IRR out on switching of mobile networks

June 17, 2019 | 9:16 pm

By Denise A. Valdez, Reporter

THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released on Monday the guidelines for the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability Act, which allows mobile users to switch networks and service types without changing their numbers.

Memorandum Circular No. 03-06-2019 set the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act No. 11202, which was signed into law in February. It will take effect 15 days from its publication in a newspaper.

Based on the rules, any subscriber who does not have an outstanding balance with a network provider, has used a mobile number for at least 60 days and is not blacklisted by any network provider may apply to switch networks and retain his or her mobile number.

The service may be availed from a mobile number portability service provider (MNPSP), which will be chosen by telecommunications companies (telcos) within four months from the rules’ effectivity.

Telcos Globe Telecom, Inc. and PLDT, Inc. are required to take an equal share in the capital expenditure for software, hardware and other facilities that the chosen MNPSP will need to acquire.

The MNPSP’s operating and maintenance costs will also be shared with the telcos, depending on their to-be-determined agreement.

The application to switch from network to network and from postpaid to prepaid service is free of charge, as the rules said “no fees and charges related to the mobile number portability service shall be collected from the subscribers.”

Subscribers who wish to avail themselves of the portability service must request from his or her network provider a nine-digit unique subscriber code. This code will be processed by the network provider the subscriber is switching into. The porting process must not take longer than 48 hours.

In the case of subscribers wishing to move from prepaid to postpaid service or vice-versa, a network provider must complete the porting process in 24 hours.

The Mobile Number Portability Act is intended to promote consumer welfare by “(fostering) the freedom to choose and to respond to quality, price and other relevant considerations without the consumers having to change their mobile numbers whenever they change mobile service providers or subscription plans.”

Fratman in Castillo hazing convicted

June 17, 2019 | 9:15 pm

A MANILA court has found Aegis Juris fraternity member John Paul S. Solano guilty of obstruction of justice in connection with the September 2017 hazing-murder of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.

Judge Carolina J. Esguerra of Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 14 sentenced Mr. Solano to a minimum of two years, four months and one day to four years, two months, and one day of imprisonment for violation of Section 1 (i) of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1829, on “Penalizing obstruction of apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.”

Mr. Solano, however, was cleared of perjury charges.

The court said “it is clear that he gave false and fabricated information to mislead the police or prevent them from apprehending those responsible for the death of Castillo.”

“Consequently, his liability for violation of Section 1 (i) of Presidential Decree 1829 has been proven beyond reasonable doubt,” the court ruled.

Mr. Castillo was declared dead on arrival at the Chinese General Hospital on Sept. 17, 2017, after attending the welcoming rites of the fraternity.

The accused initially told authorities that he saw Mr. Castillo’s body at the corner of H. Lopez Boulevard and Infanta Street in Tondo, Manila, while he was passing by and stopped a vehicle and brought him to the hospital.

The court cited Mr. Solano as saying that he made the incorrect statements “due to uncontrollable fear for his life and for fear of being implicated/charged with the death of Castillo.”

“Along this line, accused’ fear of being implicated in the death of Castillo is not imminent. Had accused spoken of true incidents prior to bringing Castillo to the hospital, the matter would have been investigated first by the police before hailing him to court should they find that they acted in complicity with the others in bringing Castillo’s injuries,” the court said.

“(T)he fear which the accused claims to have overtaken him is not, in contemplation of law, as imminent as he believed, and is even speculative at that. Thus, his defense that he acted under the impulse of uncontrollable fear for his life or limb has no leg to stand on,” it added.

The court also acquitted Mr. Solano from the charge of violation of Section 1 (f) of PD 1829 or obstruction of justice for making or presenting any document with knowledge of its falsity, saying it was not Mr. Solano who made the Judicial Affidavit.

The parents of Mr. Castillo said they are “very happy with the conviction” for obstruction of justice.

“It can be shown, ‘yung cover-up na nangyari (cover-up that transpired). And hopefully, we will file cases again doon sa mga kasama, even ‘yung mga lawyers na involved doon sa cover-up (against those, even the lawyers, involved in the cover-up),” Mr. Horacio Castillo, Jr. told reporters.

Bail hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 20 is still ongoing for the 10 members of the Aegis Juris fraternity charged with violation of Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 8049 or Anti-Hazing Law.

Nationwide round-up

June 17, 2019 | 9:14 pm

UNICEF commends IRR on protecting children in armed conflict

A CHILD attends a disengagement ceremony held at one of the base camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in this 2017 file photo. As part of the United Nations-MILF action plan to address the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, children involved in the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the MILF were identified and separated. — *PHOTO COURTESY OF UNICEF*.

THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in a statement said it commends the Philippine government in taking the next critical step toward improving the plight of children in conflict zones with the recent signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law to protect Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC). Chief for Child Protection Grace Agcaoili was quoted in the statement as saying that “the release of the IRR of this first-ever comprehensive national law (Republic Act 11188) on CSAC is further proof of the government’s commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.” She also reaffirmed UNICEF’s support in implementing the law as it marks the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

11 US fugitives deported

ELEVEN fugitives have been returned to the United States after Philippine officials helped tracked them down in Manila. In a statement, the US State Department said its Diplomatic Security Service at the US Embassy in Manila “located and apprehended 11 US fugitives wanted for crimes ranging from conspiracy to commit murder, securities fraud, child abuse, and sexual assault.” “We thank the Government of the Philippines for their longstanding support, and look forward to our future cooperation as friends, partners, and allies,” the State Department said. — Gillian M. Cortez

House holds orientation on legislation

FIFTEEN incoming first-term congressmen attended the first day of an orientation program and executive course on legislation, about a month before the 18^th Congress begins. The three-day crash course, with three batches, was conducted by the House of Representatives together with the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG). “Ang pag-aaralan nila ay kung paano sila gagalaw bilang bagong representatives. Tutulungan namin sila na malaman nila kung paano ang legislative process, policy process, paano sila gagalaw sa policy system na meron tayo,” UP NCPAG dean Dr. Fe Mendoza told reporters. (They will learn how to act as new representatives. We will help them learn the legislative process, the policy process, and how they will adjust to the policy system that we have.) Some of the subjects covered are understanding development concepts, public policy, budget process, legislative process, and citizen engagement. The new lawmakers will conduct a mock committee meeting and will also be required to work on a legislative agenda at the end of the training. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

DILG flags ministry to LGUs

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on local government units to revoke the business permits of Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. following President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s call to shut down its operations. In a memorandum issued on June 13, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año cited the Local Government Code and the mandate of city and municipal mayors “to issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits had been issued pursuant to law or ordinance.” “Marami na ang naloko at marami pa sa ating mga kababayan ang maloloko sa investment scam na ito kung hindi ito aaksyunan ng mga mayor,” Mr. Año said in a statement on Monday. (Many have been tricked and more people may be lured into this investment scam unless the mayors take action.) The DILG directive came after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked Kapa’s certificate of registration and secured over P100 million of its assets in accordance with a freeze order by the Court of Appeals. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Terror suspects nabbed in QC

June 17, 2019 | 9:13 pm

POLICE have arrested two suspected terrorists linked to Daulah Islamiyah in Tandang Sora, Quezon City on Saturday. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde presented and identified the suspects as Arnel Cabintoy, alias Abu Mus’b, and Feliciano Sulayao, alias Abu Muslim, whom the PNP chief described as “Islam converts who joined the Daulaw Islamiyah Philippines under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.” “Cabintoy and Sulayao are the subjects of an Order of Apprehension of Personalities Involved in the Rebellion in Mindanao issued by the Secretary of National Defense, who is administrator of the Martial Law in Mindanao that remains in effect until the end of this year as ratified by the joint houses of Congress,” Mr. Albayalde said in a press briefing, referring to the alleged involvement of the suspects in the Marawi Siege of 2017. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Kalibo Meat Plant due for rehabilitation

June 17, 2019 | 9:11 pm

THE Philippine Slaughterhouse Management and Operation, Inc. (PSMO) and the Municipality of Kalibo are set to rehabilitate and renovate the Kalibo Meat Plant with the aim of having the facility attain double “AA” accreditation, which would ensure access to clean and secure products. “The project, which was undertaken as a joint venture under a public-private partnership scheme, uses the PPP Code of Aklan, as adopted by the Municipal Government of Kalibo and approved by its local Sanggunian, as its legal framework,” the company said in a statement. The rehabilitation of the meat plant is expected to be completed within 12 months. PSMO is also tasked to improve the slaughterhouse. “The rehabilitation of the meat plant will also allow higher daily production capacity of the slaughterhouse,” it said. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

Police director flags extortion group

June 17, 2019 | 9:10 pm

THE Police Regional Office has warned the public about an extortion group using the name of Brig. General Marcelo C. Morales, director of the office. Mr. Morales said the group has been sending “intimidating text messages to their potential victims” using his name. “I have not authorized anyone to use my name for any purpose,” he said, adding that he has deployed police units to pursue the extortionists. Mr. Morales also urged the public to report to the police any extortion attempt by this group. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

US awards micro-grants for rehabilitation of Marawi, other areas

June 17, 2019 | 9:09 pm

THE US government has awarded 75 micro-grants to communities and business owners displaced from Marawi, a statement Monday by the US Embassy said. According to the statement, Acting Mission Director Patrick Wesner of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Field Office Manager and Assistant Secretary Felix Castro of Task Force Bangon Marawi visited Marawi and Iligan on June 11 for the community grants handover events. “The micro-grants, each valued at P260,000, will assist displaced families as they restart their livelihoods and small businesses, and will help host communities build small scale infrastructure and convene community events critical to the recovery,” the statement said, adding that the micro-grants and training program are part of USAID’s three-year, P1.35-billion Marawi Response Project, “which supports the economic recovery and social cohesion of displaced and host communities in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte and Iligan.” The micro-grants in Iligan City were awarded in collaboration with the Bangon Marawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), an association of entrepreneurs displaced from the most affected area of Marawi.

Comelec: No fraud in Maguindanao town

June 17, 2019 | 9:09 pm

THE COMMISSION on Elections in a statement on Monday denied poll fraud allegations by mayoral candidate Sam Zailon Esmael of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, who posted on social media a photograph of a ballot box left in floodwaters. “Contrary to allegations made by Esmael and in the absence of any proof of fraud, Datu Salibo Election Officer Mary Ann Marohombsar maintains that the conduct of the May 13 polls in her jurisdiction was fraud-free,” the Comelec said, adding that the ballot box was stolen, as per the account of Datu Salibo municipal treasurer Ali A. Mamoribid. — Gillian M. Cortez

Nation at a Glance — (06/18/19)

June 17, 2019 | 9:09 pm

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

Peso drops vs dollar on positive US data

June 17, 2019 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO weakened against the greenback due to strong US retail sales data.

THE PESO weakened against the dollar on Monday following the release of strong US retail sales and weaker-than-expected remittances from overseas Filipinos.

The local unit closed Monday’s session at P52.145 versus the dollar, down 12.5 centavos from the P52.02-per-dollar finish last Friday.

The peso opened the session weaker at P52.05 per greenback, which was already near its intraday high of P52.04. Meanwhile, it dropped to as low as P52.21 versus the US currency during the session.

Trading volume climbed to $955.73 million from the $870.39 million that switched hands in the previous session.

A trader said in a phone interview that the peso declined against the dollar at the start of session to track the stronger greenback over the weekend, driven by the strong US retail sales report.

The US Commerce Department said on Friday that retail sales picked up 0.5% in May, bolstered by higher sales of cars and other goods.

Retail sales in April was also revised to a 0.3% growth from a 0.2% drop earlier reported.

“Given the stronger retail sales, this boosted the dollar index against euro, pound and yen,” the trader said.

The trader added that the peso’s decline continued in the afternoon session following the release of weaker-than-expected local remittances data.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported yesterday that cash sent home by Filipinos abroad amounted to $2.4 billion in April, up 4% from $2.3 billion booked in the same month in 2018. This was driven by remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

“Philippine remittances came out lower than expected. The previous data posted a 6.6% growth and the market expectation was at 4.6%. But the actual data came out at 4%,” the trader said.

Meanwhile, another trader said the peso weakened on Monday amid dampened hopes of a near-term trade resolution between the US and China after US Trade Secretary Wilbur Ross downplayed a possible major trade deal that might be achieved at the G-20 Summit in Japan later this month.

For today, the first trader expects the peso to trade between P52 and P52.30, while the other gave a P52.10-P52.30 range. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

Stocks drop ahead of Fed, BSP policy meetings

June 17, 2019 | 9:00 pm

By Arra B. Francia, Senior Reporter

LOCAL EQUITIES fell on Monday ahead of the policy meetings of the US Federal Reserve and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) this week.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged 1.01% or 81.21 points to close at 7,908.99 yesterday, continuing its losses since Friday. The broader all-shares index likewise declined 0.86% or 42.19 points to 4,842.72.

“Investors resumed profit-taking ahead of the some important events towards the end of the the week namely the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee), BSP meeting and FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) rebalancing,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a mobile phone message.

The FOMC will have its two-day policy meeting from June 18-19, where it is expected to keep interest rates steady.

Meanwhile, the BSP’s Monetary Board will also meet on Thursday, June 20 for its own review where it is also seen to hold fire.

“Sentiment carrying over from last week was also negative as US stocks fell over the sharp decline in the broader tech sector,” Mr. Limlingan added.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down by 0.07% or 17.16 points to close at 26,089.61 last Friday. The S&P 500 index tumbled 0.16% or 4.66 points to 2,886.98, while the Nasdaq Composite index retreated 0.52% or 40.47 points to 7,796.66.

Most Southeast Asian stock markets also trod water on Monday as market participants stayed on the sidelines ahead of a slew of central bank policy meetings, while political tensions in Hong Kong and the Middle East kept risk appetite in check.

“Everyone is waiting to see if the central banks can actually be more dovish on interest rates to support markets, considering there’s a lot of downside risk coming in from the trade wars,” said Joanne Goh, an equity strategist with DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.

On the other hand, Papa Securities Corp. Sales Associate Gabriel Jose F. Perez attributed the local market’s decline to net foreign selling.

Net foreign outflows increased to P587.43 million on Monday versus the previous session’s P388.11 million.

All sectoral indices moved to negative territory, led by services which dropped 1.42% or 24.08 points to 1,670.79. Industrials shed 1.18% or 139.38 points to 11,591.94; financials went down 1.09% or 19.11 points to 1,723.68; property slipped 0.87% or 38.02 points to 4,294.55; holding firms slumped 0.63% or 48.15 points to 7,494.36; while mining and oil dropped 0.26% or 19.21 points to 7,133.57.

Some 663.59 million issues valued at P5.02 billion switched hands, lower than Friday’s P7.68-billion turnover.

Decliners were almost double the advancers, 136 to 70, while 43 names were unchanged. — with Reuters

Pepsi Philippines champions sustainability in national Brigada Eskwela drive

June 17, 2019 | 9:00 am

In line with its commitment to sustainability and quality education, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) partnered once again with the Department of Education (DepEd) to support their annual Brigada Eskwela program through nationwide, week-long activities with almost five hundred volunteers that rendered a cumulative 2,462 volunteer hours to local communities.

“Every year, PCPPI actively engages with the education sector and the schools of our surrounding communities through Brigada Eskwela,” said PCPPI Corporate Affairs and Communications Senior Manager Monique Castro. “Taking care of the communities that support our trade is part of our core commitment to sustainability. Now equipped with our new three-pronged sustainability framework on Water Stewardship, Circular Economy, and Inclusive Business, we expand our efforts in promoting effective resource management and our green advocacy to contribute to the mutual growth of both these communities and all of our operations.”

A total of 27 schools from the surrounding communities of PCPPI’s 14 business units nationwide benefited from the company’s community investment of almost a million pesos.

Effective resource management through water stewardship

For its 2019 initiative, PCPPI supplied safe drinking water for students by donating high-grade drinking fountains to five schools surrounding their Modern Trade Operations, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog Region, Cebu, and Davao offices.

With a drinking facility provided to each district, over 5,000 students in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were given access to safe drinking water. Recipient schools include Muntinlupa Elementary School, San Agustin Integrated Elementary School, Doña Tiburcia Carpio Malvar Elementary School in Luzon; Cebu’s Tulay National High School; and Talomo Elementary School in Davao.

PCPPI also promoted hygiene and sanitation by conducting proper handwashing demos as well as donating handwashing facilities with hygiene kits set to serve 1,280 students. The three school beneficiaries were Marcos Elementary School near the company’s North Luzon facility, Echague National High School in Cabuyao, and Tanauan National High School in Leyte.

“We ensure the safety of the community around our operations and enrich their lives by providing them better access to water while teaching them proper sanitation and hygiene practices. By doing so, we not only address their immediate needs but promote effective resource management as well,” said Castro.

Driving a greener advocacy through circular economy

Committed to its mission of doing sustainable business, PCPPI also championed Circular Economy practices through solid waste management trainings for parents and students. The trainings were conducted in F. De Mesa Elementary School, Muntinlupa Elementary School and Diezmo Elementary School.

“This year’s Brigada Eskwela extended our involvement with the students by reaching out to their parents and teachers. We wanted to impart to them lasting lessons on sustainability that they can continue to put into practice at home or in school,” she said.

On top of this, the company promoted recycling and upcycling by turning over a greenhouse made of PET bottles to Echague National High School in Cabuyao, 50 modified water sprinklers in Bacolod, and 54 trash bins to the schools covered by its Metro Operations Services, Modern Trade office, Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Davao operations.

In support of better education for the local communities, the bottling firm donated a total of 17,200 notebooks and 275 sets of school supplies for students.

“We wanted to get more communities on board with our sustainability efforts to maximize its reach and impart to them our best practices on how to manage our natural resources wisely and well. We are confident that through these, our stakeholders can help us influence and encourage more Filipinos to partner with us so that together we can make a lasting difference,” Castro concluded.