NEW YORK — With the coronavirus pandemic turning daily life upside down and confining people indoors, 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams shared an increasingly common sentiment on social media — “Every little thing makes me really crazy.”
With global sport at a virtual standstill due to the virus, which has claimed more than 10,000 lives globally, many professional athletes have been left anxious as they struggle to cope with all the uncertainty that lies ahead.
“It started out with me feeling like ‘oh it can’t really affect me,’” said Ms. Williams in a series of TikTok videos, in which she described practising social distancing for two weeks since the cancellation of the Indian Wells tennis tournament.
“That one cancellation led to another and another and then led to all this anxiety that I’m feeling.
“I’m just on edge any time anyone sneezes around me or coughs.”
While billions of people around the world are suffering the same fears as Ms. Williams due to the rapid spread of the virus, the situation has also rattled those hoping to compete at this year’s Tokyo Olympics.
Thousands of Olympic hopefuls have been left in limbo with many qualifying events around the world postponed or canceled.
US Olympic committee (USOPC) CEO Sarah Hirshland told reporters on Friday that the organization “doubled down our mental health resources” for its athletes, with the Tokyo Olympics set to be held as scheduled from July 24 to Aug. 9.
“We’ve expanded the accessibility of those resources to a broader group of athletes, and are really working to communicate with them to ensure that we destigmatize any concerns they have about reaching out for mental health support,” said Ms. Hirshland.
The pandemic is also preventing many athletes from continuing their usual training regime as several countries are advising people to practise social isolation in a bid to stem the spread of the virus.
US weightlifter Katherine Nye had already secured her ticket to Tokyo, despite her sport’s qualifying period being cut short by a month, and told Reuters she was continuing to train out of her garage.
“Some people still had to compete again to qualify, and they have lost that opportunity entirely,” said Ms. Nye. “I’m definitely experiencing a lot of anxiety because of the pandemic, just like lots of people around the world.
“It’s not easy to ignore all the horrible things going on.”
Olympic organizers faced increased pressure to postpone the Games on Friday, after USA Swimming called for a delay, citing concern for athletes, a sentiment that many had expressed.
“How on earth are we meant to carry on preparing [as] best we can?” Jess Judd, a British middle-distance runner wrote on Twitter.
“Will someone share with me what races we can do to get times and whether trials will go ahead and when training can return to normal?” — Reuters
FORWARDS from San Beda and Nazareth School of National University (NSNU) head the rankings of the top high school players in the land in the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) and lead the 24 players that will see action in the 2020 NBTC All-Star Game.
San Beda-Taytay’s all-around forward Rhayyan Amsali and NSNU’s Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao occupied the top three spots in the final NBTC rankings.
Amsali made his one-and-done season with the Red Cubs a stint to remember as he led the team to the title in Season 95 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and solidified his standing as one of the standout high players in the country.
He used to play for NSNU before deciding to move to San Beda, serving his residency before donning the red and white.
In the NCAA juniors finals Amsali led the Red Cubs over the Lyceum Junior Pirates in their 2-1 series win, where he was named finals most valuable player.
Tamayo and Quiambao, meanwhile, continued to be a force for NSNU, which notched the title for Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
The Bullpups swept the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws, 2-0, in their best-of-three finals.
Tamayo was named finals MVP while graduating player Quiambao had all-around numbers of 12.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 blocks in his final year.
The three lead the 24 players set to see action at the NBTC All-Star Game tentatively set for April.
Joining Amsali, Tamayo and Quiambao are Mac Guadana (Lyceum), Jake Figueroa (Adamson), Bismarck Lina (University of Santo Tomas), John Barba (Lyceum), Josh Lazaro (Ateneo), Terrence Fortea (NSNU), Penny Estacio (FEU-D), Jonnel Policarpio (Mapua) and Lebron Lopez (Ateneo).
Also making it to the list of 24 are Cholo Anonuevo (FEU-D), Justine Sanchez (San Beda-Taytay), Forthsky Padrigao (Ateneo), Gerry Abadiano (NSNU), Yukien Andrada (San Beda-Taytay), Tony Ynot (San Beda-Taytay), RC Calimag (La Salle Greenhills), Joshua Ramirez (Colegio de San Juan de Letran), Joshua Cajucom (Hope Christian), Miguel Tan (Xavier School), Isaiah Blanco (University of Cebu) and Mike Boniel (Sacred Heart School-Ateneo).
The Chooks-to-Go SM-NBTC League National Finals as well as the annual All-Star Game were originally set to happen this week at the Mall of Asia Arena but because of the declaration of Public Health Emergency in the country over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) these were deferred to April 20 to 26.
The weeklong showcase of the top young talent in the country is backed by Smart, Vivo, Darlington, Phoenix Fuels, Epson, Gatorade, Go for Gold, and Molten. Media partners for the annual event are Cignal and One Sports. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
First off, this much is clear: The Federation Francaise de Tennis was absolutely right to postpone the French Open to a later date. It couldn’t have opened the gates of Roland Garros on May 24 as originally planned given community quarantine protocols in place due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. And with cancellation as an acceptable alternative only in a worst-case scenario, it settled on postponement instead. From its vantage point, it had an obligation to host the major tournament even at the expense of tradition. At least the crown jewel of the clay court season would be moved and not scuttled altogether.
That said, organizers were wrong to schedule the French Open to the fortnight beginning September 20 absent any consultation whatsoever with the sport’s other stakeholders. Because they unilaterally changed the date, they wound up spreading the logistical nightmares they foresee in staging the Grand Slam event in autumn. Even a cursory glance at the calendar they amended shows the havoc they wreaked. And because originally confirmed stops, including the Laver Cup, are affected, participants will be compelled to choose accordingly at risk of damaging relations any which way.
It’s a bind, really, that the FFT could have avoided had it first opted to touch base with the Association of Tennis Professionals and Women’s Tennis Association. Contractual obligations compel their members to suit up for the French Open and not with a conflicting spectacle, but the Laver Cup is one they have backed for a reason. And then there is the question of others doing the same and acting on self-interest. The United States Open, for instance, should be done by September 8. But what if it isn’t and needs to be moved? What if there’s an overlap?
Interestingly, French Open tournament director Guy Forget took pains to inform defending champion Rafael Nadal of the postponement. How and why the information did not reach others, especially since the clay court legend is a member of the ATP Player Council, figures to be the subject of speculation. Nonetheless, there can be no discounting the impact of the FFT’s decision. Already rocking in the present and struggling to hold on to any semblance of normalcy in the future, the sport is further threatened by an utterly avoidable development. How it copes in the immediate term may well determine if it improves or implodes.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
Recorded before Luzon was locked down, this episode picks apart data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority. BusinessWorld Research Head Leo Uy and economist Dr. Raul Fabella talk about the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries, the Labor Force Survey, and the importance of the manufacturing sector to the country’s long-term growth.
They also talk about the possible effects of COVID-19 on the labor situation and whether the country can return to the “new normal” — defined by faster growth in the manufacturing sector than in the service sector, and 6.5% GDP growth — despite the bleak and volatile situation.
Recorded on March 11 at the BusinessWorld Studio in Quezon City. Produced by Nina M. Diaz, Paolo L. Lopez, and Sam L. Marcelo.
MORE foreign capital entered than left the country in February to yield a net inflow of $40 million in February, despite the brewing volatility over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
However, analysts warned that the coming months could be brutal, as the on-going Luzon lockdown and the stock market selloff are hurting investor sentiment.
Foreign portfolio investments — dubbed as “hot money” due to the ease by which these funds go in and out of an economy — resulted to a net inflow of $40.06 million in February, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday.
This inflow is a reversal of the net outflow of $486.1 million logged in January, and is smaller compared to the $339.57 net inflow seen in February 2019.
BSP data showed $1.374 billion in registered investments in February, lower than the $1.41 billion in February 2019 but 11% higher than the $1.235 billion recorded in the preceding month.
The BSP said that majority or 68.7% of the foreign investments logged in the month were funnelled into Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities, mainly for businesses such as holding firms, property companies, banks, transportation services firms, and food, beverage, and tobacco companies.
On the other hand, nearly a third (31.3%) went to peso government securities.
A big chunk or 72.8% of the foreign investments came from the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, Luxembourg, and Japan.
BSP data also showed gross outflows stood at $1.334 billion in February, which was higher than the $1.07 billion seen a year ago but smaller compared to the $1.721 billion logged in January.
The central bank said there was “on-going concern on the potential global impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the release of 2019 corporate earnings report of several firms” in February.
BSP projects foreign portfolio investments to hit a net inflow of $8.2 billion in 2020, according to its outlook last November.
Sought for comment, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said that the net inflow of hot money somehow “defied increased volatility” in the market as coronavirus concerns began emerging in February.
“This is manifested by the relative resilience of the peso exchange rate recently, among the strongest in two years, partly due to interest rate differentials in favor of the peso and sharp decline in global crude oil prices…” Mr. Ricafort said in an email.
Economists expect volatility in the global financial markets to drag on for several months, which would affect foreign portfolio investments.
For his part, ING-Bank NV Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said that the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon paired with the selloff in the local stock market will take its toll on investor sentiment.
“March will likely see an even more severe outflow with most of the Philippines on enhanced community quarantine and economic activity grinding to a halt,” Mr. Mapa said in an emailed response.
“The stock market has plunged, bond markets are selling off and world leaders are scrambling to right the floundering global economy,” he added.
UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said foreign investors will gauge the government’s ability to contain the virus outbreak.
“It would be clear for potential investors if the current efforts are actually working (just like what has happened in other countries so far),” he said in an emailed response.
As of Thursday, there were 217 infected patients in the Philippines, with 17 deaths recorded. — Luz Wendy T. Noble
A man is checked for body temperature at a checkpoint placed amidst the lockdown of the country’s capital to contain the spread of coronavirus, in the outskirts of Quezon City, March 15. — REUTERS
MORE THAN 30 business groups urged Congress, in coordination with the Duterte administration, to approve the “maximum fiscal response” to shelter the Philippine economy from the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Business groups, led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, the Makati Business Club, and the Management Association of the Philippines, said the government should commit to a “more forceful action on the fiscal front in order to “mitigate the suffering of Filipinos and reduce damage to the society and economy.”
In a statement, the 32 business groups said the government “can and should” adopt a fiscal stimulus program that will hike the deficit-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to nearly 5%.
“Assuming GDP growth slows to 4.5% (GDP: P20 trillion), a 5% deficit will be P1 trillion. Subtract the programmed deficit of 3.6% (P720 billion), and there is room for a P281 billion fiscal stimulus program,” the groups said.
“Assuming GDP growth slows to 3% (GDP: 19.7 trillion), a 5% deficit will be P987.5 billion. Subtract the programmed deficit of 3.6% (P711.3 billion), and there will be room for a P277 billion fiscal stimulus program.”
Economic planners said that coronavirus outbreak may slash this year’s growth by up to 1.2 percentage points if it lasts until yearend, although it has yet to officially announce changes to its 6.5-7.5% target. Last year, the economy grew by 5.9%.
The government has put a cap on its deficit-to-GDP ratio at 3.2% for this year.
The business groups said that the Luzon quarantine is impacting millions of workers, including informal workers who are barred from leaving their homes to work and regular workers who may lose jobs as companies experience difficulties.
“A health issue is now also a hunger issue and may trigger violence and longer term social tensions,” they said. “Many companies are doing what they can to keep their employees paid despite their inability to work and drastic declines in sales. But they can only do so much compared with the millions who are vulnerable to the downturn.”
While the business groups believe that the initial P27 billion response package announced this week is a “great start,” they called for a bigger fiscal stimulus.
The groups said there should be funds for conditional cash transfer recipients and for the labor department and company programs supporting workers affected by the quarantine. There should also be additional efforts to transfer funds or food to low-income families.
They are also asking the government to allot funds for temporary hospitals and quarantine areas to cope with a surge in patients and for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that focus on hiring.
The business groups believe there should be targeted subsidies for health, tourism, and transport, as well as increases in public investment spending and deferment of penalties related to interest payments.
The statement was also signed by industry groups like Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Retailers Association, the Philippine Franchise Association and banking groups like the Chamber of Thrift Banks Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, and the Bankers Association of the Philippines.
Foreign chambers like the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and their European, Japanese, German, Canadian, and Australian-New Zealand counterparts also signed the statement.
Funding, the groups said, can also be sourced from savings or mandated savings of government-owned and controlled corporations and government agencies not directly in charge of the crisis like the health department and local government.
“This massive stimulus will save lives and protect our society but will not trigger alarm bells in the credit rating and global investment community as the Philippine debt/GDP measure is only likely to rise from 41.5% to 44.2%. It was almost 70% about 15 years ago.”
Meanwhile, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Inc. (FINEX) called for the government to implement an emergency calamity amelioration program to support the poor, jobless and homeless during the ECQ.
In a statement, FINEX called on Congress to authorize President Rodrigo R. Duterte to realign unspent or unobligated appropriations in this year’s General Appropriations Act for the emergency calamity amelioration.
“The national budget was designed and approved for normal times. But we are now in abnormal times, unprecedented since the war years. This global virus pandemic was not foreseen nor factored into the budget. We are now in a war for the survival of our nation and its economy, and fiscal policy and programs must be realigned as we propose during the exigency of this national emergency,” FINEX said.
SPECIAL SESSION
In response to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s call for Congress to hold a special session to pass a supplemental budget, House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano said they are ready to convene at the earlier possible time while following social distancing protocols.
“The House of the People stands ready to respond to the call of the President for a special session to pass measures, including a supplemental budget that would give the executive department more flexibility in containing the spread of COVID-19, and help ease the burden brought about by the pandemic among our nation’s most vulnerable sectors. As well as to discuss all other issues regarding health, the economy, and the concerns for a speedy recovery from the effects of this crisis,” he said in a Facebook post.
The House committee on appropriations earlier passed P1.65 billion in supplemental funding to support the government’s response to COVID-19.
On Thursday, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said that the Senate would tackle during the special session a “food subsidy budget” for daily wage earners who have lost their jobs during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
Congress began its two-month break last March 13. Hearings in both chambers have also been suspended. Congress will resume regular sessions on May 4. — Jenina P. Ibañez and Genshen L. Espedido
THE country’s current account deficit shrank to $464 million in 2019, due to “lower trade in goods deficit combined with higher net receipts in the trade in services, and in the primary and secondary income accounts, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Friday.
Data from the BSP showed a current account gap of $464 million last year, significantly lower than the $8.773 billion deficit seen in 2018.
The current account portrays a picture of the country’s overall economic interaction with the rest of the world covering trade in goods and services; remittances from overseas Filipino workers; profit from Philippine investments abroad; interest payments to foreign creditors; as well as gifts, grants and donations to and from abroad.
At its 2019 level, the current account made up 0.1% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), compared to the 2.4% of GDP in 2018.
The central bank said that imports of goods fell mainly due to the “slowdown in importation of raw materials such as construction materials related to the Build Build Build project of the government during the first half of the year, as well as the decline in volume and price of imported crude oil in the world market.”
At the same time, exports of goods went up as shipments of electronic products, and fruits and vegetables increased.
“It is well known that the 2019 budget was delayed, and consequently, the planned infrastructure spending played catch-up until the end of the fiscal year. This delay largely affected import performance causing the decline in the current account deficit,” UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said via email.
In the fourth quarter of 2019, the current account was at a surplus of $748 million, reversing the $2.701 billion deficit in 2018.
“This development stemmed primarily from the reduced deficit in the trade in goods account along with increased net receipts of primary and secondary income, and trade in services during the quarter,” the BSP said.
In 2019, the balance of payment (BoP) position of the country was at a surplus of $7.843 billion, reversing the $2.306 billion deficit seen in 2018.
For 2020, the central bank expects the country’s BoP position to hit a surplus of $3 billion.
This year, analysts warned that the pandemic will greatly impact the BoP. The coronavirus outbreak prompted the government to implement a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, causing disruption to many businesses.
“2020 BoP and the COVID-19 pandemic paints a picture of uncertainty that trying to forecast may be counterproductive,” Mr. Asuncion said.
“However, I still see a slight economic recovery of the Philippine economy towards the second half of 2020 that may push the BoP position to a deficit,” he added.
For his part, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said that there could be some relief from uncertainties due to the impact of the outbreak on the economy and financial markets.
“This could still be offset by any continued growth in OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances, BPO (business process outsourcing) revenues, and foreign investments, especially if the coronavirus is contained in the coming months,” he said. — Luz Wendy T. Noble
PHILIPPINE central bank Governor Benjamin Diokno said the nation’s economic growth this year could slow to a range of 5% to 5.5% as the world faces the risk of a recession.
“The current BSP monetary stance is consistent” with that forecast, Diokno said in a mobile-phone message, referring to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. “In order to achieve a higher growth rate, a massive, well-crafted fiscal stimulus is imperative.” The growth range is the central bank’s estimate and not the government’s, he said.
Diokno on Thursday delivered on a pledge to cut the key rate by half-a-point as central banks worldwide ease monetary policy and unleash stimulus. The BSP said it is ready to further reduce banks’ reserve requirement ratio and undertake other measures to boost financial market liquidity. It’s also ready to step in, if needed, to meet any demand for dollars.
The central bank governor is scaling down his expectations from an earlier 6% forecast. The Philippine economy grew 5.9% in 2019 from a year earlier.
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a month-long lockdown of the main Luzon island, which has 60 million people and is responsible for about 70% of the country’s economic output.
“In a world facing a possible recession, a region that might slow down to around 3% growth, 5% to 5.5% growth rate is enviable,” he said. Dow Jones was first to report on the governor’s downgraded growth forecast. — Bloomberg
THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) has also extended deadlines of other tax returns for 30 days due to the Luzon-wide lockdown.
BIR Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 29-2020 amending the RMC-26 issued earlier which followed the original deadlines but allowed taxpayers to file “tentative returns” and submit final returns instead after 30 days.
According to the new circular signed March 19, moved to April 20 were the deadlines for the filing and payment of monthly value-added tax declaration as well as the monthly remittance of percentage tax on winnings and prizes withheld by race track operators for the month of February.
Electronic filing deadlines of BIR Forms 1601C, 0619E and 0619F were also moved to April 21 for filers under Group E, April 22 for those under Group D, April 23 for Group C, April 24 for Group B and April 27 for Group A.
The Deadline for the electronic filing and payment of quarterly VAT declaration was also extended until April 27, while the digital payment of Form 2550M for Groups E, D, C and B can be settled on April 30.
Other returns that can be filed, submitted or paid until April 30 are quarterly income tax return for corporation, partnerships and other non-individual taxpayers; annual information return of income taxes withheld on compensation and final withholding taxes; certification of compensation payment under form 2316; and the annual information of return of creditable income taxes withheld.
Documentary stamp tax filing and payment for Form 2000 and Form 2000 one-time transactions for the month of March can be done until May 5.
Meanwhile, returns for the month of March can be filed until May 11, such as Form 1600 with the monthly alpha-list of payees and Form 1606; withholding tax remittance return for national state agencies; excise tax return for mineral products and the 1601C form for non-eFPS filers.
For filing and payment or remittance of Form 1601C, eFPS filers under Group E will have a deadline of May 11, those under Group D on May 12, Group C on May 13, and Group B on May 14.
The bureau earlier extended the deadline for annual income tax return filing and payment to May 15 from April 15 to give relief to taxpayers amid the lockdown imposed on Luzon, even as this would result in delayed collections of around P145 billion.
It also moved the deadline for filing applications for value-added tax refunds for those falling due on March 31 to April 30.
The government targets to collect P3.49 trillion this year to fund its P4.1-trillion spending plan, with the remaining funds to be sourced from its borrowing activities. The BIR is tasked to collect P2.576 trillion.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed the Luzon enhanced community quarantine until April 13 to slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 that infected 230 and killed 18 people in the country as of Friday. — B.M. Laforga
THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) said virtual vendors and individual sellers are included in the 60-day price freeze imposed by the government.
DTI and the Agriculture and Health departments on Wednesday signed a joint memorandum circular (JMC) reinforcing the price freeze on goods after the country was placed under a state of calamity.
“The JMC further enhances our existing measures for ensuring sellers’ compliance with the price freeze of basic goods. The Circular does not distinguish between an individual seller and a business entity, or if they are operating in either physical or virtual stores,” DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said in a statement on Friday.
“We made it very clear that as long as you are selling any basic good to the public, you must strictly abide by the price freeze.”
The prices of basic necessities are frozen from March 16 to May 15, after President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared a six-month state of calamity on March 16 in response to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Price Act, or Republic Act No. 7581, allows for the prices of basic necessities to be frozen at prevailing prices for 60 days or until lifted by the president when there is a declaration of a state of emergency or calamity.
According to the JMC, persons and entities that violate the price freeze may face fines between P5,000 to P2 million, and imprisonment of five to 15 years.
The goods covered include rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh, dried and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, sugar, and fresh fruits.
Essential drugs, medical devices, firewood, charcoal, household LPG, and kerosene are also covered.
Mr. Lopez said the implementing agencies intensified their monitoring and enforcement powers by creating composite teams to prevent overpricing, profiteering, hoarding, and cartels.
The implementing agencies may recommend to the president the imposition of a price ceiling on any basic necessity should the effects of COVID-19 persist beyond the 60-day period, the JMC said.
An initial price freeze was put into place after a declaration of public health emergency on March 8.
DTI is also attempting to limit the number of people outside as they offer guidelines on manufacturing operations and supply transportation amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
Mr. Lopez asked food and medical supply manufacturers that have one to two months of finished goods to stop operations and help keep workers in home quarantine.
In a mobile message to reporters on Friday, Mr. Lopez said all cargo may continue to pass through Metro Manila checkpoints, clarifying an earlier statement encouraging those transporting non-food and non-essential products to stay home.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC), in a social media post on Friday, said that it has enough food products.
SMC said its facilities and employees can produce 1.96 million kilograms (kg) of fresh meat, 524,000 kg of processed meat, and 2.11 million kg of flour and baked goods per day. — Jenina P. Ibañez
THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) has extended the deadline for state agencies preparing their 2021 budget plans (BP) to May 25 amid the 30-day Luzon-wide lockdown.
Budget Secretary Wendel E. Avisado issued National Budget Memorandum No. 134 extending the deadline from the previous May 11 schedule to give agencies more time to prepare their plans, especially those implementing work-from-home arrangements and operating on skeleton workforce during the quarantine period.
The order also assured offices the budget proposal system (OSBPS) is operational during the period.
“Since it is a web-based system, agencies shall continue to have access to the System (osbp.dbm.gov.ph) for the encoding of the required BP Forms,” the document read.
The deadline submission of budget proposal forms for 2019 actual obligations has been moved as well to April 15 from March 31, previously.
Separately, the DBM and Commission on Audit released Joint Circular (JC) No. 1, s. 2020 saying government employees under contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) scheme should continue to receive their salaries as they are exempted from the “no work, no pay” scheme during the lockdown.
This includes employees working from home and whose work were suspended due to the lockdown.
Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said in a statement yesterday the move will benefit more than 660,000 COS and JO government workers and help them continue providing for their families.
The circular also said “appropriate additional benefits” could be given to COS and JO workers part of the skeleton workforce of agencies reporting physically to work, upon the approval of the Office of the President.
Of the 2.4 million working in the government, data from the Civil Service Commission showed 660,000 are under COS and JO, with around 360,000 contractual workers in Luzon.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine until April 13 to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 that infected 230 and killed 18 people in the country as of Friday. — B.M. Laforga
THE PHILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said its registered companies can choose to stop operations amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
PEZA said in a statement on Friday companies have the prerogative to shut down due to the lack of raw materials and importation from foreign suppliers.
They may also do so if there is a shortage of workers as employees cannot travel after the suspension of public transport and if worker housing accommodations close to the zones are too costly.
Companies may also close as they decide to transfer their full investment to other countries or to move their production quota, machine rise and equipment to foreign branches.
The Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ) stopped operations on Thursday as the number of persons under investigation and monitoring for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased in the area.
CEZ has 439 companies employing a total of 68,058 employees.
“PEZA values the health and safety of its locators and workers as well as its surrounding communities and supports the government’s effort in trying to stop the spread of this virus. Thus, companies may opt to keep a skeletal workforce for basic admin, maintenance and security,” PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza said.
“Employees who will come in will need approval from their Zone Administrator and will be required to wear a face mask and undergo thermal scanning.”
PEZA said that economic zones aiming to shut down must first consult with locators, company associations, and PEZA.
Ms. Plaza said workers in its economic zones still in operation pass through checkpoints using PEZA stickers on cargo vehicles and shuttle buses.
“Social distancing and thermal scanning are being implemented on all vehicles. Facial masks are also required for their employees when going to work. Big companies have also adapted the work-from-home scheme and provided housing for their skeletal workforce who will need to come in.” — Jenina M. Ibañez
