“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 29 - April 4, 2021 Volume 3, Series 80 www.cebubusinessweek.com 12 PAGES P15.00 LAW REDUCES TAX FOR FIRMS Duterte signs CREATE into law; corporate income tax cut to 20-25% PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. The imposition of Im- By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO have been vetoed by the Presi- unnecessary, and weakens the Duterte has signed into law properly Accumulated Earn- dent: fiscal incentives system. last March 26, 2021 Republic ings Tax (IAET) is repealed. in the registered project or ac- Ø Increasing VAT-ex- Ø Allowing existing Act (RA) No. 11534 or the Cor- The new law also pro- tivity. empt threshold on sale of resi- registered activities to apply porate Recovery and Tax In- vides that the definition for The Value-Added Tax dential lot from P1.5 million to for further extensions for the centives for Enterprises (CRE- purposes of applying the tax (VAT) on importation and P2.5 million and house and lot same activity. ATE). free exchange provision under VAT zero-rating on local pur- from P2.5 million to P4.2 mil- Ø Limitations on the The new law provides that Section 40(c)(2) is expanded. chases shall only apply to lion. The reason for the veto is power of FIRB. Reason: The effective July 1, 2020,- cor Prior Bureau of Internal Reve- goods and services directly that tax exemption is highly oversight functions of the Fis- porate income tax rate is re- nue (BIR) ruling or confirma- and exclusively used in the distorting and prone to abuse. cal Incentives Review Board duced from 30 percent to 20 tion shall not be required for registered project or activity Ø The 90-day period for (FIRB) will ensure the proper percent for domestic corpora- purposes of availing the tax by a RBE. the processing of refunds may grant and monitoring of tax tions with net taxable income exemption of the exchange. For investments prior to cause damage of more delays incentives. These powers must not exceeding P5 million and According to the new law, the effectivity of CREATE, to the prejudice of taxpayers. remain plenary over those of with total assets not exceeding qualified export enterprises Registered Business Enter- Reason: the legislature, De- the investment promotion P100 million. shall be entitled to four to sev- prises (RBEs) granted only an partment of Finance and BIR agencies. All either domestic cor- en years. Income Tax Holiday ITH shall continue with the should come up with mech- Ø Specific industries porations or resident foreign (ITH) to be followed by 10 availment of the ITH for the anism to streamline the pro- mentioned under activi- corporation will be subject to years five percent Special Cor- remaining period of the ITH cessing of tax refunds in a sep- ty tiers. Reason: CREATE 25 percent income tax. porate Income Tax (SCIT) or plus five percent GIT or cur- arate bill. Act must be kept flexible to The law also provides that enhanced deductions (ED). rently enjoying five percent Ø The definition of - in be able to keep up with the effective January 1, 2021,- in The qualified domestic Gross Income Tax (GIT) al- vestment capital to exclude changing times. come tax rate for nonresident market enterprises shall be lowed to avail of the five per- land and working capital. Rea- Ø Provision granting the foreign corporation is reduced entitled to four to seven years cent GIT for 10 years. son: This may lead to an un- President the power to exempt from 30 percent to 25 percent. to be followed by five years The following line items derestimation of investment any Investment Promotion The Minimum Corporate ED. promotion Agencies (IPA) from the re- Income Tax (MCIT) rate is re- The reg- performance. form. Reason: This could be- duced from two percent to one istered en- Ø Re- come highly political tool. percent effective July 1, 2020 terprises are dundant in- Ø Automatic approval to June 30, 2023. exempt from centives for of incentives. Reason: FIRB On the other hand, the customs duty domestic or the IPA should be allowed percentage tax is reduced on importa- corporations. to carefully review the appli- from three percent to one per- tion of capital Reason: The cation for tax incentives since cent effective July 1, 2020 to equipment, SCIT for do- these are privileges granted by June 30, 2023. raw mate- mestic enter- the State. The rate of proprietary ed- rials, spare prise, which The CREATE Law is set ucational institutions and hos- parts, or ac- in lieu of all to take effect 15 days after its pital is reduced from 10 per- cessories di- local and na- complete publication in the cent to one percent effective rectly and ex- tional taxes Official Gazette or in the news- July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. clusively used PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE (FILE PHOTO) is redundant, paper of general circulation. 2 March 29 - April 4, 2021 Cebu Business Week NEWS 20 vaccination sites eyed in Cebu AT LEAST 20 vaccina- some problems as expected. tion sites will be launched in It wasn’t all smooth sailing Cebu. but now they know what to In support of the vaccine do,” he added. rollout in Cebu, a ceremonial Aside from Cebu, officials signing of a memorandum of are also looking to expand agreement (MOA) the initiative to the rest of The MOA signing led by the Visayas, said Department the Office of the Presiden- of Health in Central Visayas tial Assistant for the Visayas (DOH-7) director Dr. Jaime (OPAV), was a public-private Bernadas. partnership under the Proj- Bernadas said for the ect Balik Buhay (PBB government’s inoculation With this, PBB chairper- program to be effective, they son Edmund Liu, said the have to inoculate at least 70 PBB is targeting to put up percent of the healthcare 20 vaccination centers for PROJECT BALIK BUHAY IS TARGETING TO PUT UP 20 VACCINATION CENTERS FOR THE PUBLIC workers here. the rollout of the vaccination ROLLOUT OF THE VACCINATION PROGRAM HERE. OPAV PHOTO “We are in the final leg program. of our response and this is Presidential Assistant with medical institutions of our frontliners. Within “At first when the - vac the vaccination. We have en- to the Visayas Sec. Michael helping to provide the man- this week, we may start with cines arrived at the DOH, countered challenges such as Dino also said some of these power support. our senior citizens and those they were able to inoculate misinformation. But these vaccination sites will be “In a day or two, we will with co-morbidities,” said the frontliners already. Of vaccines are safe and effec- housed in malls and hotels be done with the vaccination Dino. course, they experienced tive,” said Bernadas. Napocor ends presentation of evidence to ERC on UCME THE National Power to every power consumer lion or P0.20055 per kWh or base under a 1993 Executive Corporation has terminated from P0.0591 per kilowatt 20.05 per kWh of UCME for Order issued by President its presentation of evidence hour (kWh) or 5.91 centa- 2021 alone. Fidel V. Ramos at the time to the Energy Regulatory vos per kWh for 2018 repre- Junia said that all pow- of the power crisis brought Commission (ERC) in its senting the claimed revenue er consumers in the entire on by the administration of application for Universal shortfall in the total amount country are paying UCME former President Corazon C. Charge for Missionary Elec- of P5.918 billion. in the total amount of P15.6 Aquino. trification (UCME) adjust- The regulatory commis- billion, and if the NTC appli- NPC’s original order un- ment. sion recorded the petition cation will be approved by der its charter is 10 percent. UCME is an additional under ERC Case No. 2020- ERC, all power consumers The two percent difference charge to power consum- 004. Power Advocate Romeo will pay P5 billion more. can be substantial. ers throughout the country “Butch” Junia is one of the “The presentation of Junia said that under the to subsidize power rates in intervenors. NPC evidence is almost done law, this subsidy should have areas not connected to the The ERC’s decision will and after our position paper/ been phased out five years power grid like Bantayan come out after all position memoranda the ERC’s de- ago, and he does not know Island and Camotes Island, papers/memoranda are filed. cision should be out,” Junia why UCME is still there both in Cebu. Junia said that NPC also said. which is an additional bur- On record, NPC has filed filed an application before Junia said that under this den to all power consumers a petition before the ERC ERC under Case No. 2020- application, NPC is charging in the entire country. ELIAS asking for adjustment charge 011 asking for P20.055 bil- ROMEO “BUTCH” JUNIA a 12 percent return on rate O. BAQUERO PagIBIG Fund urges employers to enroll employees in loyalty card THE Home Develop- said that they have already to go to PagIBIG office if a said. ment Mutual Fund popular- partnered with 380 estab- member wants to know his “When you wake up in the ly known as PagIBIG Fund lishments which are giving funds, renew his short-term morning, you can open your is strongly campaigning for discounts like pharmaceu- loan, or file a multipurpose computer, go to the PagIBIG employers to enroll their em- ticals, shipping companies, loan. website, and follow the steps ployees in Loyalty Card Plus hospitals, schools, and many “We are online. We call until you will know what you (LCP) to avail discounts or more. it Virtual PagIBIG because want. The key is to get LCP,” awards for patronizing prod- The LCP can be used by it is as if a PagIBIG branch Teves said. ucts of partner establish- members to register at Vir- is in your pocket which you If a company will invite ments. tual PagIBIG where they can access through your cel- PagIBIG officials and staff, Rio Teves, PagIBIG Fund can access PagIBIG services lular phone, laptop or PC. In the employees can be issued vice president for Visayas round-the-clock (24 hours). your fingertips, you can ac- LCP at their workplace. ELIAS and Mindanao operation, It is not anymore necessary cess PagIBIG anytime,” Teves O. BAQUERO Cebu Business Week March 29 - April 4, 2021 3 NEWS Education sector in crisis THE current learning ment. loss currently experienced by “The learning crisis is big, Filipino students portends a multi-faceted, multi-player slow economic growth in the and multi-generational,” Lu- years to come, threatening istro said. the country’s chances of a full MAP President Aurelio recovery. “Gigi” Montinola III called “The growth trajectory on the business community of our nation is being threat- to reach out to other mem- ened by the learning crisis. bers of society and work to- Will our workforce have the gether in ensuring that eco- skills they need to keep up nomic growth remains inclu- with the changing business sive. landscape? Will our indus- “Almost 3 million Fili- tries thrive on the back of our pino students have been left future workforce? Let me tell behind; our teachers are put you now: if we do nothing to under enormous stress to arrest the decline in our edu- adjust their teaching meth- cation system, the answer to ods; families are scrambling these questions is a resound- for resources to keep up with ing no,” PBEd Chair Ramon distance learning; and the del Rosario, Jr. said. entire education system is Big business organiza- grappling with the hercu- tions like the Philippine Busi- Makati Business Club (MBC), meeting on the Philippine cial of the Lasallian East Asia lean tasks of improving ac- ness for Education (PBEd), Management Association of learning crisis and called for District, said that stakehold- cessibility and the quality of Employers Confederation of the Philippines (MAP), Phil- a united business community ers in the education sector education. Unless we come the Philippines (ECOP), IT ippine Business for Social to help address the learning must focus on five areas in up with something urgent and Business Process Asso- Progress (PBSP), and the crisis in the country. reforming Philippine educa- and comprehensive, we are ciation of the Philippines, Fi- Philippine Chamber of Com- Former Education Sec- tion. These are social equity, throwing away the future of nancial Executives Institute merce and Industry (PCCI), retary Armin Luistro, who is nutrition, budget, curricu- an entire generation of Fili- of the Philippines (FINEX), held a joint membership currently the brother provin- lum, and school manage- pino learners,” he said. SSS schedules of giving monthly pension

MICHAEL Keith Sacay their pension on April 16, 2021. years old. But he can add de- of the Social Security System Sacay said the minimum pendents categorized as per- (SSS) said that once pension- SSS monthly pension is P2,400 son with disability provided ers whose birthdays fall from while the maximum is about that, that PWD got sick before 1st to 15th of the month have P14,000. he filed for retirement, subject already received their pen- He said that the compu- for verification. sion last March 30, 2021 in tation of the pension is based He cited as example that a line with the Holy Week, the on the amount of contribution psychologically incapacitated crediting of monthly pension However, Sacay said those 30th of the month or contingen- from the start of SSS member- child with a medical certificate is advanced. whose birthdays are from 16th to cy dates from 16-30 will receive ship until he retires from the from a psychiatrist, can be add- service. ed to a retiree’s dependents. The SSS requires a mini- Sacay said that dependents mum contribution equivalent can receive a minimum pen- SEC warns vs TradeXpertscam to 10 years when a person re- sion of P250 if a retiree is re- COMPANIES and indi- in their business. schemes involve the sale tires at the minimum age of ceiving a minimum pension of viduals out to victimize an SEC-Cebu Extension of securities to the public 60. If a person got a job and P2,400 a month or 10 percent uninformed public contin- Office officer-in-charge thus its engagement is ille- became a member from 25 of a member’s monthly pen- ue to sprout online amidst lawyer Alma Marie E. gal. years old to 30 years old, then sion, more than a minimum. the global health pandem- Dalena said TradeXpert She urged the public to got a job again from 35 years If a pensioner is receiving ic. is not registered with the stop its dealings with Tra- old to 40 years, he can receive a a monthly pension of P10,000 The Securities and Ex- SEC as a corporation or a deXpert especially with in- monthly pension as long as his and he has three dependents, change Commission-Cebu partnership. dividuals or group of per- contribution to SSS is equiva- the dependents will receive Extension Office thus calls The company appar- sons who act on behalf of lent to 10 years. P1,000 each month. on the public to be extra ently entices the public to the company saying those Sacay said that if the SSS Sacay said that a depen- vigilant in dealing with on- invest P1,000 with a prom- who invite or recruit oth- contribution is continuous for dent who is a PWD will receive line scammers who offer ise of doubling your money ers to join or invest can be 20 years or 30 years, a retiree 10 percent of the pension even easy and triple-your-mon- in 20 days or a growth of held criminally liable or has a bigger monthly pension. if he is above 21 years old and ey investment returns. 10% interest every day. face penalty. “Your monthly contri- the pension is for life. In its March 23 adviso- It offers referral pro- The SEC further warns butions, plus the employer’s He said that if a pensioner ry, the SEC flags TradeX- gram to would-be investors the public from dealing counterpart if you are working, dies, the pension of the PWD pert and its trade name with a 10 percent referral with Catherine Ramirez are considered your savings for will continue as long as he TradeXpert Technology bonus for every “sign-in” Reyes, Rafaelito S. Ele and the future,” Sacay said. lived. If the PWD is mentally Information Services for and another 5% for the in- Mary Ann Reyes, who were He added that a pensioner incapacitated, a guardian will illegally asking money direct referral bonus. identified as the heads of is entitled to have dependents be named by SSS. ELIAS O. from individuals to invest Dalena said these TradeXpert. PR of his minor children until 21 BAQUERO 4 March 29 - April 4, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

VisMin Speaks A forum that seeks to articulate key voices from Visayas and Min- danao finally launched. VisMin Speaks should interest people like me – a PR and media prac- titioner as well as a po- litical officer. Of course, this disclosure is a must. PRWorks Inc., where Weekly Notes I am a co-founder and Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya director for strategic communications, made VisMin Speaks possible. The first episode featured key media personalities: Michelle So, editor-in-chief of Sun.Star Cebu and Super- balita; Ruth Palo, CEO of Newsfort.ph based in Davao City; and Glazel Masculino, reporter of Daily Guardian and former president of the Negros Press Club. Checkout @prworksph on Facebook and listen to these key media leaders talk about the state of media outlets in the Visayas and Mindanao amid the pandem- ic. Sun.Star Cebu and Superbalita, the biggest news network in central and southern Philippines, had to carry out a retrenchment policy to survive. The new- ly formed Newsfort.ph grouped together Davao jour- nalists whose original news outlets closed. Masculino, meanwhile, headed the Negros Press Club when Presi- dent Rodrigo Duterte imposed a national lockdown. The idea for VisMin Speaks developed last year with articles of interviews with John Carlo Tria, president of the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City, and DICT Visayas Cluster 2 Editorial Regional Director Fredrick Amores. The idea of video interviews became possible when multi-media personality, host, and voice-over artist Chassy Cortes spent some lockdown time in Cebu. The Is lugaw essential? challenge to become a radio personality attracted this young Cebuana talent to Sri Lanka some five years ago. This question arose when sick. Lugaw is essential then, sential si lugaw. Hindi talaga She then saw herself turn into a celebrity of sorts, a some law enforcers in NCR much more so amidst today’s essential si lugaw. Pero kung household name in this foreign land. prevented bikers from de- Covid-19 pandemic. sinabi n’yang essential ang Now, her voice could be the most recognizable on Sri livering lugaw orders during For most right-thinking lugaw, ‘yun tama ‘yun. Ang Lankan radio. The Sri Lankans so loved her, they chose curfew. They stupidly argued Filipinos, this lugaw contro- lugaw, pero si lugaw ang bi- her to represent Sri Lanka in the Asia-Pacific press jun- that lugaw is not essential. versy should not have arisen nanggit nya. Non-essential ket of Spiderman 2, Men in Black, and Angry Birds 2 A video of the incident at all. But enforcers consid- yun sa paningin naming.” in Bali, Indonesia. She interviewed Chris Hemsworth, quickly became viral. ering lugaw as non-essential Perhaps this is how the Tom Holland, and John Cohen. She was also the official Perhaps, we can say that shocks us. Are there such administration considers voiceover of the Colombo Fashion Week. this is a result of giving arrest stupid people enforcing cur- Vice President Leni Robre- For the next VisMin Speaks episode this coming powers to stupid enforcers. few? Are their superiors tol- do. Or Usec Densing may April 9, women leaders in business will be featured. Stay For how can lugaw not be erating them? be joking. But amid the ris- tuned for more updates on the VisMin Speaks series considered essential food? But then, perhaps there ing cases, full hospitals, and here on our Facebook page (@prworksph) and website This is a cheap food, but fill- is a political angle to why do millions without jobs, Usec prworksph.com ing and nutritious, choice some people consider lugaw Densing should have pre- (Emmanuel Mongaya is co-founder and director for even for not so poor people. bad. DILG Undersecretary vented himself from playing strategic communications of PRWorks Inc. and a mem- And many among could Epimaco Densing said the politics. Making the lugaw is- ber of the Political Officers League of the Philippines not forget. We were fed lu- following: sue political is most inappro- (POLPhil). DM @anol_cebu. gaw since kids when we were “Sabi n’ya kasi, non-es- priate.

“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 29 - April 4, 2021 5 OPINION

High-Growth Tech Stock Outlook Uncertain for 2021 growth stocks for much lon- lennial investment include been backed by venture cap- Eastern oil may be forced to ger. The first quarter of 2021 the Chinese electric car com- ital billionaire Michael Mori- look for replacement sup- in the stock market could be pany NIO, along with Micro- tz, announced on Friday that plies should the blockage best defined by the enormous soft, Facebook, and Disney— it had raised $300 million for persist, potentially boosting influx of IPOs and SPACs, all popular high-growth tech a $2.6 billion valuation. The prices of alternative grades. with private companies hop- stocks over the past year. money is coming from Sili- At the same time, flows of ing to capitalize on the high With the recent market cor- con Valley VC heavyweight crude from North Sea fields stock market growth of the rection, however, technolo- Sequoia and New York hedge destined for Asia will be held BIZBITS last year by getting in on gy stocks are showing their fund Tiger Global. Getir’s an- up. The critical maritime Manny de los Santos Rabacal public shareholder support. vulnerability to bond yield nouncement comes one day trade route has been thrown With the growth in technol- increases and fears of rising after German start-up Go- into turmoil after a container ogy stocks over the past year, inflation. The quick surge rillas said it had raised $290 ship ran aground on Tues- more and more younger gen- over the last year could be million at a valuation in ex- day, blocking traffic in both erations of Americans are in jeopardy of an even fur- cess of $1 billion. Finland’s directions. While the vessel entering the stock market in ther correction ahead of a Wolt announced in January is only likely to remain stuck the hopes of catching high- COVID-19 stimulus package that it had raised a $530 for a couple of days, that’ll er gains for some of the top presumably passed in March. million funding round at an be long enough to scramble The technology indus- companies. In data collected (Newsweek) undisclosed valuation. To- some energy flows, creating try has seen unprecedented by Apex Clearing, as of the oOo tal investment in Wolt now an extra headache for re- market growth in the year fourth quarter of 2020, com- Venture capital firms stands at over $856 million, finers, traders and produc- since the COVID-19 crash panies like Tesla, Apple and and private equity investors however. (CNBC) ers already coping with the last March. Now, as coro- Amazon have all become fa- are going wild for European oOo pandemic’s fallout. Buyers navirus cases drop and vac- vorites for millennial inves- e-commerce start-ups hop- The blockage of the Suez in Europe and the US may cine distribution ramps up, tors. For Tesla, a reported 20 ing to take on Amazon. So far Canal by a giant container now look to other regions, these same tech stocks are percent of their stock shares this year, three potential Am- vessel is likely to send ripples including the US Gulf, North experiencing increased vol- are held by millennials, while azon rivals have announced of disruption through the Sea, Russia and West Africa, atility and large one-day roughly 11 percent of Apple’s substantial funding rounds global energy supply chain. according to shipbrokers. drop-offs—and some believe shares are held by the young well into the hundreds of European and US refiners (Arabian Business) the current market correc- investors. Other companies millions of dollars. Turkish that rely on the vital water- mannyrabacal1144@ tion could affect these high- with a sizable share of mil- start-up Getir, which has way for cargoes of Middle gmail.com

President Sergio Osmeña’s appointees in Samar (Part I)

divided into Eastern Samar, ber 5, 1945. 5, 1945. Mayor of Calbayog, Samar, Northern Samar and West- Simon Tan, appointed Juan S. Calindong, ap- October 5, 1945. ern Samar): Acting Mayor, and Antonio pointed Acting Mayor, and Primitivo Carcaga, Ci- Eladio Balite, appoint- Muncada, Acting Vice Mayor Olimpio L. Merida, Acting nicio Mancol, Cesareo Or- ed Acting Mayor, and Agus- of Laoang, Samar, October 5, Vice Mayor of Catarman Sa- tiz, Pablo Tupa, and Pedro tin Pomdemira, Acting Vice 1945. mar, October 5, 1945. Tosales, appointed Acting Mayor of Bobon, Samar, Oc- Hilario D. Dulay, Ro- Pedro Franzuela, Gaud- Councilors of Calbayog, Sa- tober 5, 1945. mulo Giray, Candido Baluy- ioso Candelario, Ignacio mar, October 5, 1945. Valentin Tenedero, ot, Jose Balerite, Juvencio Custorio, Pascualita Cales, Isidoro M. Ferreras, ap- Cebu Legal Miguel Torres, Ruperto I. Muncada, and Guillermo Pelayo L. de Leon, and Bern- pointed Acting Mayor, and Telegrafo, Feliciano Pare- Sarmiento, appointed Acting abe Figueroa, appointed Act- Mercedes M. Tabunda, Act- Pedia des, Domingo Agasang, and Councilors of Laoang, Sa- ing Councilors of Catarman, ing Vice Mayor of Basey, Sa- Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oaminal Franciso Gamay, appointed mar, October 5, 1945. Samar, October 5, 1945. mar, October 5, 1945. Acting Councilors of Bobon, Pedro Rebaulla, appoint- Angel Manaug, appoint- Florencio Fernadez, Samar, October 5, 1945. ed Acting Mayor, and Ho- ed Acting Mayor, and Victo- Vidal Cabigon, Fruto Co- Fortunato R. Abella, ap- mobono Jolijoli, Acting Vice rio Muñoz, Acting Vice May- linares, Agapito Delovino, pointed Acting Mayor, and Mayor of Catubig, Samar, or of Capul, Samar, October Melecio Badajos, and Jose Teodulfo Paliso, Acting Vice October 5, 1945. 5, 1945. F. Rojas, appointed Acting Mayor of Borongan, Samar, Esteban Ultra, Jesus T. Esteban Abayon, Calixto Councilors of Basey, Samar, October 6, 1945. Orsolino, Victorino Mede- Odtujan, Pablo Silanga, and October 5, 1945. Fortunato Baldo, Cla- nilla, Meliton Rabadulla, Al- Hilarion Tan, appointed Act- Ildefonso Tomamao, ap- Don Sergio Suico Osme- ro Abelgas, Antonio Arago, fredo Herania, and Zacarias ing Councilors of Capul, Sa- pointed Acting Mayor, and na Sr., the only Cebuano who Urdaneta Capito, Generoso Ocino, appointed Acting mar, October 5, 1945. Hermenegildo Sanchez, Act- became President was the the Caratay, and Eugenio Daza, Councilors of Catubig, Sa- Felipe Figueroa, appoint- ing Vice Mayor of Almagro, Liberator President and re- appointed Acting Councilors mar, October 5, 1945. ed Acting Mayor, and Jacinto Samar, October 5, 1945. built the country by appoint- of Borongan, Samar October Sotero Tuazon, appoint- Bacsal, Acting Vice Mayor of Marcial Salibago, Fre- ing officials to govern the 6, 1945. ed Acting Mayor, and Jorge Calbiga, Samar, October 5, cencio Merino, Isaac Peñalo- local government units. He Fructuoso Lentejas, ap- Uy, Acting Vice Mayor of 1945. sa, and Esteban Corot, ap- made the Provincial Capitol pointed Acting Mayor, and Catbalogan, Samar, October Honorio Abellar, Seraf- pointed Acting Councilors of of Leyte in Tacloban City as Esteban Tan, Acting Vice 5, 1945. in Algide, Aniceto Tabenas, Almagro, Samar, October 5, the national capitol and held Mayor of Tinambacan, Sa- Ramon Japzon, Alejan- and Agapito Abinguna, ap- 1945. office thereat. The Leyte-Sa- mar, October 5, 1945. dro Ginoo, Esteban Picson, pointed Acting Councilors of Jose P. Gonzaga, ap- mar Provinces used to com- Lorenzo Daguman, Felix Perfecto Domanguera, Con- Cabilga, Samar, October 5, pointed Acting Mayor, and pose of what was known as Bracamonte, Magno Sapinit, rado Ginea, Tito V. Tizon, 1945. Roman Trinidad, Acting Vice the 9th Senatorial District. and Gorgonia Ravena, ap- and Gonzalo Viloria, ap- Andres R. Rosales, ap- Mayor of Santo Niño, Samar, Here were his appointees in pointed Acting Councilors of pointed Acting Councilors of pointed Acting Mayor, and October 5, 1945. (to be con- the Province of Samar (now Tinambacan, Samar, Octo- Catbalogan, Samar, October Donato R. Tubal, Acting Vice tinued) 6 March 29 - April 4, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

When can evident premeditation be appreciated? ent: a previous decision by the part of the testimonies not undermine the integrity nected and cooperative, in- the accused to commit the of the witnesses. ISSUE: of a prosecution witness. dicating a closeness of per- crime; overt act or acts in- Whether or not accused-ap- Here, the apparent incon- sonal association and a con- dicating that the accused pellants are guilty beyond sistency merely refers to in- currence of sentiment and clung to one’s determina- reasonable doubt of mur- significant matters as it only may be inferred though no tion; and lapse of time be- der. pertained to the sequence of actual meeting among them tween the decision to com- The High Court in ruling how the events unfolded. to concert means is proved. mit the crime and its actual this instant case held that Furthermore, deni- The essence of conspiracy execution sufficient to allow the appeal is partly meri- al and alibi cannot prevail is unity of action and pur- accused to reflect upon the torious, but Michael and over positive identification, pose. As early as the initial The Legal Front consequences of one’s acts. Allan Delima were found for the defense of alibi to assault against Ramel, it is Atty. Gerry Carillo Michael Delima and guilty of homicide, and not prosper, the accused must readily apparent that Al- Allan Michael, together of murder. Killing is tanta- prove (a) that she was pres- lan and Michael’s concert- with their co-accused, were mount to murder only when ent at another place at the ed action was towards the charged with murder after qualifying circumstances time of the perpetration of common purpose of hurting conniving and confederat- are present. the crime, and (b) that it Ramel after they ganged up ing together and mutually The Court held that for was physically impossible on him together with three helping one another, armed inconsistencies in a wit- for her to be at the scene of other unidentified malefac- with a bladed and pointed ness’ testimony to warrant the crime during its com- tors. Then, accused-appel- The Supreme Court in weapon, with deliberate in- acquittal, the same must re- mission. lants were mutually moti- PEOPLE OF THE PHILIP- tent, with intent to kill, and fer to significant facts vital Conspiracy was also vated by the desire to kill PINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, with treachery and evident to the guilt or innocence of established by their overt Ramel after Allan stabbed -versus- MICHAEL DELI- premeditation, attacked, the accused or must have acts, despite accused-appel- Ramel while Michael held MAN and ALLAN DELI- assaulted, and stabbed Ra- something to do with the lants’s contentions. There is the latter by the legs. Their MA, Accused-Appellants. mel Mercedes Congreso, elements of the crime. As an implied conspiracy if two concerted actions cannot be G.R. No. 222645, THIRD which led to his death in- long as the testimonies of or more persons aim their brushed aside as separate DIVISION, June 27, 2018 stantaneously. the witnesses corroborate acts towards the accom- and distinct because Mi- declared that for evident The RTC found Michael one another on material plishment of the same un- chael continued to hold the premeditation to be ap- and Allan guilty for mur- points, minor inconsisten- lawful subject, each doing a victim while Allan stabbed preciated as a qualifying der and the CA affirmed the cies therein cannot destroy part so that their combined him several times. Write us circumstance, the follow- decision of the lower court their credibility. Inconsis- acts, though apparently in- at [email protected]. ing elements must be pres- despite inconsistencies on tencies on minor details do dependent, are in fact con- ph

DA agencies to partner with TUCP on Kadiwa sential commodities prac- cording to their press state- vices shutting down opera- his third and last term. He tically sold at low prices in ment. tions, we can always count was an agriculture minister support to meager income Amid the pandemic, on them, through their of President Marcos for 13 wage earners and families. for the 11-month operation painstaking efforts in the years. Thus, TUCP availed and when it becomes opera- delivery of their produce. Though, the Kadiwa implemented the program tionalize in other regions, Once more, it proves store system was imple- nationwide to its affiliates it garnered gross sales by their undying commitment mented to cushion the im- to provide union members the millions and benefit- in ensuring a stable, afford- pact of skyrocketing prices as many options possible ted thousands of farmers, able food supply for the of basic good and essential access to affordable and households and fisherfolk people. commodities it also bol- nutritious food. cooperatives and associa- After series of meetings sters the confidence of the The Labor Front Initially, the TUCP and tions. with the TUCP officials and marginalized farmers to Art Barrit DOLE have proposed for Looking at the program. its affiliates in availing the get the best prices for their the conduct of the mar- It provides two-pronged DA’s initiative program in crops. keting program in select- approach. It helps farmers bringing agricultural and This is one way of elim- ed towns and urban ar- and fisherfolks in getting fisheries products and oth- inating the middle men eas where high volume of best prices of their pro- er essential commodities who oftentimes jack-up the workers congregates so as duce. Likewise, it benefits directly to consumers, it prices to the detriment of to provide accessibility to the consuming public espe- resulted to a positive note the consuming public. And A noble and timely part- buy the essential commod- cially wage income earners for the agency. in order to stabilize and nership with the Depart- ities on their way home to buy affordable, fresh and Coincidentally, the Kad- have a better price govern- ment of Agriculture (DA) coming from their respec- nutritious food. iwa concept was first intro- ment must buy the goods and affiliates of the Trade tive workplaces. I have to doff my hat duced during the adminis- when the supply is in ex- Union Congress of the Phil- Joining the DA pro- to our marginalized farm- tration of the late President cess and download it to the ippines (TUCP) on a mar- gram nationwide are LGUs, ers and fisherfolks despite Ferdinand E. Marcos. If my market when stocks are in- keting strategy dubbed as Department of Labor and being sidelined sometimes memory serves me right, it adequate. Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa Employment (DOLE) and in the implementation of was during the incumbency Apparently, the Kadiwa para sa Masanang Ani at the Department of Trade the well-meaning law, R. A. of Agriculture Minister Ar- system is another way of Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa) is and Industry (DTI). The DA 8435, otherwise known as, turo R. Tanco eliminating artificial price already on the pipeline. is closely coordinating with the “Agriculture and Fish- The fellow held a dis- increases of some basic and The marketing pipeline its regional field offices eries Modernization Act of tinction as a former pres- essential commodities in directly connects food pro- through their Agribusiness 1997”. ident of the World Food the market which unscru- ducers to the consumers for and Marketing Assistance In this time of health Council of the United Na- pulous businessmen and more access to affordable Division (AMAD) to hasten crisis, where many restau- tions (UN) for two terms traders have perfected the agri-products and other es- the implementation, ac- rants, shops and other ser- and opted not to run on art of trading. Cebu Business Week March 29 - April 4, 2021 7 BUSINESS Rollback on gasoline prices looms PRICES of gasoline prod- ment through the media. ucts at Philippine pumps will But while prices had gone rollback this week by P1.20 per lower this week, market watch- liter and diesel prices by P1.30 ers are predicting a reverse per liter. scenario next week, as the ship Also for price cuts are kero- blockage incident at the Suez sene products at P1.40 per liter. Canal in Egypt already started As of press time, the in- exerting pressure on prices on dustry players that already an- end of trading days last week. nounced price rollbacks had It remains to be seen how been Pilipinas Shell Petroleum that geopolitical incident could Corporation, Seaoil, Cleanfuel influence oil pricing as against and PetroGazz effective Tues- other world developments such day (March 30) while most of as the rising Covid-19 infec- their competitors are expected tions, primarily in many Euro- to follow. pean countries; the forthcoming Independent player Unioil tive 6:00am on Sunday (March ers from March 25, 2021 until nies, third party food delivery meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Philippines Inc. had 28). April 4, 2021. services get P2.50 off per liter the Petroleum Exporting Coun- jumpstarted this round of price Unioil similarly advised “Health workers, Philip- on Euro 5 gasoline 91, gaso- tries (OPEC) this April 1; and cuts – also with a rollback of that aside from this, it would pine National Police (PNP) and line 95 and 97 at participating the scheduled refinery mainte- P1.20 per liter for gasoline and be extending fuel discount to all military personnel, local gov- Unioil stations,” the oil compa- nance shutdowns of many re- P1.30 per liter for diesel effec- frontliners and essential work- ernment units, logistics compa- ny has stated in its announce- fineries in Asia. Duterte signs CREATE; biz sector commends act PRESIDENT Rodrigo flagged as “questionable” such quire its review and approval. ing for the approval of CRE- vaccines as the most relevant Duterte signed the CREATE as the local petroleum refin- But he approved the inclusion ATE since it was conceived. features of the law. Act on, March 26. By doing so, eries’ exemption from taxes of the Philippine Competition “We consider this a land- He said that the “vetoed he also approved the special and duties and the insertion of Commission and Investment mark economic stimulus provisions do not adversely privileges for local petroleum crude oil refining as part of the Promotion Agencies heads in program that will significant- affect the benefits” that CRE- refineries as well as clipped Strategic Investment Priority the FIRB technical commit- ly accelerate the country’s ATE will bring to the Philip- some powers of the Fiscal In- Plan (SIPP), were excluded tee. economic recovery and make pine economy. centive Review Board (FIRB) from the direct veto. The business sector laud- the Philippines a more com- The Financial Execu- and even the Malacañang in The exemption of legisla- ed Duterte for signing CRE- petitive and attractive invest- tives Institute of the Philip- the CREATE Law. tive franchises’ tax and duty ATE, it being a game-changer ment destination,” said PCCI pines (FINEX) also thanked The President vetoed nine incentives from the jurisdic- law that is expected to sup- President Amb. Benedicto V. President Duterte for sign- items in the newly-signed Cor- tion of the FIRB is maintained. port the economic recovery of Yujuico. ing CREATE, a day before it porate Recovery and Tax In- He likewise waived his power the country with its modern Yujuico cited the reduc- lapsed into law, and urged the centives for Enterprises (CRE- to review, withdraw, suspend, and equitable tax incentives tion of income tax rates from Bureau of Internal Revenue ATE) law. or cancel these privileges. system. 30 percent to 20 for micro, (BIR) to issue the required However, certain provi- Duterte clipped the power The Philippine Chamber small and medium enterpris- implementing rules and reg- sions that the Action for Eco- of the FIRB to increase invest- of Commerce and Industry es as well as the exemption of ulations in time for the tax nomic Reforms (AER) had ment threshold that will re- (PCCI) said it has been push- duties and VAT for Covid 19 deadline this April. Beleaguered banana industry seeks gov’t support THE ailing banana indus- ter”. January 2021. the Department of Agriculture try is calling for government During the “The industry is sur- (DA), Director for High-Val- support for it to recoup. pandemic, he said viving though it has ue Crops Program U-Nicholls Pilipino Banana Growers local government a lot of problems,” he Manalo said there is a stimulus and Entrepreneurs Association units (LGUs) added. fund to revive the banana sector. (PBGEA) executive director should also slash PSA data also showed He attributed the decline Stephen Antig said that low- or retract some that the value of ba- in produce to the spread of er government fees and more of their additional nana exports in Janu- Fusarium wilt, widely known supportive ordinances would protocols on ba- ary fell by 47 percent as the Panama disease, a soil- be a great help especially if nana growers and to USD84.659 million borne fungal disease that ini- there would be simpler pro- entrepreneurs. from USD159.454 mil- tially attacks the roots of ba- cedures for the compliance of “The LGUs lion in 2020. nana plants. stakeholders. (should) refrain “Planting bananas is Data showed that areas Antig cited the possible re- from coming up with ordinanc- March 12 that fresh bananas still okay but the size should infected with the Panama dis- duction in lodgment fees with es that encroach on the right to recorded the worst dip among be economical and you should ease may have already doubled the Bureau of Customs, as well contract freely,” Antig said. the top 10 major commodity have a ready market,” Antig to 30,000 hectares from the as the “suspension of wharfage The Philippine Statistics groups in terms of the value of said. 15,000 hectares identified by fees until the situation gets bet- Authority (PSA) reported on exports at -46.9 percent as of In a recent virtual briefer of the DA in 2015. 8 March 29 - April 4, 2021 Cebu Business Week BUSINESS Hog raisers to stop operations if govt. cuts pork tariff HOG raisers threatens dent Nicanor Briones said. to stop their operations if Earlier, the Department the government cuts the im- of Agriculture (DA) has port tariff for pork. submitted to Malacañang “If we want to import its recommendation to in- pork, our present system crease the minimum access allows importers to import volume (MAV) on pork im- pork. Any importer can im- ports to raise the country’s port pork using the out quota stock, the agency’s head tariff of 40 percent. There is said Tuesday, amid sup- no quantitative restriction,” ply woes due to the African the Pork Producers Federa- swine fever. tion of the Philippines (Pro- Agriculture Secretary Pork) said in a statement. William Dar said the pro- There is also no need posed MAV planned to to increase the minimum increase pork imports to access volume (MAV) to 404,210 metric tons. 350,000 metric tons on The group previous- pork imports. ly sought a declaration of “Other raisers will stop a state of emergency after their operation because of the government extended the effects of importation at the price cap for pork and lower tariff, volume which chicken until April 8. is equivalent to 8,000,000 It also called on the heads of hog and continu- government to compensate ous spreading of ASF (Af- ASF-hit pork producers and rican swine fever) in the subsidize the transporta- country,” ProPork presi- tion of pork. Agri sector urges LGUs to allocate BSP cuts lending rates; 10% budget for agriculture banks yet to follow THE agriculture sector THE Bangko Sentral there has been a much longer caked on the government for ng Pilipinas (BSP) has cut lag in the transmission of possible funding through the lending key rates in an effort these to credit activity,” local government units (LGUs) to encourage businesses and Dakila said. to help them survive the health households to apply for loans Full transmission of and economic crisis besetting and ensure that economic the cuts in the BSP rates is the country. activities remain robust amid expected after around 18 The Philippine Chamber the pandemic. months. of Agriculture and Food Inc. BSP Deputy As of (PCAFI) through its president, Governor January 2021, Danilo V. Fausto, asked the Francisco Dakila bank lending Senate to draft a mandate Jr. said the registered a requiring reserve 10 percent average bank year-on-year of their annual budget for the Government estimates agriculture should increase, lending rate has decline of agriculture sector once they showed that instead of more rather than decrease,” said been slashed by 2.4 percent, start receiving their higher than P800 billion, LGUs, with Fausto. 161 basis points compared to the internal revenue allotment higher IRA, may actually take Right now, the agriculture since January previous month’s (IRA). up nearly P2 trillion of the sector gets barely 2 percent of 2020, lower than the 0.7-percent drop. Fausto was referring to the P5 trillion proposed national the total national budget. 200 basis points cut in the Banks have been implementation of a Supreme budget for next year. “It’s a difficult time central bank’s key rates last reluctant to lend, and Court ruling reaffirmed in Fausto said a minimum of right now for the agriculture year. borrowers hesitant to apply 2019 and to be implemented in 10 percent of the IRA of LGUs sector. While hogs are being During the same period, for loans because of the 2022, that will result in higher should be made mandatory slaughtered by African Swine the average interbank loan pandemic, Dakila noted. IRA for LGUs starting 2022. allocation for agriculture if Fever (ASF), there is also a rate has been slashed by 229 “But again as the To pave way for this, an national government funds need to protect poultry and basis points to date. economy improves, then Executive Order (EO) was will be devolved to local fisheries too,” he said. “While there has been there should be a resumption drafted to transfer some governments. Nevertheless, Fausto said an adjustment in market of lending activity. And functions of the national “This is just proper since that “with the P4.5 trillion interest rates because of the the latest survey of banks government to LGUs. The EO agriculture accounts for 10 2021 budget, the Department prevailing uncertainty in the actually indicated significant now awaits the signature of percent of the gross domestic of Agriculture (DA) should get economy and the outlook, recovery of the outlook for President Rodrigo Duterte. product (GDP). Budget for at least P405 billion”. then what we’ve seen is that credit this year,” he added. Cebu Business Week March 29 - April 4, 2021 9 CEBU CITY HALL Unveiling of new traffic light system causes heavy traffic THE unveiling of a new upgrade its traffic light sys- traffic light system in the tem. middle of a national road in “Our traffic lights have Cebu City in the late after- not been upgraded for 33 noon on Friday, March 26, years. So, we decided to 2021, resulted to a heavy hold an event, just an hour, traffic. to bless these modern and The Cebu City govern- upgraded traffic lights. We ment finally unveiled its know it caused inconve- new Intelligent Traffic Light nience to our motorists and System, which was allotted this is also why we want to P250 million from the city’s extend our apologies,” he coffers. The new traffic lights added. upgraded the previous traf- To recall, the Cebu City fic system that has run un- government has allotted changed for 30 years. P250 million from the city’s The ceremonial blessing coffers to install a new Intel- of the traffic lights at P. Del ligent Traffic Light System. Rosario Street in Cebu City The new traffic system was led by Cebu City Mayor has everything digitized, Edgardo Labella with motorists and pedes- “I apologize for the in- trians seeing the amount of convenience caused by the time needed at Stop and Go, traffic as the city govern- and an easier and faster way ment and Cebu City Trans- light system,” said Labella. activity. This resulted to commuters. of customizing the lights portation Office (CCTO) Several roads linking heavy traffic in nearby- ar But Labella asked un- from the Cebu City Trans- conducted a blessing and P. Del Rosario Street were eas, much to the dismay and derstanding from the public, portation Office (CCTO) launching of the new traffic closed to pave way for the frustration of motorists and saying that the city needs to command center. Cebu City and Region 7 ‘not candidates’ for ECQ CEBU City Mayor Ed- ing Infectious Diseases in the DOH-7 said the mea- erations Center (EOC) also lished the systems and pro- gardo Labella is confident Visayas (IATF Visayas), and sures undertaken by both the showed that as of March cesses and we are holding Cebu City will remain un- the Department of Health public and private sectors in 27, critical occupancy rates on and they are proven to be der the most relaxed level of in Central Visayas (DOH-7) addressing the recent surge among public hospitals here effective. That is the reason community quarantine this said Cebu, and the entire re- of COVID-19 cases were a are at 49 percent only. why we have this very con- April. gion for that matter, is ‘not a ‘success’. Retired Gen. Melquiades trollable situation here,” he “I think of the lesson we candidate’ for ECQ. Loreche said as of March Feliciano, deputy imple- added. learned before, and I am con- “Based on our data, you 28, the critical care utiliza- menter of IATF Visayas, To recall, Cebu City was fident and I really hope we will find that we are not can- tion rate in the city’s private also said the ‘strategic part- first placed under ECQ last won’t go back to enhanced didates for ECQ. We have hospitals was at 35 percent nership between public and March 28, 2020 that last- community quarantine very good case management and is still within safe levels private sectors’ helped the ed until May 31, 2020, was (ECQ),” said Labella. in the entire Central Vi- as the warning level is at 60 healthcare system in Central downgraded to GCQ on Au- Key figures from the- In sayas,” said Dr. Mary Jean percent. Visayas to continue function- gust 1, 2020, and eventually, ter-Agency Task Force for Loreche, DOH-7 spokesper- A separate report from ing. to MGCQ on September 1, the Management of Emerg- son, on Monday, March 29. Cebu City’s Emergency Op- “We have already estab- 2020. No ‘activities’ outside churches during Holy Week in Cebu City THE Cebu City govern- activities in barangays, espe- government and Archdiocese templating issuing a memo- ment reminded the public cially tigbakay, and residents of Cebu agreed to limit the randum to barangay officials that activities outside church- in coastal barangays going for celebration of Holy Week in- and enforcers to help monitor es this Holy Week are strictly a swim in Mactan Channel side churches, and that these possible crowds in their com- prohibited. near the Cebu South Coastal too must be subject to health munities this Holy Week. In a press briefing, May- Road’s viaduct. protocols. Pilgrimage sites, “Violators caught will be or Edgardo Labella said they “Under modified gen- where devotees usually flock either reprimanded or im- have tasked the Cebu City Po- eral community quarantine to celebrate the last week of posed with sanctions,” added lice Office (CCPO) and baran- (MGCQ), we already allowed Lent, will be closed from the Labella. gay officials to closely moni- churches to hold events for public. The entire island of Cebu tor all areas in the city during Holy Week. But these should “There should be no ac- remained under MGCQ, al- the holidays. be done inside, not outside. tivities outside churches in lowing the Roman Catholic Law enforcers have been There should be no external order to avoid crowding,” he church to proceed in con- instructed to keep watch for events,” said Labella. explained. ducting Masses in line with possible crowd-gathering The mayor said the city Labella also said he is con- the Holy Week. 10 March 29 - April 4, 2021 Cebu Business Week CEBU CITY HALL Cebu City COVID-19 situation improving THE Cebu City Emer- ra, head of the EOC, said their gency Operations Center records show that there are (EOC) reported a 50% de- now only 1,356 active cases in cline the daily positivity rate. the city. It now stands at 6.71 percent Garganera said the ---only 57 left out of 850 in- COVID-19 situation in the city dividuals tested positive of has significantly improved the COVID-19 on March 30, and their target is to lower the 2021. active cases even further. In the same manner, the The EOC asks the pub- occupancy rate in hospitals lic’s help to comply with the also dropped off by at least 10 health protocols and encour- percent. It now stands at 36.2 age health workers and senior percent for public hospitals--- citizens to get registered for only 366 are currently occu- the vaccination program. pied the COVID-19 designat- He appeals to the public to ed beds,. treat contact tracers and ex- In private hospitals, the traction teams with respect occupancy rate is even lower as well as the front liners and at 28.2 percent, where out of patients. the total 655 COVID-19 desig- “We are not the enemies. BRIEFING. CEBU CITY MAYOR EDGAR LABELLA ATTENDING THE PRESENTATION OF THE DAILY nated beds, only 185 beds are COVID UPDATES AT THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC). ALSO IN PHOTO IS COUNCILOR We are not here to make your occupied. JOEL GARGANERA (LEFT), EOC HEAD. life miserable. We are here The EOC also notes an to keep you safe and make it improvement in Barangay cases daily, but is now re- three-digit cases. instance recorded only 93 easier for you to reintegrate Guadalupe, which still has cording only two-digit cases On March 30, 2021, cases. back to the community,” he the most number of new per day from the previous Barangay Guadalupe for Councilor Joel Gargane- said. Rama urges Cebuanos to be vaccinated CEBU City Vice Mayor private sectors. some rules. And mended by health experts in Michael “Mike” Rama has He did not state the government developed countries. urged the people to be vacci- figures to avoid officials must “If the people think that nated so they can be protected any inconsisten- also lead by ex- they will not die if they will against Corona Virus Disease cy with the Cebu ample. not be vaccinated, they must (Covid-19) and reopen the City Health De- “We are a think twice because several economy with confidence. partment. country of laws, people died when they slid Rama, the chairman of “We have and we are a gov- down in their bathroom. You the Committee on Health, public and pri- ernment of rules. will never know when death is named by Mayor Edgardo vate frontliners. We are not a gov- will come to you. This vac- C. Labella as vaccine czar, to We hope we will ernment of men,” cine can protect you against ensure that not less than 70 finish vaccinat- COVID-19 VACCINATION. A MEDICAL FRONTLINERS GIVING Rama said. Covid-19,” Rama said. percent of the one million ing them soon. THE THUMBS UP AFTER BEING VACCINATED. On the other Rama urged the people to Cebu City residents will be Hopefully, after hand, Rama said ask help from God so they can vaccinated. the Holy Week, we can start said. the people must stop believ- readily decide to undergo an- Rama said that based vaccinating the people after He said the people them- ing rumors that vaccine has ti-Covid vaccination which has on data, they have already the arrival of sufficient num- selves will decide whether they side effect and can kill. This been approved by the World vaccinated 50 percent of the ber of vaccines, with senior want to be vaccinated or not. Covid-19 vaccine has scientific Health Organization. ELIAS O. frontliners in both public and citizens as priority,” Rama But he said we need to follow findings and has been recom- BAQUERO Council, PB should talk on land swap: Rama CEBU City Vice Mayor dolyn Garcia to come out with ited by about 5,000 people deceased wanted that all the “We will revisit the land Michael “Mike” Rama said a decision on what is the best and is covered by Cebu Pro- residents under Ordinance swapping agreement. We that there is a need for the for both Cebu City and Cebu vincial Ordinance 93-1. No. 93-1 will have their own will sit down on the bases of Cebu City Council and the Province,” Rama said. The ordinance was passed lots at P600 per square meter good faith. We will meet and Cebu Provincial Board to One of the controver- during the incumbency of at that time, and by install- sit and talk about the param- meet and talk about the con- sial lands included in the then Governor Vicente “Ting- ment. eters. Lay down the rules so troversial swapping of lands land-swapping between then ting” dela Serna and spon- Records showed that some that all parties may know the between the two Local Gov- Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. sored by then Board Member have fully paid their obligation solution to the controversy. ernment Units (LGUs). Osmeña and then Cebu Gov- Benhur Salimbangon. and have the right to own their Based on findings, we will “We have to arrange that ernor Hilario Davide III is the Both Dela Serna and respective lands, while the oth- decide,” Rama said. ELIAS O. with Cebu Governor Gwen- lot in Barangay Lahug inhab- Salimbangon who are now ers failed to pay in full. BAQUERO Cebu Business Week March 29 - April 4, 2021 11 BOHOL NEWS Bohol town to get P200M for water projects THE Bohol Provincial clean and P1 million have no access to good, quali- Government is giving almost potable each also ty, clean and potable water. In P200 million total financial water. for their most situations of the towns, assistance for the municipal- H e respective if the water is rationed, water ities and barangays to realize said there water sup- faucets are muddy, unclean, their water supply projects. are towns ply proj- and this is the reason why the The number one prior- where no ects. health of the people has been ity now of Bohol Governor private O n affected,” said Relampagos. Arthur Yap is to balance the business- top of that, “Now, we have identified protection of people’s health men are Yap pro- projects in Second and Third against Covid-19 pandemic interested posed to Districts of Bohol to help and the economy, said Vice to invest allocate P1 about 140 barangays develop Governor Rene L. Relampa- on water billion to water supply sources, trans- gos. projects be funded mission lines, and extend Relapagos said that since for fear by Land their distribution capabilities our economy is consum- that they Bank of to have potable and stable er-based, livelihood of the will not get COIN-ASSISTED WATER SYSTEM. GOVERNOR ARTHUR YAP FILLS A the Phil- water supply. people is important and pro- any prof- CONTAINER WITH WATER FROM THE COIN-ASSISTED SYSTEM IN BA- ippines to This water must pass the viding jobs to increase em- it as the RANGAY GUINOBATAN, TRINIDAD TOWN IN BOHOL help Local standards of the Department ployment rate. people in Govern- of Health (DOH). The de- On top of this, Relampa- these areas are poor. P100,000 each to help them ment Units (LGUs) develop tailed engineering studies are gos said Yap’s number one “For the very first time, implement their water supply their respective water supply being finalized, and it will be priority is to help barangays under the administration of project,” Relampagos said. system. bid out soon so we can start and towns address the wish Governor Arthur Yap, that all He said all 47 Bohol towns “It is sad to note that within the year. ELIAS O. of the people to have access to the 1,109 barangays are given and Tagbilaran City are given most of the municipalities BAQUERO Chatto pushes to make good air quality the ‘new normal’ BOHOL First District carpooling, Work from home icy e-Talks webinar entitled enced an 86% reduction in active mobility and micro mo- Representative Edgar Chat- programs, Better urban plan- “Impact of COVID-19 on air vehicle volume during the bility, as well as investment in to, chair of the Committee ning in cities and regions to quality of Metro Manila,” of ECQ. They attributed the efficient and safe mass public on Climate Change called for decrease crowd concentration the Forestry Development cleaner air to be largely due transport. strengthening policies in or- and lessen transport demand Center – College of Forest- to the reduction of human He also reminded of over- der to make good air quality in Metro Manila. ry and Natural Resources activities, suspension of pub- sight monitoring of existing become the “new normal”. These were presented (FDC-CFNR). lic transportation, and de- laws such as the Clean Air Act Chatto cited the recom- by Joel Michael Tugano and The same study supported creased number of vehicles (R.A. 8749) and the Ecologi- mendations of experts for sus- Engr. Paul Nathan Vallar, the claim that air pollution sig- on major roads. cal Solid Waste Management tainable changes in policy to both from the Environmental nificantly decreased in Metro Chatto called on the House Act (R.A. 9003) as well as ensure healthy, clean air. Management Bureau of the Manila during the implemen- to use the opportunities and the promotion of the shift to Among these are: Promo- Department of Environment tation of the enhanced com- lessons learned from the pan- electric vehicles as well as the tion of bike lanes, Improving and Natural Resources (EMB- munity quarantine (ECQ). demic and amplify it through shift to alternative sources of public transport, Promoting DENR) during the Forest Pol- Metro Manila experi- policies and infrastructure, electricity.

BOHOL Vice Governor the needed printers. Rene L. Relampagos said they Public library day relaunched On the other hand, the vice re-launched and celebrated the district school supervi- gay Pupo to Tugas. governor said that it’s been a Public Library Day last March sor, all principals, and head All Carlos P. Garcia ba- long time since they’ve request- 26, 2021 in the Municipality of teachers of all elementary and rangays will receive P125,000 ed the Department of Public Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol. high schools of the town, Par- each, P100,000 is for water Works and Highways (DPWH) The town, Carlos P. Garcia ents-Teachers Association projects, and the P25,000, a to conduct a feasibility study in Bohol, was named after the (PTA) officials, Mayor Fernan- provincial government annual for a connecting bridge from Boholano Philippine president. do Estavilla, Capt. Jaja Juma- aid to barangays. Tapal, Ubay in Bohol mainland During his presidency, moy, representative of Gov. Ar- Yap gave Carlos P. Garcia to Barangay Pupo, Carlos P. Carlos P. Garcia signed into law thur Yap, and provincial library town P1 million for water sup- Garcia. that any day of every month of personnel headed by Provin- ply project. As of now, there is already March, the Filipinos must cele- cial Librarian Vida Aparicio. Relampagos said that connectivity between Tapal BOHOL VICE GOVERNOR brate Public Library Day. “We gave free reference RENE L. RELAMPAGOS principals and teachers have and Pupo with the regular “We brought the new mo- books and materials to all pub- DURING THE RELAUNCHING. problems of reproducing operation of a RoRo vessel at bile public library services of lic schools of the town, to help modules for distance learning eight times a day. The travel the Bohol Provincial Library them enhance their respective Relampagos informed the because of pandemic. Relam- time is only ten minutes. which is under the Bohol Pro- school libraries, under the pos- municipal and barangay officials pagos told them to get PTA “We can bring our four- vincial Board,” Relampagos itive action to the request of that the Yap administration has resolutions asking for financial wheel vehicle. Even Ceres bus- said. district school supervisor Phil- allocated P15 million for the ad- assistance from Bohol Provin- es have regular route in that The Public Library Day ip Nelson Galo,” Relampagos ditional concreting of provincial cial Government so they can island municipality,” Relampa- celebration was attended by said. roads in the town, from Baran- allocate P300,000 to purchase gos said. ELIAS O. BAQUERO 12 March 29 - April 4, 2021 Cebu Business Week WORLD NEWS Georgia passes new voting restriction law THE State of Georgia through an “drop box- black Americans. passed the Election Integrity un-Ameri- es” in which The president called the Act of 2021 in both chambers can law to people can law “Jim Crow in the 21st Cen- of the state’s Republican-con- deny people place their tury” and “a blatant attack on trolled administration on the right to absentee the Constitution.” Thursday. vote.” votes, mean- Jim Crow refers to the 19th It makes Georgia the sec- The key ing many and 20th Century laws that en- ond state to pass laws that re- elements of will have to forced racial segregation in the strict ballot access in the after- the legisla- travel fur- South. math of the 2020 election. tion: ther. He added: “This law, like In response, US President Ø Ensure Ø Shorten so many others being pursued Joe Biden said: “Recount after new ID re- the ear- by Republicans in statehouses recount and court case after quirements ly-voting pe- across the country is a blatant court case upheld the integrity for request- riod for all attack on the Constitution and and outcome of a clearly free, ing mail-in runoff elec- good conscience.” fair, and secure democratic ballots, re- tions. Republicans say they are process. placing the Biden has streamlining voting proce- “Instead of celebrating the current system which simply Ø Give the state leg- likened this new voting law in dures and trying to restore con- rights of all Georgians to vote requires a signature. islature more power to take Georgia to racist policies of the fidence in the election system. or winning campaigns on the Ø Ban the practice of giving control of voting operations if 20th Century US South, calling Biden added that the jus- merits of their ideas, Republi- food or water to voters in line at problems are reported. it an “atrocity”, adding the law tice department was “taking a cans in the state instead rushed polling stations. Ø Limit the number of disproportionately targeted look” at the new Georgia laws. Cyber-attack on Australia’s Channel Nine LIVE broadcasts on Aus- gating a possible cyber-attack attack on Channel Nine were Burrows, a senior journalist systems had gone down. tralia’s Channel Nine TV net- in Canberra on Sunday. connected. for the network, said the com- All its staff was told to work on Sunday were disrupt- “This is a timely remind- The Australian govern- pany was “under attack by work at home until further no- ed by a cyber-raising alarm er that Australians cannot be ment and other institutions hackers” as emails and editing tice. about the country’s vulnera- complacent about their cy- have fallen victim to a string of bility to hackers. ber-security,” the minister cyber-attacks in recent years. Nine said it was investi- told the News.com.au website “Our IT teams are working Wales’ FM bashed over gating whether the hack was on Sunday. around the clock to fully re- “criminal sabotage or the work “The government acted store our systems which have of a foreign nation”. quickly, and we have the best primarily affected our broad- English-only leaflet Australia’s Assistant De- minds in the world working to cast and corporate business THE English-only leaflets on that. To normalize the lan- fense Minister Andrew Hastie ensure Australia remains the units. Publishing and radio supporting Wales’ first min- guage, it is important things said access to IT and emails at most secure place to operate systems continue to be opera- ister Mark Drakeford went to are bilingual and receiving Parliament House had been online,” he said. tional,” the company said in a some homes in the Fairwater bilingual leaflets from the first cut as a precaution. He said It is not clear if the parlia- statement. area of Cardiff West ahead of minister is imperative.” Parliament was also investi- mentary outage and the cyber A later report by Mark May’s Welsh Parliament elec- Neil McEvoy of the Pro- tion pel Party said: “They have The leaflets carried a pho- shown contempt towards the tograph of him with the head- language... I am disappointed Intel to produce more chips ing “Labour news”. but am not surprised. The fact INTEL will invest $20 been on manufacturing its “This is the heart of ev- Rivals have accused the that he’s sending English-only billion in two new fabrica- own chips in its factories ery aspect of human exis- Welsh Labour leader as being leaflets shows he isn’t practic- tion plants in the US state across the world. tence going forward. And “hypocritical”. ing what he is preaching.” of Arizona, apart from a “Having 80% of all the world needs a more The Welsh Government Drakeford has been Wales’ major expansion of an ex- supply in Asia simply isn’t balanced supply chain to announced plans in 2016 to first minister since 2018 and isting Irish facility in Coun- a palatable manner for the accomplish that. We’re almost double the number has held his Cardiff West seat ty Kildare. world to have its view of stepping in,” announced of Welsh speakers from the since 201. Intel’s new chief exec- the most critical technolo- Gelsinger empathically. 562,000 recorded in the 2011 2021 Senedd election leaf- utive Pat Gelsinger said it gy,” Gelsinger said. Politicians in the US census. lets supporting him were sent is not “palatable” that so “Every smartphone, ev- and the EU have called for “Leaflets coming from the to homes in the Fairwater area many computer chips are ery telemedicine, every re- more chip-producing fac- first minister should be bilin- of the city. made in Asia. mote worker, every remote tories to be built locally. gual - in Welsh and English,” Welsh Labour said it was Most processors are education, every autono- This is partly driven said Cardiff West Plaid Cymru “aware a monolingual version currently manufactured in mous vehicle, every aspect by concerns that Beijing candidate Rhys ab Owen. of a leaflet by the local Labour the region, with Taiwan’s of humanity is becoming aims to reunify main- He accused Drakeford of party had gone out in some ar- TSMC and South Korea’s more digital. land China with Taiwan, being “hypocritical”. eas of Cardiff West” but Drak- Samsung the dominant “And when it becomes while North Korea poses “It is one thing to set a tar- eford’s “election leaflets in- players. digital, it runs on semicon- a threat to its southern get of a million Welsh speak- cluding the freeposts, are and Until now, its focus had ductors. neighbor. ers by 2050, but another to act will continue to be, bilingual”.