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Halting the world’s top infectious killer

CDC-UNSPLASH

Every year, 10 million people fall ill with tuberculosis (TB). Despite being a preventable and curable disease, 1.5 million people die from TB each year — making it the world’s top infectious killer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Philippines ranks fourth worldwide in tuberculosis (TB) incidence and is thus considered a high TB burden country. About 2 million Filipinos have TB, half of whom have the active disease. Sadly, nearly 85 Filipinos die every day from this disease.

TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a type of bacteria that usually attacks the lungs but can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with the TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (where the patient is infected with the TB bacteria but not ill) and active TB disease. If not treated properly, active TB disease can be fatal, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Active TB disease in the lungs may cause symptoms such as a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, pain in the chest, and coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs). Other symptoms of active TB disease are weakness or fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever, and sweating at night. TB bacteria spread through the air from one person to another, the CDC stated. When a person with active TB disease coughs, speaks, or sings, the TB bacteria get airborne, and people nearby may breathe in these bacteria and thus become infected.

Active TB disease is curable with a standard six-month treatment course of four antibiotics, which usually include rifampicin and isoniazid. In patients with drug-resistant TB, the TB bacteria does not respond to the standard drugs. Treatment for drug-resistant TB is longer and more complex.

The TB treatment course is provided to the patient with information, supervision, and support by a health worker or trained volunteer. Without such support, treatment adherence can be difficult. If the treatment is not properly completed, the disease can become drug-resistant and can spread. For patients with latent TB infection, preventive treatment can be given to stop the onset of disease. This treatment uses the same drugs for a shorter time. Recent treatment options have shortened treatment duration to only one or three months, as compared to six months in the past, said the WHO.

March 24 of every year is World TB Day. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This year’s theme, “Yes! We can end TB!,” conveys a message of hope that getting back on track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible through high-level leadership, increased investments, and faster uptake of new WHO recommendations. Efforts now shift to turning the commitments made by Heads of State at the UN High Level meeting in 2023 to accelerate progress to end TB into tangible actions. The most important of these commitments is ensuring that by 2027 at least 90% of those who develop tuberculosis are treated and at least 90% of those at risk of the disease are provided with preventive treatment.

Member States also agreed to roll out WHO-recommended rapid molecular tests. Over half of TB diagnoses are still made using microscope and clinical examination. Other targets include increasing global funding for TB to $22 billion by 2027, almost four times the $5.8 billion spent in 2022. A target of $5 billion by 2027 was assigned for research and innovation spending, which stood at $1 billion in 2022.

The National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) of the Department of Health (DoH) works closely with all stakeholders — National Government agencies, public and private sectors, nongovernmental organizations, professional societies, academe, patient groups, civil societies, and development partners — in the country’s fight against TB.

The NTP adopts a multistakeholder approach in addressing the complex TB problem. It collaborates with nongovernmental organizations, such as the Philippine Coalition Against TB (PhilCAT), a consortium of 60 groups, and the Philippine TB Society, Inc., among many others. Various developmental partners and their projects provide technical and financial support to the NTP, such as the WHO, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund Against AIDS, TB and Malaria, the Research Institute of TB/Japan Anti-TB Association, the Korean Foundation for International Health, the Korean International Cooperation Agency, and the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation.

During the Asia Pacific Symposium on Tropical Diseases held in South Korea last February, the government of the Republic of Korea offered the DoH a grant of 30 innovation machines to support the NTP. The Korean Heart to Heart Foundation, Research Investment for Global Health Technology (RIGHT) Foundation, and Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) also expressed their intent to include the Philippines in the trial run of these new machines for diseases such as TB, dengue, and malaria.

The biopharmaceutical industry fully supports the NTP and is committed to working with all stakeholders to expand access to TB diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as to strengthen the country’s healthcare system. All sectors are needed to advance therapies and move health systems towards universal healthcare so that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.

 

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.

SEC hikes penalties for late, non-filing of corporate reports

ALEXANDER GREY-UNSPLASH

FINES and penalties for late and non-filing of reportorial requirements will be increased starting April 1 as part of efforts to improve compliance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said.

One-person corporations (OPCs) and domestic stock corporations with retained earnings of not more than P100,000 will now pay a basic penalty of P5,000 for the late filing of their general information sheet (GIS) or annual financial statements (AFS), with an additional P1,000 for every month of continuing violation, the SEC said in a memorandum.

The same penalty applies to domestic nonstock corporations with a fund balance or equity of not more than P100,000.

The non-filing of GIS and AFS by OPCs, domestic stock corporations, and nonstock corporations with retained earnings and fund balance of not more than P100,000 will entail a penalty of P10,000, with an additional P1,000 per month of continuing violation. 

Foreign stock corporations with accumulated income/fund balance/members’ equity of less than P100,000 will now pay a P10,000 fine, and an additional P6,000 late penalty if their report is filed after 30 days, or an additional P12,000 penalty if filed after 60 days. 

The base penalty for foreign non-stock corporations with less than P100,000 accumulated income/fund balance/members’ equity is at P5,000, with an additional P6,000 penalty if filed beyond 30 days, or an additional P12,000 penalty if filed beyond 60 days. 

The non-filing of reports by both foreign stock and nonstock corporations with accumulated income/fund balance/members’ equity of less than P100,000 will entail a fine of P10,000, plus a penalty of P12,000. 

The penalty for noncompliance with Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 28 has been increased to P20,000 from the previous rate of P10,000.

The submission of reportorial requirements is mandated under Republic Act No. 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code.

The filing of OPCs and stock or non-stock corporations is deemed late if a report is filed after the due date, but still within a year after the prescribed deadline for filing. 

“If the report is filed more than one year from the prescribed period, the penalty shall be the base fine for non-filing, and the computation of the monthly penalty shall not exceed 12 months,” the SEC said. 

“For stock and non-stock foreign corporations, late filing means a report was filed after 30 days from the anniversary date of the issuance of the SEC license for GIS or from the prescribed deadline for AFS,” it added.

If a filing is made after 60 days, the fines will be based on the base fine of for non-filing and the computation of the monthly penalty shall not exceed 12 months.

The filing of the MC 28 report will be deemed late if it is done beyond 30 calendar days from the issuance of the certificate of registration, license, or authority for all types of corporations. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Auto Sales (February 2024)

New vehicle sales jumped by an annual 23.2% in February, the fastest growth in seven months, according to a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA). Read the full story.

 

Auto Sales (January 2024)

How PSEi member stocks performed — March 27, 2024

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

Peso may stay at P56-per-dollar level as market awaits inflation report

BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO could trade sideways against the dollar this week ahead of the release of March inflation data.

Last week, the local unit strengthened by three centavos against the dollar to close at P56.24 on Wednesday from its P56.27 finish on March 22.

For this week, Security Bank Corp. Chief Economist Robert Dan J. Roces said in a Viber message that the peso could remain at the P56-per-dollar level ahead of the release of March inflation data.

A BusinessWorld poll of 17 analysts yielded a median estimate of 3.8% for March headline inflation. If realized, this would be faster than the 3.4% print in February, but slower than 7.6% in the same month a year ago.

This would also mark the second straight month that inflation picked up on a monthly basis. Still, the consumer price index (CPI) would be within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2-4% target for a fourth straight month.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release March inflation data on April 5, Friday.

The February US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index data could also affect peso-dollar trading this week, Mr. Roces said.

The PCE price index rose 0.3% last month, the US Commerce department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis said, Reuters reported. Data for January was revised higher to show the PCE price index climbing 0.4% instead of 0.3% as previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the PCE price index gaining 0.4% on the month.

In the 12 months through February, PCE inflation advanced 2.5% after increasing 2.4% in January..

The market will also monitor signals from officials ahead of the BSP’s policy meeting on April 8, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The BSP in February kept its benchmark rate steady at a near 17-year high of 6.5% for a third straight meeting after it raised borrowing costs by 450 basis points from May 2022 to October 2023 to bring down elevated inflation.

Mr. Roces expects the peso to move between P56 and P56.50 per dollar this week, while Mr. Ricafort sees it ranging from P55.90 to P56.50. — A.M.C. Sy with Reuters

Stocks to move sideways before inflation report

The lobby of the Philippine Stock Exchange in Taguig City, Sept. 30, 2020. — REUTERS

PHILIPPINE STOCKS may continue to move sideways this week as investors await the release of key economic data.

On Wednesday, the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 0.07% or 5.36 points to close at 6,903.53, while the broader all shares index improved by 0.24% or 8.96 points to end at 3,607.51.

Week on week, the PSEi climbed by 0.31% or 21.56 points from its 6,881.97 close on March 22.

“Sideways trades characterized the sessions of this shortened trading week, closing the first quarter on a quiet note,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said in a market note last week.

For this week, the market will wait for the release of the March inflation report on Friday, Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

“For the 1st week of April, investors are expected to look towards upcoming economic data for clues. Primarily, investors are expected to watch out for the Philippines’ March inflation data. An inflation print significantly faster than February’s 3.4% may further temper hopes of monetary easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which in turn would negatively affect the local bourse,” he said.

“Investors may also take cues on the local economy’s health from the upcoming March S&P Global Philippines manufacturing purchasing managers’ index,” he added. 

A BusinessWorld poll of 17 analysts yielded a median estimate of 3.8% for March headline inflation. If realized, this would be faster than the 3.4% print in February, but slower than 7.6% in the same month a year ago.

This would also mark the second straight month that inflation picked up on a monthly basis but would be within the BSP’s 2-4% annual target for a fourth straight month.

Investors are also expected to monitor the performance of US markets, Mr. Tantiangco said.

“The record performances from Wall Street, if they continue, are expected to have positive spillovers to the local market. Eyes may also be on the peso, which has been exhibiting weakness against the dollar recently. A continuation of this weakening may weigh on sentiment,” he said.

Mr. Tantiangco put the PSEi’s major support at 6,800 and resistance at 7,000.

Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort placed the PSEi’s immediate minor support at 6,600-6,760.

“For the coming week, more market players return from the Holy Week holidays and would lead to more trading values and activities that would support the market,” Mr. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

For its part, 2TradeAsia.com put the PSEi’s immediate support at 6,800 and resistance at 7,000.

“The local bourse has been range-bound in the 6,800 to 7,000 zone. It is likely to stay here in the near term, pending strong impetus on the macro side,” the online brokerage said. —  R.M.D. Ochave

Philippines expected to ratify South Korea FTA by midyear

REUTERS

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES could ratify the free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea by the middle of the year, with no issues expected to arise from the deal, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the timeline takes into account the runup to the South Korean elections.

“The timeline (for the ratification) that we are looking at is by the middle of this year … Because South Korea is also preparing as they have an upcoming election,” Mr. Rodolfo told reporters last week.

South Korea will hold parliamentary elections on April 10 to select a new 300-member National Assembly, the country’s unicameral legislature.

The Philippines and South Korea signed the free trade deal in September after four years of negotiations.

Under the Philippine Constitution, international agreements and treaties require the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senate for ratification or to be effective.

Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri has said that the FTA was likely receive ratification in January this year. However, the Senate has not yet sponsored a resolution to ratify the agreement.

Asked if there are possible snags, Mr. Rodolfo said both sides produced a focused deal acceptable to both sides.

“We don’t expect any issue because the FTA with South Korea is very targeted and focused. And we know what we want and we also know what they want,” Mr. Rodolfo said.

“And we are also preparing ahead of it. For example, we are already tweaking the incentive regime for plantations so that the companies can take advantage of it,” he added.

Under the FTA, the Philippines will be granted tariff elimination on 1,531 lines of agricultural goods, of which 1,417 lines will be removed upon entry into force (EIF) of the bilateral FTA. Among the Philippines’ top goals are the export of more bananas, processed pineapple and other fruits to South Korea. 

Meanwhile, the FTA also led to tariff elimination for 9,909 lines of industrial goods, of which 9,747 lines are set for tariff elimination upon EIF as South Korea seeks to expand its automakers’ footprint in the Philippines.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines is very active in terms of development and technical cooperation,” Mr. Rodolfo said.

“This is not just on FTA, these cooperation activities that would allow us to take advantage of the FTA are already being undertaken ahead of the FTA,” he added.

The DTI entered a partnership with Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology to develop an origin management system and an artificial intelligence-enabled harmonized system (HS) classification tool that will enable exporters to determine the HS codes for their products.

The partnership will run until December 2025 and is known as the Origin Management System for the Promotion of FTAs in the Philippines project.

Marcos boosts maritime security as tensions with China escalate

REUTERS

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered agencies to boost coordination on maritime security to confront “a range of serious challenges” to territorial integrity and peace, as a sea dispute with China worsens.

“Despite efforts to promote stability and security in our maritime domain, the Philippines continues to confront a range of serious challenges that threaten territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos,” he said in Executive Order 57.

The order, which was released on Sunday, reorganized the 10-member National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) and renamed it to the National Maritime Council, which will still be headed by his executive secretary.

The order does not mention China but follows a series of confrontations and accusations between the two neighbors over disputed areas of the South China Sea.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce goes through. Its claims overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

A United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 voided China’s expansive claims for being illegal.

The latest flare-up occurred on March 23, when China used water cannon to disrupt a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal for soldiers guarding a warship intentionally grounded on a reef 25 years ago.

Last week, Mr. Marcos said his government would enforce countermeasures against “illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous attacks” by China’s coast guard and maritime militia within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the waterway.

His order expands the government’s maritime council by adding the national security adviser, solicitor general, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency chief and the South China Sea task force as members.

The order appears to expand the role of the military by naming the Armed Forces of the Philippines, not just the navy, among the agencies supporting the council.

The renamed National Maritime Council will be the central body to formulate strategies to ensure a “unified, coordinated and effective” framework for the Philippines’ maritime security and domain awareness.

‘FREE FROM FEAR’
Mr. Marcos increased the number of agencies supporting the council to 13 from nine, including the space agency and the University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea.

The late President Benigno S.C. Aquino III created the old National Coast Watch Council through an executive order in 2011, a year before a standoff with China over the Scarborough Shoal.

Mr. Marcos noted that despite efforts to promote stability within the Philippines’ maritime domain, the country continues to confront “serious challenges” that threaten its territorial integrity and Filipinos’ “fundamental right to live in peace and freedom, free from fear of violence and threat.”

Under the March 25 order, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea will get policy guidance from the President through the new council.

It also renamed the NCWC secretariat to the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, which will provide consultative, research, administrative and technical services to the new council.

The secretariat “may report directly to the President on critical and urgent matters and issues affecting the country’s maritime security and domain awareness.”

The President ordered agencies including the military, police, the Justice department, Customs, Immigration and Investigation bureaus to help the new council.

Mr. Marcos last week said a “countermeasure package” would be enforced in the coming weeks “in the face of illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by China’s coast guard and maritime militia.

He said his government has been in “constant communication” with allies in the international community.

Mr. Marcos said that while his country does not seek conflict with any nation, it will “not be cowed into silence, submission or subservience.” “Filipinos do not yield.”

“There is a clear indication now that Manila will be accelerating the utility of agreements forged with like-minded traditional and nontraditional partners in the realm of defense and maritime security cooperation,” Don Mclain Gill, who teaches international relations at De La Salle University in Manila, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Manila understands the multifaceted nature of Chinese belligerence and power projection in the West Philippine Sea,” he added, referring to areas of the South China Sea within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Mr. Marcos will meet with US President Joseph R. Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on Apr. 11 for their first-ever three-way summit.

They are expected to advance a trilateral partnership built on historical ties, growing economic relations, shared democratic values and a “shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” according to the White House.

“The three-way summit will set a gold standard on how other like-minded democratic nations will forge distinct alliances and strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region to test China’s belligerence and dangerous attacks,” said Chester B. Cabalza, founder of Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation.

“If this norm succeeds, Beijing will be pacified to follow legal and nonaggressive actions and to seek diplomacy by all means,” he said via Messenger chat. — with Reuters

House remains firm on ‘Cha-cha’ despite public resistance in Pulse poll

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

THE HOUSE of Representatives leadership reaffirmed its support for Charter change (“Cha-cha”) despite a Pulse Asia Research, Inc. poll last month showing 74% of Filipinos are against it regardless of timing.

Foreign ownership restrictions in power utilities, education and advertising must be lifted to attract foreign direct investments (FDI), Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David C. Suarez said in a statement on Sunday.

“Amendments to the Constitution can create a conducive environment for investment and innovation, driving economic growth and prosperity,” he said. “Ultimately, the intention behind economic ‘Cha-cha’ is to empower Filipinos and strengthen our economy.”

Seven of 10 Filipinos are against a proposal to change the 1987 Constitution, according to the results of Pulse Asia’s poll this month.

In a statement last week, the pollster said 74% of Filipinos did not see the need for Charter change regardless of timing.

This opinion is echoed by small to big majorities in the various areas and classes, it added.

It said 8% of Filipinos thought the Charter should be amended now, while another 8% were open to it under the next government.

Pulse Asia said 6% of Filipinos opposed constitutional amendments now but support it at some other time under the present government, while 4% were undecided.

Opposition to Charter change increased by 43% from last year.

“While we acknowledge the survey results, we cannot ignore the pressing issues that require legislative action,” Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose M. Dalipe said in the same statement.

The House push for constitutional amendments despite public opposition is rooted in the need to introduce policies that they will likely benefit from, Hansley A. Juliano, a lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Department of Political Science, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“For the longest time, our politicians have been taught that neoliberal and free trade policies are the only thing that works,” he told BusinessWorld. “It’s difficult to accept something in good faith from a politician who is likely to benefit from what he’s legislating.”

Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio D. Gonzales, Jr. in the same statement said the Constitution must be amended to “reflect the realities of today.”

The 1987 Constitution is “still viable today,” said Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a senior research fellow at the Ateneo’s Policy Center.

“The Constitution as a whole still reflects our values and principles,” he said via Messenger chat. “Why are the economic provisions no longer suitable today? None of the lawmakers claiming the Constitution is outdated has answered these questions.”

Senator seeks probe of taxes on cross-border services

DAVID ARROWSMITH-UNSPLASH

A PHILIPPINE senator has filed a resolution seeking to investigate the tax bureau’s imposition of a 25% withholding tax and 12% value-added tax (VAT) on cross-border services of foreign corporations, saying it could drive away businesses.

“This could hike the cost of doing business in the Philippines, which will further erode the country’s competitiveness in attracting foreign investors,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who filed Senate Resolution No. 955, said in a statement on Sunday.

He was referring to a Jan. 10 memo issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which imposed taxes on services rendered by nonresident foreign corporations.

In issuing the memo, the agency cited a Supreme Court (SC) decision that said satellite airtime-free payments are subject to final withholding tax.

“We need to carefully review the issuances of the BIR, which implements laws and Supreme Court decisions,” Mr. Gatchalian said. “We must ensure that these issuances do not go beyond the law and SC decision.”

The senator earlier filed a resolution that seeks an inquiry in aid of legislation into complaints made by foreign companies on a large volume of denied VAT refund claims.

Citing business groups, he said foreign companies might end up passing on their VAT and withholding tax payments to their clients.

Congress has approved a bill seeking to make paying tax easier by exempting micro-taxpayers from withholding tax and reducing penalties for smaller businesses. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Congressman slams call for Marcos to resign

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

A LEADER in the House of Representatives has scored a former House speaker for urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to resign amid escalating tensions with China over the South China Sea, saying the call reeks of “political maneuvering.”

“Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s remarks are not only defeatist but dangerously naive,” House Deputy Majority Leader Jude A. Acidre said in a statement at the weekend. “To suggest that President Marcos Jr. should resign in the face of aggression is to misunderstand the very essence of leadership and national sovereignty.”

The party-list congressman was reacting to Mr. Alvarez’s statement last Wednesday in which the latter suggested that Mr. Marcos should resign and leave the leadership in the hands of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio to de-escalate tensions with China.

Mr. Alvarez added that the Philippine government cannot afford to escalate tensions with China as the Philippines “cannot compete with China in terms of military strength.”

However, Mr. Acidre said the country should remain steadfast in its claim over contested waters in the South China Sea regardless of military capabilities. “We must stand firm in defending our territorial integrity and uphold our rights in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

Commenting on the matter, Ateneo de Manila University Political Science Lecturer Hansley A. Juliano said Mr. Marcos resignation will be disadvantageous to the Philippines regardless of his “flaws and democratic deficits.”

“To displace him is to further displace our current standing in the emerging regional tension, which will ultimately be disadvantageous to Philippine security interests,” he told BusinessWorld in a Facebook Messenger chat.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said in a statement that Mr. Alvarez’s underlying motive for issuing such statements must be questioned as “political strategies, not genuine concern for national welfare.”

“His (Mr. Alvarez’s) call for President Marcos Jr. to resign reflects only his pro-China stance and not any true concern for the plight of fellow Filipinos,” Mr. Adiong said.

Mr. Juliano said Mr. Alvarez’s statement has “zero credibility” as “he is essentially speaking like a mouthpiece of Mr. Duterte’s pro-China pivot.”

Mr. Alvarez, a close ally of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte, served as Speaker of the House from 2016 to 2018. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Marcos appoints nat’l police OIC

THE country’s No. 2 police official was assigned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Sunday as the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), pending the appointment of a permanent replacement to Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr. whose retirement has taken effect.

Designated as OIC of the PNP, through a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, was Lieutenant General Emmanuel B. Peralta, the PNP’s deputy chief for Administration.

Mr. Marcos in December last year extended the term of Mr. Acorda as PNP chief even as the latter reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. Mr. Acorda was first appointed to the post in April 2023.

A ceremonial turnover of command is scheduled at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday. 

Mr. Acorda, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, in November last year expressed hope that his successor would have a longer tour of duty to sustain projects of the police force.

“As far as I am concerned, a longer tour of duty would be better, especially because of the current system when it takes time to request for funds,” he said at that time.

Mr. Acorda stepped down amid mounting concern on deaths related to the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, with the Dahas project from the University of the Philippines Third World Studies Center reporting that there had been at least 10 drug-related killings from Mar. 16 to 23, eight of which were confirmed to have been committed by state agents.

It had recorded 165 drug-related deaths in the last six months of 2023, and 29 each in January and February 2024. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

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