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House may consider Duterte call to revive capital punishment

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday said it would consider President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s renewed call to revive the death penalty for heinous crimes, including drug trafficking.

“The death penalty measures will be deliberated on thoroughly,” Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said in a statement.

Mr. Duterte in his penultimate yearly address to Congress on Monday sought the revival of the death penalty as part of his deadly war on drugs.

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said the President’s call gives the measure “better chances” of getting approved by the chamber. He said his colleagues might be convinced if the death penalty is limited to drug-related crimes.

Debates will only proceed once a consensus is reached, he said. “It might be useless if we keep debating it and then we end up without the numbers,” he said at an online briefing on Tuesday.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace S. Barbers, who heads the House committee on dangerous drugs, urged both houses to “pass with dispatch” bills reviving the death penalty.

“Reimposing the death penalty now on drug-related offenses will surely stop the criminals on their tracks and deter them from further plying their trade,” he said in a statement.

At least 13 bills on the death penalty are pending at the House justice committee, while 10 measures are pending at the counterpart Senate panel.

Opposition Senator Francis N. Pangilinan said the death penalty would not solve the more pressing problem posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The death penalty is pointless in responding to the greatest health and economic crisis faced by our nation,” he said in a statement in Filipino, adding that he said he would continue to oppose moves seeking to restore it. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Duterte rants against Drilon ‘unpresidential,’ another senator says

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte’s rants against opposition Senator Franklin M. Drilon at his annual address to Congress were “unpresidential,” according to another senator.

People, especially lawmakers should not be castigated for expressing an opinion, Senator Richard J. Gordon said at an online news briefing on Tuesday.

The President called out Mr. Drilon in his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday after the opposition lawmaker spoke up about the shutdown of ABS-CBN Corp., a media network critical of the government.

“I think it was unpresidential,” Mr. Gordon said. “He shouldn’t air his anger toward a person especially against a senator.”

“A person who shares the position of a lot of people over the concern for freedom of expression should not be singled out,” he added.

Mr. Drilon earlier said Mr. Duterte, who claimed to have dismantled the oligarchy, could not have done so without banning political dynasties.

An irked Mr. Duterte called the lawmaker a hypocrite for hitting political dynasties while defending the rich such as the Lopez family, which owns ABS-CBN.

“When the President mentions something like this in his SONA, some might think he is in a sauna, not at the SONA,” Mr. Gordon said in mixed English and Filipino, adding that Mr. Duterte should have stuck to his prepared speech. — CAT

Regional Updates (07/28/20)

DENR recovers another wetland in Boracay

ANOTHER wetland in the island of Boracay has been recovered from illegal occupants and is being set up for restoration works, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said. In a statement on Tuesday, the DENR said an 8.5 hectare wetland located in Barangay Manoc-Manoc, tagged as Boracay Wetland No. 6, was cleared of illegal structures being occupied by 31 families belonging to the Tumandok indigenous people. Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group General Manager Natividad Y. Bernardino said the recovery of the wetland is in accordance with Executive Order 53, intended to address the degradation of the resort island. “The planned rehabilitation of the wetland paved the way for the original settlers of the island to get their rightful share of Boracay lands, while also serving as a fulfillment on the policy directive of the President to distribute lands to the indigenous peoples and natives of Boracay,” Ms. Bernardino said.

RELOCATED
On July 28, the 31 displaced Tumandok families were formally transferred to lands awarded to them in March by the Department of Agrarian Reform. The DENR said it also donated timber from trees that fell during typhoon Ursula in December 2019 for the construction of their houses, while water and sewerage facilities will be provided by the Boracay Island Water Company. The restoration of Wetland No. 6 will be under the Lucio Tan-controlled water concessionaire Boracay Tubi System Inc. Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said that of the nine Boracay wetlands identified for rehabilitation, five have been already adopted by private companies for a period of three to five years under their corporate social responsibility programs. According to the DENR, wetlands are one of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems as they serve as home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. “These lands help reduce soil erosion, retain sediments, absorb nutrients, store water to minimize the impacts of floods and droughts, and help mitigate the effects of climate change,” the DENR said. The wetland recovery and restoration program is part of the rehabilitation of Boracay, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. In April 2018, President Duterte ordered the full closure of the island, which he said has become a “cesspool,” for an overhaul. It was closed for six months, and rehabilitation works are still ongoing. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Maranaos ask post-SONA: What about the Marawi?

MARAWI residents lamented the non-inclusion of their plight in President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address on Monday, citing the still pending reconstruction of their city and proposed compensation policy. The multi-stakeholder group Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch, in a statement on Tuesday, asked: “The President elucidated plans for national recovery and resilience that he wants to pursue for all Filipinos. But what about the Maranao who have been waiting for three fruitless years — way before the pandemic and its consequent economic crisis?” They said while the government is laying plans for new economic growth areas, Marawi residents displaced by the 2017 siege remain in temporary shelters. “Well how about a Balik-Marawi program to deter deaths and disease in the refugee camps and to stem the rise of violent extremists that have tapped into local discontent?” The independent group also criticized the President’s failure to include the proposed Marawi compensation bill in his list of priority legislation. At least 94 lawmakers have expressed support for the proposed law, which seeks to provide a compensation scheme for victims of the siege that ravaged major parts of the city as local extremist groups battled it out with government forces for almost five months. Versions of the bill have been submitted in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Bacolod wants to revert to strict lockdown for 2 weeks, seeks national COVID-19 task force approval

THE BACOLOD City government wants to reimpose a strict lockdown for two weeks following a recommendation from the local medical community as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases spike within the city and Negros Occidental province. Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, in a statement released late Monday, said they will submit the requirements for the request to the national COVID-19 task force by Tuesday, July 28, for evaluation. Under current guidelines, local governments need to get the national task force approval for the declaration of a change in quarantine category. Bacolod is proposing to be placed under the strictest level, the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Canlaon Medical Society President Ma. Ivy Malata and Negros Occidental Medical Society President Robert Puerta asked Mr. Leonardia for the ECQ declaration “in order to limit the movement of people as a means to contain the virus and prevent its spread to a level of high community transmission,” the city government said in the statement. As of July 26, the city has recorded 149 cases, with 88 active, 57 recoveries, and no death. Negros Occidental, where Bacolod is located but administered separately, has over 200 active cases, including 182 returning residents. Last Sunday, Mr. Leonardia and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas agreed to temporarily suspend sea travel between the two cities until further notice. 

Nationwide round-up

Lawyer appeals petition on disclosure of President’s health

A LAWYER appealed to the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling junking the petition to compel President Rodrigo R. Duterte to disclose his health status. In a 49-page motion for reconsideration filed July 28, lawyer Dino S. de Leon said the high court made a “reversible error” when it ruled that the President is healthy “without sufficient basis” aside from his appearances in meetings. Mr. De Leon also asked the court to hold oral arguments on the case. He filed the petition in April and the court dismissed it in May. He said the court “overlooked” the fact that the lawsuit raised a “novel issue of paramount important” that is anchored on the President’s responsibility of disclosure under by the Constitution. “The duty of the President to disclose the status of his health is clearly of transcendental importance to the nation, as it involves no less than the public’s right to know if the President is still physically well and in possession of sufficient mental faculties to perform arduous task of leading the country at a time of a global pandemic,” the lawsuit read. “The haste with which the Honorable Court dismissed the Petition is a stark departure from its attitude towards novel petitions which raise serious questions and likewise goes against its duty to settle an actual controversy that involves a constitutional right,” it said.

‘LOOKED SICKLY’
Mr. De Leon said the court recognized the President’s public appearances but not considered  “the barely comprehensible chatters of the President himself.” He noted that in one of Mr. Duterte’s most recent appearances in Zamboanga City, he “looked sickly.” The President’s left eye “was again visibly drooping.” By rejecting the petition, he said, the court “took the cudgels to defend the Respondents” and denied Filipinos’ rights to hear the government’s side. “(I)t is submitted that the Honorable Court must at the very least grant due course to the Petition and let the People argue their case before its august chambers, prior to deciding on the matter with finality,” the lawsuit read. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Cebu youth groups file 20th case vs anti-terrorism law

YOUTH GROUPS from Cebu province in central Philippines questioned before the Supreme Court the validity of the law that expanded terror crimes, bringing the total lawsuits against the new legislation to 20. In a 70-page petition filed July 28, the groups, which include student council members, asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order against the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act and declare it unconstitutional. The petitioners said while they recognize the dangers of terrorism, there must be an “effective mechanism that will combat the crime. They said the provisions of the law “create a chilling effect on the many freedoms guaranteed no less by our Constitution.” The lawsuit says, “Protection of national security and public welfare must not be, and should never be, at the expense of our basic civil and political liberties.” They also asserted that the law violates freedom of speech and of expression, the right to peaceably assemble, citing the provision on inciting to terrorism. They added that the law violates the principle of separation of powers as the Anti-Terrorism Council, which will be made up of Cabinet members, will have the power to order arrest of persons. The law, which took effect on July 18, considers attacks that cause death or serious injury, extensive damage to property and manufacture, possession, acquisition, transport and supply of weapons or explosives as terrorist acts. It also allows the government to keep a suspect in jail without an arrest warrant for 14 days from three days previously. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Disconnection in Duterte’s ICT Policy

Iwas surprised how much President Rodrigo Duterte had to say about Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Early on in his address, the President brought up e-commerce and the need to enforce consumer and data protection, as well as privacy laws. Soon after that, he talked about cutting down on red tape and transitioning the bureaucracy into the “new normal” through e-governance. Then he went on to e-learning, the need to increase internet access in public schools and he even went as far as saying that the government would prioritize last-mile connectivity.

All welcomed pronouncements. After all, with the number of COVID-19 cases continuing to increase and with no signs of the pandemic stopping, our shift online to stay connected with family and friends, to go to work or school, and even consult a doctor has become the new normal. Seeing this shift reflected in the President’s speech sends the message that the government recognizes the Filipino’s evolving needs.

Another welcomed pronouncement was the President’s call for Bayanihan. On several occasions throughout his SONA, he appealed to the Filipino spirit of pakikisama (fellowship) and malasakit (concern) and called for unity and solidarity to fight the pandemic. Indeed, trying and uncertain times such as these call for whole-of-society action.

Yet, between his promise of a tech-savvy government response and his appeal for cooperation and unity, there is a glaring disconnection between the President’s policy and his politics.

In the very same speech in which he tackled the importance of ICT and of Bayanihan, he also directly threatened the country’s telecommunications firms. President Duterte warned these business groups that if they did not improve telecommunications services, that he would be forced to take drastic steps towards a government takeover of their operations.

It’s good to recall that the President made similar government takeover threats last year when he was angered that the government lost arbitration cases to water utility firms. He also delivered on his threat to close ABS-CBN earlier this year, seen by many observers as a ploy for an administration ally to come in. The threat is also oddly similar to the takeover provision found in Malacañang’s proposed version of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act passed earlier this year. The provision, which was ultimately removed after public backlash, would have allowed the government to take over the operations of any private-owned public utility, including telecommunications firms.

A truly serious threat, yet a go-to play from the President’s political playbook. The latest attack on the country’s telecommunications firms may just be the latest iteration.

During his SONA, President Duterte told these firms to improve their services by December or face his wrath. However, this objective is all but impossible to achieve given the longstanding roadblocks that have hampered network expansion in the country for years.

For instance, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said that the country needs another 50,000 new cell towers to improve internet speed and services. However, due to cumbersome and oftentimes inconsistent local government permitting processes, it reportedly takes at least eight months just to secure approval for the 25 or so permits needed to build a single one.

The recent signing by DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan of the Common Tower Policy that sets tighter time limits on the issuance of permits can potentially speed up the process. However, it is unlikely that enough progress can be made under these conditions and in such a short amount of time.

The telecommunication firms have simply been set up to fail.

Furthermore, the government has also shown reluctance in investing in last-mile digital infrastructure to connect underserved and unserved areas. These areas are usually considered economically unviable for telecommunications firms to set up in and should hence be targeted by the government to come in and build the necessary infrastructure. No takeover required.

If only policy could come before politics, then the promises of a safe and secure digital space, of a transparent and efficient bureaucracy, and of access to quality healthcare and education — even during a pandemic — would have had a fighting chance of coming true.

Yet again, the disconnect between President Duterte’s policy and his politics has gotten in the way of the delivery of responsive governance and efficient services. In the end, it is the Filipino people who are left short-changed.

 

Paco A. Pangalangan is the Executive Director of the Stratbase ADR Institute

The Rona board games, Social Distancing hotels, and Covidiot T-shirts: When trademarks go viral

Medical diagnostic kits, legal services, computer software, stem cells, firearms, various clothing items, and beer — these are just some of the goods and services which are the subject of COVID-19-related trademark applications in different jurisdictions all over the world.

In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, many enterprising individuals and corporations are attempting to capitalize on one of the worst pandemics in human history. The World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Brand Database reveals that more than 1,000 trademark applications have already been filed by individuals and business entities worldwide, seeking to register variations of the terms “COVID,” “CORONA,” “CORONAVIRUS,” and other COVID-19-related terms. While a number of these applications involve serious business goods and services such as medicines, supplements, and medical testing, others prove to be superficial and non-essential.

Examples of COVID-19-related trademark applications include:

• “CORONAVIRUS K9 DETECTIVES” for animal training;

• “COVIDIOT” for T-shirts, games, and advertising services;

• “PANDEMIC OF LOVE” for clothing, arranging and conducting of seminars, and charitable services;

• “QUARANTINI” for alcoholic beverages, vitamin and mineral supplements, and downloadable podcasts;

• “THE RONA” for board games and card games; and,

• “SOCIAL DISTANCING” for hotels, exercise equipment, protective face masks, and photography services.

Individuals and business entities have been trying to secure exclusive trademark rights over words or phrases associated with significant events and trending topics for years. A popular instance of this was when the United States President Donald Trump infamously tweeted the term “COVFEFE” in 2017 — since then, 59 attempts to register the term as a mark for all kinds of products and services followed. More recently, the death of George Floyd resulted in a wave of trademark applications for the phrases “BLACK LIVES MATTER” and “I CAN’T BREATHE” not just in the United States, but also in other countries. These two instances of trademarking strategies are minor in comparison to the still-rising number of COVID-19-related trademark applications.

In the Philippines, a handful of COVID-19-related trademark applications have already been filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). To date, these applications are still under examination. On the possibility of COVID-19-related trademarks being registered under Philippine trademark law, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (IP Code) presents some legal obstacles standing in the way.

LACK OF DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER
Under the IP Code, a trademark refers to any visible sign capable of distinguishing goods or services of an enterprise. The IP Code uses the phrase “capable of distinguishing” as a requirement for trademark registration. This implies that a mark can be a subject of a trademark registration, provided that it enables consumers to identify the product (whether a good or a service) of a particular individual or entity so as to distinguish it from other identical, similar, or related products.

From the perspective of Philippine trademark law, it would be difficult for common COVID-19 terms to be registered as trademarks, since these lack the source-identifying function of trademarks. Because common COVID-19-related terms are now customarily used in the news, social media, and everyday conversation, they may be said to be incapable of acting as source-identifiers for any goods or services. Instead of distinguishing the products or services of an individual or entity from those of others, placing the common COVID-19 terms “COVID-19,” “CORONAVIRUS,” and “SOCIAL DISTANCING” on T-shirts, exercise equipment, and educational services will likely be seen as ornamental or informational in nature and necessarily in reference to the virus. With such usage of common COVID-19 terms, the very purposes of trademarks cannot be realized, so consequently, no registration would be allowed.

CONTRARY TO PUBLIC ORDER OR MORALITY
Marks that consist of or contain immoral matter cannot be registered in the Philippines, as well as marks which are contrary to public order. These grounds are relatively broad and are subject to the IPOPHL’s interpretation and application of the law. COVID-19-related trademarks that may possibly be rejected under these grounds are those containing obscene or coarse language and those appearing to be very offensive or distasteful.

ARE COVID-19-RELATED TERMS REGISTRABLE?
All things considered, it is not entirely impossible for creative and distinctive COVID-19-related marks to be registered. A mark that uses COVID-19-related terms to suggest a feature or purpose of the applicant’s goods and services may still function as a trademark as a whole.

It remains to be seen how the relevant trademark registries and intellectual property offices will respond to the pending COVID-19-related trademark applications. As the disease continues to spread rapidly across the globe, more applications are expected to be filed in the coming months to cover various goods and services. As a practical matter, it would be wise for individuals and corporations considering to capitalize on the coronavirus pandemic to first consult with a qualified attorney specializing in Intellectual Property law before attempting to secure rights over COVID-19-related terms.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. This article is for general informational and educational purposes, and not offered as, and does not constitute, legal advice or legal opinion.

 

Danielle S. Cadiz is an Associate of the Intellectual Property Department at the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW).

dscadiz@accralaw.com

(632) 8830-8000

What about Marawi?

Statement of the Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch on President Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address

THE PRESIDENT elucidated plans for national recovery and resilience that he wants to pursue for all Filipinos. But what about the Maranao who have been waiting for three fruitless years — way before the pandemic and its consequent economic crisis?

He proposed to launch a more vigorous Balik-Probinsya program and the creation of new economic zones. Well, how about a Balik-Marawi program to deter deaths and disease in the refugee camps and to stem the rise of violent extremists that have tapped into local discontent?

He made a plea to Congress to prioritize the recovery of the economy through financial subsidies, easier loans, and rental reforms.

Well, what about the promised yet much delayed compensation to stimulate the economy in an area ravaged by war and destitution. When will you direct Congress to prioritize the Marawi Compensation Bill?

We are one with all Filipinos in desiring a quicker release from the health and economic crisis we all face. But how can we trust your word or believe your promises when you have not honored your promises to us?

 

Marawi Conflict Reconstruction Watch (MRCW) is an independent multi stakeholder dialogue group of people that harnesses skills and professions to help in the Marawi reconstruction process and channels wider public attention and participation in its monitoring. MRCW members are from Marawi and most of us are Maranao, no one person or leader speaks on our behalf, each step we take is a collective one.

DBM to submit 2021 budget to Executive branch this week

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) plans to submit the proposed P4.506-trillion budget for 2021 to the Office of the President this week, keeping it on track to meet the August deadline.

“We are looking at submitting to or taking up with the President the FY (fiscal year) 2021 proposed budget within the week,” Budget Assistant Secretary Rolando U. Toledo said via Viber Tuesday.

The DBM proposal needs to be cleared with the Cabinet before it is submitted to Congress, Budget Undersecretary Laura B. Pascua also said in a Viber message.

Mr. Toledo said the department is currently finalizing the budget paperwork.

He said they target to transmit it to Congress by next month, or before their constitutional deadline on Aug. 26, which is 30 days after the State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27.

Next year’s proposed budget is higher than 2020’s P4.1-trillion spending plan, and was raised by 3.9% from an earlier draft proposal.

Ms. Pascua has said the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has cleared the P4.506-trillion budget on July 16.

The DBCC expects the economy to rebound to growth of 8-9% next year, coming off a low base because of an estimated 2-3% contraction this year.

The budget is being positioned to facilitate economic recovery, supporting pandemic-affected sectors and the infrastructure sector to stimulate growth. — Beatrice M. Laforga

Red-tape body to monitor expedited tower-building permit process

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said it is forming a task force to monitor local government compliance with rules expediting the permit process for new common cell towers.

Nine government agencies signed a memorandum circular streamlining requirements for securing permits, licenses and clearances to build such towers.

“(Local governments) according to reports and information gathered, are notorious for imposing burdensome requirements and huge fees at various stages of the permitting process. This has hindered numerous Telco Tower projects across the country,” ARTA said in a statement Tuesday.

Under the new rules, the government plans to reduce the processing time to 16 days from the previous average of eight months. It also plans to cut the number of required documents to 35 from 86.

ARTA Director General Jeremiah B. Belgica said charges can be filed if particular government officials or employees cause delays despite the guidelines.

ARTA intends to meet with telcos, tower companies, and others in the telecoms industry to encourage partnerships to reduce red tape.

“ARTA is asking for the help of the public to not engage in any corrupt practices. Otherwise they too shall be penalized accordingly,” it said.

ARTA said the task force is being formed in response to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s call to improve telecommunications services.

Mr. Duterte in his State of the Nation Address Monday threatened to shut down telecommunication companies if they fail to improve their services by December. — Jenina P. Ibañez

DTI backs limited capacity reopening of review centers, gyms

THE Trade department said it will propose to allow the reopening of review centers and gyms under current quarantine settings.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez will recommend to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the coronavirus that tutorial and review centers, internet cafes, gyms, personal grooming and aesthetic services businesses, pet groomers, and drive-in cinemas be allowed to restart operations during the relaxed lockdown, he said in a radio interview Tuesday.

If approved by the IATF, such establishments may be allowed to operate at 30% capacity.

The department continues to support the reopening of more businesses and at higher capacities as confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases topped 82,000, the second highest number of infections in Southeast Asia.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has said he considered returning Metro Manila to a stricter form of lockdown, but mayors appealed to retain the relaxed quarantine, promising to employ targeted lockdowns instead.

Mr. Lopez said that he does not support a return to a stricter lockdown.

“May kakayahan naman ang ating pamahalaan na gawing localized ‘yung lockdown kung saan may hotspot o kung saan may outbreak o problema. Hindi kailangan isara ‘yung buong city o buong lugar. Kasi ho mamatay na talaga ekonomiya kapag pinagpatuloy ulit (The government can localize lockdowns in hotspots and problem areas. There is no need to lock down the entire city. That will kill the economy),” he said.

He added that the department continues to monitor establishments for compliance with safety guidelines, and is authorized to temporarily close non-compliant shops.

Under current rules, barbershops, salons, and dine-in operations at restaurants may operate up to 50% capacity in areas under general community quarantine, and up to 75% capacity in areas under modified general community quarantine.

In June, a survey found that a quarter of businesses remained permanently or temporarily shut despite easing lockdowns, according to a DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) report.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry on July 22 said 50% of its members in Luzon and Mindanao have closed down. The Philippines’ largest business organization said continued lockdowns put firms at risk of permanent closure. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Emissions testers granted grace period to renew accreditation

PRIVATE emissions testing centers will be given an extended deadline to renew their accreditation, permitting them to continue operating during the lockdown.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in memorandum circular 20-40 signed on July 16 said centers holding certificates of accreditation set to expire during the lockdown in their place of business will be given a 60-day grace period to renew, starting from the lifting of the local lockdown.

The centers will be allowed to continue operations unless their accreditation is revoked for other reasons.

In March, Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro called for an investigation into long delays experienced by vehicle owners applying for emissions tests, saying that he has received complaints about a shortage in accredited emission testing centers.

He later sought to suspend the required smoke emission testing for motor vehicle registration while government operations are disrupted by lockdowns.

Once the lockdown has been lifted, DTI’s regional monitoring and enforcement will resume, checking compliance with accreditation requirements.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Administrative Order No. 30 gives government agencies the power to issue guidelines on the filing of documents and payments and the suspension of deadlines during the lockdown. — Jenina P. Ibañez

NEA cuts 2020 electrification target to 635 sitios

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) has reduced its target for rural villages it plans to deliver power to this year to 635 sitios after the loss of funding that was diverted to the pandemic containment effort.

In a virtual briefing Tuesday, the agency said it had to revise its target for the Sitio Electrification Program from original 964. Apart from lost funding, it also blamed project delays on the quarantine.

“(The) implementation of the remaining sitio targets for the year may not be met due to the remittance of P1.26-billion unutilized subsidy funds to the Bureau of Treasury, as requested by the Department of Finance,” NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong said.

The government aims to fully electrify all households by 2022.

On its 51st anniversary, the NEA said electric cooperatives have brought electricity to 181 more rural villages in the six months to June, mostly in Luzon.

Construction is ongoing in 297 sitios, while projects in 157 have yet to be funded.

The timeline for full electrification has been affected by the pandemic, according to Ernesto O. Silvano, Jr., NEA’s head of Total Electrification and Renewable Energy Development.

He said the goal can still be achieved “if funds come in as scheduled.”

“I think we can still accomplish the target of the administration, provided that… the basis for our numbers (remains) the 2015 census,” Mr. Masongsong said.

Using 2015 numbers, the NEA said it has energized about 96% or 13.71 million households out of the total 14.34 million as of February.

That leaves around 1.83 million still without electricity.

Mr. Silvano said the agency must complete projects at the rate of 4,500 locations each year until mid-2022 to bring power to the remaining 13,000 unenergized sitios.

“With the limited subsidy funding, kailangan i-prioritize ang paglaan ng pondo sa mga areas na medyo mababa pa ang electrification level (we must prioritize funds for areas still with low electrification levels),” Mr. Masongsong said. Among such areas is the Bangsamoro region, he added.

For 2021, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recommended an NEA budget of P1.8 billion, according to Sonia B. San Diego, the NEA’s deputy administrator for Corporate Resources & Financial Services. The agency’s requested budget is P10.8 billion.

The bulk of the DBM proposed budget, or P1.6 billion, is earmarked for the electrification program, while P200 million is to be set aside for electric cooperatives’ emergency resiliency fund.

“We requested reconsideration and as of now, we haven’t received a reply yet,” Ms. San Diego said. — Adam J. Ang

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