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Napocor seeks ERC nod to use P335M for watersheds

THE National Power Corp. (Napocor) has sought regulatory approval to avail and use around P335.35 million from a component of the universal charge collected from consumers for its environmental function to rehabilitate watersheds.

In its application filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the state-led firm said its environmental projects for 2022 require the budget to address “uncontrolled deforestation” in watershed areas.

“For the past 20 years (2002-2022), [Napocor] continues to embark on nonstop greening initiatives in various watershed areas that gained acceptance and encouraged cooperation from stakeholders,” the government-owned and controlled corporation said.

Under Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), Napocor is entitled to the environmental charge collected from electricity users equivalent to one-fourth of one centavo per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity sales or P0.0025 per kWh.

The environmental charge is intended solely for watershed rehabilitation and management, which is a function of Napocor under existing arrangements. ERC is required to file with the ERC to avail of the funds collected from consumers.

In its filing docketed at the ERC on March 14, Napocor said it was granted in 1987 through an executive order complete jurisdiction, control and jurisdiction over five watershed areas surrounding the reservoir of plants or projects it constructed.

These areas are Upper Agno watershed reservation, Angat watershed reservation, Caliraya Lumot watershed reservation, Makiling-Banahaw geothermal reservation, Buhi-Barit watershed, and Tiwi geothermal reservation.

Aside from the six areas, Napocor also listed other areas under its 2022 rehabilitation program called “Plan 18,” namely: San Roque watershed (Lower Agno) and Lake Lanao-Pulangi watershed.

The universal charge is imposed for the recovery of the stranded debts, stranded contract costs of Napocor and stranded contract costs of eligible contracts of distribution utilities.

Aside from managing watersheds and water resources, the corporation is also mandated to provide electricity to rural areas, and to optimize the use of other power generating assets.

Dealing with sore throat

UNSPLASH

AT THE HEIGHT of the latest coronavirus wave in January, sore throat was regarded as a possible sign of having the highly transmissible Omicron variant — but it can actually be a symptom of other illnesses, meaning it has many probable remedies.

“Sore throat is a year-round ailment that Filipinos need to be wary of,” said otorhinolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) Dr. Teresa Luisa G. Cruz, who is also the director of the postgraduate institute of medicine at the University of the Philippines Manila, at a virtual discussion on March 8 organized by Bactidol, an oral gargling solution or lozenge manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.

She clarified that sore throat is often used as an umbrella term for various forms of throat-related pain and discomfort, ranging from viral and bacterial infections to irritation from allergies or acid reflux.

“It’s a common ailment, a common chief complaint to the clinics of general practitioners and ENT doctors all over the Philippines,” she said.

Based on how it’s described by the patient, a doctor can pinpoint the underlying cause of a sore throat. An itchy feeling in the throat, for instance, can arise from triggered allergies, whereas a tight feeling akin to choking can indicate acid reflux.

Behaviors observed prior to the sore throat are also quite telling, added Dr. Cruz. These include loud singing or speaking the day before pointing to vocal fatigue, or eating a lot of sweets and not drinking enough water being a sure irritant to the throat.

“Although infection is the most common cause of sore throat, there are other causes especially if it is not described as actual pain,” she said. The treatment then depends on what the diagnosis is.

If untreated, a sore throat could lead to serious problems, like rheumatic fever due to a bacterial infection of the tonsils or difficulty breathing brought about by airway blockage.

Dr. Cruz emphasized: “Home remedies like gargling saltwater or drinking ginger or honey tea offer symptomatic relief, but there’s no scientific basis that these will effectively treat a sore throat and its underlying cause.”

HEXETIDINE
A science-backed solution that is used to treat sore throat is hexetidine, an anti-bacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent that is the active ingredient in Bactidol.

“This means it protects against most bacteria and fungi,” she said. “It destroys these microorganisms’ cell walls and cell membranes.”

Dr. Cruz also noted that hexetidine is good to prescribe for infections rather than antibiotics, which tend to be abused: “[Antibiotics] may subject the patients to unwanted adverse effects and, on a global scale, may encourage antibiotic resistance. If we abuse them, there may come a time they might not be needed.”

Aside from relieving sore throat, Bactidol can kill up to 99.9% of sore throat-causing viruses within 30 seconds and protect against them for up to 12 hours, said Karlo S. Patron, senior marketing manager for self-care at Johnson & Johnson Philippines. It can also be used for oral healthcare and hygiene. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

SIDEBAR | Throat lozenges effective against viruses in laboratory study

The combination of Cetylpyridinium Chloride (Cl) and Benzydamine Hydrochloride (HCl) in the form of a throat lozenge was found to be effective in killing the coronavirus infection, according to the Steyer study conducted by the Microbiology and Immunology Institute of the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia in 2021.

The lozenges reduced viral concentration by 99.99% in as fast as one minute. This occurred under in-laboratory simulations of lozenge administration, adapted to mimic physiological conditions of the oral cavity.

“There’s still no conclusive evidence that lozenges are effective against coronavirus outside of that,” said Dr. Anthony C. Leachon, a doctor and former special adviser to the country’s pandemic task force, at a virtual discussion on March 16 hosted by Difflam, an analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment for the throat and mouth.

However, he added that, prior to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been common practice to prescribe lozenges and oral antiseptic containing Benzydamine HCl and Cetylpyridinium Cl for their anti-inflammatory effect.

Lagi nating inaalagaan ang (We always take care of the) portal of entry, which is usually the respiratory and oral cavity. You have to protect those particular anatomic organs,” he said. B. H. Lacsamana

Hidilyn Diaz collects her third PSA Athlete of the Year award

THREE-time awardee Hidilyn Diaz — PHILIPPINE STAR/ JUN MENDOZA

LOOKING every inch the star of the show in her aptly-colored gold dress, Hidilyn F. Diaz proudly accepted her third Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year accolade and fondly recalled how a dream pushed her to this path of excellence.

The same dream, the country’s first Olympic champion in history maintained, that could fuel her fellow Pinoy athletes moving forward to the next big battles.

“Naalala ko noon, pangarap ko lang dating makapunta dito sa PSA awards (rites). Little did I know na pangatlo (AOY recognition) ko na ngayon. Talagang walang imposible, ano?” Ms. Diaz said to applause from her fellow awardees, sports officials and attendees of the prestigious affair that returned to a face-to-face setting on Monday night at the Diamond Hotel.

“Ibig sabihin lang nito ay walang imposible at kaya nating mga Pilipino na manalo ng gold medal sa Olympics. Kung nagawa ko, kaya ng iba pang athletes. Sinimulan kong mangarap hanggang sa ginawan ko ng paraan para matupad ang ambisyon kong makakuha ng gold sa Olympics.”

The 31-year-old Ms. Diaz made way for the Philippines’ best showing in nearly a decade of Olympic participation in 2021 when she copped the coveted mint in the -55kg category in Tokyo.

Ms. Diaz was the perfect embodiment of a prospect who relentlessly pursued her dreams amid several setbacks, including an embarrassing campaign in the 2012 Games, financial limitations and the difficulties of training in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) times and succeeded.

“Hindi puwedeng walang pagsubok kasi yun ang magpapatibay sa atin. Okay lang kung ilang beses magkamali, ilang beses matalo. Ang mahalaga natututo tayo at bumabangon,” said the pride of Zamboanga, who was also bestowed the Milo Champion of Grit and Glory award.

“Kayang-kaya natin ito at naniniwala ako na marami pang Pilipino ang mananalo sa Olympics.”

Ms. Diaz was joined in the glitzy night by 38 other achievers, including Tokyo silver medalists Nesthy A. Petecio and Carlo Paalam and bronze medalist Eumir Felix D. Marcial, represented by his wife, Princess.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Bambol Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez were feted as Executive of the Year and Excellent in Leadership awardee, respectively.

“Ito po ay dedicated para sa athletes, coaches and officials. Nagsisimula pa lang po tayo. Mahaba pa po ang ating tatahakin. We have to move on,” said Mr. Tolentino.

“I am blessed to have been given the chance to be part of these milestones as one of the elders of these excellent Filipino athletes,” said Mr. Ramirez.

“It is my ardent prayer that while we bask in the glory of these achievements, we also keep in mind, and hopefully in our hearts, the more valuable wins sports taught us along the way – character, values and fortitude in spirit.”

Marking 60 years, Rolling Stones to go back on the road across Europe

SCREENSHOT FROM ROLLINGSTONES.COM

LONDON — The Rolling Stones will embark on a European tour this summer, playing stadiums and arenas, to mark their 60th anniversary as a band, the British rockers said on Monday.

Called SIXTY, the 14-show tour will kick off in Madrid on June 1 and travel to 10 countries in total, including Britain.

The band will perform at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, their first show in the British city for more than 50 years, as well as two concerts at London’s Hyde Park.

Frontman Mick Jagger, 78, and guitarists Keith Richards, 78, and Ronnie Wood, 74, will be joined by drummer Steve Jordan for the tour. The Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts, who joined the band in 1963, died last year aged 80.

“Looking forward to seeing you all this summer!” Mr. Jagger wrote on Twitter, alongside a video of the band performing live across the decades.

The set list will include Stones classics such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Paint It Black” among others as well as “a selection of unexpected tracks” from their vast catalogue of music, according to a press release. The tour will also have a new stage production.

The Stones, who wrapped up the North American leg of their No Filter tour in November, will also play in Munich, Amsterdam, Bern, Milan, Brussels, Vienna, Paris, and Stockholm. —  Reuters

LANDBANK’s loans to firms, cooperatives hit P30 billion

LAND BANK of the Philippines (LANDBANK) approved over P30 billion in loans as of January to help businesses and cooperatives recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The state-run bank lent P30.96 billion to 687 borrowers at end-January, LANDBANK said in a press release on Tuesday. The project, known as I-RESCUE (Interim REhabilitation Support to Cushion Unfavorably affected Enterprises by COVID-19), was launched in April 2020.

Broken down, loans went to 462 micro, small and medium enterprises, 115 cooperatives, 105 large enterprises, and five microfinance institutions.

They can borrow up to 85% of their emergency or permanent working capital needs. The program has an interest rate of 5% per year over three years, after which it is subject to repricing. The loan is payable in 10 years and has a two-year maximum grace period on the principal repayment.

The program “aims to provide credit and loan restructuring assistance to businesses adversely affected by the pandemic, under more flexible terms and conditions.” Borrowers may avail of the loans until the end of 2022.

“LANDBANK recognizes the crucial role of local businesses to ramp-up the country’s ongoing economic recovery,” LANDBANK President and Chief Executive Officer Cecilia C. Borromeo said.

“We will continue to provide timely and accessible credit assistance to serve their financial requirements amid the pandemic and beyond.”

As of end-January, the bank also approved P101.1 billion worth of loans to 365 local government units to finance coronavirus response initiatives.

LANDBANK posted a net profit of P21.75 billion in 2021, up 27%. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Best LGU health promotion programs named

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

In recognition of exemplary coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response and health promotion programs of local government units (LGUs), the first-ever Healthy Pilipinas Awards for Healthy Communities was held this March.  

An initiative led by the Department of Health (DoH), the awards recognized model LGU healthcare programs in seven priority areas defined in the DoH Health Promotion Framework Strategy.   

“A healthy community is any level of local government unit where the physical, social, political and economic factors that make up the environment of the population are promotive and protective of health; and where healthcare is available and accessible,” said DoH Health Promotion Bureau Director Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho.   

For the priority area of nutrition and physical activity, the winners were: Borbon, Cebu – Borbon Healthy Nanay and Bulilit; Canlaon, Negros Oriental – Multi-sectoral Approach in the Reduction of Malnutrition; Tandag City – First 1000 Days Program; Bayambang, Pangasinan – ECCD F1K Dietary Supplementation Program for Mothers; and Quezon City – GrowQC: Quezon City’s Inclusive and Sustainable Food Security and Healthy Public Food Procurement Program.  

For environmental health: Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur – OPLAN ZOD: Toilets for Every Juan; Quezon City – Camp Coordination and Camp Management Program; Carmen, Surigao del Sur – Kugi Uswag Carmen: Annual Search for Environmental and Sanitary Best Practices; Sta. Praxedes Rural Unit – Sapat na Palikuran, Sagot sa Malinis na Kapaligiran; and Borbon, Cebu – Borbon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health and Health Emergency Management Services.  

For immunization: Claveria, Cagayan – Immunization; Pampanga Provincial Health Office – Catch-up Immunization Campaign; Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay – Age-appropriate Immunizations; and Tacloban City – Immunization (COVID-19 Vaccines, Anti-flu, and Pneumococcal for Senior Citizen).   

For substance abuse prevention: Cagayan de Oro City – Rehabilitation and Aftercare: Kontra Droga; Ilagan City – Social Advocacy Group and Integration Program (SAGIP); Tacloban City Government – New Beginnings; Antique Province – Tobacco Control Program; and Consolacion Cebu – Community Based Rehabilitation Program.  

For mental health: Ilocos Sur – This Book is so Boring – A Self-Care Journal; Baguio City – Mental Health Program; Borbon, Cebu – Mental Health Warriors; Quezon City – Your Mental Health Matters: The Quezon City Community-Based Mental Health Program; and Bohol – Laum Bohol Program: A Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness.  

For sexual and reproductive health: Cagayan de Oro City – Teensights: Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Health Insights (Online Campaign); Cabuyao, Laguna – Talk Show with Dra. David at Cabuyao on Air (Population Health and Development); Puerto Princesa City – Sustaining Reproductive Health Services Gearing Towards Population and Development; San Fernando, Camarines Sur – Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH); and Dumaguete City – Sexual and Reproductive Health Promoting Positive Sexual and Reproductive Health in Dumaguete City.   

For violence and injury prevention: Valenzuela City – Juana Be Wais: Communicating Violence Prevention; Iloilo City – Iloilo City Bike Lanes; and Lapu-Lapu City – Violence and Injury Prevention Program.  

In addition to the priority areas, COVID-19 prevention was also included. Named best LGUs were Baguio City – Baguio BIDA Solusyon Award for COVID-19 Prevention Programs; Legazpi City – The Legazpi COVID-19 Vaccination Program 2021; San Juan City – Ako ay San Juaneño, Bakunado at Protektado: San Juan City Vaccination Information Dissemination Program; and Bataan Province – Bataan Vax; and Guimaras Province – Usapang Bakuna with Barangay Health Workers.   

The honorable mentions or the “BIDA Awardees” were San Juan City – COVID-19 Prevention (Minimum Public Health Standards) Program; Ilagan City – Prepare Ilagan (Pandemic Response Program and Recovery of the City of Ilagan); and Biñan City – Sa Lungsod ng Biñan, Bida ang May Bakuna Campaign.   

“More than a competition, we want everyone to remember this event as a recognition of the initiatives and activities of LGUs in health promotion. Undoubtedly, many of our kababayans benefited from these programs. Indeed, through our concerted efforts, achieving a Healthy Pilipinas is truly within reach,” said Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire.  

 

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

F2 debut at PVL Open Conference

DEFENDING champion Chery Tiggo begins its quest for a title repeat while F2 Logistics makes its highly-anticipated debut against different opponents in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.

The Crossovers, without reigning MVP Jaja Santiago for now, take on Cignal in the main game at 6 p.m. after the Cargo Movers’ first taste of PVL action at 3 p.m. against Black Mamba Army.

Ms. Santiago is still in Japan serving as import for Saitama Ageo Medics but good thing for Chery Tiggo, it will have Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Mylene Paat at helm following their arrival in time from Thailand over the weekend.

But all eyes will be on F2, which will finally have a chance to square it off against the country’s finest clubs after sitting out the PVL’s inaugural pro season last year due to injuries.

Filipina-American ace Kalei Mau with national team mainstays Aby Maraño, Dawn Macandili and Majoy Baron headline the decorated F2 squad that is out to carry over its winning tradition to the PVL.— John Bryan Ulanday

Cargo transport company wins tax case vs BIR

THE Court of Tax Appeals granted the appeal of a cargo transportation company to set aside its deficiency taxes for the calendar year 2009.

In a 33-page resolution dated March 14, the court ruled that the formal demand letter of the commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was void. The appellate court also directed the BIR to refrain from further action related to the collection of the said taxes.

Executive International Movers, Inc., the petitioner, is a domestic company engaged in the general business of cargo and freight forwarding.

The court said the appeal filed by the company was timely submitted, giving it jurisdiction to decide over the case.

“The revenue officers who continued to audit investigation of petitioner were not authorized by a valid Letter of Authority; hence, the resulting tax assessments are void,” the court said in its ruling.

The revenue officers initially in charge of assessing the accounting books of the company were authorized by a letter of authority by a BIR regional director.

However, the revenue officers who were assigned to continue the examination of the company’s books of accounting were only ordered through a memorandum of assignment without a letter of authority.

The tax court cited the country’s tax code, which provides that to grant a revenue officer authority to conduct tax collections and assessments, a letter of authority issued by regional directors and commissioners of the BIR is required.

“The Reassignment or Transfer of a Revenue Officer requires the issuance of a new or amended Letter of Authority for the Substitute or Replacement Revenue Officer to continue audit or Investigation,” the court said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Arts & Culture (03/16/22)

Escuela Taller’s conservation work on the La Loma Chapel

La Loma chapel facade conservation done by March

AFTER EIGHT months of work, Escuela Taller says that its conservation work on the La Loma cemetery chapel’s façade is expected to be finished by the end of March. In a statement, Jeffrey Cobilla, architect and head of Escuela Taller’s conservation team, said that the completion of the chapel’s facade reaffirms Escuela Taller’s work in advancing preventive conservation in the country as well as its mission to give employment to heritage workers, particularly the graduates of Escuela Taller who were former out of school youth. Together with the Diocese of Kalookan, Escuela Taller launched the project in June 2021 and officially started work in July last year. The conservation team removed destructive vegetation that had crept into the masonry, removed the cement plaster that once covered the building, rehabilitated and replaced deteriorated and damaged masonry, and replaced lost details of the facade. Escuela Taller also removed safety hazards in the cupola. In the same statement, Fr. Paul Woo, Director of the Diocesan Commission on Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Kalookan, said, “At present, the Diocese is on its way to publish a coffee table book that traces the beginnings of the Catholic Faith in the Diocese. Efforts are also now directed to look for more sponsors, benefactors, and other assistance needed to make way for the conservation of the left and right sides of the church.”

Korean Cultural Center finds a new home

THE KOREAN Cultural Center (KCC) has moved to a new and larger building at 59 Bayani Rd., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. On the ground floor is a permanent interactive cultural exhibit that features hansik (Korean food), Hangul (Korean language), the hanbok (Korean national costume), and Korean tourist destinations. The mezzanine houses KCC’s library of 6,000 books and media resources related to Korean culture. Classrooms for Korean language, painting, and other Korean culture-related classes and activities are on the second floor. KCC provides free Korean language lessons as well as Korean culture classes to interested Filipinos. There is also a common area outside the classrooms where students can interact with each other. The K-Studio and the cooking classroom are both located on the third floor where students may learn (for free) sports, dances, and how to cook Korean food. Taekwondo uniforms, musical instruments, as well as costumes are stored there for free use by students. Guests may also rent the space for any event related to Korean culture. The fifth floor is where KCC’s exhibits and art installments are located. This year, it houses the first kinetic media art installation in the Philippines, entitled Punghwa: Light of ASEAN, created by the Korean interactive design group SILO Lab. The tentative opening of the building to the public is on March 25. For details visit KCC’s official social media pages: Facebook (@KoreanCulturalCenterPH), Twitter, Instagram, YouTube (@KCCPHIL), and website at https://phil.korean-culture.org/.

Book and exhibit launch of Brave New World

A PROJECT initially created to help artists make a living despite the COVID-19 quarantine has culminated in an exhibit and a coffee-table book. A collection of more than 400 works by over 300 artists was created. The culmination of these efforts is the book, Brave New World. The artists were asked about the role of art in times of crisis. The featured works also bear witness to the new reality of struggle to survive and work. Many artists also sought to honor frontliners as modern-day heroes. The book launch and exhibit opening will be on March 16, 6 p.m., at the Art Lounge Manila in The Podium. Featured artists in the coffee table book include Max Balatbat, Anton Del Castillo, Brave Mabalo Singh, John Paul Antido, Renz Baluyot, Kim Hamilton Sulit, Renato Barja, Jr., Wesley Valenzuela, Michael Villagante, Charlie Co, Antipas Delotavo, Angelito Antonio, Norma Belleza, Michael Cacnio, Ramon Orlina, Demi Padua, Winner Jumalon, Jojit Solano, Joel “Welbart” Bartolome, Sid Natividad, Chelsea Theodossis, Jomike Tejido, Manix Abrera, Roel Obemio, and Alfredo Esquillo, to name a few.

ARTablado celebrates Women’s Month

ARTABLADO presents the works of seven women artists of the group Kontemporaryo, all educators with different advocacies for women and young artists. The main theme of ARTablado this year is “Boundless,” while the theme on International Women’s Day Celebration in March is on “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” The exhibit, “Kababaihan sa Sentro,” is about women, by women, and for women. The exhibit will run from March 16-31 to celebrate Women’s Month. Robinsons Land’s ARTablado, is at Level 3 Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Quezon City. The exhibiting artists are: Arlene De Castro-Añonuevo, Mary Rajelyn Busmente, Cynthia Leyson, Dara Solevilla, Sandra Torrijos, Bernadette Solina-Wolf, and Riza Zuñiga.

Dance in the time of pandemic webinar

YOUNG dance artists will discuss diverse choreographic choices and creative philosophies in choreography during the pandemic in a free webinar-forum entitled “From Us to You: Checking In on the Dance Community,” on March 18, 5 p.m. The talks are free and open to the public and will be conducted online via Zoom. Hosted by the Arts and Culture Cluster of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the sessions highlight the artistic practice as a core human need and investigates the significant role of advocacy, leadership, equity and mentorship within an ethos of community care. Interested participants may register through https://tinyurl.com/5ftfppc7.

How PSEi member stocks performed — March 15, 2022

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.


Philippines ranks 101st in global citizenship list

Philippines ranks 101<sup>st</sup> in global citizenship list

PCGG: Tax cases vs Marcoses resolved long ago

EX-PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand E. Marcos and his family at the presidential palace on the day of his 1965 inaugural. — MALACANANG.GOV.PH

THE FAMILY of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos still owes the government billions of pesos in estate and income taxes, according to the agency tasked to recover ill-gotten wealth of Mr. Marcos and his cronies, as it debunked a claim that the tax case was still under litigation.

In a letter, the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) on Tuesday noted that as early as 1993, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had issued its final assessment when it levied and sold 11 Marcos properties in Tacloban City.

“As early as 1997, the judgment on the tax case had become final and executory,” PCGG Chairman John A. Agbayani said in the letter-reply to Aksyon Demokratiko Chairman Ernesto M. Ramel, Jr., who had sought clarification on the tax lawsuit.

Aksyon Demokratiko, the political party of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso, who is running against Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. in this year’s presidential race, provided reporters with a copy of the PCGG letter.

Mr. Ramel in a March 9 letter to PCGG earlier sought clarification whether the government had reached a deal on the taxes.

If there was indeed a deal, PCGG must disclose the details because these are a “matter of public interest,” he said. “If your answer is ‘No,’ then this is another proof that the camp of Marcos, Jr. has again lied as they always do in so many issues about their family, including their ill-gotten wealth.”

He said the Marcos family’s refusal to settle the taxes is a clear demonstration of “abuse of power, disregard for the laws enforced by the government and lack of respect for citizens who religiously pay the taxes imposed on them.”

Marcos lawyer and spokesman Victor D. Rodriguez did not immediately reply to a text message seeking comment.

He earlier said the pieces of property subject to the tax were still under litigation. He also said PCGG and BIR had agreed to wait for a decision on the case before collections were enforced.

In its letter, PCGG said there was a “verbal understanding” between it and BIR to collect estate taxes on all Marcos assets except those that had been seized by the government, as well as Swiss funds in escrow.

“It may not be accurate to state that the said agreement was ‘to determine with accuracy the fair and just tax base to be used in computing estate taxes, if any’ because as early as 1993, BIR already executed its final assessment when it levied and sold 11 real properties in Tacloban City,” it said.

PCGG said BIR in 1991 assessed the estate of Ferdinand Marcos P23.29 billion in estate taxes, P184.16 million in unpaid income taxes of Mr. Marcos and his wife Imelda for 1985 and 1986 and P20,410 in unpaid income taxes against the dictator for 1982 to 1985.

In 1993, BIR levied and auctioned off 11 Marcos properties in Tacloban after the family failed to file an administrative protest. The lots were awarded to the state in the absence of bidders, PCGG said.

The Supreme Court in 1997 denied a plea by Marcos, Jr. to void the levies as it ruled the tax assessments had become final and unappealable.

The P23-billion estate tax had ballooned to P203.8 billion due to interests and penalties after the Marcoses refused to pay it, Mr. Ramel said in a Viber message, citing computations by retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio T. Carpio in a Sept. 30, 2021 column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“Twenty-four years after the Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals decision, the Marcos heirs still have not paid the estate tax,” Mr. Carpio said at that time.

The former magistrate has called the supposed agreement “wrong, a falsehood and laughable.” “There is no such thing,” he told GMA News last week, adding that the Supreme Court ruling on the case had become final.

The younger Mr. Marcos, who is leading in presidential opinion polls, was convicted in 1995 for failing to pay taxes from 1982 to 1985 when he was governor and vice governor of Ilocos Norte.

The Commission on Elections has dismissed several lawsuits seeking to disqualify him from the presidential race, saying his failure to file income tax returns did not involve wicked, deviant behavior. At least five of the six dismissed cases were under appeal.

The Ateneo de Manila University’s Martial Law Museum last year said the Marcos family and their allies continue to benefit from the billions of pesos stolen from public coffers during his father’s dictatorship and “they continue to escape accountability for their actions.”

The dictator stole as much as $10 billion (P503 billion) from the Filipino people, according to government estimates, earning him a Guinness World Record for the “greatest robbery of a government.”

PCGG, created in 1987 to recover ill-gotten wealth of the family and their cronies, has recovered about P171 billion. — Norman P. Aquino and Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza