, and half ter of State for Foreign Affairs Gargash stressed that the co-operate on counter-terror- price increased on Thursday. to help establish a self-sus- Anwar Gargash said some is- UAE was “behind this deal, ism and “transnational securi- He takes the top spot taining city on Mars to ensure sues would take a longer time and positive about the pros- ty”. from Amazon founder Jeff continuation of life (of all spe- to fix. pect of re-establishing rela- But Qatar would not alter Bezos, who had held it since cies) in case Earth gets hit by The UAE, Saudi Arabia, tions with Qatar”. its close relations with Iran 2017. a meteor like the dinosaurs Bahrain, and Egypt imposed “The return of movement and Turkey, Al Thani said. Musk’s electric car com- or WW3 happens and we de- an embargo against Qatar in of people and trade between “Bilateral relationships pany Tesla has surged in val- stroy ourselves,” it reads. 2017. They accused Qatar of the two countries will be with- are mainly driven by a sover- ue this year and hit a market The tycoon’s fortunes supporting terrorism, which it in a week of the signing,” he eign decision of a country and value of $700B (£516bn) for have been buoyed by politics denied. said. the national interest,” he said. the first time on Wednesday. in the US, where the Demo- The neighbors agreed to But he added, “We have a “So there is no effect on our That makes the car com- crats will have control of the restore full diplomatic ties at a very good start... but we have relationship with any other pany worth more than Toy- US Senate in the forthcoming summit on Tuesday. issues with rebuilding trust.” country”. ota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, session. 12 January 11 - 17, 2021 Cebu Business Week BISAYA EDITION STREET DANCING SA SENTENYAL PAABUTON: RAMA TUNGOD kay wala tu- Nagkanayon si Rama nga goti sa Inter-Agency Task kon gitugotan pa sa IATF Force ang virtual Sinulog, ang Virtual Sinulog, mando- niingon si Cebu City Vice an nila ang 2,000 dancers Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama pagtuman sa health protocol nga paabuton nalang sa mga aron wala nay mataptan pa Sugboanon ang street danc- sa Covid. ing atol sa ika-500 nga tuig Gani, matud pa ni Rama, sa Kristiyanismo sa Sugbo sa ang IATF sa kaulohan wala Marso ug Abril 2021. man gani makakontrolar sa Niingon si Rama ibali tunga sa milyon ka tawo nga nalang sa nitambong sa kapistahan sa ang pag-monitor sa imple- milagrosong Nazareno sa mentasyon sa mga proyekto Quiapo, Manila niadtong En- ubos sa 2021 annual budget. ero 9. Nagkanayon si Rama nga Sa laing bahin, sa dihang nasabutan unta sa Sinulog niabot si Portuguese sailor Foundation nga aduna lay Ferdinand Magellan sa Sug- 2,000 ka mga partisipante bo niadtong March 16, 1521, ang manayaw sa Sinulog iyang gipaila ang Kristiyanis- sa mo ug iyang giregalo ang Se- (SRP) apan walay tawong nior Santo Niño sa mga Sug- patan-awon. boanon. Ang SRP mosulod og Karong March 16, 2021 tulo ka milyon ka tawo apan ang ika-500 ka tuig sa Kris- 2,000 ra unta ang ilang pas- tiyanismo sa Pilipinas apan ayawon nga walay audience o Sinulog niadtong manan-aw lay labot sa manimbahay an, apan lisod hapsayon ang ang mga kalihokan sa Simba- manan-away. Kini maoy ku- sa Virtual Sinulog sa Jan. 17. sa Basilica del Senior Santo lihok sa katawhan sa kadala- hang Katoliko mohangtod pa haag video sa mga television Gipasabot ni Rama nga Niño. Makontrolar ang ma- nan nga nagpalibot sa Sim- sa Abril ning tuiga. ELIAS O. networks alang sa virtual ang Sinulog Foundation wa- nimbahay sulod sa simbah- bahan. BAQUERO Dugang patakaran sa Fiesta Senyor DUGANG patakaran ang human sa Novena Mass. tional nga sayaw sa Sinulog operations sa Cebu City Police sugod niadtong Enero 9, 2021 iimplementar atol sa kasaulu- “Basi sa tambag sa In- atol sa Novena Masses,” nag- Office (CCPO), nilumpirmar Tungod kay gi require gan sa Fiesta Senyor. ter-Agency Task Force for the kanayon ang advisory. niini ug nagkanayon nga “usa man ang mga quarantine Ang mga paring Agusti- Management of Emerging In- Sa laing bahin, gibuksan ra kini sa daghan pang mga passes, susihon gyud sa kapu- no nga maoy nagdumala sa fectious Diseases (IATF), Cebu na ang Plaza Independencia patakaran” nga ilang ipatu- lisan ang number coding sa Basilica nagpahibawo pinaa- City government, Cebu City aron pagpahiluna sa mha de- man alang sa Fiesta Señor. matag usa niini. gi sa usa ka advisory nga gi- Disaster Risk Reduction and boto mga buot mutambong S a sayo pa, the Cebu City Ang mga Authorized Per- luwatan niadtong Domingo, Management Office (CCDRR- sa mgagNovena Masses sud Police Office (CCPO) nitugot sa sonnel Outside Residence Enero 10, 2021 nga ila nang MO) ug sa Basilica Minore del sa Basilica. pagsud Basilica Minore del Sto. (APOR) mahimo sab maka- undangon ang traditional Santo Niño(B MSN) Safety Si Police Colonel Wilbert Niño ngadto lamang sa mga lu- sud sa Basilica kon sila mga nga sayaw sa Sinulog matag and Security, wala nay tradi- Parilla, deputy director for molupyo sa Siyudad sa Sugbo residente sa Cebu City. Tiwason mga proyektong nasugdan: Red Durano TIWASON ni kanhi Con- sa Liloan, Compostela, Car- Ang napulog-usa ngadto sa balota sa barangay precincts termino. Sa unang termino, gressman Ramon “Red” Du- men, Catmon, Sogod, Bor- 20 cubic meters, tag P7 na ug digital na ang election re- iyang gipulihan si Congress- rano VI ang daghan nga mga bon, Tudela, Poro, San Fran- ang presyo. sults gikan sa municipal o city man Joseph Ace Durano proyekto sa Cebu 5th District cisco ug Pilar. Sa laing bahin, gisupor- board of canvassers, provin- kinsa nahimong Department nga iya nang nasugdan sa Kini tungod kay ang tubig tahan karon ni Red Durano cial board of canvassers ug sa of Tourism (DOT) secretary higayon nga siya makabalik usa ka katungod sa katawhan. ang lakang sa Senado nga hi- National Board of Canvassers. panahon ni kanhi President sa Kongreso karong July 1, Sa Danao City diin ang moong “hybrid” ang election Sa maong sistema, puwe- Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. 2022. iyang amahan nga si Ra- ug papason na ang karaang deng balikon ug tan-aw ang Ang mga Durano maoy gi- Nagkanayon si Durano mon “Nito” Durano III mao digital election nga maoy resulta sa barangay precincts isip nga Niño Bonito sa Danao nga iya usab nga palapdan ang mayor, nagpabiling nakabiktima niya niadtong sa higayon nga dunay rekla- City ug sa ikalimang distrito sa ang mga waterworks system barato ang tubig nga tag P5 2019 election. mo. Sugbo tungod sa kadaghan sa sa tanang lungsod sa Cebu ang matag cubic meter sa Sa hybrid system, ma- Si Red Durano napil- mga tawo nga ilang nataban- 5th District nga naglangkob premirong 10 cubic meters. no-mano ang inihapay sa ing congressman sa lima ka gan. ELIAS O. BAQUERO