BIZ BUZZ: Vaccine scams

The rollout of vaccination programs across the globe has given scammers another fertile ground to steal people’s credentials.

A few months back, cybersecurity experts warned that as pandemic-weary people seek vaccines, they may readily share personal information needed by scammers to access their bank accounts.

Union Bank of the Philippines, for instance, has alerted clients about similar COVID-19 scams targeting bank account holders.

“Beware of calls, SMS or emails requesting for your personal information in order to register for a COVID-19 vaccine or get ‘priority’ appointments,” the bank said in an advisory.

As local governments use online registration systems, it’s imperative that those seeking vaccines register only at authorized channels and transact via trusted platforms with proven track record.

One red flag to remember is if the person is asked to pay for the vaccine, according to the bank.

“Scammers will try to ask for a fee to gain early access to a vaccine or to add a person’s name to a vaccine waiting list,” the advisory read.

Now, as to the alleged “fixers” at certain local governments who ask for payments so that those who pay can go high in the priority list, that’s another story.

—Doris Dumlao-Abadilla

Another PAL problem

It might have won a temporary 15-day reprieve, but the fight is far from over for Philippine Airlines (PAL) in its effort to stop the transfer of its operations to a new terminal building in Los Angeles, California.

In other airports around the world, airlines would normally jump at the chance to relocate, but such is not the case in LA’s new Midfield Satellite Concourse. That’s because this new structure, where a few other airlines are also being transferred, is a 30-minute walk from the main Tom Bradley International Terminal building where passengers first alight from their vehicles.

And unlike other modern airports around the world where terminals are connected by underground trains, the new concourse in LA is connected to the main building only by a long pedestrian tunnel that will take half an hour to traverse on foot.

That’s a big problem for PAL, which counts among its passengers a disproportionately high number of elderly Fil-Am citizens. And they fly PAL not just because of nostalgia or brand loyalty, but because the national flag carrier offers the only direct flights between the Philippines and the mainland United States. That’s a big deal if you’re a senior citizen using a cane or a wheelchair.

PAL has raised the issue with Los Angeles World Airports, the operator of the facility, which has granted the airline a token transfer extension until June 15, but little else.

The thing is, no other Asian carriers are being transferred to the new terminal building, and just like them, PAL wants to stay put in the old terminal. And it’s not like the airport doesn’t make enough money from PAL. The airline was the biggest Asian carrier in terms of passengers flying in and out of LA—even during the pandemic—and the 8th largest among all airlines operating in Tom Bradley International Airport. This rank was even higher before the pandemic, with PAL flying the Manila-LA route 18 times a week.

PAL has written Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who appoints the board of directors of the airport operator, hoping for a reconsideration. The airline has also sought the support of Fil-Am communities and organizations in Southern California. Now it remains to be seen whether reason will prevail or if this will be another weight that the airline must carry on its already overburdened shoulders.

Abangan!

— Daxim L. Lucas

Okra to Korea

Local okra will soon hit Korea’s grocery shelves after the Philippines logged its first shipments of okra to the East Asian nation over the weekend.

This is a significant milestone for Filipino growers as they have been requesting market access to Korea since 2014. After complying with the agreed requirements, these “lady fingers” were finally delivered via Philippine Airlines.

“After the resumption of okra exports to Japan last year, we are opening yet another market access for our okra, this time with the huge Korean food market,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

The green okra pods will be sourced initially from the province of Tarlac where four exporters are located: Jelfarm Fresh Produce Enterprise, Greenstar Produce, Philippines Inc., AAMC Foods Corp. and Hi-Las Marketing Corp.

Filipino farmers plant okra as it is a high-yielding crop and provides a good source of income during the off-season of palay. This new partnership is expected to provide more opportunities for farmers.

Kamsahamnida, Korea!

— Karl R. Ocampo INQ

Email us at Biz [email protected].

Get business alerts and a preview of Biz Buzz the evening before it comes out. Text ON INQ BUSINESS to 4467 (P.250/alert)