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House appropriations panel to keep working on COVID-19 bills

THE House committee on appropriations plans to hold hearings during the Congressional break to tackle appropriations bills and stimulus packages seeking to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

“That’s the plan. I actually instructed our staff to consolidate pending measures in the Committee as regards COVID-19 so we can plan our next steps. I also appeal to the members of the Committee to participate should there be a need for a Committee Meeting but we will be cautious as well,” the chairman of the House committee on appropriations, Representative Eric G. Yap, said in a Viber message Friday.

Mr. Yap, of ACT-CIS Partylist, said the committee will implement the appropriate “safety measures” to prevent possible disease transmission while conducting the hearings.

In his speech before the adjournment of the session on Wednesday, Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano authorized committees to conduct meetings “if deemed necessary.”

He also said that the House is open to conduct special sessions and change the legislative calendar, with the permission of the Senate, to discuss possible measures against COVID-19.

Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro filed on Thursday three separate measures proposing the appropriation of P23 billion for workers and businesses affected by the spread of COVID-19.

House Bill 6612 proposes the allocation of P10 billion to the Department of Tourism for tourist-oriented establishments suffering from reduced visitor traffic.

House Bill 6613 seeks P3 billion to help affected workers. The funds will be administered by the Department of Labor and Employment.

House Bill 6614 proposes the allocation of P10 billion to the Department of Trade and Industry for assistance to outbreak-affected businesses.

Mr. Rodriguez said in a statement Friday that additional funds for the three departments will be particularly helpful for workers and businesses covered by the Metro Manila lockdown and other measures ordered imposed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

He said thousands of workers rendered jobless by COVID-19 need help from the government and the private sector as well, including 300 employees of flag carrier Philippine Airlines who were let go.

“It is important that the government help distressed employees and businesses because Covid-19, aside from its health implications, affects jobs and businesses,” Mr. Rodriguez said.

He also pointed out that the allocation of assistance funds for affected workers and businesses is in line with the President’s recent declaration of a public health emergency.

Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo of Marikina also filed a bill Thursday seeking to set aside P108 billion for a stimulus package that will address the economic impact of the outbreak.

Under the bill, P43 billion will be allotted to assist the tourism sector, P15 billion for displaced workers “including but not limited to emergency employment assistance and transportation vouchers,” and P50 billion for assistance to businesses, including loan packages and subsidies.

Rep. Jose Maria Clemente S. Salceda of Albay said he will be filing a P190-billion stimulus package, which he said is “equivalent to one percent of gross domestic product (GDP).”

“I am filing a supplemental appropriations bill that will prioritize Filipino workers and families in responding to the economic impacts (of) COVID-19. Kasi temporary lang naman ang tama niyan sa ekonomiya, pero ang potential damage talaga, sa ordinaryong mamamayan (the hit to the economy will be temporary, but ordinary people will sustain the most damage),” he said in a statement Thursday.

On March 10, the House committee on appropriations passed P1.65 billion in supplemental funding to support the government’s response to COVID-19.

Congress will resume regular session on May 4. — Genshen L. Espedido

Senate minority backs session for budget to fight outbreak

THE Senate Minority bloc has called for a special session to allow Congress to pass a supplemental budget to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“In view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, we in the Minority call for a special session of Congress to pass a supplemental budget to address the pandemic and help affected Filipino households, workers, and businesses,” the Minority Senators said in a joint statement, Sunday.

The bloc includes Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon and Senators Francis N. Pangilinan, Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel and Leila M. de Lima.

The budget is intended to cover procurement of additional test kits, equipment, such as protective gear and hospital beds, relief goods, and medicine. It will also fund the deployment of additional health personnel as well as cash assistance for daily wage earners.

It will also fund subsidies or low-cost loans for businesses, particularly micro- and small-enterprises, whose operations were disrupted during the community quarantine.

Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri last week said the Senate is ready to hold special sessions if President Rodrigo R. Duterte calls for it.

Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano has said the House of Representatives is willing to resume session during its March 14-May 3 break to discuss the supplemental budget.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed Metro Manila under community quarantine until April 14 and imposed restrictions on domestic land, air and sea travel to and from the National Capital Region.

The Metro Manila Council announced plans for an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew pending enactment of curfew ordinances by the component cities.

“How will the government cushion its impact on the livelihood of workers who will be temporarily laid off because of business inactivity?” Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares said in a statement Sunday.

“What assistance can the government offer to small businesses which will be forced to shut down operations or operate in reduced hours?”

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson advised the Philippine National Police to be cautious in exercising its functions during the quarantine.

“Law enforcement authorities may not be legally equipped to conduct arrest unless local ordinances are available for its enforcement,” he said in a separate statement. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Metro Manila fuel supply seen sufficient for lockdown, Energy dep’t says

METRO MANILA has sufficient fuel in the duration of the 30-day “lockdown,” which the government formally calls a community quarantine, the Department of Energy (DoE) announced.

The DoE said Sunday that the National Capital Region (NCR) will have a “continuous and sufficient” supply of fuel for the duration of the lockdown between March 15 and April 14, amid the ongoing government effort to stem the spread of COVID-19.

It estimated the NCR inventory at 2.7 billion liters of crude and oil products as of Feb. 29, or 45 days worth of expected consumption, which is above the oil industry’s minimum inventory requirement.

“The entire energy family is working 24/7 to make sure that energy services remain unimpeded,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in an advisory.

The department has asked oil companies to file status reports on stock levels at their depots supplying the region, and report any issues with distribution or instances of hoarding.

The DoE also required generating companies, distribution utilities, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, Inc. (IEMOP) to submit Business Continuity Plans (BCP) to ensure the availability of power.

“Electric power services must remain uninterrupted. We are working closely with the members of the power sector for their respective work plans and strategies to ensure the availability of power supply, particularly in vital installations such as hospitals,” Mr. Cusi said in a separate statement.

The department noted that the market operator had submitted its BCP, while the transmission grid has enforced contingency measures to maintain uninterrupted power transmission services. — Adam J. Ang

Flexible work ordered at ecozones as PEZA seeks free movement of goods

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it has ordered work-from-home arrangements where possible and transportation arrangements for economic zone employees as Metro Manila goes into community quarantine for the COVID-19 outbreak.

It is also arranging for the free movement of goods through checkpoints, including a scheme for accrediting cargo vehicles carrying economic zone raw materials or finished goods.

In a statement Friday, PEZA directed economic zones nationwide to operate on a “business as usual” basis with the fewest staff feasible.

PEZA Director-General Charito B. Plaza instructed PEZA offices and ecozones to implement alternative work schemes during the entire period of the quarantine.

Deputy Directors-General and NCR (National Capital Region) Zone Managers will decide on the work schemes for the PEZA head office and zone offices in Metro Manila.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday ordered a community quarantine around Metro Manila, halting land, domestic, and sea travel in and out of the capital region between March 15 to April 14. Workers may enter and exit Metro Manila by showing their company ID at checkpoints.

“PEZA caters to both foreign and local clients who brings investments to the country. With this, employees interact with various clients in the day-to-day basis. We, in PEZA, (must) make sure the safety and welfare of our workers and clients alike,” Ms. Plaza said.

Public zones and special zones outside of NCR will have four-day work weeks of either Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday. Employees can come in between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

PEZA said that it wrote to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to assist with employee and cargo travel in and out of Metro Manila.

“Passes/stickers shall include PEZA-accredited trucks transporting goods that are either for import or export of PEZA-registered companies,” Plaza said.

PEZA last week released a memorandum circular allowing information technology enterprises in economic zones to develop work-from-home arrangements or reassign employees to other facilities without prior approval from the authority.

“We are doing our best not to cripple the economy but also to protect each other in times like this because, as Filipinos, it is our inherent duty to our flag and our country. At the same time, we want to give the best quality of service to our clients despite the threat of COVID-19,” Ms. Plaza said. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Will it be endgame now for 5% GIT?

Once again we wait to see if the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act or the CITIRA bill (either House Bill No. 4157 or Senate Bill No. 1357) will pass into law this month. The bill is being repackaged for the third time after its predecessor bills were no legislated (TRAIN 2 and TRABAHO). If passed, CITIRA is expected to have a strong impact on Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered firms.

For PEZA-registered firms availing of the 5% Gross Income Tax (GIT) incentive, the withdrawal of the privilege would eventually mean a reassessment of their direct costs and expenses that would qualify as deductions in light of Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 11-05 — Definition of Gross Income Earned. This makes it an ideal time for companies to prepare for the eventual implementation of CITIRA by conducting simulations and evaluations using their most recent balances.

DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES FOR 5% GIT UNDER THE EXISTING PEZA LAW
Favorably for PEZA-registered firms under 5% GIT, the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) in recent years has been consistent with its interpretation that the list of direct costs in RR No. 11-05 is not exclusive but merely enumerates the expenses that are in the nature of direct costs. Thus, PEZA-registered entities may be allowed to deduct expenses which are in the nature of direct costs even if they are not specifically included in the list provided in RR No. 11-05. However, these items must be directly attributable to the entity’s PEZA-registered services/activities.

The same position — that the list of expenses provided by RR No. 11-05 is not exclusive but merely instructive — was carried on in the recent CTA En Banc (EB) Case No. 1809-10 dated Nov. 14, 2019 (Moog Controls Corporation-Philippine Branch vs CIR). Moreover, Moog was able to prove that expenses (i.e., repairs and maintenance, data processing expense, building insurance expense and outside services) claimed under 5% GIT were directly related to its registered activities, and hence allowed as deductions under 5% GIT.

However, it is worth pointing out that while a number of recent court decisions held by the CTA adopted the non-exclusivity of the list of expenses under the mentioned RR, the CTA has also disallowed the inclusion of certain expenses such as accident/life insurance, equipment and uniforms for on-the-job trainees, employee activities (e.g. holy mass for Sto. Nino Feast, Ping-Pong tournament expenses, treadmills for physical fitness clubs), non-technical training and development, the Department of Energy (DoE) electrification fund, general office expenses, business expenses, taxes and licenses for being unrelated to the rendition of PEZA-registered services. (CTA EB Case No. 1207 dated Feb. 3, 2016, East Asia Utilities Corp. vs. CIR)

Needless to say, it is crucial that adequate documents (e.g., journal vouchers, accounts payable voucher, invoices/receipts) are maintained to support that the expenses can be attributed to the rendition of the PEZA-registered activity. (CTA Case No. 8508 dated Sept. 1, 2014, Medtex Corporation vs. CIR)

5% GIT UNDER CITIRA HOUSE AND SENATE BILLS
While both CITIRA versions of the House and Senate seek to lower the regular corporate income tax rate and rationalize the tax incentives currently enjoyed by entities with special registration (e.g., PEZA–registered firms), each bill has its own proposed provision on the continuation of incentives granted before it takes effect as a law.

HOUSE BILL NO. 4157
In the House version, registered activities granted an Income Tax Holiday (ITH) shall be allowed to continue and the incentive may be availed of for the remaining period of the ITH or for only five more years (whichever comes first). This is allowed provided that the 5% GIT shall commence only after the ITH period has lapsed; and further, that the 5% tax on gross income earned shall be allowed to continue for periods based on a schedule that varies depending on how many years the current tax incentive is being enjoyed (up to a maximum of five more years).

After the lapse of the 5% GIT period, the regular corporate income tax rate shall take effect.

At the same time, this version grants ITH, a reduced corporate income tax of 18% or enhanced deductions for commercial operations dependent on location. For example, companies in the NCR can enjoy up to three years ITH and up to two years reduced corporate income tax rate. Areas adjacent to Metro Manila get slightly longer periods, while all other areas can get up to six years ITH and four years reduced corporate income tax. The bill also states that the regular corporate income tax rate will be reduced by 1% every two years from 2022 until 2030.

SENATE BILL NO. 1357
In the Senate version, registered activities only granted an ITH can continue to enjoy the incentive for the remaining period of the ITH. On the other hand, the 5% tax on the gross income of registered activities granted prior ITH (where the ITH will expire within five years once CITIRA takes effect) shall commence only after the lapse of ITH and shall continue for the remaining period (but not to exceed five years). Further, the 5% tax on gross income earned shall, similar to the House version, be allowed to continue for periods based on a schedule that varies depending on how many years the current tax incentive is being enjoyed, up to a maximum of five more years. Interestingly, the Senate version added a provision extending the sunset period for availing of 5% tax on gross income up to seven years for firms that export 100% of output, employ 10,000 Filipino workers in the incentivized activity, or are engaged in “footloose” manufacturing, which are operations outside of Manila that export manufactured goods and have a designated labor to asset ratios for a period of time before CITIRA.

Similar to the House version, the Senate version grants an ITH followed by a special corporate income tax rate (SCIT) or enhanced deduction whose durations are based on the registered enterprise’s location and industry tier, with the caveat that the total period with incentives not last more than 12 years. The Senate version, however, sets the SCIT at 8% of the gross income earned in lieu of all national and local taxes, rising 1% per year until it reaches 10% in 2022 and onwards.

Nevertheless, the determination of what constitutes direct costs will remain relevant during the sunset years of existing registered activities under the 5% GIT prior to CITIRA, and likewise under the new SCIT rates proposed by the Senate in this version.

We should also note that PEZA-registered activities that qualify for registration under the strategic investments priority plan (SIPP) may opt to be governed by the provisions under both House and Senate versions of CITIRA. In such a case, such enterprises will have to surrender their Certificate of Registration, signifying their intent to waive the incentives they previously enjoyed.

WHAT CAN BE DONE IN THE MEANTIME?
At this point, knowing that the 5% GIT regime may slowly fade out of the picture once CITIRA takes effect, it would be prudent for PEZA-registered firms to evaluate the law’s impact on their current and future operations by way of a simulation using the most recent account balances.

PEZA-registered firms should consider the following scenarios:

• The companies continue to avail of their current incentives as PEZA-registered entities.

• The companies opt to waive their privilege to avail of the incentives as PEZA-registered entities:

1. Where the registered activities of the companies qualify for registration under the SIPP.

2. Where the registered activities of the companies does not qualify for registration under the SIPP.

By carefully conducting this gap analysis, PEZA-registered firms will be better able to evaluate if it is better for them to maintain their current incentives or to deregister from PEZA and instead fall under the new provisions of CITIRA. As with many projection matters, advance knowledge and the results of the simulation are often invaluable in helping companies decide on their way forward. By using real data from the company’s most recent balances, the simulations then become even more accurate and relevant to the company’s actual operations.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinion expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Erickson Errol R. Sabile is a Tax Senior Director from the Global Compliance Reporting Service Line of SGV & Co.

1,600 cops deployed to enforce metro lockdown

MANILA police deployed 1,600 cops and set up 56 checkpoints in the capital and nearby cities to monitor the movement of people after President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered a lockdown to contain a novel coronavirus outbreak in the metro.

Checkpoints were set up in the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Marikina and Pasig, Brigadier General Debold M. Sinas, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), told a news briefing on Sunday.

The Department of Health reported 29 more COVID-19 infections yesterday, bringing the total to 140. Three more patients died, raising the number of deaths to 11, it said in an e-mailed statement. Five have recovered, it added.

Mr. Sinas said every checkpoint will be equipped with at least one thermal scanner. The police will buy more to add to the 25 pieces they have now, he added.

Mr. Sinas said the checkpoint locations would be refined later to make them more efficient.

A nine-hour curfew starting at 8 p.m. on March 15 was to be enforced in Manila, the capital and nearby cities as part of a one-month lock down in Metro Manila that also banned land, domestic air and sea travels to and from the region. People leaving Metro Manila must be checked for signs of infection such as fever and other respiratory symptoms at exit checkpoints. A certification will then be issued by health authorities to the traveler, who must undergo a 14-day home-based quarantine, according to a memo issued by the presidential palace on Saturday.

Seventeen mayors of Metro Manila also issued a separate order urging mall operators to shut down for a month to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019, Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier M. Zamora said at the weekend.

Supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants with home deliveries, banks and outlets that offer health services will be allowed to operate.

Also yesterday, the presidential palace said the government would buy more COVID-19 test kits amid rising cases of infection.

In a joint statement, the palace and Science and Technology department said funds would be given to DoH and the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health, which is making a local version of the test kits.

The presidential memo at the weekend extended class suspensions until April 15 and detailed quarantine and social distancing measures for the metro.

Under the rules, mass gatherings including movie screenings, concerts, sporting events and other entertainment activities, community assemblies and nonessential company gatherings will be banned.

Religious gatherings and essential company meetings are allowed as long as people maintain a one-meter distance from each other, according to a copy of the memo signed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea.

A community quarantine will be imposed on the entire Metro Manila. Local governments must follow either general and enhanced community quarantines imposed by the Department of Health and Interior and Local Government department.

QUARANTINE
Under a general quarantine, the movement of people will be limited to accessing basic goods and work, while police and quarantine officers will be present at border points.

Police will restrict the nonessential entry and exit of people to and from Metro Manila, especially people who are at high risk of being infected such as senior citizens and pregnant women.

Health workers, authorized government officials, those traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons and people on their way to the airport for travel overseas will be exempted from the restrictions. People providing basic services and public utilities and essential skeletal workforce also won’t be covered.

Under an enhanced quarantine, home quarantine will be enforced in all households, transportation will be suspended and provision of food and health services will be regulated.

The memo does not say what could bring about an enhanced quarantine.

Mr. Duterte on Thursday ordered the lockdown and suspended work in the Executive branch for a month. The House of Representatives also suspended work and will adopt a rotating skeletal manpower during the period.

Companies should allow work-from-home and other flexible arrangements to prevent the spread of the virus, he said. Government agencies can form “skeletal workforces” to ensure unimpeded delivery of services, Mr. Duterte said.

The President made the announcement in a televised speech after meeting with an inter-agency task force against the contagion that has killed more than 5,000 people and sickened about 140,000 more worldwide, mostly in China.

Duterte said the highest alert level — code red sublevel 2 — was up, which means there have been community transmissions and increased infection cases beyond the government’s responding capacity. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas and Gillian M. Cortez

Gaming regulator suspends gambling operations in metro

THE country’s gaming regulator suspended gambling operations for a month starting on Sunday, even as it allowed offshore gaming operations to continue with a minimal workforce.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) in an e-mailed statement said the suspension covers all land-based casinos, including those that it owns and operates as well as licensed and integrated resort-casinos, electronic games, traditional and electronic bingo, sports betting, poker and slot-machine clubs and other activities it regulates.

“Only a minimum number of workers will be allowed in their workplaces,” Pagcor said of offshore gambling operators here, while employees follow social distancing and quarantine protocols.

Restaurants inside gaming areas will remain open, while hotels that house casinos may still accept guests, “but are discouraged from hosting large functions and events.”

If local governments outside Metro Manila start imposing community quarantine, gaming operations there will also be suspended, Pagcor said.

“This measure is intended to ensure the safety of both gaming employees and customers and eventually, the general public,” it said.

The gaming agency also banned public gatherings within its gaming venues and properties.

Pagcor said it had remitted P2 billion to the Office of the President, which will be used by the Health department against the COVID-19 contagion.

“It is also in the process of procuring personal protective equipment and food for frontline workers and communities affected by the pandemic,” it added. — Beatrice M. Laforga

438 Filipinos from US-based cruise ship to come home

THE government will bring home more than 400 Filipinos aboard the MV Grand Princess cruise ship docked in Oakland, California, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday.

The agency said 438 crew members and six passengers left the cruise ship on Saturday evening and had been transferred to the San Francisco airport for their flight back home.

Only 444 Filipinos availed themselves of the repatriation offer. Thirteen had tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), while 78 crew members stayed put to man the vessel. Three passengers who were residents of California also stayed behind.

Those who got infected had been confined in health facilities in the United States, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Martin R. Meñez told reporters in a teleconference.

Repatriates had been screened by the US Department of Health and Human Services and were cleared of the symptoms, he said.

The Filipinos were expected to arrive at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Airbase, Pampanga province. They will be transferred, through chartered buses, to the Athlete’s Village in New Clark City, where they will undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Last month, DFA brought home about 400 Filipinos from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Yokohama. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

#COVID-19 Regional Updates

NCR

Gov’t contractual workers to get compensation during community quarantine period

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTUAL workers will be compensated during the community quarantine period in Metro Manila, Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said on Saturday evening. He said the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Commission on Audit (CoA) have both agreed to the proposal. “Final decision will be released (on) Monday,” Mr. Villanueva, who heads the committee on labor, employment and human resources development, told reporters. President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday evening placed the National Capital Region (NCR) under a community quarantine from March 15 to April 14. He also suspended work in the Executive branch, leaving agencies to form a “skeletal workforce” to continue operations. Mr. Villanueva said he raised the proposal to CSC Chairman Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, who agreed with the proposal provided CoA will concur. “This needs concurrence with CoA again because there are Circulars governing Contract of Service and Job Orders, and are jointly issued by CSC and CoA,” he said. The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), for its part, urged the private sector to adopt alternative work arrangements to lessen the chances of exposure of employees to the coronavirus. Among the alternatives include telecommuting, work from home, reduction of workdays/ hours, rotation of workers and forced leaves. Leaves of absence during the community quarantine will be charged to the workers’ leave credits. Manufacturing, retail and service establishments were also advised to continue operations, given that social distancing is observed. In its Labor Advisory No. 11 s. 2020, DoLE noted that social distancing means there is at least a one meter radius between individuals. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

House of Representatives worker dies from COVID-19

AN EMPLOYEE of the House of Representatives, who was earlier reported to have contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), passed away on Sunday. “Sad news. The HRep (House of Representatives) employee who was positive with COVID-19 passed away earlier today at 1:45 a.m.,” Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Representative Jericho Jonas B. Nograles told reporters in a Viber message on Sunday. — Genshen L. Espedido

LUZON

Baguio residents advised to be home by 10 p.m.; tourists asked to postpone visit

THE BAGUIO City COVID-19 inter-agency task force (IATF) has released a list of new guidelines on preventing the spread of the new coronavirus, including asking residents to be home by 10 p.m. The IATF, led by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, also “requested” tourists planning to visit the popular mountain city “to postpone their trips.” The guidelines also include protocols on health declaration forms to be submitted at checkpoints.

VISAYAS

Iloilo City requires 14-day quarantine for all incoming passengers with recent foreign travel

ILOILO CITY Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has expanded the order on mandatory quarantine to all incoming passengers with recent foreign travel in any country. As of last week, the city government was monitoring 73 person who had travel history from countries with COVID-19 cases. Mr. Treñas also said the city hall will observe normal operations while employees with travel history from areas with confirmed cases and those with recent exposure to foreign clients have been ordered to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine. “We will be back to normal but there will be some employees who will be requested to undergo voluntary quarantine for further monitoring,” he said. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

Cebu bans air transport from Clark, Cagayan de Oro, other areas

ALL INCOMING domestic air and sea transport will be temporarily suspended in Cebu, Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia announced Saturday. The ban immediately took effect for flights from Clark International Airport, Legazpi City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Dumaguete City. The total domestic ban on air travel starts today and will be in effect for 30 days. Incoming passenger sea transport, on the other hand, will be suspended starting Tuesday. — The Freeman

MINDANAO

Zamboanga City bans all incoming transport starting 12 noon, March 16

ALL LAND, sea and air passenger transport will be barred from entering Zamboanga City starting 12 noon of March 16, the city government announced Saturday. Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar was scheduled to give a public address at 8 p.m. Sunday to provide more details on the order and other COVID-19 policies. “This is not a lockdown but an urgent preventive measure,” the city information office said in its announcement on its social media pages. The ban does not cover cargo transport and outgoing passenger trips. As of Sunday morning, Zamboanga City had zero patients under monitoring for COVID-19.

CDO orders passengers from Manila to register at barangay health centers for 14-day self quarantine monitoring

RESIDENTS AND visitors in Cagayan de Oro City who arrived from Metro Manila before the capital’s lockdown Sunday have been ordered to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine and coordinate with their respective barangay health centers for monitoring. “This now calls for patriotism… This demands sacrifice from all of us. Ang sakripisyo sa katawan (The sacrifice from the people) is to do preventive measures,” Mayor Oscar S. Moreno said in a streamed media conference Friday.

Meanwhile, public and private hospitals in the city are stepping up preparations for handling possible COVID-19 patients. The Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), for one, has increased the number of allocated isolation rooms. NMMC was where a 54-year old male patient from Lanao del Sur was transferred from an Iligan City hospital last week. He tested positive for the new coronavirus and died Friday night. Meanwhile, JR Borja General Hospital chief Ramon Nery said while they are prepared for a potential surge of people at their Out-Patient department, he called on the public to first “patronize” their local health centers. Barangay Health Centers have been equipped for initial medical assessment and response teams have been trained to handle suspected COVID-19 cases.

GenSan imposes 9 p.m.–4 a.m. curfew

A 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew is in effect in General Santos City starting March 14 until further notice. “In the coming days, we will be more strict with the implementation, especially for areas where there are a large number of people,” Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera said Saturday evening. “We appeal to the public, to please follow our rules and regulations. I know this is hard for everybody… I understand our businessmen and residents. But this is for the good of everybody,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

DA sets SRP for agricultural goods in Davao City main public markets

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-11) office has issued standard retail price (SRP) ranges for agricultural goods sold at two of Davao City’s main public markets. SRPs are set for fish, livestock and poultry, vegetables, fruits, and rice and corn at the Bankerohan and Agdao markets. The lists are posted on DA-11’s Facebook page, Agri Info Davao. Last Friday, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry called on the regional offices of the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry to “impose price controls on critical commodities” amid the COVID-19 threat. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

Nationwide round-up

OFWs affected by Kuwait, Qatar flight ban to get assistance

OVERSEAS FILIPINO workers (OFWs) in Kuwait and Qatar affected by the temporary flight ban imposed by these two countries will be given assistance by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE). In a statement on Sunday, DoLE said around 743 OFWs in Kuwait were affected when the country imposed a temporary ban on flights to and from the Philippines last March 7. “Filipinos who are now in Kuwait can stay, but those who were en route after the announcement of the ban were barred entry. We are now considering either flying them back immediately or just wait for the seven-day period, as the Kuwait government said that the ban is only good for seven days,” said Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III. In Qatar, 300 OFWs were also affected when the country issued a similar flight ban on March 9. Mr. Bello is currently requesting P1.5 billion from President Rodrigo R. Duterte to assist all OFWs whose employment were affected due to the virus concerns and cases. — Gillian M. Cortez

Lawmakers propose measures to cushion COVID-19 impact

SEVERAL LAWMAKERS have proposed various measures to help cushion the impact of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), particularly on the general public. ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Rowena Niña O. Taduran called on the government to impose a moratorium on the repayment of debts, taxes, fees and utility bills which are due within the one month community quarantine period in Metro Manila from March 15 to April 14. “We must consider that even though people may have money, they might be apprehensive about going out to take care of these payments. Also, they might need their money for more essential items at this time,” Ms. Taduran said in a statement on Sunday.

RENT DISCOUNT
Meanwhile, Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy asked mall owners and landlords to give “compassionate discount” to their tenants, especially small retailers. “Talagang nalulugi po ngayon ang ating mga (Lossses are really being incurred by) MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises),” she said in a statement. Ms. Herrera-Dy added that giving temporary relief to small businesses is a “wise move” instead of letting them close shop. “We also call on the Department of Trade and Industry to facilitate this financial relief for our small businesses, and to do this as soon as possible,” she said Sunday. For his part, Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman urged the government to extend economic packages and assistance to affected workers and MSMEs. “To offset wage losses and other related adverse consequences of COVID-19, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS) should extend interest-free three-month emergency salary loans to affected workers, who have been temporarily laid off or placed on staggered work schedule, with repayment to be amortized for ten (10) months starting three months from receipt of the loan proceeds,” he said in a statement on Saturday. He also called on the government to use its Contingent Fund, Calamity Fund and Quick-Response Fund (QRF) to provide hazard pay to frontline workers.

LODGING
Meanwhile, San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Florida P. Robes urged government to temporarily house Metro Manila workers living outside the capital in hotels, motels, inns, and other similar lodgings during the community quarantine period. She said allowing workers living outside the National Capital Region to go in and out of Metro Manila “defeats the purpose of the community quarantine since they may spread the virus in their respective communities.” — Genshen L. Espedido

Nation at a Glance — (03/16/20)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

Nation at a Glance — (03/16/20)

UAAP scraps Season 82

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

WITH THE SPREAD of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) an ongoing and concerning threat, and in relation to the local measures put up to contain it, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the weekend moved to cancel the remainder of Season 82.

It was the content of a league memorandum issued on Saturday, March 14, which was signed by both Season 82 President Emmanuel M. Fernandez of host school Ateneo de Manila University and Executive Director Atty. Rene Andrei Saguisag.

The UAAP, however, provided a glimmer of hope for collegiate play, saying it may revisit the idea of resuming action albeit with a revamped format if the situation improves.

The UAAP underscored the need to ensure the welfare and safety of the “greater number” in its decision just as it wanted to adhere to “the stringent social distancing measures imposed in the National Capital Region” which is part of the guidelines set by the government as it put Metro Manila under community quarantine beginning March 15.

Under the guidelines, mass gathering like sporting events and entertainment activities are prohibited. Classes at all levels were also suspended until April 14, this year.

With the UAAP decision to cancel, affected were all high school events whether pending or yet to commence, including the first-ever girls basketball tournament, which was already in the finals when competition was stopped because of the threat of COVID-19.

University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University were tied in their best-of-three finals with a game each and it was decided to declare both of them as co-champions.

For collegiate competition, the UAAP said the regular formats of the different sporting events were also cancelled.

But if the government declares that it is safe to resume classes on April 15, or a day after the community quarantine in NCR had lapsed, and does not prohibit mass gathering, the league will craft alternative formats of competition to begin no earlier than May 1.

Among affected collegiate tournaments were those of volleyball, football, baseball, softball, lawn tennis and 3×3 basketball.

In volleyball, at the time that play was stopped, the National University Lady Bulldogs were on top of the heap with a 2-0 record.

They were followed by the De La Salle Lady Spikers at 1-0, with the UST Golden Tigresses, Ateneo Lady Eagles, Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons having identical 1-1 cards.

The Adamson Lady Falcons were at 0-1 and the University of the East Lady Warriors winless at 0-2.

In the men’s tournament, NU and FEU were tied on top with 2-0 cards, followed by UP, Ateneo and UE (1-1).

La Salle and Adamson were at 0-1 and UST at 0-2.

The start of the tournament was already delayed by two weeks because of COVID-19. It was scheduled to begin on Feb. 15 but formally kicked off on March 3.

The UAAP said it was a tough decision to make, recognizing the hard work that coaches and student-athletes had put in for the season, but something that it had to do.

It closed out the memorandum by asking for all stakeholders’ patience and understanding in light of the ongoing situation.

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