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Gov’t orders 3,000 overstaying Chinese nationals to leave

THE BUREAU of Immigration (BI) ordered almost 3,000 Chinese to leave the country after their 30-day visas given to tourists upon arrival lapsed.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said 2,736 Chinese were granted visas upon arrival but failed to leave the country on their scheduled departure. More than half of them had been blacklisted, he added.

Some had valid reasons for failing to leave the Philippines on time, including canceled flights amid a coronavirus pandemic, he said “Those who stayed without sufficient basis were included in our blacklist.”

The Tourism and Justice departments agreed to allow Chinese nationals to get their Philippine visas upon arrival at the airport three years ago to attract tourists and tour groups.

Tourists with this type of visa may not extend their stay beyond 30 days, Mr. Morente said. Only 5% of Chinese arrivals in the country fall under this category, he added.

The Philippines suspended visas upon arrival in January after a Senate investigation found that tens of thousands of Chinese nationals had been given the privileges. It remains suspended amid the pandemic.

The government started scrutinizing special visas given to Chinese nationals due to concerns about national security and illegal employment in online casinos. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Nationwide round-up (10/27/20)

House panel approves recommendation to file charges vs Duque, other PhilHealth execs

A JOINT panel in the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a 65-page report recommending the filing of charges against Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and other officials involved in the alleged anomalies in Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Members of the House committees on public accounts, and good government and public accountability maintained in their report that Mr. Duque and other members of the PhilHealth Board should face administrative and criminal charges even as Bulacan Rep. Jose Alvarado-Sy filed an omnibus motion to exclude the state insurance firm’s board members from several charges. The joint panel recommended that the Office of the Ombudsman file criminal charges against the following: Mr. Duque, who sits as ex-officio chairperson of the board; former PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Ricardo C. Morales; Executive Vice President  Arnel F. De Jesus; Senior Vice Presidents Israel Francis Pargas, Renato Limsiaco, and Rodolfo del Rosario Jr.; and Senior Manager Rogelio Pocallan for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. They are linked to the alleged illegal fund releases under the Interim Reimbursement Mechanism, a system of cash advances meant to assist medical providers during “fortuitous events” such as the coronavirus pandemic. The joint panel also gives the President authority to re-organize PhilHealth, and abolish some of its offices if necessary. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

DoT backs COVID-19 testing price cap to encourage more domestic tourists

THE TOURISM department is supporting the proposed price cap on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests to reduce costs for potential travelers. Tourism sites that have reopened, such as Boracay and Baguio, require visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test result before being allowed entry. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, in a press release on Tuesday, said the imposition of price caps on both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid antigen tests would benefit the industry that is among the hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. “The Department likewise finds it imperative to address the urgent need to impose a price cap on these accepted COVID-19 testing methods to promote domestic tourism, which in turn can generate employment and stimulate economic recovery,” she said. The Department of Health last month recommended that President Rodrigo R. Duterte issue an executive order on the price ceiling. A PCR test could go as high as P12,000 in private laboratories. Tourism Congress of the Philippines President Jose C. Clemente III has said that the industry’s recovery depends on health safety, as well as cost and ease of travel. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Gov’t stands pat on eased distancing rules

THE GOVERNMENT on Tuesday dismissed the recommendations of an independent research group that warns against relaxing distancing protocols in mass transport. In a briefing on Tuesday, Palace Spokesperson Harry L. Roque said the government “disagrees” with the OCTA research group, adding that the eased measures were made by a team of medical experts and doctors. “I’m sorry, itong mga doktor pong ito ay respetado. Hindi ko po alam kung sino iyong doktor ng OCTA Group (these doctors  are respected. I don’t know who is the doctor of the OCTA Group),” he said. OCTA said on Monday that there will be a spike in coronavirus cases within the next two weeks following the decreased distancing requirements in public transportation. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) head said on Tuesday that preparations are underway for setting up cold chain storage facilities for vaccines. FDA Director General Rolando Enrique C. Domingo said the Health department already rents such facilities if there is a need during routine immunization programs, but it plans to have its own for the coronavirus vaccine distribution. Mr. Roque said the government has enough funds to purchase and build the needed facilities. — Gillian M. Cortez 

Duterte asks lawmakers to fast-track bill on OFW department

PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte called on lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the bill that will create a new department for overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs), citing the urgent need to have an agency that will focus on their needs, especially amid displacements prompted by the global coronavirus pandemic. “I’d like to hurry up Congress in this. One of my proposals during the campaign period was the creation of Overseas Filipino (Workers department),” he said during a televised address on Tuesday. Mr. Duterte said the Department of Labor and Employment cannot solely handle the needs of OFWs given its responsibilities on in-country policies and programs. Palace Spokesperson Harry L. Roque said on Tuesday the President might certify the measure as urgent. The President also called for the creation of special agency for maritime workers. The House of Representatives in March approved on final reading its version of the bill creating the department, while Senate versions are pending. — Gillian M. Cortez 

Voters want automated elections — La Salle study

FILIPINO VOTERS prefer an automated election system (AES) after finding the last four polls credible, transparent and accurate among others, a study found. “The latest available data on the 2019 mid-term elections to the data compared with the 2016, 2013, and 2010 elections shows improving Comelec (Commission on Elections) performance over time,” said Professors Ador R. Torneo and Topin S. Ruiz of the De La Salle University Department of Political Science. The study, titled 2019 Mid-term Elections in Review: An Assessment of the ‘Credibility’ of the 2019 Mid-term elections, was presented during the Stratbase ADR Institute virtual town hall discussion on Democracy Goes On: Elections & Electoral Continuity Post-COVID-19. “Automation of elections has improved the transparency of certain aspects of the electoral process. Having transparent elections means that the electorate has access to processes and information,” the authors said. Further, the study noted the increased public trust as well as the low number of electoral protests as among the indicators that showed improvement in the system. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Senators commend quick recall of envoy in abuse case, call for action

SENATORS on Tuesday commended the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) immediate recall of the Philippine ambassador to Brazil who was filmed on a security camera maltreating her Filipino household staff, and at the same time called for immediate action on the case. “I call on our Department of Foreign Affairs to conduct a thorough investigation on the matter and prosecute the official if found violating our labor laws and the Kasambahay (household helper) Law,” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said in a statement on Tuesday. Senator Aquilino L. Pimentel III, chair of the foreign relations committee, said the DFA should provide assistance to the victim. “The recall of the diplomat involved back home to the Philippines is the correct move to make. Let us give her a chance to explain,” he told reporters over phone message. “In the meantime, we have to assist the person/staff at the receiving end of the physical violence,” Mr. Pimentel said. The footage was aired in the Brazilian news channel GloboNews last Sunday and later by international news organizations. DFA said the household staff left Brazil on Oct. 21 to return to the Philippines. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Crime rate drops by 46% during quarantine period

CRIME INCIDENTS dropped by 46% in the last seven months since lockdowns and quarantine measures were imposed in mid-March, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). In a briefing on Tuesday, PNP Chief  Guillermo T. Eleazar reported a 46% drop in index crimes during the period March 16 to October 25. “The average used to be 176 crimes per day. During this quarantine, it was 96,” he said in mixed Filipino and English. He added that the eight “focus crimes” have significantly decreased due to interventions by the PNP and the Joint Task Force COVID Shield. These crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft and carnapping. — Gillian M. Cortez

Regional Updates (10/27/20)

New tropical depression on its way as authorities assess typhoon Quinta’s damage

THE PHILIPPINES is bracing for another tropical depression, to be named Rolly, as authorities take stock of the damage left by typhoon Quinta (international name: Molave) that exited the country on Tuesday morning. Rolly was located 2,125 kilometers east of central Luzon as of Tuesday afternoon, based on the 5 p.m. advisory from weather bureau PAGASA. It is forecasted to enter the Philippine area by Thursday afternoon and possibly strengthen into a severe tropical storm by the weekend.

DAMAGE
Meanwhile, at least one person has been confirmed to have died and one missing in Negros Oriental due to typhoon Quinta, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported. As of Oct. 27, almost 28,000 families were affected in the regions of Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), with over 6,500 families still in evacuation centers. Damage to agriculture has reached P401.73 million, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). In a bulletin on Tuesday, the DA said initial assessment showed 16,531 farmers have been affected and 14,252 hectares of farm lands were damaged in the regions of Ilocos, Calabarzon, Bicol, and Western Visayas. “Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, fisheries, livestock, irrigation and agricultural facilities,” the DA said. Typhoon Quinta also disrupted power supply with 15 provinces reported to have experienced outages. The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said 23 electric cooperatives had varying degrees of power cuts. Total power interruptions were recorded in Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Camariñes Sur, Ticao Island, Sorsogon and Albay. Partial interruptions were experienced in Cagayan, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Romblon, Masbate, Catanduanes and Aklan. “Our electric cooperatives have already dispatched teams to assess the damage caused by Typhoon Quinta to their distribution facilities and to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong said in a statement.

The Department of Energy also said five transmission lines have been affected by Quinta, based on the report of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. Three out of eight dams across the country are undergoing spilling operations, but the National Power Corporation assured that dam discharge “will not cause flooding in the warning zone.” These three are: Binga Dam in Benguet; and those in Lake Lanao and the Agus Hydroelectric Plant, both in Lanao del Sur. — with reports from Revin Mikhael D. Ochave and Angelica Y. Yang

House transmits P4.5-trillion 2021 budget bill to Senate

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday transmitted to the Senate its final version of the 2021 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), containing P4.5 trillion worth of spending items for next year’s budget.

The chamber was originally set to transmit the budget bill to the Senate on Oct. 28.

Speaker Lord Allan Q. Velasco said the “record-high budget” was designed to further strengthen the government’s efforts to stimulate the economy after the extensive damage done by the pandemic.

“Not only did we pass the proposed 2021 national budget in a timely, constitutional and legal manner, we also made sure next year’s spending plan will be more reflective and responsive to the needs of the people amid the worst public health crisis in a generation,” he said in a statement.

The Senate confirmed receipt of the budget bill approved by the House, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said Tuesday.

“Senate just received the GAB,” Mr. Sotto said in a phone message.

“I wish to thank and congratulate Speaker Lord Velasco for the swift transmission. It’s even one day ahead of my original request that they send it on the 28th.”

Mr. Sotto said the early transmittal of the will allow Congress to work on its passage, in time for its signing before Dec. 25.

“This will somehow ease the burden on us to ensure the passage and signing of PRRD (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) before Christmas.”

Due to the prolonged pandemic, Mr. Velasco said the House increased the allocation for the acquisition of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccines to cover more beneficiaries, and provided additional funding for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health (DoH).

“The House-approved version of the budget also has additional funding for the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to aid workers displaced by COVID-19 and for the Department of Social Welfare and Development for another round of financial assistance to families affected by the pandemic,” Mr. Velasco said.

Among the P20 billion worth of items approved by the House Small Committee are P5.5 billion earmarked for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines; P2 billion for the HFEP program and P300 million for the mental health program of the DoH; P2 billion for the Social Welfare department’s assistance to families affected by the pandemic; P4 billion for DoLE’s assistance to displaced workers, P2 billion for aircraft purchases by the Armed Forces of the Philippines; P2 billion for the Interior department and the Philippine National Police; P1.7 billion for the Department of Education’s distance learning program; P400 million for the Philippine National Oil Co.’s development of renewable resources; and P100 million for the modernization program of Energy Regulatory Commission.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jose Maria Clemente S. Salceda said the 2021 GAB is the most important economic stimulus measure Congress can pass “to lift the country out of its challenging circumstances.”

“The House Small Committee did its very best to ensure that the budget does not have constitutional and legal infirmities as it proceeds to this next stage. As we await the Senate’s version, we will continue to study how best we can introduce programs and projects that will respond to present and new challenges,” he said in a statement Tuesday. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza with Charmaine A. Tadalan

P30-B Cebu-Cordova expressway project declared 61% complete

THE P30-billion Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) bridge project is now 61% complete, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said.

The overall engineering, procurement and construction progress rate of CCLEX, one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects which is expected to ease worsening congestion in Metro Cebu, is at 61%, while construction progress alone is 48%, MPTC said in a statement.

Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corp. (CCLEC) President and General-Manager Allan G. Alfon said the project is set to be “nearing substantial completion in 2021.”

CCLEC is a subsidiary of MPTC. It is undertaking the bridge project under a joint venture agreement with Cebu City and Cordova, a municipality to the south of Mactan.

“Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), we commit to continue working hard towards completing the project next year for the benefit of the Cebuanos. It is something we look forward to, given the current conditions,” he said.

The bridge was originally scheduled to open to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the Magellan expedition’s arrival in March 2021.

The toll bridge project is expected to be used by around 50,000 vehicles daily.

The project aims to connect Cebu City to Mactan Island through Cordova, which is connected by bridge to Mactan.

MPTC said the bridge, once completed, will ease congestion on Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, which both connect Mactan with Cebu Island.

The company expects the project to “spur trade activities and open greater economic opportunities for Cebu and the rest of the Visayas region.”

MPTC is the tollways arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, one of the three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin

PHL, Japan to discuss ‘Build, Build, Build’ progress reports in midweek video meeting

Temporary housing units for Marawi evacuees under construction in this December 2017 photo — PHILSTAR/BOY SANTOS

PHILIPPINE and Japanese officials will convene today the Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation to discuss the progress of Japan-funded infrastructure projects.

In a statement Tuesday, the Department of Finance (DoF) said the Japan-backed infrastructure projects that will be discussed during the meeting include the Metro Manila Subway (Phase I), the North-South Railway, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) Rehabilitation, the Davao City Bypass, and the Cebu-Mactan Bridge and Coastal Road.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III will lead Philippine representatives and Japan will be represented by Hiroto Izumi, special advisor to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

The video conference will be the first such meeting since talks began in March 2017, amid travel restrictions due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The officials will also discuss the impact of the pandemic on project implementation, the DoF said.

The Philippines will also report the progress of the peace process in Mindanao, the ongoing rehabilitation of Marawi City, and the status of the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Japan is expected to give an update on its ongoing aid to Mindanao under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development framework, as well as other programs that aim to promote stability and economic growth in BARMM.

The last meeting was held in Hakone, Japan in December.

The two countries have signed 15 loan agreements worth 679.3 billion yen (P317 billion) since the administration took over in 2016.

Eleven agreements cover big-ticket infrastructure projects under “Build, Build, Build,” the administration’s flagship program.

Japan also extended two loans worth 100 billion yen to help the Philippines fund its pandemic containment effort.

Japan is the Philippines’ biggest source of official development assistance (ODA) with $10.1 billion worth of loan and grant commitments as of June, accounting for 38.53% of the latter’s total ODA portfolio. — Beatrice M. Laforga

Nine power generators bidding to supply Meralco

NINE GENERATION companies have expressed their interest in bidding for supply contracts with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) in 2024 and 2025, Meralco said.

As of Oct. 23, Meralco received nine letters of interest in the utility’s competitive selection process (CSP) to supply 1,800 megawatts (MW) of power.

The power firms are offering a combined total of 3,600 MW of electricity, according to Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco head of networks, in a virtual briefing Monday.

“Some submitted 600 MW, the others submitted a minimum of 150 MW,” he added.

At the briefing, the listed firm’s generation arm Meralco Powergen Corp. (MGen) said its subsidiary Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (A1E), developer of a 1,200 MW coal-fired power plant in the Quezon Province, will join the bidding process.

“We are lining up for the 1,800 MW CSP of Meralco,” MGen President Rogelio L. Singson said.

Meralco is restarting its bidding round after declaring its first round in September 2019 a failure as only A1E submitted an offer.

The deadline for expressions of interest is Nov. 12, and a pre-bid conference is scheduled on Dec. 17.

Qualified bidders will be determined in February.

Meralco’s controlling shareholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Adam J. Ang

Gov’t asked to implement discount scheme for online purchases of seniors, PWDs

A CONSUMER organization said it has asked the government to develop a discount scheme for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) for their online transactions.

Laban Konsyumer, Inc., in a letter to the Department of Social Welfare and Development dated Oct. 26, said senior citizens and PWDs above 65 years old who buy food and other goods online are not able to claim discounts granted by law.

“In most cases, the merchants do not know how to grant the discounts,” Laban Konsyumer President Victorio A. Dimagiba said.

Senior citizens and PWDs receive a 20% discount and are exempt from value-added tax on certain goods and services.

Mr. Dimagiba said that there should be clear and uniform guidelines on discounts, given the restrictions on the movements of senior citizens during the lockdown.

Only persons between 15 and 65 years old are allowed to leave their homes, although local governments can set higher age limits for minors. Senior citizens may leave their homes to work and buy essentials.

Laban Konsumer added that discount guidelines should also include “pabili” services, or ride hailing services buying goods for consumers.

“In our monitoring, pick up and home delivery through telephone are extended the discounts upon placement of the order and submission of the appropriate identification number of the consumers,” Mr. Dimagiba said.

Laban Konsyumer also sent a copy of the letter to the National Commission on Disability Affairs. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Philippines lifts ban on pork imports from Belgium

THE PHILIPPINES has lifted a ban on pigs and pork imports from Belgium, including semen for use by breeders.

In a memorandum order signed on Oct. 26, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar allowed the entry of animals and pork products on condition that they were sourced from parts of Belgium with no African Swine Fever (ASF) since the animals were born, or for at least three months.

Mr. Dar said the Belgian pork products must be slaughtered at a facility inspected under guidelines set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

According to the DA, the ban was lifted after Jean-François Heymans, Belgium’s director of veterinary services, declared to the OIE that it has zero documented outbreaks of ASF in its domestic and captive wild pig population.

The DA added that the last documented case of an ASF outbreak in Belgium was in March and affected only wild boars.

The DA said the risk of contamination from Belgian pork imports is “negligible.”

In October 2018, then Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol imposed the ban after Belgium reported cases of ASF in wild boars.

According to the Bureau of Animal Industry, Belgium sent more than 15,000 metric tons (MT) of pork products to the Philippines in 2017 and almost 14,000 MT in 2018 before the ban was implemented. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Corn losses due to armyworm infestation estimated at P20 billion

Armyworm

THE corn industry is expected to sustain losses of about P20 billion due to the infestation of the fall armyworm (FAW), according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In a virtual forum co-hosted by Bayer Philippines, Inc., the head of the DA’s armyworm Crisis Management Team, Lorenzo M. Caranguian, said the infestation will have a knock-on effect on feed millers, food processors, livestock and poultry raisers, traders, and consumers.

Mr. Caranguian said the lost corn output is estimated at 1.6 million metric tons over a total harvest area of 2.5 million hectares.

“(Between the) November to December planting up to harvest in March to April, most likely FAW will peak,” he said, adding that the harvest would otherwise have been “bountiful” without the infestation.

Mr. Caranguian said the DA has advised farmers to monitor for the pest at its earliest life stages and use trap crops, conduct field inspection to check for feces, eggs, and larvae that indicate the presence of the armyworm, and use pest attractants such as pheromones.

Mr. Caranguian said the DA has allocated P100 million to boost its pest control efforts under Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act (Bayanihan II), while another P150 million was also put into a quick response fund.

The DA said it has been examining other corn varieties that promise to be resistant against the armyworm.

“The DA will conduct a nationwide corn derby where all corn varieties claiming resistance against FAW will be grown and tested for their pest resistance and yield. It will be multi-locational in order for farmers to see for themselves varieties suitable to them,” Mr. Caranguian said.

According to the DA, the armyworm is present in 57 out of 81 provinces.

Regions that have reported severe crop damage include Cagayan Valley, affecting 5,428 hectares, followed by SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) at 1,703 hectares, and Northern Mindanao 1,191 hectares.

Armyworms were first detected in Piat, Cagayan in March 2019. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Los Angeles Dodgers intent on ending title drought in Game 6

THERE will be no backing down from the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the World Series today against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with their best pitcher on the mound and a relentless offense in tow.

The Rays’ assignment: stopping the Dodgers from winning their first World Series title in 32 years.

The determined Tampa Bay offense was held in check Sunday night as Los Angeles took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 4-2 victory, but it was not for a lack of inventive thinking.

Even in the Game 5 defeat, the Rays’ bold and brash offensive mindset was represented by an attempted straight steal of home by Manuel Margot. It failed, but just barely, as Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy alerted Clayton Kershaw and the pitcher’s snap throw home — as catcher Austin Barnes applied the tag — stood out as the contest’s turning point.

The bottom of the fourth inning was trending the Rays’ direction. Margot was on third base and Hunter Renfroe was on first with no outs and the Rays trailing 3-2. But Kershaw got Joey Wendle to pop up before striking out Willy Adames.

Instead of relying on a two-out hit from Kevin Kiermaier, Margot broke for home. Kershaw stepped off the rubber and got the ball to Barnes just in time.

Kershaw’s resolve only seemed to grow stronger. He retired the next five batters he faced before manager Dave Roberts went to the bullpen and Los Angeles shut down Tampa Bay from there.

The Rays will aim to extend their season one more day in Game 6 with left-hander Blake Snell on the mound. Snell was solid in the Rays’ 6-4 victory in Game 2. He gave up two runs on two hits in 4 2/3 innings, with four walks and nine strikeouts.

“(I’m) always confident in this bunch,” Kiermaier said. “If there’s any team that can respond well with their backs against the wall, our group is the group that has come through when we need it the most.”

Tampa Bay built a 5-0 lead for Snell in Game 2 as the offense got a jump on what was essentially a bullpen day for the Dodgers. Brandon Lowe emerged from a postseason slump with two home runs.

Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin started Game 2 and went one inning on short rest. He will take the mound again in Game 6 in more of a traditional start, although he likely would have to be dominating in order to go five innings.

A bullpen-heavy game is not the Dodgers’ forte, although it did get them through Game 7 of the National League Championship Series against Atlanta. Gonsolin pitched two innings in that one but gave up two of the Braves’ three runs.

Now they are poised to win it all for the first time since 1988, back when Kirk Gibson’s walk-off home run in Game 1 set the tone for the Dodgers’ five-game victory over the Oakland Athletics.

The Dodgers have emerging ace Walker Buehler waiting to pitch on full rest in Game 7. Roberts said that Buehler, Kershaw and Julio Urias are the only pitchers not available for Game 6.

The Rays would counter with right-hander Charlie Morton if they can get to Game 7. Morton is 3-0 with a 0.61 ERA in three career Game 7 appearances, leading the Houston Astros past the New York Yankees in the 2017 American League Championship Series (ALCS) and the 2017 World Series against the Dodgers, then guiding the Rays past the Astros in the ALCS earlier this month.

For now, though, the Dodgers aren’t concerning themselves with a possible Game 7.

“It’s human nature, but I just don’t really let my mind go there,” Roberts said Monday. “As (Monday) goes on I will start thinking about Game 6 and really that’s all I’m thinking about.” — Reuters

Manfred pegs MLB debt from pandemic at $8.3B

CITING an estimated $8.3 billion in debt facing the 30 Major League Baseball teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic this season, commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday that it’s hard to predict how 2021 will shape up.

Among other examples of “historic high levels of debt” Mr. Manfred mentioned in an interview with Sportico were teams’ operational losses of $2.8 billion to $3 billion.

As the pandemic wreaks further havoc, Mr. Manfred said, “It’s going to be difficult for the industry to weather another year where we don’t have fans in the ballpark and have other limitations on how much we can’t play and how we can play.”

After a contentious spring and early summer of negotiations between MLB and the players union, MLB mandated a 60-game season, which began in late July.

Among the upcoming uncertainty is how comfortable teams might be in spending for free agents. Free agency begins shortly after the Dodgers-Rays World Series ends, which will be either Tuesday if the Dodgers win Game 6 or on Wednesday after Game 7.

An unsettled mood regarding free agency would affect future decisions as well, such as how much to offer players who are arbitration-eligible.

“The economic losses (this season) have been devastating for the industry,” Mr. Manfred said. “You’re seeing the ramifications of that in terms of decisions clubs are making with respect to (laying off) baseball operations and business employees. I mean, you’ve never seen those type of decisions, at least since I’ve been around.”

Trying to look ahead to 2021 brings more questions, such as whether fans can return in person. Unless restrictions can be eased, fans in some states might not be allowed to attend, continuing the economic blow from this season’s pandemic.

Also, border restrictions could keep the Toronto Blue Jays from playing home games in Canada. The team used its Triple-A stadium in Buffalo as a home away from home this year.

Despite the upheaval, Mr. Manfred praised MLB and the players for finding a way to make this season work.

“The players worked hard and really sacrificed. The club people have been great,” Mr. Manfred said. “My staff has done a phenomenal job. The (players’) union has really helped. When you get that kind of cooperation, you really have to feel good about it. …”

“I feel good about what we’ve accomplished. The best part of it is, it’s been a real team effort. … In order to get through the year, the clubs did a great job preserving liquidity, but they also took on a lot of additional debt.” — Reuters

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