Senate urged to probe smuggled carrots from China

October 11, 2021 | 8:10 pm

A SENATOR has filed a resolution seeking an investigation of smuggled carrots from China.

The smuggling threatens the income and livelihood of local farmers, particularly those in Benguet province, Senator Leila M. de Lima said in Senate Resolution 924.

In a statement, she also cited the need to make local farmers more efficient in production. “It is also necessary to strengthen trade laws and agreements, protect local producers and consumers and stabilize the price of agricultural products in the local market.”

A large volume of smuggled carrots continues to flood local markets every time prices in Benguet rose, Ms. De Lima said, citing a local cooperative. The price of smuggled carrots from China was P25 a kilo compared with the P50 wholesale price in Benguet, she added.

“Such illegal practice hampers not just the livelihoods of the workers in the food and agricultural sectors, but of every Filipino in the long-run,” she said. “It cripples our efforts towards self-sufficiency in local food supplies.” — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Former Health chiefs, medical groups back Senate probe on pandemic supplies

October 11, 2021 | 8:09 pm

FORMER HEALTH secretaries have joined the call of more than 40 medical groups urging President Rodrigo R. Duterte to allow his Cabinet members to participate in the ongoing Senate investigation into the government’s questionable deals on pandemic supplies.

In a petition led by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), medical groups called on Mr. Duterte to “not obstruct testimony of material witnesses to any investigation” of alleged anomalies in the Department of Health’s procurement of overpriced medical goods.

“We call on all government officials to support the call for truth, ensure that the wheels of justice grind swiftly and surely, and provide testimony when sought,” they said in the letter addressed to the government.

In a virtual news briefing, former Department of Health secretary Esperanza I. Cabral said that she and three other former health chiefs have signed the petition.

A separate letter released by the PCP after the briefing — which supported the Senate’s investigation of alleged corrupt state activities — was signed by Paulyn Ubial, Mr. Duterte’s first Health secretary, and former Health chiefs Carmencita Reodica, Manuel M. Dayrit, and Enrique T. Ona.

Ex-health undersecretaries Suzy Pineda, Juan Pablo Nañagas, and Madeleine de Rosas-Valera were also signatories to the strongly-worded statement.

Last week, Mr. Duterte signed a memorandum directing Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and other members of the Cabinet to ignore summons of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is chaired by Richard J. Gordon.

He said that the Senate panel’s investigation hampers the government’s pandemic response since officials will have to participate in hearings that usually last for hours.

The tough-talking leader warned senators that he will send them to jail if they cite Cabinet members in contempt.

“We demand transparency, exigency, and accountability,” PCP President Maricar Limpin said in Filipino.

The medical groups also urged the Department of Justice to conduct an “immediate impartial and thorough” investigation. They also called on the Office of the Ombudsman to file appropriate charges to those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General asserted that Mr. Duterte’s directive is valid.

In a statement sent to reporters Sunday night, it said the hearings “are not in aid of legislation” as there is no “clear and specific piece of legislation that the investigation seeks to aid.”

The SolGen’s office said further that the alleged irregularities in question already have existing penalties in the law, but that prosecution and conviction for such “are within the domain of the Executive and Judiciary, not province of the Senate” as stated in the Philippine Constitution. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Solon proposes return of Petron to gov’t ownership

October 11, 2021 | 8:03 pm

A LAWMAKER from the progressive Makabayan bloc is proposing that the national government buy back Petron Corp. to help control the continuous hike in oil prices, which has been prompted by increasing global crude oil prices.

“Petron Corporation which used to be state-owned and controlled, is currently the largest and the only publicly listed oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines and it would have a significant effect in mitigating oil price hikes,” said Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate in a statement.

Mr. Zarate pushed for congressional consideration and approval of House Bill 244 or the proposed Petron Renationalization Act.

Under the bill, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) should acquire a majority stake or 51% of subscribed stocks of Petron upon the first year of its effectivity, if signed into law.

The PNOC should reacquire 100% full ownership of the company within a period of four years. This will mean that Petron would have to delist from the stock exchange once the government takes full stake of the company.

Reacquisition funds will be sourced from annual budget appropriations. Secondary funding can also come from the earnings of the PNOC from its increasing stake of Petron during its reacquisition.

In the first year of the law’s effectivity, P4 billion would be appropriated for the initial repurchase of Petron stocks by the government.

Following the proposed takeover, Petron should adopt a pricing policy to keep its crude oil and petroleum products sold to consumers as “socially and economically viable as possible” and to raise and promote the local capacity for exploration and development of petroleum, among others.

Petron was initially privatized in 1994 through a deal with PNOC and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company through a stock purchase agreement which gave a 40% stake of the company to the oil producer.

The industry was deregulated through Republic Act 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998 in a bid to stabilize and provide reasonable oil prices and encourage competition and investment in firms, among others.

Local fuel prices will increase on Tuesday for the seventh consecutive week.

Domestic diesel prices had a total increase of P15.00 per liter year-to-date while gasoline also hiked by P16.55 per liter, according to data from the Department of Energy.

BusinessWorld has reached out to Petron for comment on the proposal but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

Shares in Petron went up by 4.72% or 16 centavos to finish at P3.55 per share on Monday. — Russell Louis C. Ku

Senate committee again asks for report on Starpay cash aid distribution

October 11, 2021 | 8:03 pm

Cash-aid-distribution-PHILSTAR-EDDGUMBAN — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE SENATE Finance committee asked the social welfare department to submit a report containing details on the cash aid distribution made through Starpay Corp. as questions on alleged unaccounted funds were again raised on Monday.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Katrina Grace C. Ongoco told the budget hearing that Starpay was assigned to distribute P50 billion of the pandemic cash assistance last year, of which P8 billion was reverted back to the agency.

Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao, who questioned the contract in July, again pointed out that the financial service provider could not have possibly distributed the P42 billion as only 800,000 beneficiaries had downloaded the Starpay application, when it was responsible for 6.9 million.

Assistant Secretary Glenda D. Relova explained that part of the funds covered under the Starpay contract were distributed through manual payout, which was why the app did not need to be downloaded.

StarPay, in a statement on July 5, said it already returned to DSWD the amount that were not distributed or claimed, and the rest were fully accounted for. “We have already liquidated the funds given to us and have refunded the amount for the unserved beneficiaries,” it said.

Under the Bayanihan I law in response to the coronavirus pandemic, a cash aid under the Special Amelioration Program provided P5,000 to P8,000 per month, depending on the area of residence, to low-income families for two months. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Residents evacuated as storm Maring dumps heavy rain in northern Luzon

October 11, 2021 | 8:03 pm

Typhoon Maring — CAGAYAN RESPONDERS/CAGAYAN PIO

RESIDENTS in several villages in the province of Cagayan in northern Philippines were pre-emptively evacuated or rescued as heavy rains brought by storm Maring, with international name Kompasu, triggered flooding, landslides and river overflow.

The Cagayan provincial government said among the towns where families were evacuated include Baggao and Gonzaga.

As of weather bureau PAGASA’s bulletin at 5 p.m. Monday, tropical cyclone wind signal #2 — which means damaging gale-force to storm-force winds — was up in Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

A lower wind signal #1 was up in other Luzon areas.

“Under the influence of the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Severe Tropical Storm Maring, monsoon rains are possible over Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro in the next 24 hours,” PAGASA said.

Maring, the 13^th typhoon to enter the Philippine area this year, is forecasted to be out by Tuesday.

“This tropical cyclone may reach typhoon category tomorrow evening while moving over the West Philippine Sea. Weakening will likely take place on Wednesday afternoon as it interacts with the landmass of southern China,” PAGASA said. — MSJ

QC starts dry run of no-contact traffic violation apprehension system

October 11, 2021 | 8:02 pm

QC-no-contact-apprehension-PHILSTAR-MICHAELVARCAS — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE QUEZON CITY government launched on Monday its no-contact apprehension system for road violations, but no penalties will be imposed yet during the dry run for the first 30 days.

“Road safety is our priority in Quezon City and with the launch of NCAP (No Contact Apprehension Program), we commit to putting the safety of our constituents first and ensure also the safety of motorists passing through the city by strictly enforcing local traffic rules and regulations at all times,” Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte said in a statement.

After the test run, violators will be fined P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 – P4,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense depending on the type of violation.

The NCAP will use cameras “with artificial intelligence technology to capture, photograph, and record the conduction stickers and plate numbers of vehicles in violation of traffic rules and regulations,” the local government said.

A notice of violation will be sent to the car owner’s address within 14 days from the infraction date and payment of the fine will have to be made within 30 days.

“This is very timely during the pandemic also because it will lessen the face-to-face interaction between traffic enforcers and motorists and will therefore decrease the risk of viral transmission. Mawawala na din yung pakiusapan at ayusan (We will also eliminate potential bribery) with traffic enforcers and all motorists shall be encouraged to follow all traffic rules and regulations,” said Elmo San Diego, the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety head.

A no-contact system is also being implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, which mainly covers major thoroughfares in the capital region such as EDSA. — MSJ

SC affirms CA decision vs psychologically abusive husband

October 11, 2021 | 8:02 pm

supreme-court-philstar — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE SUPREME Court (SC) has affirmed the 2018 decision of the appellate court to convict a psychologically abusive husband who evicted his wife and children from their house and lived with another woman.

In its decision promulgated on Oct. 7, the SC held that such is a violation of Republic Act (RA) 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

The respondent was sentenced to a minimum of six months and one day to eight years and one day of imprisonment, payment of P100,000, and mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment.

The husband appealed the case before the High Court, citing that he was innocent and that not all the elements of psychological violence under RA 9262 were duly established.

The High Court said, however, that the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the decision of a Zambales Regional Trial Court that first held the husband guilty of psychological violence, “committed no reversible error in affirming the conviction of (the) petitioner” as “all the elements of the crime charged were duly established.” — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Magnolia seeks to close out Meralco in semifinal series

October 11, 2021 | 7:14 pm

Paul-Lee-(2) — HOLDING a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of seven PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series, the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots seek to close out the Meralco Bolts at the first instance when they collide anew for Game Five on Wednesday. — PBA IMAGES

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

CURRENTLY holding a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of seven Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinal series, the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots seek to close out the Meralco Bolts at the first instance when they collide anew for Game Five on Wednesday.

The Hotshots moved on the cusp of barging into the finals of the Philippine Basketball Association All-Filipino tournament by taking Game Four, 81-69, in another grind-it-out encounter on Sunday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Magnolia turned to its defense to make it even tougher for already-undermanned Meralco, never allowing the Bolts to get their game going the way they wanted to right from the start.

Mark Barroca paced the steady and balanced attack of the Hotshots, finishing with 17 points and six assists en route to winning player of the game honors.

Now in a solid position to end the series, the Hotshots intend to do so immediately and not give Meralco any hopes of coming back.

“We have a great advantage right now and we should not give it away. We’ll take it (Game Five) whatever it takes,” Mr. Barroca said in Filipino in the press conference following their Game Four win.

They, however, admit that it is not going to be easy as Meralco is expected to put up a solid fight to keep their tournament hopes alive.

“Closing a series is tough. So we have to triple our efforts than the one we showed today to complete our goal,” said Mr. Barroca.

“We need to recharge mentally and physically for the next game. Meralco will show more effort that is for sure,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, for his part, said.

In the pivotal Game Four win, Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang also stepped up big, finishing with double-doubles. Mr. Abueva had 17 points and 12 rebounds while Mr. Sangalang had 17 and 11.

Jio Jalalon was the other Hotshots in double-digits in scoring with 10 points.

Veteran Reynel Hugnatan, meanwhile, led the Game Four thrust of the Bolts with 21 points and nine rebounds. Cliff Hodge and Chris Newsome scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Meralco played sans big man Raymond Almazan, who injured his ankle previously.

If they succeed in fashioning out a closeout, the Hotshots return to the PBA finals for the first time since 2019, where they lost to the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Cup Finals in seven games.

Magnolia was last PBA champion in 2018 in the Governors’ Cup.

Saso slides to finish joint fourth at Cognizant Founders Cup in New Jersey

October 11, 2021 | 7:14 pm

FILIPINA golfer Yuka Saso slid to joint fourth place at the conclusion of the Cognizant Founders Cup at West Caldwell, New Jersey, early Monday morning (Manila time).

The 20-year-old Filipino Olympian carded a 1-under 70 in the final round of play at the Mountain Ridge Country Club to take her total to 10-under 274, good for fourth and tied with Korean Jeongeun Lee6.

Jin Young Ko of Korea took the title with a four-round total of 18-under 266, with Germany’s Caroline Masson (14-under 270) and American Elizabeth Szokol (11-under 273) coming in at second and third place, respectively.

Entering the fourth round, Ms. Saso, the reigning US Women’s Open champion, was joint second place with three other players.

Her final assault to the top hit a snag early when she double-bogeyed on the par-4 third hole.

She tried to make up for it after, firing four birdies — eighth, 11^th, 13^th and 15^th holes — the rest of the way, but just could not overhaul the distance the leaders had built to eventually settle for fourth. The fourth place finish bettered Ms. Saso’s 19^th place ending in her previous tournament at the ShopRite Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Classic also in New Jersey.

It was also her fourth finish in the top 5 out of eight starts since winning the US Women’s Open title in June.

Another Filipina golfer, Dottie Ardina, meanwhile, placed at joint 33^rd, built on a four-round total of 3-under 281. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Team Lakay staying patient amid limited opportunities due to the COVID pandemic

October 11, 2021 | 7:14 pm

THE coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has effectively limited opportunities for combat sports athletes to showcase what they can do, but Baguio-based Team Lakay is staying the course, being patient as it awaits the return of events on a wider scale.

The noted mixed martial arts group, which at least has a dozen of its athletes playing in ONE Championship, has seen chances to compete narrowed for the time being with different promotions having to limit their events in accordance with various restrictions related to the pandemic.

It has not been easy, Team Lakay coach and founder Mark Sangiao said, but collectively they are managing, anchored on their passion for what they are doing.

“The current situation with the pandemic is really tough,” said Mr. Sangiao in a recent press briefing with local sports journalists.

“As a coach, I always motivate them. I always tell them to continue to be passionate… Whether you have a fight or not, you have to continue training. Good thing, they are listening and following my advice and they continue to train,” he added.

Since the pandemic hit last year, only a handful of Team Lakay fighters have seen action or had more than one fight, mostly in ONE Championship.

These include reigning ONE world strawweight champion Joshua Pacio, former champs Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon and Geje Eustaquio, young veterans Lito Adiwang and Jeremy Pacatiw and female fighter Jenelyn Olsim.

Mr. Sangiao said they completely understand the situation and are still thankful for the opportunities given to them amid the prevailing conditions, but he also said he feels for their fighters.

“I was also an athlete once and I know they are raring to see action. And they ask me when they can fight. So I share my experiences, try to motivate them so they will understand,” he said.

The Team Lakay head, however, went on to say they are confident that things will eventually improve and the likes of Honorio Banario, Danny Kingad, Edward Kelly, Stephen Loman and new ONE signee Jhanlo Sangiao will get to see action on a regular basis.

“Just be patient and continue working, eventually it will come,” Mr. Sangiao said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Nike builds home courts for next generation of Filipinas

October 11, 2021 | 7:13 pm

IN celebration of International Day of the Girl on Oct. 11, Nike, in partnership with local nongovernment organization (NGO) Girls Got Game, unveiled restored and refurbished courts at Sacred Heart Academy School in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

The project was part of its goal of inspiring women around the world by giving them spaces to learn, grow and have fun, while increasing access to play and sport opportunities.

The courts were designed by artist and illustrator Jill Arteche, who is known for celebrating Filipina culture through her artwork.

“Kids are made to play, yet many in the Philippines, particularly young girls, do not have access to sports. Nike and Girls Got Game are investing in the future of kids by giving them access to tools and training they need for success, building confidence on and off the court by exposing them to positive female role models and breaking down barriers to create inclusive communities,” said Jino Ferrer, country marketing manager, Nike Philippines, of their latest project.

“We hope to inspire the next generation of Filipina girls to view the refurbished courts as a symbol of their goals and dreams and that accomplishing these, however small, is what brings a sense of achievement,” he added.

Illustrated on the outdoor court, which represents the “Now,” are the young girls learning sports like volleyball, basketball, rugby and football while the indoor court features the young girls’ ambitions of the “Future” by becoming doctors, leaders and athletes, a reminder that their dreams are within reach.

For Mariana Lopa, managing director of Girls Got Game, there is no denying that “sport has the power to transform a person, a community and even the world,” which is why they are taking special pride with their partnership with Nike.

She went on to say that women have the power to be change-makers, too, something they make it a point to highlight in their sports clinics.

“Through our sports clinics, we coach them to build confidence and realize their full potential so they can have an equitable future,” Ms. Lopa said.

Girls Got Game sports camps have so far helped more than 2,500 young girls across the Philippines in the 10-14 year old age group who come primarily from economically challenged households.

Just like much of affairs in sports, Girls Got Game was made to adapt with the pandemic, launching the “GGG Club” wherein it conducts sports camps online.

Both Nike and Girls Got Game view the home court as bringing a shift towards the future of sports as it will be a permanent safe place where aspiring Filipina athletes can socialize, express themselves freely and experience the joys of sport.

The International Day of the Girl is celebrated by the United Nations. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Christian Vazquez hits walk-off blast in 13^th as Red Sox trim Rays

October 11, 2021 | 7:13 pm

CHRISTIAN Vazquez hit a two-run homer with one out in the bottom of the 13^th inning as the Boston Red Sox got a walk-off win over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays (6-4) in Game 3 of their American League Division Series (ALDS) on Sunday.

Vazquez smacked the first pitch he saw from Rays reliever Luis Patino (0-1) into the Green Monster seats in left-center field after Hunter Renfroe drew a one-out walk. Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta (1-0) earned the win after striking out seven over four scoreless innings of relief.

“I just gave it my all,” Pivetta said. “My energy shows what this means and what this means to our team.”

Boston took a 2-1 lead in the series and can close out the best-of-five set in Game 4 on Monday night, also at Fenway Park. The game coincides with the twice-postponed 125^th Boston Marathon, and the Red Sox traditionally host a late-morning game on the day of the Marathon.

Tampa Bay nearly took the lead in the top of the 13^th after Kevin Kiermaier’s double hit off the short wall in right field and bounced over the wall after it ricocheted off the right fielder Renfroe. After a review, Kiermaier was awarded a ground-rule double -— holding Yandy Diaz at third base. Diaz would have scored had the ball stayed in play.

Renfroe said he “was actually going for the catch, happened to look up, the wall was right there… Thankfully it bounced over the fence.”

Kiermaier called the play “a heartbreaker.”

“I’m still, I’m just in awe right now,” he said right after the game. “You know, that’s the ruling. The umpires explained it to me, so I can’t go against that. The rules are what they are. But man, that’s a heartbreaker. I can’t believe that happened or we don’t get the chance to score right there.”

Boston’s Enrique Hernandez (3 for 6) hit a first-inning single, a tying RBI single in the third and a solo homer in the fifth inning, which gave him his franchise-record seventh consecutive postseason hit in as many plate appearances.

Hernandez went 5-for-6 with a solo homer and three RBIs in the Red Sox’s 14-6 win Friday in Game 2 at Tampa Bay. He became the first player to record eight hits over a two-game span during a single postseason.

Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi allowed two runs over five innings, giving up three hits and a walk while striking out eight to match his playoff career high set Oct. 5 in the AL wild card win over the New York Yankees.

Austin Meadows hit a two-run homer and Wander Franco added a solo blast for Tampa Bay. Rays opener Drew Rasmussen allowed three runs on six hits, walked none and struck out one in two-plus innings.

Meadows homered over the Rays’ bullpen in right field to put Tampa Bay up 2-0 in the first. Kyle Schwarber cut Boston’s deficit in half in the home first with his leadoff homer onto the Green Monster in left-center on Rasmussen’s second pitch of the game.

Hernandez and Rafael Devers added RBI singles in the third to put Boston ahead 3-2. After Hernandez homered in the fifth, the Rays pulled within a run on Franco’s home run to left-center to lead off the eighth.

Randy Arozarena tied it at 4-4 for Tampa Bay with his two-out double later in the inning.

“They were a swing better than us tonight when it comes down to it,” Kiermaier said. “What a great game to be a part of. I’m proud to take that field with these guys and playing such a good team over there. This is what it’s all about.” — Reuters