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Work to link east, west of Metro Manila starts — SMC

SAN MIGUEL Corp. (SMC) on Thursday said it would start work to build a direct link between eastern and western Metro Manila.

“We will continue work to further decongest Metro Manila by linking east and west of the metropolis, through the Pasig River Expressway (Parex) project,” SMC President Ramon S. Ang said in a statement.

Mr. Ang issued the statement after the formal opening of the new Skyway Stage 3 on Thursday. The 18-kilometer toll road connects the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

Meanwhile, the 19.4-kilometer Pasig River Expressway is a P95.40-billion project that will connect Manila to Rizal province. It will start from Radial Road 10 (R10) in Manila and connect to the South East Metro Manila Expressway at Circumferential Road 6 (C6).

There will be three segments, namely: R10 to Plaza Azul, Plaza Azul to San Juan River, San Juan River to C5 Intersection, and C5 Intersection to C6 Intersection.

Mr. Ang said the project “can be completed by 2023.”

Work has also started for the construction of SMC’s airport in Bulacan, he added.

The airport project, set to be opened in 2025, will also “connect to major thoroughfares in the metropolis,” according to SMC.

“The ongoing Skyway Extension project, which will extend Skyway’s reach in the south, to Susanna Heights, Muntinlupa, is set for completion this year,” it added. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Changing the attitude of problem employees

I’m a department manager at a medium-sized factory. We are currently observing a hiring freeze, and must manage with our current employees, including some that are difficult to deal with. Due to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, we don’t want to mete out drastic disciplinary action for minor offenses like absenteeism, tardiness, and missed deadlines. Can you help me solve my situation? — Honey Dew.

A boy was visiting his grandparents on a farm. This was his first visit out of the city, and he was fascinated by how different life in the country. When it was time to gather eggs, the grandfather asked the boy to come along. As the grandfather was gathering the eggs, the boy asked:

“Why do we have to come all the way out here to get eggs? Why don’t we just get them out of the refrigerator like my mother does?”

This story exemplifies how we should be patient in dealing with people who may not fully understand what’s going on. It can be to a manager’s advantage to make them see things your way, helped along by a touch of charm.

However, this requires understanding the situation of people working for you, an understanding which can only come with a close working relationship featuring two-way communication.

SEVEN STRATEGIES
One of the best ways to get people to see and do things your way is to understand their individual personalities. It doesn’t mean giving in to what they want but to reconcile them to company policy. This isn’t difficult as it appears to some managers. You may have done it to a certain degree — talking to them about your concerns, though they may have failed to meet your expectations.

Now, here are some things to explore:

One, continue to talk to all workers under your care. Management must initiate the talking as workers can be reluctant to get the ball rolling. Go to their work stations and initiate small talk. Be spontaneous. Take the opportunity to offer any help in performing their jobs. Be pleasant. It’s hard to be nasty when everyone is always smiling.

Two, observe normal disciplinary procedures. While the pandemic seems like good time to suspend enforcement, it’s not the best answer for problem workers over the long term. Other workers may even be inspired to test the limits of the rules. Announce a date by which time you expect strict compliance, but try to make conditions bearable for all concerned.

Three, master the art of giving constructive criticism. Being nasty can produce instant results, but it’s not sustainable in the long run. If ever it is effective, the solution is fleeting. The best approach is to solve problems while minimizing conflict. Essentially, the trick lies in the tone of your voice. Talk to people in a calm, controlled manner. It will have a better impact.

Four, talk to employees in private. No one wants their mistakes called out in public. It’s just common sense to discuss issues behind closed doors and without interruption. In all cases, avoid making an example of a certain employee. It can backfire as other workers may even rally around him.

Five, be specific about the policy that was violated. Avoid throwing around vague observations about laziness, lack of responsibility, or negligence. For example, if an employee is tardy, cite the number of times and number of hours he was late for work. It would be much better if you can show him a copy of the attendance log and the specific provisions in the employee handbook.

Six, apply substantive and procedural due process. We call it substantive due process when an employee has violated a company policy, if not a certain provision of the law called “just causes.” It is called procedural due process, when you issue a charge sheet, normally referred to a “Notice to Explain” allowing the employee the full opportunity to explain his side.

Last, monitor work performance closely, but not to the extent of micro-managing. Require the worker to give you feedback on the work, but don’t accept alibis. Understand his views, but be polite and professional. If necessary, tell him that you want a real change.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK
By following these strategies, you can develop a more sensitive and empathetic approach to managing each problem employee. Give it some thought. These strategies are meant to constitute a positive approach applicable to corporate or real-life situations. Just remember to ask the essential questions, like: Are you providing the right amount of positive feedback? Are the workers satisfied to hear your views? Do they walk away feeling distraught? The truth of the matter is that praising the workers is a delicate balancing act that’s nonetheless necessary for smooth interaction.

That’s why it has become imperative for executives to keep the workers happy and energetic, making positive feedback a vital and necessary skill in management. If you can’t do this, don’t be surprised if you fail to manage problem workers.

 

Send anonymous questions to elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.consulting

Entertainment News (01/15/21)

To All the Boys: Always and Forever to stream on Netflix on February

THE FINAL installment of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before film series, based on the Jenny Han books of the same name, dropped on Netflix on Jan. 12. The final film follows Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) as she prepares for the end of high school and the start of adulthood. A pair of life-changing trips leads her to reimagine what life with her family, friends, and Peter (played by Noah Centineo) will look like after graduation.

Romantic comedy film Miss Q&A drops music video teaser

THE UPCOMING romantic comedy Miss Q&A: Para Sa Magaganda Lang Ba ang Love Life? has released a music video teaser featuring the song “Halika” written and performed by Seth Dungca. The film, which has no release date as of yet, tells the story of a romantically frustrated pageant trainer and public relations maverick (played by Kakai Bautista) who goes on a blind date with a handsome photographer (played by Zoren Legaspi). The screenplay was written by John Bedia in collaboration with Lemuel Lorca and Chris Cahilig. The song is also available for streaming on Spotify.

Google, CANVAS launch anti-misinformation magazine #YOUTHink

GOOGLE and the Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) partnered to launch #YOUTHink, a local magazine that aims to help in ending misinformation through media literacy education. The magazine will be distributed for free to 5,000 youths in disadvantaged communities all over the country. Filled with data and case studies, the 42-page magazine comes in a fun and creative zine-style format to engage young readers. It covers several topics such as the types of misinformation and their negative effects, why context matters, how to identify a fact from an opinion, and how to avoid falling for fake information. Stickers are also included with every copy of the magazine. Contributing writers include former COMELEC commissioner Luie Guia; infectious diseases specialist Dr. Edsel Salvana; scientist, and radio and TV speaker Dr. Reina Reyes; Ateneo de Manila University assistant professor of Philosophy Dr. Jacklyn Cleofas; and UP professor specializing in research on political communication and news media effects Dr. Clarissa David.

Leon Gallery online auction features photos of Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala

LOCAL art gallery Leon Gallery is holding its Leòn Exchange Online Auction 18 on Jan. 23 and 24 starting 11 a.m. The weekend event features art, prints, jewelry, and watches on Day 1: The Collector’s Vault, and furniture, objets d’art, silver, glass, porcelain, and china on Day 2: The Heiress’ Homes and Tables. Taking top-billing are three unconventional flower and plant photographs by business tycoon and photographer Jaime Zobel de Ayala. Also in auction are three glass sculptures from Ramon Orlina, works by National Artists Napoleon Abueva, Eduardo Castrillo, Arturo Luz, and Vicente Manansala, and pieces from Pacita Abad, Angelito Antonio, Norma Belleza, Prudencio Lamarroza, and David Medalla. Works from contemporary artists such as Pam Yan Santos, Geraldine Javier, Kawayan de Guia and Max Balatbat are also featured. The preview exhibit will be open to the public starting on Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Leòn Gallery in Warehouse 14, La Fuerza Compound, Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. To join the auction, visit www.leonexchange.com and register as a buyer. Visit www.leon-gallery.com or contact info@leon-gallery.com or call 8856-2781 for more information.

HBO Go streams new films from Anne Hathaway and Seth Rogen

ROMANCE and comedy movie junkies can tune in to HBO GO for the newest films of Anne Hathaway and Seth Rogen, Locked Down and An American Pickle, respectively. Locked Down is a romantic comedy starring Ms. Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor as estranged lovers who end up stuck at home in a mandatory lockdown. Cohabitation is proving to be a challenge, but fueled by poetry and copious amounts of wine, it brings them closer together in the most surprising way. The film premiered on Jan. 14. Meanwhile, An American Pickle follows Herschel Greenbaum (played by Seth Rogen), a struggling laborer who immigrated to America in 1920 with dreams of building a better life for his family. He is preserved in pickle brine for 100 years in a workplace accident and eventually wakes up in the streets of present day Brooklyn.

Twitter kicks off 2021 with a New Year list campaign

TO KICK off 2021 on a strong note, Twitter launched the #NewYearNewList campaign and partnered with creators in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand who will share their New Year’s resolutions and people that inspire them through Twitter List. From Jan. 13 to 15, they will also encourage, help and guide people on how to create their own Twitter Lists to include accounts that can motivate them to achieve their new year’s goals. In the Philippines, Twitter engaged creators like Keiko Necesario-Cubil, Coeli San Luis, Cyrill Acuña, Alexa Asahina, and Een Mercado to share their Twitter Lists. These creators cover a diverse range of topics, from entertainment, arts, and gaming. To exchange further ideas about their #NewYearNewList with fans and followers, they will also host Q&A sessions during the campaign period.

Japan Fiesta is now online 

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines announces the return of Japan Fiesta 2021 – New Year on Jan. 18-24, from 9-10 p.m. The flagship event that promotes the friendship between Japan and the Philippines now goes online, with the weeklong celebration to be streamed live via Facebook, and available on playback via YouTube (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JapanFiesta/ and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3AEcUefz34D9ECcMABgb4g ). The online event will feature Japanese culture, tourism, cuisine among others, and promote the best of Japan to Filipinos. Catch Japanese drum group MICO, MNL48, Mona Gonzales, Zen monk and musician Yakushiji kanho Kissaquo, HPN3, Kuya Sawa, Beverly, Junna Tsukii, Carlos Yulo, Japanese performance collective enra, Team Kramer, JaiGa, Fumiya and many more during the festival. Viewers will also get a chance to win gifts by participating in special games. Visit https://japanfiesta.ph and pre-register for more details about the online fiesta.

How PSEi member stocks performed — January 14, 2021

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Thursday, January 14, 2021.


Fewer Filipinos got married in 2019

Fewer Filipinos got married in 2019

Peso ends flat as coronavirus cases climb

THE PESO closed nearly flat against the greenback on Thursday due to the continued increase in coronavirus infections and softer remittance data.

The local unit closed at P48.07 per dollar on Thursday, barely changed from its Wednesday finish of P48.069, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

The peso opened the session at P48.08 per dollar, which was also its intraday trough. It traded within a narrow range as its strongest showing was just at P48.06 against the greenback.

Dollars traded declined to $449.05 million yesterday from $635.1 million on Wednesday.

The peso was flat due to cautious trading amid a recent increase in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said.

COVID-19 infections in the Philippines rose by 1,912 on Thursday to 494,605, Health department data showed. Active cases stood at 25,614.

Softer November remittance data also affected sentiment, Mr. Ricafort added.

Cash remittances rose by 0.3% year on year in November to $2.379 billion, the slowest pace of growth since the 4.1% contraction in August.

In the first 11 months, cash remittances dropped 0.9% to $27.013 billion from the $27.231 billion logged in the same period in 2019. The central bank expects inflows to have dropped by 2% in 2020. 

For Friday, Mr. Ricafort sees the peso moving within P48.05 to P48.10 per dollar.

Shares rebound as gov’t clears Pfizer vaccine use

By Revin Mikhael D. Ochave, Reporter

PHILIPPINE shares ended higher on Thursday, ending its two-day skid, on the government’s approval of Pfizer, Inc.’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine for emergency use.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 30.3 points or 0.41% to close at 7,273.15, while the all shares index climbed 16.01 points or 0.36% to end at 4,350.94.

Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a mobile phone message that the local bourse improved as the market cheered the government’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.

Reuters reported that the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday has granted emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine created by Pfizer and BioNTech.

The vaccine has shown to have a 95% efficacy rate, but requires storage in temperatures ranging from -80 to -60 degrees Celsius.

AAA Southeast Equities, Inc. Research Head Christopher John Mangun said the market improved despite a confirmed case of the new COVID-19 strain in the country.

“Buying pressure picked up right at the open after buyers noticed that there wasn’t much panic selling. This tells us that most investors were already expecting the new mutation to be found here and it was only a matter of time,” Mr. Mangun said in an e-mail.

The Department of Health announced on Wednesday that the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) has confirmed the detection of the new COVID-19 variant in the country.

The new variant, known as B117 and first found in the United Kingdom, was detected in a 29-year old Filipino male who arrived from the United Arab Emirates on Jan. 7.

Majority of sectoral indices closed higher on Thursday, except for mining and oil, which dropped 146.17 points or 1.46% to 9,808.54, and industrials, which fell 46.6 points or 0.48% to 9,499.84.

Financials improved 16.31 points or 1.09% to 1,506.39; services went up 14 points or 0.91% to 1,552.85; property increased 17.35 points or 0.46% to 3,712.82; and holding firms gained 6.59 points or 0.08% to 7,420.01.

Decliners bested advancers, 121 versus 107, while 36 names ended unchanged.

Value turnover amounted to P10.96 billion with 30.09 billion issues switching hands, lower than the P9.17 billion with 17.08 billion issues logged in the previous session.

Net foreign buying reached P242.46 million, a turnaround from the net outflows worth P220.06 million logged on Wednesday.

“The PSEi climbed all the way up to the 7,300 level, but couldn’t end the day above it, proving once again how strong this resistance level is. We may see a pullback on the last trading day of the week,” Mr. Mangun said. — with Reuters

Philippines OK’s Pfizer vaccine emergency use

By Vann Marlo M. Villegas Reporter
and Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

THE PHILIPPINES approved the emergency use of Pfizer, Inc. and BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine, the first in the country, as infections neared 500,000 on Thursday.

The local Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the authorization for the vaccine, which has a 95% efficacy, Director General Rolando Enrique D. Domingo told an online news briefing.

“After a thorough review of the currently available data by medical and regulatory experts, the FDA today is granting an emergency use authorization to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine,” he said.

The benefits of the vaccine, which requires -80 to -60 degree Celsius storage before dilution, “outweighs the known and potential risks,” Mr. Domingo said, adding that there is evidence that the vaccine “may be effective to prevent, diagnose, or treat COVID-19.”

The Department of Health (DoH) reported 1,912 coronavirus infections on Thursday, bringing the total to 494,605. The death toll rose by 40 to 9,739 while recoveries increased  by 746 to 459,252, it said in a bulletin.

The FDA chief said side effects were “transient and mostly mild to moderate, similar to common vaccine reactions,” he said. There were also no specific safety concerns. Patients will be closely monitored after immunization, he added.

Mr. Domingo said the vaccine may  be given to people aged 16 years and above.

Vaccine czar Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. on Wednesday said the government might use the Pfizer vaccine in the early rollout under the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility of the World Health Organization (WHO).

About 40 million doses will come from the COVAX facility for 20 million to 30 million people, Mr. Galvez earlier told senators.

COVAX, co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the World Health Organization, aims to ensure the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to all countries.

China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. also submitted its application for emergency use on Wednesday.

Mr. Domingo said the vaccine, which China had authorized for emergency use, was still being assessed given incomplete clinical trial data.

UK-based drug maker AstraZeneca Plc and Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology have also applied for emergency use.

DoH said there were 25,614 active coronavirus cases, 85% of which were mild, 6.4% did not show symptoms, 5.2% were critical, 2.9% were severe and 0.48% were moderate.

Davao City reported the highest number of new cases at 136, followed by Quezon City at 107, Agusan del Sur at 61, Dagupan City at 57 and Cavite at 54.

DoH said five duplicates had been removed from the tally, while 14 recovered cases were reclassified as deaths. Seven laboratories failed to submit their data on Jan. 12. About 6.7 million Filipinos have been tested as of Jan. 12, according to DoH’s tracker website.

The coronavirus has sickened about 92.8 million and killed about two million people worldwide, according to the Worldometers website, citing various sources including data from the World Health Organization. About 66.4 million people have recovered, it said.

ASTRAZENECA
Also on Thursday, the government signed a deal with local government units (LGUs), private sector donors and AstraZeneca Plc for 20 million more orders of the drug maker’s coronavirus vaccines.

The deal, led by presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Jose Maria A. Concepcion, involves about 300 companies and 30 local governments.

He said the country would not be left behind in the global fight against the coronavirus. “We will be vaccinating our Filipino people hopefully starting June or July,” he said at the signing ceremonies.

“You have my full support,” President Rodrigo R. Duterte said in a speech at the event. “This is Bayanihan at work,” he added, referring to the spirit of civic unity among Filipinos.

More than 30 members of the private sector in November committed to donate 2.6 million doses of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.

“AstraZeneca maintains our strong commitment to ensuring equitable access to the vaccine at no profit for the duration of the pandemic,” AstraZeneca country President Lotis C. Ramin said during the program.

The British drug maker is working closely with regulatory authorities to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine lives up to the highest safety standards and its introduction complies with healthcare regulations in the Philippines,” she said.

Also on Thursday, health groups called for a more “comprehensive, equitable and transparent COVID-19 vaccine rollout.”

In a statement, the Coalition for People’s Right to Health sought full government regulation of vaccines, medicines, and technologies, and for voluntary clinical trials.

It also said emergency use authorization should not be given to a vaccine without preliminary phase three clinical trials, due to efficacy and safety issues.

The health advocates also called on the government to support a global waiver of patent enforcement on COVID-19 vaccines and remove taxes and tariffs on vaccine imports.

Government likely to ban foreigners from UAE — Malacañang

THE PHILIPPINES would probably include the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in its travel ban after a Filipino from Dubai tested positive for a more contagious coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom (UK), according to the presidential palace.

“Because of this discovery, chances are there will be travel restrictions imposed on the UAE,” presidential spokesman Harry L. Roque, Jr. told an online news briefing on Thursday.

The ban will depend on the recommendations of the Health and Foreign Affairs departments, he added.

Mr. Roque earlier announced a travel ban on China, Pakistan, Jamaica, Luxembourg and Oman.

The Philippines last year banned foreign travelers from the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, South Africa, Canada, Spain, Austria, Portugal, India, Finland, Norway, Jordan, Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Israel, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Switzerland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy and Lebanon.

The  ban that will end on Friday is subject to an extension. An inter-agency task force (IATF) made up of Cabinet secretaries was set to discuss the possible extension and expansion of the travel ban at a meeting on Thursday, Mr. Roque said.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said he would recommend the travel ban on the UAE. “The Office of the President will no doubt approve this,” he told an online news briefing.

The Department of Health (DoH) on Wednesday said the UK coronavirus variant had been detected from samples of a Filipino who arrived from the United Arab Emirates on Jan. 7.

The male resident from Quezon City went to Dubai on Dec. 27 and came back last week via an Emirates Flight. His female partner who accompanied him on his trip had tested negative for the coronavirus but was under strict quarantine.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire told the same briefing five household members who had close contact with the Filipino couple had been isolated. They had no symptoms and were yet to be tested.

Ninety-two of the 159 passengers of the Emirates flight had been contacted, 52 of whom responded, she said.

Meanwhile, she also said the UK coronavirus variant had not been detected from the close contacts of the Filipina domestic worker who tested positive for the strain in Hong Kong.

“The UK variant was not detected among contacts in the National Capital Region and Cagayan,” she said.

Ms. Vergeire said the contacts had tested positive for the coronavirus but a low viral load was detected.

“They remain under strict facility quarantine and under close monitoring,” she added. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Local governments free to choose own vaccine, says Duterte

THE NATIONAL Government won’t restrict mayors and governors in choosing a particular coronavirus vaccine for their people, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Wednesday night.

“You can choose any vaccine you like to buy,” he said at a televised meeting with Cabinet officials. “We don’t care which one you’ll choose,” he said in mixed English in Filipino.

Mr. Duterte had long shown preference for the vaccines developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. and Russia’s Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology.

“If there is enough supply that can be bought outside of the government structure, that will be better,” he said. Mr. Duterte said all vaccines must be screened by regulators for safety.

Vaccine czar Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. earlier said the National Government would help local governments that can’t afford the vaccines.

He added that the central government would provide for health workers’ protective equipment and the cold chain facilities needed to store the vaccines.

During the Cabinet meeting, Mr. Duterte defended the government’s decision to acquire the vaccines developed by Sinovac despite the uncertainty over their efficacy.

Sinovac’s CoronaVac had been found to be 50.4% effective in Brazilian clinical trials, BBC News reported, citing the latest results released by researchers.

“The Chinese are bright, the Chinese are not lacking in brains,” Mr. Duterte said, adding that China was unlikely to produce unsafe vaccines.

The President, known for his strong ties with the Chinese government, said the Sinovac vaccine is as good as the ones developed by European and American drug makers. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Nationwide round-up (01/14/21)

Anti-graft court dismisses pork barrel case vs Honasan

THE Sandiganbayan has dismissed the graft charges against Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II over the alleged anomalous use of pork barrel funds when he was senator. In a 52 page decision released on Thursday, the anti-graft court’s 2nd Division said evidence presented against Mr. Honasan and other respondents was weak. The senator filed a demurrer to evidence, or a motion to dismiss the case based on insufficient evidence. “The evidence of the prosecution failed to sufficiently establish the essential elements of the crime charged and to overcome the presumption of innocence in favor of the accused. Accordingly, the cases against the accused are hereby dismissed,” the Sandiganbayan said. Mr. Honasan was allegedly involved in the misuse of nearly P30 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), also referred to as pork barrel, in 2012 when he was a senator. The PDAF for lawmakers was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2013. — Gillian M. Cortez

Task force on corruption gets 144 complaints so far

THE Task Force Against Corruption formed last October by President Rodrigo R. Duterte has received 144 complaints as of Jan. 11, mostly involving alleged anomalies in public works projects in the provinces. Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said 60 of the complaints had been evaluated and they submitted a progress report to Mr. Duterte on Dec. 28. Mr. Guevarra said they are investigating the alleged corruption in the following: First District Engineering Office in Northern Samar; ghost deliveries of rice and fuel in Capalonga, Camariñes Norte; procurement of heavy equipment and illegal disbursement of funds in Cateel, Davao Oriental; and irregular bidding, bribery, and extortion at the Third District Engineering Office in Cagayan. The task force’s operations center is also evaluating complaints pertaining to the alleged anomalous construction of two bridges in the same location in General Santos City. Mr. Guevarra said they are not at the stage yet of recommending prosecution of those involved. “Fact-finding pa lang (still) and verification of the allegations in the complaints. Some of them may be politically motivated,” he told reporters via Viber. The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission also intends to turn over to the task force its probe on corruption in public works projects “where certain members of the House of Representatives were implicated, for further investigation and case build-up,” he said. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Senators tell off congressman over ‘Con-Ass’ claim

ATTEMPTS to convene the constituent assembly (Con-Ass) in the House of Representatives to amend the 1987 Constitution ahead of Congress’ session resumptions set a “dangerous precedent,” a senator said on Thursday. AKO BICOL Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr., who chairs the House constitutional amendments committee, said that the panel is already sitting as a Con-Ass during Wednesday’s hearing on proposed charter amendments. “I suspect that Cong. Garbin is laying the basis to claim that the House alone, even without any senator participating, can propose amendments to the Constitution,” Senator Franklin M. Drilon said in a statement on Thursday. “Such claim is totally baseless, but a dangerous precedent.” Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri on Wednesday said the House cannot convene the assembly, considering Congress is in recess. Sessions will resume on Monday after a month-long break. Mr. Drilon explained lawmakers may introduce amendments to the Constitution through Con-Ass, which may be convened through a resolution. “Absent that resolution of both Houses, the proceedings in the House Committee cannot assume the functions and powers of a constituent assembly,” he said. Separate resolutions converting the House and the Senate as a Con-Ass have been filed in Congress. Meanwhile, majority bloc and independent leaders at the House of Representatives on Thursday expressed support for the proposed economic changes in the Constitution. The supporting solons signed a manifesto backing resolutions that will add the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in the provision relating to foreign investor restrictions. — Charmaine A. Tadalan and Gillian M. Cortez

Senate committee endorses treaty vs nuclear weapons

THE Senate committee on foreign relations on Thursday moved to endorse the Philippines’ Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) for the Senate’s concurrence. The treaty, signed in Sept. 2017, prohibits the country’s participation in any nuclear activity, including developing, testing, producing, buying or using nuclear weapons. Should the Senate concur, the Philippines may be the 52nd or 53rd country to ratify the treaty. The treaty goes into force after ratification by at least 50 countries. “In these uncertain times… it is comforting to know that the TPNW is now a binding instrument that could protect the human race, other living things, more so our environment,” Senator Aquilino L. Pimentel III said in his opening statement during Thursday’s hearing. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is in the best interest of the Philippines to join states that ratified the treaty amid regional and international tensions involving nuclear weapon states. “The Philippines has much to gain from becoming a party to the TPNW, particularly provisions on victim assistance and environmental remediation,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Igor G. Bailen told the panel. Aside from the TPNW, the Philippines is also a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Treaty banning nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Measure to protect students’ mental health filed

A BILL that will protect the mental health of students during the period of remote learning amid a coronavirus pandemic has been filed in the House of Representatives. Bukidnon Rep. Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba, in a hearing by the House committee on basic education and culture on Thursday, sponsored House Bill 7961, which will give  “scholastic leniency” to primary and secondary level students affected by the crisis. The measure proposes that students this year be given an automatic passing mark for the academic year 2020-2021. “Because learning modes are in the new normal, our students are stressed and affected with the new normal context of learning so we propose to give them a passing mark for this one school year as long as the students have actively participated in the class activities… and complied with all the requirements and exercises,” she said. She added that students who fail to meet the minimum requirements be provided remedial sessions. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

JBC opens application for top Supreme Court post

THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has opened the application for the Supreme Court’s top post, which will be vacated by Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta who will go on early retirement effective March 27. The JBC announced that the deadline for submissions is Feb. 15. The application process will be done online through the council’s website. Mr. Peralta replaced retired chief Lucas P. Bersamin on October 23, 2019. He was appointed to the high court by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as associate justice on Jan. 13, 2009. He is supposed to retire on March 27, 2022, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. The JBC is mandated to recommend to the President appointees to the judiciary. The five most senior justices are automatically nominated for the post. These are Associate Justices Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe, Mario Victor F. Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Alexander G. Gesmundo, and Ramon Paul L. Hernando. The JBC also opened the application for deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao to replace Ombudsman Rodolfo M. Elman whose term will end on March 13. The deadline is on March 1. — Gillian M. Cortez

Regional Updates (01/14/21)

Cagayan River dredging to start soon

DREDGING operations in three heavily silted segments of the Cagayan River, which partly caused heavy flooding in Cagayan province last year, will start by the end of the month or early February, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Thursday. In a press release, the DENR said the government is “all set” to remove three sandbars along the midstream areas of the 500-kilometer river. These three sandbars, which have a total volume of seven million cubic meters, are located in Barangay Bangag in Lal-lo town; Casicallan Norte, Gattaran; and Dummun, Gattaran. “This is a strategic move in the short-term while medium- and long-term solutions for the flooding in Cagayan Valley are still underway,” DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said in a statement. The DENR chief said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recommended the immediate dredging of three of the 19 identified priority sandbars because they restricted the flow of flood water to the Aparri Delta and Babuyan Channel. The Cagayan provincial government, in a meeting with the inter-agency task force (IATF) on Tuesday, has also lined up various projects this year to avoid a repeat of the flooding, which included the capital Tuguegarao City. — Angelica Y. Yang

Banaue mayor orders lockdown until Jan. 17 as mountain town records first locally-transmitted coronavirus cases

BANAUE, which had less than 10 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic last year, recorded its first local transmission cases on Wednesday. Mayor Wesley A. Dulawan issued an advisory on January 13 for a town-wide lockdown until January 17 for contact tracing and immediate testing. “Banaue has recorded its 9th  and 10th COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases today — both direct contacts of case no. 08 who is a direct contact of case no. 07… this indicates local transmission thereby needing urgent action,” the mayor said. A curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. is in effect and “ALL social gatherings” are prohibited “until further notice,” he said. Banaue, with a population of just over 21,000, is known for its rice terraces listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. — MSJ