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‘Close borders, cut Omicron exposure risk’ By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

LOSING the country’s borders is one of the most immediate courses of action the government must take to prevent the latest Covid-19 variant, Omicron, from reaching Philippine shores, according to local economists. T he new var iant is a threat, e s p e c i a l l y w it h t he hol id ay s coming up and more foreigners being a llowed to travel to the Philippines, De La Sa lle Universit y economist Mar ia Ella Oplas told BusinessMirror. The holidays usually bring in Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are eager to spend Christmas

with their loved ones, while foreigners living in temperate regions usually want to relax in tropical countries like the Philippines. This year’s influx of OFWs is expected to be heavier since many of them were unable to come home for the holidays in December 2020. “My recommendation is to protect the borders. Do not allow people with a history of travel to countries with positive cases to enter,” Oplas said. “We should be more restrictive. [We have to be] more protective in terms of our measures.” Oplas said that while this will be a setback to some industries, this is a fair measure considering that this could help prevent placing the country in another strict lockdown,

which, she said, the economy can no longer afford. “It is better that we do protective preventive measures than get exposed again. We have a lot to lose,” Oplas said. “We should do it now so that we can open just before Christmas. If it gets contained, we can open it again.” Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development (ACERD) Associate Director Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes said closing the country’s borders would be effective but should still adhere to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). What is needed, Peña-Reyes told this newspaper, is for travel restrictions to be put in place swiftly and

for government to be proactive in imposing them. Previous instances when the country had the opportunity to impose travel restrictions did not prevent the spread of Covid-19. That was mainly because the decision was not made immediately, he said. “Kung papatay patay [If we’re slow] and we get caught flat-footed, [that’s risky] We were too reactive instead of proactive before. We should learn from that,” PeñaReyes said. “It’s a delicate balancing act. We need to push testing and tracing to be properly informed of our decisions. Blanket/shotgun approaches could have dire consequences on the economy.” See “Omicron,” A2

EXPORTS, NATL GOVTREMITTANCES BORROWINGS UP AGAINST HEADWINDS FOR 10 MOS DIP TO P2.75T w w

n Tuesday, July 12,29,2022 277 Monday, November 2021Vol.Vol.1717No.No.52

Omicron risk FDI net inflows up 48.3% spurs revival to $989M in April–BSP of quarantine

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

P25.00 P25.00 nationwide nationwide || 22 sections sections 24 20 pages pages ||

@BNicolasBM

HE national government’s gross borrowings as of end-October shrank by almost 6 percent year-on-year to P2.75 trillion.

ONG -TER M investments made by foreign investors to the Philippines surged in April this year, the highest since December last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported. Data released by the Central Bank showed that foreign direct investments (FDI) net inflows grew 48.3 percent from last year, to reach $989 million in April 2022 from the $667-million net inflows recorded in the same month last year. In December 2021, FDI net inflows grew 59 percent. However, in April 2021, investments made by foreign investors posted a growth of 112.6 percent. “This [surge in April FDI net inf lows] positive development brought the FDI net inflows for the first four months of the year to $3.4 billion, higher by 12.1 percent than the $3.1 billion net inflows in January-April 2021,” BSP said. In April 2022, net inflows of FDI rose following the increases recorded across all components, led by non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments which posted growth of 40.6 percent. BSP said data showed equity capital placements also expanded, programs as President mostly investments fromDuterte Malaysia, isthe expected to sign the industry United States and Japan. development plan in early 2022. These were channeled primarthe PCA will notesilyRosales to the said construction; real stop its listscientific, of coconut tate;updating professional, and farmers and enjoined them to register in order to reap the benefits of the decades-long idled coconut levy fund. “We will not stop at 3.1 million. We hope that more individuals will register in our coconut farmers registry,” he said. The updating of the coconut farmers registry is mandated by Republic Act (RA) 11524 or the Coconut Industry Trust Fund Act.

rules in PHL By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

NTER NATIONA L concerns over the possible spread of the more infectious Omicron Co“This [surge in April FDI net inflows] positive vid-19 variant prompted the govdevelopment brought the FDI net inflows ernment to reimpose mandatory for the first four months of the year to $3.4 facility-based quarantine for all billion, higher by 12.1 percent than the $3.1 arriving passengers in the country. billion net inflows in January-April 2021.” Acting Presidential spokesper—Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas son Karlo B. Nograles announced on Sunday that the Inter-Agency technical;and manufacturing inTask Force for the dustries, the Central Management Bank said. of Cumulative Emerging Infectious FDI net Diseases inflows (IATF) suspended rose due mainly tothe theimplemen35.3-pertation of its in Resolution No. 150cent increase non-residents’ net A (s.2021), effectively imposing investments in debt instruments, stricter protocols for all inbound according to the BSP. travelers. However, reinvestment of earnnote, aIATF Resolution 150ingsToposted cumulative growth of A had allowed fully vaccinated 0.9 percent while net equity other non-visa travelers of from GreenconList than reinvestment earnings areas to enter the country withtracted 37.2 percent. out the need for facility-based quarantine as long as they secure Unctad warning negative Reverse TranscriptionEARLIER, the United Nations Polymerase Chain (RTConference on TradeReaction and DevelopPCR) test within 72 hours prior ment (Unctad) warned that global to their direct departure. foreign investment (FDI) “Except for were countries classified flows in 2021 unlikely to be as ‘Red,’ the testing and quarantine sustained due to the recent global protocols for all inbound internaeconomic issues such as the war tional travelers in all ports of entry in Ukraine. shall comply Seewith “FDI,”the A2 testing and quarantine protocols for ‘Yellow’ list countries,” Nograles said, citing the provision of IATF Resolution No. 151-A. He noted Hong Kong, which has confirmed a case of the Omicron variant, will also fall under the Yellow list countries. The suspension of the rules for “Green List” countries will be in effect from November 28, 2021 to December 15, 2021.

Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that the government’s gross borrowings during the 10-month period fell by 5.99 percent from P2.92 trillion a year ago. With only two months left for this year, the latest figure is already equivalent to 89.6 percent of its P3.07-trillion borrowing program. Broken down, gross domestic borrowings from January to October settled at P2.23 trillion, down by 5.08 percent from P2.35 trillion in 2020. The bulk of the amount was PEOPLE walk past the mural of Gat Andres Bonifacio at Manila City Hall Underpass. sourced from Fixed Rate Treasury The country will celebrate the 158th birth anniversary of Filipino revolutionary Bonds (P1.19 trillion), followed by hero Gat Andres Bonifacio on Tuesday, November 30. ROY DOMINGO short-term borrowings from Bangko Sentral Pilipinas oratBSP (P540station in Manila. Pump prices of petroleum products will be rolled back Tuesday, July 12, the second straight week of price cuts. Prices per liter of gasoline PUBLIC utilityng jeepneys gas up a gasoline billion), Treasury Bonds/Prewill be cutRetail by P5.70, diesel by P6.10 and kerosene by P6.30. Story on page 5. ROY DOMINGO myo Bonds (P463.3 billion), Retail Onshore Dollar Bonds bilBy(P80.84 Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario lion). In the same period, there was By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas dating its registry following the them. This allows everyone to see also a net redemption of Treasury @jearcalas enactment of the Coconut Farmwho are listed in the registry and if Bills amounting to P43.94 billion. ers and Industry Trust Fund law. farmer doesn’t see his name then he Net debt redemption means ORE than 3 million Rosales explained that about shall coordinate with the PCA imthere were more debts repaid comcoconut farmers and 500,000 farmers and he 7/ explained a recent pared to the amount borrowed durBy Jaspercoconut Emmanuel Y. Arcalas pmediately,” h / 2 0 2 2 /0 11 / 7- iatn-10 workers are now regisworkers were added to the PCA’s dialogue with coconut farmers. ing the period. @jearcalas f ilipinos-cant-af ford-nutered with the government’s reg2018 list that had about 2.5 million “On the other hand, if people Meanwhile, gross foreign bortritious-food-sofi-2022/) istry, which serves as the basis coconutOCAL farmersagriculture and farm workers. would names on the broke list and rowings in the same period also indusThe see BusinessMirror for the number of people to be The PCA’s next step is to conthey think they are not coconut contracted by 9.7 percent to P518.7 try leaders have urged the the story that the number of covered by the utilization of the duct angovernment exclusion-inclusion farmers orwho theircannot detailsafford are incorbillion from last year’s P574.4 billion. to fix theprovalFilipinos a P75-billion coconut levy fund. cedure by making the updated rect, they can report it to PCA This was raised through global ue chain by reducing the numhealthy diet rose to 75.2the milPhilippine Coconut Authority farmers’ registry public, providfor immediate action,” added. bonds (P146.17 billion), program ber of middlemen in agriculture lion in 2020 from 74.2 he million (PCA) Deputy Administrator Roel ing everyone the that opportunity to The PCA official that loans (P139.98 billion), euro-detrade to ensure food prices in 2019, according to noted the SOFI M. Rosales said about 3.11 million check the veracity of the list, Rothe completion of the initial list nominated bonds (P121.97 billion), are affordable to consumers. 2022 report. coconut farmers and farm worksalesSpeaking added. in a virtual press of coconut farmers registry would a project loan (P86.41 billion), and “The problem in our country ers have been registered with the “The list willleaders be posted in public be the just huge in time the expected yen-denominated samurai bonds In its latest outlook, the research amongst most major developed marconference, from variis gapfor between the government since it started upspaces where people can easily see rollout of coconut See “3-M farmers,” A2 (P24.19 billion). arm of the Fitch Group expects the ket central banks will weigh on the ous agricultural groups were farm-gate price andlevy-funded the retail See “Borrowings,” A2 Continued on A2 country’s current account deficit to global economic outlook, dampening unanimous in arguing that the price. And the burden of fixwiden further to 4.3 percent of GDP demand for the Philippines’s exports. value chains of commodities ing that should not be on the in 2022 from its initial forecast of n We export slow atn theUK 67.2329have to be revamped to allow Agriculture but USexpect 50.4600 n growth JAPAN to0.4374 n HK 6.4722 n CHINA 7.9013 n Department SINGAPORE of 36.8968 n AUSTRALIA 36.2807 n EU 56.5758 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.4531 Source: BSP (November 26, 2021) 2.4 percent and the 1.8 percent it back of global economic headwinds,” Filipinos to buy nutritious food instead on the Department of posted in 2021. Fitch Solutions said. items. the Interior and Local GovernFitch Solutions said the wider “Historically, remittance inflows The leaders were reacting ment,” said Norberto Chingcucurrent account deficit and tighter have always been a huge contributto the findings of the State anco of advocacy group Tugon global financing conditions will ing factor to the Philippines’s econof Food Security and NutriKabuhayan on Monday. “continue to weigh on the Philippine omy, approximately 10 percent of tion in the World (SOFI) 2022 “If we learned something in peso.” They expect the US Federal GDP in the last decade. However, it that over 75 million Filipithe past it is that imports do Reserve to hike interest rates anis unlikely able to offset the impact nos were unable to purchase not bring down the retail prices. other 150 basis points (bps) in the of the surging goods trade deficit nutritious food as of 2020. Importation is not the solution,” second half of the year. even as secondary income surplus ( R e l a te d s to r y: h t t p s: // Chingcuanco added. “Ongoing supply chain disrupcontinues to remain stable,” it added. businessmir ror .com. See “Agri leaders,” A2 tions and hawkish monetary policies See “Exports,” A2

OVER 3-M FARMERS LISTED FOR P75-B COCO LEVY FUND

HE country’s export performance and inflow of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) remittances may not be able to offset the impact of rising commodity prices on the economy in the coming months, according to Fitch Solutions.

AGRI LEADERS: CUT MIDDLEMEN LAYERS TO LOWER FOOD PRICES

PESO EXCHANGE RATES

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 55.9710

n JAPAN 0.4112 n UK 67.3723 n HK 7.1313 n CHINA 8.3601 n SINGAPORE 40.0336 n AUSTRALIA 38.3569 n EU 57.0009 n KOREA 0.0433 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.9109 Source: BSP (July 11, 2022)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Bautista orders ‘calibration’ of land transport programs By Lorenz S. Marasigan

Responding to a request for comment on The Passenger Forum’s (TPF) Sunday statement, Bautista said the department is now laying out plans to adjust the land transit assets of the sector to “effectively and efficiently serve the increasing number of commuters.” Bautista said he has ordered Road Transport and Infrastructure Undersecretary Mark Steven C. Pastor, Railway Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Cheloy Garafil to ensure the continuous implementation of the Service Contracting Program (SCP), Libreng Sakay Program, and to fast-

track the rationalization of public transport routes. Aside from this, Bautista also ordered the immediate release of P1,000 fuel subsidy to 617,806 qualified tricycle driver-beneficiaries as listed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). He has also directed the full deployment of all 550 buses in the Edsa Busway, especially during rush hours, and availability of equity subsidy as downpayment for the acquisition of modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Bautista is still scheduling a meeting with the Edsa Bus Car-

ousel Consortium and other agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), DILG, the Interagency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) the Police, and the Armed Forces “to accommodate increased passenger demand due to the faceto-face classes.” He noted that the transportation industry will continue to be required to implement health and safety measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. “We are also looking at accelerating the grant of franchise instead of just permits for buses on critical routes used by students such as Katipunan, Commonwealth, Recto Avenue,” Bautista said. TPF on Sunday counseled the government earlier to go slow on its plans to resume face-to-face classes, saying that the current transport crisis will derail the suc-

FDI...

Report noted that global FDI flows in 2021 hit $1.58 trillion, higher by 64 percent from the exceptionally low level in 2020. However, the global environment for International business and cross-border investment

changed dramatically in 2022, with the war in Ukraine “on top of the lingering effects of the pandemic— is causing a triple food, fuel and finance crisis in many countries around the world.” With this, the Unctad stressed,

@lorenzmarasigan

EPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista has ordered the “careful calibration” of existing land transport programs to meet the expected surge in passenger demand by the second half of 2022.

Continued from A1

Unctad’s 2022 World Investment

cess of such an initiative. The transport and commuter advocacy network advised the government to delay its plans of resuming on-site education in September until the lack of transport options and supply in Metro Manila is addressed. To reca l l, Ma lacañang announced the phased transition of face-to-face classes starting September, after Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte proposed a full on-site setup by November. However, for TPF, two months to prepare is not enough to solve the public transport issues or provide immediate relief to both commuters and transport stakeholders. Transport workers have decided to stop plying their routes because of the skyrocketing fuel prices. As of July 6, the year-to-date adjustments on prices of oil products stand at a net increase of P42.9 per liter for diesel, P36.35 per liter for kerosene, and P30 per liter for gasoline, data from the Department of Energy (DOE) showed.

investor uncertainty could put significant downward pressure on global FDI in 2022. (Full story here: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/06/09/ global-fdi-flows-in-2021-wontlikely-be-sustained-unctad/)

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Exports...

Continued from A1

Fitch Solutions said the country’s exports would likely face weak demand due to global economic headwinds this year. It noted that China, one of the country’s largest trade partners and which accounts for 15 percent of the country’s exports, is expected to post slower growth this year due to Covid-19 lockdowns. In terms of imports, the report said the sharp rise in commodity prices will lead Philippine imports to continue outpacing exports in the second half of the year. The trade deficit is expected to widen to 17.1 percent of GDP by year-end. Import growth is also expected to be robust given the tariff cuts imposed by the government to tame inflation. Tariff rates for rice imported outside the Asean now enjoy a tariff of 35 percent instead of the 40 to 50 percent. Further, given that the country remains a net importer of oil, the increase in crude oil prices to above $100 per barrel would also swell the country’s import bill this year. With this, Fitch Solutions expects Philippine imports as a share of GDP to increase to 32.1 percent in 2022 relative to 26.9 percent of GDP in 2021. “We continue to highlight two major downside risks to our current account balance forecast. Firstly, a further surge in commodity prices in H222 [second semester 2022] due to an escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war or further supply chain disruptions would cause the current account deficit to widen even further. Secondly, a sharper-

than-expected global economic slowdown will weigh on risk appetite and Philippine exports,” Fitch Solutions said. The government’s preliminary estimates for the country’s overall trade performance will be released on Tuesday, 12 July 2022. The release will cover imports and exports data for May 2022. Earlier, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and local economists said Filipinos must brace for higher inflation and expect the further decline of their purchasing power. PSA data showed inflation averaged 6.1 percent in June, the highest since October 2018 when inflation averaged 6.9 percent. Year-todate inflation averaged 4.4 percent as of June. National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said given the steep increase in commodity prices, high inflation would likely continue in the coming months. The inflation of food and nonalcoholic beverages increased to 6 percent in June 2022 from 4.9 percent in May 2022, and this accounted for as much as 58.3 percent of the increase in inflation for the month. The main reason for the increase in prices are meat and others, primarily chicken, which posted an inflation of 8.1 percent in June 2022 from 5.4 percent in May 2022. This was followed by rice, costlier by 2 percent in June 2022 from 1.5 percent in May 2022, followed by fruits and nuts at 1.1 percent in June from a negative inflation of 2.4 percent.

Agri leaders...

Continued from A1

‘Layers’ swell prices

FOR Federation of Free Farmers Chairman and former Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Q. Montemayor, too many “layers” in the value chain cause food prices to rise, with both the farmers and consumers suffering in the process. Montemayor argued that farmers are earning a pittance, or even losing income due to low farm-gate prices, while consumers are paying a hefty price for food products. “It is really about the marketing efficiencies. There are so many layers and both farmers and consumers are suffering,” he said. “The burden of reducing food prices is always placed on the farmers. The farmers are doing their best to bring down costs despite all the limitations and calamities,” he added. Montemayor said the other industries such as the manufacturers should also increase the wages of their workers so that they can afford more food, especially nutritious diets. David Villaluz, Chairman of the Philippine Association of Fish Producers Inc., said the retail price of bangus or milkfish is nearly twice its farm-gate price because of the five to six layers of middlemen in its value chain. “The farm-gate price of bangus

is P110 to P115 per kilogram while its retail price at the wet market is P200 to P210 per kilogram. That is a price-up of P100 already,” Villaluz said. “We have been proposing that we need cold storages and processing plants so that we will be able to process our produce and reduce the number of layers of middlemen in our value chain,” he added. National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. President Chester Warren Y. Tan said the government must “intervene” in determining how to improve the value chain of various commodities. Tan noted that in certain instances, middlemen are really part of the value chain, and it would be wise to get their side as well on the movement of prices of goods. “Maybe they have reasons for the gap between farm-gate price and retail price. In our case, the live weight price of hogs has been declining but the retail price remains high,” he said. “Some of these middlemen are already our partners in business and cannot be easily removed. It is better to study how they are earning and how we can come up with a solution that everyone in the value chain from farmers to middlemen and retailers will earn just enough,” he added. Agot Balanoy, public relations officer of the League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, said the vegetable value chain has 7 to 8 layers of middlemen, resulting in a huge disparity between the farm-gate price and retail price. “We have a lot of veg-

etables but the problem is they are not distributed because we do not have a proper transportation system. Why is it that only Manila and Cebu are being catered to by our vegetables?” Balanoy asked. Balanoy argued that the dumping of vegetables and fruits by farmers is a clear indication of the problems of the current value chain of commodities. “We are throwing our vegetables here and some are being distributed in relief operations. We made a study around 2006 or 2007 and we found out that our vegetables pass through 7 to 8 layers before reaching the consumers,” she said. “And in every layer, the price increases while the quality deteriorates,” she added. One of the plans bared by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., concurrent agriculture secretary, is to “reconstruct” the country’s agricultural value chains. Marcos asked agriculture officials to craft multiyear plans that would “really reconstruct” the value chains of the country. (Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2022/07/05/marcos-asagriculture-chief-food-supplyprices-first-priority/) “In the longer term we really have to reconstruct our value chain, starting from our scientists and our researchers all the way to the kadiwa store. Do not be hesitant to make it multiyear,” he said last week. “Because I really don’t believe you can do this if you say one year or three years. Even six years might be insufficient. No, we can do it in six years. We can do this in less than six years I am pretty sure,” he added. Local economists argued that hunger and nutrition should become non-negotiables under the Marcos administration. With the majority of Filipinos already not being able to afford healthy diets, the recent spike in inflation caused by more expensive food items would require the national government to introduce interventions. (Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2022/07/11/hungerand-nutrition-are-non-negotiables-experts/)

The Nation BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Lawmaker seeks to expand coverage of ‘ander de saya’ law to gays, lesbos By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

LAWMAKER is pushing for the passage of a bill amending Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act by expanding its coverage to “ander de saya” husbands and members of the LGBTQ+ who are also victims of domestic abuse and maltreatment. In filing House Bill 1365 or the proposed “Domestic Violence Act of 2022,” Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles of the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list said that domestic abuse is not an exclusive problem of women and children because there are also many cases where the victims are men who are either husbands or are gay partners. “Ander de saya” is a term used for henpecked husbands who are also victims of domestic abuse. “It is the fervent hope of this proposed bill that seeks to amend Republic Act 9262 and include men and the LGBTQI+ community in its mandate and put an end to the discrimination and domestic abuse and attain a more inclusive society where all human beings are born free and equal,” said Nograles in her explanatory note. The bill seeks to expand the coverage of RA 9262 by inserting the gender-neutral word “partner” to include men and members of the LGBTQI+ aside from the words “women” and “children.” Nograles wants to amend Section 2 (Declaration of Policy) of RA 9262 to read as follows: “It is hereby declared that the State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights. The State also recognizes the need to protect the family and its members, particularly women, PARTNERS, and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security,” the bill states. “Towards this end, the State shall exert efforts to address violence committed against women, PARTNERS, and children in keeping the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution and the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights instruments of which the Philippines is a party,” it added. The bill states that the term “partner includes intimate relationships of husband, men, heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and the like.” “Violence against women, partners, and their children” refers to any act or a series of acts committed by any person, their spouse, former spouse, partner, former partner, or against any other person with whom they have or had a sexual or dating relationship, or who they have a common child, or against the other person’s child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty,” the bills states in amending Section 3. a of RA 9262.

Health alert: DOH logs 90 percent increase in dengue cases since 2021 By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported a 90 percent increase in dengue cases this year compared to the cases recorded during the same period in 2021. This is cumulatively, the DOH said, as based on latest National Dengue Data for the week, as of June 25, 2022 (Morbidity Week 25), the DOH said

that there were 64,797 dengue cases reported from January 1 to June 25, 2022, which is higher as compared to the 34,074 of the same period last year. Cumulatively, most dengue cases were reported from: Region 3 (9,426 15 percent); Region 7 (7,741, 12 percent); Region 9 (5,684, 9 percent). In the recent period of May 29 to June 25, 2022 where 21,115 cases were recorded, the regions with the highest number of cases are:

Region 3: 3,902 (18 percent); Region 7: 2,316 (11 percent); NCR: 1,997 (9 percent). Nationally, there were 274 deaths reported (Case Fatality Rate=0.4 percent). These deaths were reported in: January: 36; February: 32; March: 39; April: 46; May: 63; June: 58. The DOH noted that the “date died was used to plot these deaths, instead of date of onset.” Earlier, the DOH warned the public

of water-borne infectious diseases, influenza, and leptospirosis, including dengue (WILD), which usually peaks at the start of the rainy season. “This rainy season, let’s prevent outbreaks by avoiding WILD diseases,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. Vergeire also reminded the public to “avoid wading in flood waters, make sure to practice 4s dengue strategy, wash hands properly, ensure clean drinking water, always

prepare a go-bag, and if possible get vaccinated against the flu virus.” The 4-S stands for “Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, employ self-protection measures” (i.e., wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts, and daily use of mosquito repellent), “Seek early consultation,” and “Support fogging/ spraying” only in hot spot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.”

DOTr chief says addl ₧1.4-B budget needed Lapid prods BIR to release IRR to sustain nationwide free bus ride program of old law on lawyers’ tax perks By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) may need an additional P1.4 billion allocation to sustain its free ride program to the public until the end of the year. Tr a n s p or t at ion S e c re t a r y Jaime J. Bautista, in a televised interview on Monday, disclosed they are running short of wherewithal to continue the “Libreng Sakay” or free ride program, which they are implementing at the Edsa Busway Carousel. “If we continue that [Edsa Busway Carousel] until December, we’ll need an additional budget of around P1.4 billion, which we don’t have in our existing budget,” Bautista said.

PRC’s Gordon assures swift aid to Banaue flood victims

HILIPPINE Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said swift assistance was extended to help communities affected by flash floods and landslides in Banaue, Ifugao. Based on the initial report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the incident affected six barangays, 500 families, and 1500 individuals. The PRC immediately provided food packs and hygiene kits to affected residents. “Agad tayong rumesponde at nagbigay-tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng flash floods at landslides dulot ng malakas na ulan [We immediately responded and give assistance to those who were affected by flash floods and landslides due to heavy rain],” Gordon said, adding that the PRC, together with public and private agencies, continues to monitor the incident. An initial assessment was conducted as the PRC’s to determine the needs of the affected barangays to recover from the incident. Gordon has assured that the help given to Banaue will continue until their safety will be ensured. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

DOH reports 39% hike in Covid weekly count HE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported it has logged 10,271 Covid-19 cases from July 4 to 10, or a 39 percent increase in registered cases from June 27 to July 3. DOH pegged the average cases per day at 1,467. There were also 50 deaths recorded from June 20 to July 3. Of the 50 deaths, one occurred in May 2022, three in February 2022, eight in January 2022, three in De-

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, July 12, 2022 A3

cember 2021, one in November 2021, two in October 2021, 12 in September 2021, seven in August 2021, two in July 2021, three in June 2021, six in April 2021, one in March 2021, and another one in November 2020.

Severe and critical

OF the new cases logged, 27 were classified as severe and critical. On July 10, there were a total of 555 severe and critical cases admitted in hospitals.

The transportation chief said they would be seeking the intervention of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to secure the additional funding for the program. Last month, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), an attached agency under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), said it already used 80 percent of its P7 billion budget to provide free rides to commuters at Edsa and other parts of the country. It noted the remaining budget for the initiative will only last until June or July, depending on the region. The government spends P10 million daily to implement the nation-

wide program, according to LTFRB. As of June 20, the program already benefited over 71 million commuters. The free ride program, together with service contracting, and fuel subsidies, were the measures used by the government to help the public transportation sector cope with the effects of the pandemic and the rising fuel prices. Marcos Jr. earlier said he wants to continue giving free rides to students, particularly through the Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT 2) amid the proposed phased return of students’ to face-to-face classes from August to November. The Department of Finance (DOF) said it is considering using the windfall tax from fuel to continue supporting the public transport sector through more fuel subsidies.

EN. Manuel “Lito” Lapid said on Monday he still eagerly awaits the promulgation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 9999, or the Free Legal Assistance Act of 2010, granting lawyers tax deductions for giving legal services to poor clients. In a letter addressed to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Lilia Guillermo dated July 11, Lapid requested the prioritization of the IRR for RA No. 9999 from the bureau. Republic Act No. 9999, otherwise known as the Free Legal Assistance Act, was signed into law during the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2010. The law however remains unimplemented. “However, 12 years since the law was signed, the law is still unimplemented, primarily because the Bureau

of Internal Revenue [BIR] has yet to promulgate the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations. The law provides it should have been issued 90 days from the date of its effectivity,” Lapid said in a news statement. Republic Act No. 9999 seeks to encourage lawyers and professional firms to render actual free legal services to the poor in order to help decongest the workload in the Public Attorney’s Office, and ensure that every person who cannot afford the services of a legal counsel is provided with a competent and independent lawyer preferably of his own choice. “Layunin ng batas na ito na makapagbigay ng libreng serbisyong legal sa ating mga kababayan na lubos na nangangailangan nito. Kaya naman mahalagang maipatupad ang batas na ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” he added.

MWSS and partners pledge to plant 1.7-M trees in 2022 By Jonathan L. Mayuga

EDCOP) (5,000); 5th PNP Mobile Force Command (50,000); China SHECB-BIDR-SXSY(CSBS) Consortium (5,000); and, PrimeWater Infrastucture Corporation (100,000).

@jonlmayuga

HE Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its partners in the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) have set the ball rolling for an ambitious plan to grow 10 million trees by 2030. According to Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI) chairman emeritus retired Lt. Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco, for this year alone, pledges have already reached a total of 1.7 million tree seedlings, as he expressed confidence that growing 10 million trees by 2030 to protect and nurture the seven critical watersheds that supply potable water to Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, and Rizal is indeed achievable. Velasco issued the optimistic remark during the pledging session attended by stakeholders and partners of the Annual Million Tree Challenge (AMTC) recently. Velasco, former Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator and Chairman based his statement on the successful AMTC project launched in 2017 during his stint with the water agency. After five years, AMTC recorded over 5.2 million trees or at least a million trees annually planted in critical watersheds vital to potable water supply in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan. Held at the Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MFTI) Nursery and Eco learning Center at the La Mesa Watershed last June 29, partners and stakeholders of the Annual Million Trees Challenge committed to planting a total of 1,710,005 trees that will reforest a total of 3,278 hectares of land in different watersheds.

Reforestation targets

ANGAT watershed will be planted with 494,005 new trees that will reforest 671 hectares; Upper Marikina with 432,000 saplings that will benefit 691 hectares; and Ipo with 264,000 that will cover

‘A balancing act’

PNA FILE PHOTO

660 hectares. The watersheds of La Mesa and Umiray will be the recipients of 220,000 and 25,000 saplings, and that will reforest 550 and 63 hectares, respectively. The remaining pledged saplings will be planted at the watershed of Kaliwa, in Manila Bay and in other parts of the country. The pledging session was organized by MWSS Administrator Leonor “Bobby” Cleofas and Million Trees Foundation Inc. President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco who were joined by top officials of government and private entities involved in the project, which is on now its sixth year. MTFI President Mel Velasco said that based on “The Road to 10 Million Trees by 2030,” which was produced during the Strategic Planning Workshop for the Development of Watershed Restoration Roadmap last February 23, 2022, the restoration gaps and challenges, goals, and strategies in watershed restoration, have been identified. He also announced the strategic partnership with the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) which has a vast network of professional organizations all over the Philippines, the Society of Filipino Foresters Inc. with 14,000 members, and the Climate Change Commis-

sion (CCC) for carbon credit.

Pledges and commitment

AMONG those who committed their pledges to participate in treeplanting activities toward 10 million trees more in 2030 were: MWSS Corporate Office (80,000); MWSS Regulatory Office (25,000); Manila Water Co. Inc. (118,000); Maynilad Water Services Inc. (90,000); Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation (10,000); PENRO Rizal (410,000); DENR-National Capitas Region (50,000); CENRO Guiguinto (54,005); Laguna Lake Development Authority (155,000); National Power Corporation (200,000); Municipality of General Nakar, Quezon, (25,000); AFI-Bantay Kalikasan (32,000); World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (110,000); Sta. Clara International Corporation (50,000); Century Properties Group, Inc. (5,000); Rotary International Districts 3780/3800/3830 (10,000); JCI Senate Philippines-Greenlink (1,000); San Miguel Corporation (100,000); China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd. (25,000); Professional Regulation Commission Board for Foresters (5,000); Society of Filipino Foresters Inc. (100,000); DOHWA Engineering Co. Ltd & Engineering and Development Corporation of the Philippines (DOHWA-

DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) National Capital Region Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, CESO III, in her message, emphasized that protecting the environment requires a balancing act. “We no longer live in an era where strict protection of the environment should be the topmost priority. Our prevailing paradigm is sustainable development where the three pillars, consisting of economy, environment, and society, must reconcile,” she said. She commended the MWSS as a formidable partner in conserving and protecting the La Mesa Watershed Reservation and vowed DENR-NCR’s continued support to the Annual Million Tree Challenge by providing planting materials to MWSS and the Million Trees Foundation, assisting in the validation of planted seedlings, and other developmental measures. “In protecting a watershed, the primary consideration is the protection of its forests,” she added. She also underscored the participation of various stakeholders as imperative for the DENR to carry out its mandate of protecting the environment. This was echoed by MFTI Chairman Emeritus Velasco who said that protecting the environment cannot be done by the government alone. “There is a need for the public and private sectors to work together.” During the same event, Velasco congratulated MWSS Administrator Cleofas for continuing the AMTC project, one of his legacies in the MWSS. He also thanked the AMTC project partners for their continued support and enjoined them not only to plant trees but also to educate everyone on the value of planting trees.

A4 Tuesday, July 12, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

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ERC refund order brings down Meralco’s July electricity rates

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE refund order of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) mainly resulted in a decline in power rates this month to P9.7545 per kWh from P10.4612 per kWh last month.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced Monday a P0.7067 per kilowatt hour (kWh) drop in electricity rates, equivalent to a decrease of around P141 for a residential customer consuming 200 kWh. The utility firm was directed to return a total of P21.8 billion for a period of 12 months or until the amount is fully refunded. Meralco said this is equivalent to a refund of P0.8656 per kWh for residential customers and will appear as a separate line item called “Dist True-up 4” in the power bills starting this July. “As a highly regulated entity, Meralco’s rates undergo a review and confirmation process to make sure they are fair and reasonable. The immediate implementation of the ERC Decision was able to more than offset the impact of higher generation charge this month to the benefit of our customers,” Atty. Jose Ronald V. Valles, Meralco Head of Regulatory Management, said. Various bill components increased. Generation charge, which makes up the bulk of the bill, went up by P0.2166 in July to P6.7756 from the P6.5590 per kWh registered the previous month. “Generation cost increased but was effectively wiped out by the refund order,” explained Meralco utility economics head Lawrence Fernandez. Also, charges from the Wholesa le Elect r ic it y Spot Ma rket (WESM) increased by P3.9649 per kWh amid tight supply conditions

in Luzon. Meralco explained that forced outage of several power plants resulted in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placing the Luzon grid on “yellow alert” from June 20 to 22. A “red alert” was also declared on June 18 due to the tripping of the NGCP HermosaBCCP 230 kV lines 1 and 2, which isolated several power plants. The secondary price cap was triggered 35.71 percent of the time, the highest incidence of secondary price cap imposition since the start of the year. Charges from Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) also went up by P0.3186 per kWh. The peso depreciated by 5 percent this month, the steepest decline in the peso’s value since June 2003, affecting around 32 percent of PSA costs that are dollar denominated. The continued increase in international coal prices also contributed to the increase in the PSA rate. Meanwhile, charges from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) decreased by P0.4669 per kWh. With the shutdown of 1,200 MW Ilijan power plant beginning June 4, First Gas Sta. Rita and San Lorenzo received additional natural gas supply from Malampaya, leading to decreased usage of more expensive liquid fuel. This more than offset the effects of the peso’s depreciation on IPP charges. This month’s generation charge also includes the last installment of deferred generation costs for the April bill, equivalent to an add-on of around P0.13 per kWh in the genera-

tion charge. PSAs, IPPs, and WESM accounted for 50 percent, 43 percent, and 7 percent, respectively, of Meralco’s energy requirement for the period. The transmission charge for residential customers inched down by P0.0012 per kWh, while taxes and other charges also registered a net decrease of P0.0565 per kWh. The collection of P0.0025 per kWh representing the Universal ChargeEnvironmental Charge remains suspended as ordered by the ERC. Meralco reiterated that it only earns from distribution, supply, and metering charges, which have remained unchanged since the reduction in July 2015. Meanwhile, pass-through charges from generation and transmission are paid to the power suppliers and the system operator, respectively, while taxes, universal charges, and Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FiT-All) are all remitted to the government. Fernandez explained that despite the expected P0.8656 per kWh reduction for residential customers for 12 months, Meralco could not guarantee if overall rates will not go up in the succeeding months. “We need to know what movements of various components will be such as fuel, exchange rate, WESM, and Malampaya. The biggest source of fuel of Meralco is Malampaya, which accounts for up to 40 percent of our supply. Those two-fuel and Malampaya we might anticipate, but we have other factors like WESM and forex,” said Fernandez.

The Malampaya gas price for a quarter is based on the average of Dubai crude oil prices for the preceding six months. As such, the Malampaya gas price for the third quarter of this year will be based on the average Dubai prices for January to June 2022. Fernandez also said the price rollback in petroleum prices this week does not necessarily result in power rate reduction. “For power generation, the biggest fuel being utilized is coal and Malampaya. The use of gas or diesel is very small for power generation so the change in gas or diesel prices does not directly impact the price of generation cost in Luzon,” he explained. Meanwhile, Meralco said the supposed cost of generation rate to be passed on as a result of the Supreme Court (SC) order that affirmed the ERC’s December 2013 approval for a staggered collection stood at P22.64 billion. This translates to a generation rate of P9.10 per kWh, which is an increase of P3.44 per kWh from the P5.67 per kWh that was already billed in the previous month, and higher by P1.25 per kWh from the P7.86 that was presented in 2013. However, Meralco spokesperson and vice president Joe Zaldarriaga said the SC order is still subject to a motion for reconsideration. “Assuming the order will be final, it will still go through the ERC for final validation for the final rate. So, this SC order will not immediately have an impact on our rates because it is not yet final and executory,” added Zaldarriaga.

Lawmaker joins buzz for revival of FM-era OPSF By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

HOUSE deputy speaker on Monday proposed the revival of the old Oil Price Stabilization Fund (OPSF) created by the first Marcos administration in 1984. As of now 1-Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero said there are weekly wild swings in domestic pump prices, with the price of diesel projected to go down this week by at least P5 per liter after going up by more than P6 last week. He said he hoped that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would be open to the proposal

since it was his father who created the OPSF under Presidential Decree No. 1956, issued on October 10, 1984. Under the decree, the OPSF was sourced from fuel taxes and was used “to reimburse the oil companies for cost increases on crude oil and imported petroleum products resulting from exchange rate adjustment and/or increase in world market prices of crude oil.” The OPSF was administered by the then ministry (now department) of energy, which then President Marcos Sr. subsequently authorized to invest in fixed-income instruments with the earnings accruing to the

stabilization fund. “We should revive the OPSF or establish a similar buffer fund, which the government could use to avoid frequent adjustments in the pump prices of oil products due to fluctuations in the cost of crude oil in the world market and in the peso-dollar exchange rate,” he said. Romero, an economist, said prices would remain “volatile and elevated” because of the RussiaUkraine war and the recovery of many nations from the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus the need for a buffer fund to absorb price spikes, he said. He pointed out that the buffer mechanism would work in such a

way that it would answer for certain price increases so these would not be passed on to the public. Romero proposed that the fund be sourced from higher excise taxes imposed on diesel, gasoline, cooking gas, and other oil products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. “Since the government is not agreeable to the suggested suspension of excise taxes while the cost of crude is above $80 per barrel, we could use part of these impositions as a price stabilization fund to provide relief to the public from increased fuel and consumer prices,” he said.

Privacy and data security mistakes to be avoided

By Henry J. Schumacher

OST companies lack the experience and resources needed to manage the plethora of security, privacy, and compliance issues inherent in a growing technology-based business. Nevertheless, the legal and business implications of poorly managed privacy and data security practices are too important to ignore. A single error can undermine the trust of investors and customers, attract unwanted regulatory attention or litigation. Here are 7 common privacy and data security mistakes that you must avoid: Too frequently, company

management and boards fail to pay sufficient attention to the significant problems that will arise from a company’s failure to provide adequate security or to comply with applicable privacy laws. Litigation involving privacy and security is becoming mainstream. Too many pay little attention to the fact that businesses are governed by a wide range of laws and standards, and are expected to operate within commonly accepted practices. Among other things, they may ignore the fact that the collection, use, and processing of most personal information is regulated here and abroad. Ignoring these laws may lead to significant errors and may in fact subject the company and its managers to legal and other action. Some companies may think that their ability to succeed requires that they be nimble. They may believe that policies and processes slow them down and are not a business imperative. However, in the absence of rules defining who is allowed to access certain information or what uses are restricted, employees, subcontractors or visitors might inadvertently access highly confidential or sensitive data and misuse it. Some companies hire third parties, outsource some of their functions, or locate their operations in

the cloud because they do not have sufficient resources to hire personnel or to purchase equipment. In doing so, they may think that they have passed on to those third parties the responsibility for their data. However, the company that initially collects the data remains primarily responsible for anything that happens to the data. The entity that the customers know—not the obscure service provider—will be the one that will be sued or investigated if data is illegally processed or inadequately protected. It will be the one whose reputation and trustworthiness will be at risk. Security breaches are to be avoided. They are significantly disruptive. A company that has implemented a well thought through written security program will be less exposed to potential security breaches and to the significant consequences of security breaches. In most cases, a company that has suffered a breach of security might be required to publicly disclose the occurrence of the breach. It may have to send notices to affected parties and regulators, and offer credit monitoring or identity theft insurance, which is usually a significant expense. Some companies tend to collect too much data just because “we may need it later” and “storage is cheap.” The more data a company has in its cus-

tody, the more vulnerable it is to legal violations and security breaches. The more data a company has, the more time and data experts it will need to retrieve it. Collecting a massive amount of data also causes significant security risk. The larger the volume of data—the higher the probability that it will be stolen. When discussing personal data protection, it is common to hear: “We don’t have any personal data, our data is anonymized, and it cannot be tied to an individual.” This is a significant mistake. While it might have been true, a long time ago, that anonymization prevented the association of a particular individual to a particular data set, this is no longer the case. In the world of data analytics, big data, semantics and other tools, there is no such thing as anonymity. Too often, a competent data scientist will be able to crack the anonymization shell in a short time. Why am I writing about Privacy and Data Security mistakes? Data breaches are in the news more and more. We strongly believe that a lot of training in data science, data analytics and data management is needed to provide companies and their employees with the capabilities to stay relevant. Consequently, we have developed training in these areas. If support is needed, contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

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‘Big-time’ rollback in diesel, gas prices takes effect today By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

IL firms announced Monday a price rollback by as much as P6 per liter that will take effect Tuesday morning. They said in separate announcements that gasoline products will go down by P5.7 per liter, diesel by P6.1 per liter, and kerosene by P6.3 per liter. Seaoil, Shell, Total, Caltex, Phoenix, PTT, and Petron said they would implement their new fuel pump prices at 6 a.m. of July 12. Cleanfuel, meanwhile, will adjust its prices at 8:01 a.m. Last week, oil firms also reduced diesel prices by P3 per liter and P3.4 per liter for kerosene. No movement has been effected on the price of gasoline. These resulted to the year-todate adjustments to stand at a net increase of P42.90/liter for diesel and P36.35/liter for kerosene, while that of gasoline remained at P30.00/liter. Oil firms adjust their prices every week to reflect movements in the world oil market. The DOE said crude prices kept falling as recession fears plagued the market sentiment, outweighing concerns over supply tightness.

FDA: Local Lucky Me! noodles compliant continued from a16

The FDA added that it supports the safer alternatives for disinfecting certain agricultural products, noting that ethylene oxide is present in the environment. It comes from various sources, including plants and the heating of cooking oils. The human body also converts ethylene to ethylene oxide. “One of the most important uses of ethylene oxide gas sterilization in agricultural products is to destroy Salmonella to prevent foodborne outbreaks of Salmonellosis, which is easily spread through contaminated agricultural products that are traded internationally,” the FDA said. Moreover, the FDA said that ethylene oxide is most commonly used in the production of other chemicals including the production of solvents, antifreeze, detergents, adhesives, polyurethane foam and pharmaceuticals. A very important use of ethylene oxide in the medical field is the gas sterilization of surgical and medical equipment, including the sterilization of personal protective equipment (PPE). It is estimated that ethylene oxide sterilizes billions of medical devices each year to prevent the spread of disease and infection. There are also procedures of postgas sterilization that are followed by manufacturers to prevent violative level of residual ethylene oxide. “Consumption of foods containing residual ethylene oxide does not pose an acute risk to health. However, there is an emerging concern that continued exposure beyond the tolerable level over a long period of time may result in health issues.”

EU’s zero tolerance

THE FDA noted that EU adopted zero tolerance for ethylene oxide, claiming that there is no safe level of exposure for consumers in products that contain residual ethylene oxide. “EU believes that any level of residual ethylene oxide in packets of seasoning of instant noodles presents higher risk to consumers.”

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 A5

DTI pushes for region-by-region devt to ensure Philippine competitiveness By Andrea San Juan

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is crafting a National Competitiveness Program that various regions and urban centers can pursue as it aims to highlight continued collaboration among government, the private sector, and civil society in nation-building. “Let’s reimagine our country as a group of prosperous and collectively resilient local areas from north to south. This is both geographic diversification and de-risking of our economic engines,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said at the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) 20th

Corporate Social Responsibility Conference and Expo on Thursday which he virtually attended. “If we want a better national future, we have to go town by town, city by city, province by province, region by region, and that’s the only way we can be assured nobody is left behind,” Pascual pointed out. With this year’s theme of “Creating the Future We Need: Striking a Path During a Period of Transition,” LCF stressed the corporate and civil society sectors’ greater role in creating an ideal future for the Filipinos. The expo also stressed the need to work together in initiating collaborative efforts that have long-term

Gatchalian gripes over ‘unending’ UP-Diliman campus frat violence By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

ONDEMNING the reported latest incident of alleged hazing activity by a fraternity in the University of the Philippines (UP)Diliman, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian prodded UP authorities to ensure that “the full force of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 [Republic Act No. 11053] will fall on students proven to have been involved in the incident.” At the same time, Gatchalian called on concerned university officials to “strengthen its crackdown on hazing incidents, put an end to their persistence, and guarantee safe spaces for all students.” The lawmaker lamented a July 3 incident, documenting a series of tweets by the now-suspended Twitter account @UPSILONLEAKS that showed graphic videos and images of the alleged hazing incident. Gatchalian griped that “while this account was suspended for violating community standards, a new Twitter account posted photos and videos of the alleged incident, recalling that this account also denounced what it called a pattern of covering up fraternity-linked violence in the university.” The senator observed, “While no UP student has been implicated” in the videos and photos, UP Diliman Chancellor Dr. Fidel Nemenzo said the University’s units would work with student organizations to verify information. “There should be no room for this kind of violence in our universities,’’ stressed Gatchalian, adding: “Kailangan nating panagutin ang sinumang mapapatunayang may kinalaman sa insidenteng ito at ipakita sa kanilang hindi nila matatakasan ang batas.” Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, reminded that under the law, “all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens army training are prohibited.”

Subic remains top tourist magnet in Central Luzon

UBIC BAY FREEPORT—With its accessibility, clean natural environment and effective health safety protocols, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone has remained the biggest tourism attraction in Central Luzon, continuing to draw millions of visitors despite the lingering Covid-19 pandemic. Jem Camba, tourism manager of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said Subic has earned top ranking in Region 3 from the Department of Tourism (DOT) with 7,374,332 visitors and 737,486 tourists in 2021. It also placed fifth among top tourism performers ranked by the DOT in the country last year, Camba added. Camba said a combination of health and safety attributes gave Subic an edge over tourist destinations close to Metro Manila. She pointed out that the SBMA Tourism Department has managed to organize events that drew in a lot of visitors because of an atmosphere of safety in Subic. “We have established and followed strict health and safety protocols set by the national government since the pandemic broke out because we had to ensure the safety of guests entering the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” Camba explained. Henry Empeño

impacts on society, noting that the league should move in the same direction not only for itself or as a corporation and foundation, but even more so for the country. The trade chief highlighted the country’s civil society, calling it a vibrant sector as it has a proven experience in designing and implementing programs to fight poverty. Pascual also encouraged companies to learn from the experience of civil society in making Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs work, and in channeling efforts into where help is needed most. Likewise, the trade chief cited the creativity of the private sector that would

help companies to integrate social responsibility into their main line of business. Pascual called on the audience at the expo to create a future together not only for future generations but for the country and its people now by collaborating with the government in steering the economy and the entire country to the right path. At the turnover ceremony two weeks ago between former Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Pascual, among the priority plans the new trade chief laid down is to develop regional industries. Specifically, Pascual said two weeks ago that the DTI aims to fur-

ther bridge state universities and colleges to local entrepreneurs towards improving the global competitiveness and promising industry clusters. Apart from this, Pascual said he would like to continue the One Town One Product and shared-service facilities program. Further, the trade chief noted that the Philippines can be competitive but “we have to do it region by region.” Otherwise, Pascual said, if the country will just be focusing on the National Capital Region (NCR), “there will be lots of laggards around us.” He added that everyone should progress and no one shall be left behind.

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

7 PRIME TECH, INC. 10/f Ewestpod, Eton Westend Square, Yakal St. Cor. Don Chino Roces Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

ANDREAS Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

ANDY PUTRA Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

CHRISTOFER Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

HARI BUDI PUTRA Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

KEVIN Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

NATALIA Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

OCTAVIA KAINAMA Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

WIDYA NATALIA Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language.

Brief Job Description: Design, control, and implement electrical systems and products.

17.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language.

GEUT, ALLARD ERIC Superintendent 18.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Chinese/basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

19.

10.

11.

Brief Job Description: Provides advices in developing the operational excellence framework KATO, TOMOHARU Senior Director - Operations Excellence & Assurance Brief Job Description: Act as a consultant during the reviews and investigations.

Basic Qualification: 5 years in a leadership/ management position

12.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for daily operational performance management (RTR Japan Team) and ensure both contractual and operational KPIs are met(responsibility of delivering the service within the agreed deadlines and at the required quality) HASTIR, PRATEEK Solution Architecture Executive

13.

Brief Job Description: Reports directly to the Global Operations Solutions Lead who leads solutions across multiple portfolio and a global team of 300+architects and indirectly and to the NGCO business leader HONJO, YUKINA SW/App/Cloud Tech Support Analyst

14.

Brief Job Description: Deliver client facing engagements/work at Philippines Delivery Center WARDLE, RICHARD JONATHAN Transaction Processing Analyst

15.

Brief Job Description: Performs invoice processing, reconciliations, reporting, and helpdesk function related to Accounts Payable transactions of medium to high complexity

Brief Job Description: Managers, monitors, and supervises the execution, according to the contract in a safe, timely, qualitatively optimal and cost-efficient manner.

CHENG, YING KAI Project Coordinator 20.

Brief Job Description: The primary function of a project coordinator is to make sure projects run smoothly. Coordinating project schedules, resources, equipment and information.

GIANG THUY HA Operation Analyst 21.

Brief Job Description: Providing analytical job in actual business operation for the company and its worldwide clients

WANG, YONGQI Senior Project Consultant 22.

Brief Job Description: Facilitate The Completion Of Program, Project And Event And Coordinate To Team

KANG, XIAOLONG Mandarin Construction Management Specialist 23.

Basic Qualification: 5 years in a leadership/ management position.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin construction management specialist will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

TANG, QINGGUO Mandarin Construction Management Specialist 24.

Basic Qualification: College graduate

16.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for team and people management (professional and personal care aspects)

BKASIAPACIFIC (PHILIPPINES) INC. U-b&c 9/f Ayala Life-fgu Center, 6811 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Minimum 3 years extensive work experience with an international dredging company.

Brief Job Description: The MANDARIN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

25.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin deputy project supervisor will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

Basic Qualification: Passer of Accenture Language Translation Capability Technical Skills interview.

Brief Job Description: The MANDARIN DEPUTY PROJECT SUPERVISOR will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals

ZHANG, JIADI Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor 30.

HU, GUOJUN Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Supervisor 31.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin electrical commissioning supervisor will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long-term goals.

KE, FUCONG Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Supervisor 32.

Basic Qualification: Fluent In Mandarin And English Both Verbal And Written

SONG, XINGJUN Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Supervisor 33.

KANG, GANGYONG Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor 26.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YAN, SUWEN Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Supervisor 34.

KE, LONGRONG Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor 27.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin electrical commissioning supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

YE, GUANBAO Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Supervisor 35.

Brief Job Description: The MANDARIN ELECTRICAL COMMISSIONING SUPERVISOR will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN ELECTRICAL COMMISSIONING SUPERVISOR, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YOU, GUOQING Mandarin Finance Supervisor 36.

Brief Job Description: The MANDARIN FINANCE SUPERVISOR will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN FINANCE SUPERVISOR, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN DEPUTY PROJECT SUPERVISOR, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin construction management specialist, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin deputy project supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN DEPUTY PROJECT SUPERVISOR, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Has Extensive Experience in Software Systems and Business Solutions; Is Proficient and Able to Communicate in Mandarin or Any Chinese Language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Minimum of Bachelor’s degree

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

29.

Basic Qualification: Must be willing to attend meeting, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments; Must be willing to work on field.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin human resources supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree graduate and has knowledge in BSS Domain.

WU, JIAOQI Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor

Basic Qualification: Minimum 3 years extensive work experience with an international dredging company.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHEN, ZHIHONG Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Preferably a graduate of accountancy, finance or any business related course

28.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

SHEN, CE Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Section E Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

No.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

CHINA CONSTRUCTION FRONT GENERAL DEVT. CORPORATION Unit 3001, Atlanta Center, 31 Annapolis St., Greenhills, City Of San Juan

AMDOCS PHILIPPINES INC. 23rd, 25th, And 26th Floors Eco Tower, 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig PATEWAR, ASHISH Software Development Manager

Basic Qualification: Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb); Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS); Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (FInstCES); Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (FHIKIArb)

CASPO INCORPORATED 43/f, 45/f, 49/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Corner V.a. Rufino Street, Bel-air, City Of Makati

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1, Pioneer St, City Of Mandaluyong YAMANISHI, YOSHINORI Service Delivery Ops Lead Manager

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

C’EST LA VIE EVENT MANAGEMENT INC. 230, Narra Street, Marikina Heights, City Of Marikina

ABOITIZ POWER CORPORATION 21st Nac Tower, 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig AKAZAWA, TAKU Operations Excellence & Assurance Expert

Brief Job Description: Managers, monitors, and supervises the execution, according to the contract in a safe, timely, qualitatively optimal and cost-efficient manner. VERSLUIS, JUAN CARLOS Superintendent

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language.

Brief Job Description: Chartered Quantity Surveyor with extensive experience in the commercial management of building and civil engineering projects, thorough knowledge in Tendering, Procurement, Final Account, Dispute Resolution, settlement of prolongation, disruption and quantum claims and expertise in both arbitration and to the court

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BOSKALIS PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 3701, 3801 The Orient Square, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

A-LINK STEEL MANUFACTURING CORP. Unit 1403-1404 14/f Bdo Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati LIU, QIULONG Senior Electrical Consultant

WOODS, DENNIS JOHN Claims Consultant

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ZHANG, MINGHUI Mandarin Human Resources Manager 37.

Brief Job Description: The MANDARIN HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHEN, RONG Mandarin Human Resources Supervisor 38.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin human resources supervisor will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin human resources supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan

No.

KE, ZONGKUN Mandarin Human Resources Supervisor 39.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIN, HAITAO Mandarin Mechanical Project Supervisor 40.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin mechanical project supervisor will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin mechanical project supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

50.

SONG, XINGRAN Mandarin Mechanical Project Supervisor 41.

Brief Job Description: The MANDARIN MECHANICAL PROJECT SUPERVISOR will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHANG, JIANDONG Mandarin Mechanical Project Supervisor 42.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN MECHANICAL PROJECT SUPERVISOR, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WU, JIALI Mandarin Project Controls Analyst 43.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin project controls analyst will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

ZHU, WENFENG Mandarin Project Controls Analyst 44.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin project controls analyst, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHROMELAB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 25/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

ELWIN TAI SZI WEI Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Officer 45.

Brief Job Description: Interprets data, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

Basic Qualification: Fluent and proficient in writing and speaking at least two of the following languages: English, mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Bahasa, Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesian, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese/ 1 year experience of working in a similar role Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KENNITH PHE LOONG BIAU Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Officer 46.

Brief Job Description: Interprets data, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

51.

LIM SZY JEAN Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Officer 47.

Brief Job Description: Interprets data, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WONG BOR VUI Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Officer 48.

Brief Job Description: Interprets data, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

CHOW MEI TENG Bi-lingual Speaking Junior Accountant 49.

Brief Job Description: Maintains general ledger accounts by reconciling accounts receivable detail and control accounts, adjust entries for amortization prepaid, analyzes and reconciles retainage and accounts payable ledgers, prepares fixed asset depreciation and accruals

No.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or professional qualification in data science, management or industrial engineering.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

TIAN, HUAN Channel Manager For Huawei Concept Store Construction & Operation Management Project 65.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: 1. Manage the concept store design, constructions and operations. 2. Supervise location selection, image design and construction guidance for all new and upgraded concept stores.

Brief Job Description: Solve problems that are generally unstructured and require extensive use of conceptual thinking skills. Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’).

Basic Qualification: Fluent and/or native speaker in English and French Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

52.

53.

BAO, WEI Chinese Cargo Office Agent

Basic Qualification: Have skills in documentations

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentations

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIN, YUNPENG Chinese Cargo Office Agent

Basic Qualification: Have skills in documentations

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentations

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2602 & 2603 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati CHIANG, PO-CHENG a.k.a. CHIANG, CHIA-HSUAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 54.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, Reading and Writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

EMERALD WIRELESS TECH INC. 28th/f Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, E-square Information Technology Park, 25th St. Cor 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig CHEN, JING Chinese Management Trainee 55.

Brief Job Description: Assist department head in managing departmental matters to ensure that each sector completes the work on time and with quality Assist in the management of retail, sales team, and client aspect Analyze sales data

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language Bachelor’s degree in business administration Strong time management skills enthusiasm for consumer marketing Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

FAREAST OUTSOURCE PROCESSING INC. 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Nu Tower, Moa Coral Way, Barangay 76, Pasay City

56.

KIM, JINHO Customer Service Representative (CSR) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese Curriculum, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Computer Mandarin Characters

BAI, FENGGUANG Technical Manager For Network Cloud Resource Pool Project 66.

57.

OH, KWANGSU Customer Service Representative (CSR) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

58.

PARK, INHO Customer Service Representative (CSR) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese Curriculum, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Computer Mandarin Characters

67.

68.

59.

Brief Job Description: Provide accurate valid and complete information by using the right methods.

TSENG SAY TONG Learning & Development Chinese Speaking 60.

Brief Job Description: Identify the current and future skills of an organization and creates flexible learning interventions to meet diverse need of workplace. NIU, CHAOXIANG Marketing Executive Chinese Speaking

61.

Brief Job Description: Manages the execution of different marketing strategies for a company and developing efficient and intuitive marketing strategies. VU THI BINH Marketing Executive Vietnamese Speaking

62.

Brief Job Description: Manages the execution of different marketing strategies for a company and developing efficient and intuitive marketing strategies.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with strong previous skills in the training administration and strong knowledge of training processes and procedures.

69.

70.

71.

72.

63.

Brief Job Description: Setting individual’s sales target.

73.

HAYASHI, TAKUYA HR Technical Officer 64.

Brief Job Description: Ensures all paperwork for Japanese expatriates and other nationalities will be processed in a timely manner and completed accurately, including applications for immigration, work permits and business visas

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree. Well-versed in HR Technology systems such as Smart Recruiters, MS Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations – Human Resource module, and Saba Cloud; experience in implementing HRIS is a must Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. JO, SUNGJIN Customer Service Representative For Korean

74.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. KIM, DAEKI Customer Service Representative For Korean

75.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. KIM, HAEYEONG Customer Service Representative For Korean

76.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. LEE, BYEONGMIN Customer Service Representative For Korean

77.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. SONG, HYUNSOO Customer Service Representative For Korean

78.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. SONG, JIHOON Customer Service Representative For Korean

79.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. SONG, SEUNGJIN Customer Service Representative For Korean

80.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HITACHI SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 12/f Marajo Tower, 26th St. West Cor. 4th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling.

JEONG, TAEYEOL Customer Service Representative For Korean

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English language both verbal and written.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling.

HWANG, SOOHYOUN Customer Service Representative For Korean

HIKVISION SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. PHILIPPINES BRANCH 37th/f Joy Nostalg Center, Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig LAI, MINHUA Sales Manager

Brief Job Description: Financial planning analyze in French.

HONG, SUNGMIN Customer Service Representative For Korean

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above with marketing executive experience.

MANKAA, AKONGNWI Customer Service Process Specialist

EUN, SEUNGHO Customer Service Representative For Korean

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above with marketing executive experience.

Brief Job Description: Financial planning analyze in French.

CHU, HANSEONG Customer Service Representative For Korean

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

GAMMA INTERACTIVE INC. 21/f Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

JOAQUIM, FRANCO ALFREDO Customer Service Process Specialist

Basic Qualification: Fluent in French and Portuguese. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in French and Portuguese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

INTEGRITY GLOBAL GROUP, INC. 2/f-3/f Ayala Malls Circuit, A.p. Reyes Ave., Carmona, City Of Makati

G&G COMMUNITY SOLUTION INC. 3/f Suite 301 #47 Aguirre Avenue Cor., Tirona Street, B. F. Homes, City Of Parañaque Basic Qualification: Excellent oral and written communications in Korean language.

Brief Job Description: 1. In charge with overall technical management for the network’s cloud resource pool project. 2. Responsible for solution design and planning of the cloud resource.

Basic Qualification: 1. Must be highly familiar with the typical networking and solution implementation of network cloud, medical cloud, and resident cloud. 2. With excellent project management capabilities. 3. Graduated with a master’s degree in optical communication and signal processing. 4. Highly proficient in Chinese and English language.

INFOSYS BPM LIMITED - PHILIPPINE BRANCH 19th-23rd Flr., Bgc Corporate Center, 11th Ave. Corner 30th Sts., City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JEON, YONGHO Korean Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: 1. Must have work strong background in sales and marketing management of digital devices. 2. With excellent business communication skill. 3. Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing or other related courses. 4. Highly proficient in Chinese and English language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese Curriculum , Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin , Can Operate Computer Mandarin Characters

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. Lot 3 E&e Cmpd., F. Santiago St., Parada, City Of Valenzuela

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent and proficient in writing and speaking at least two of the following languages: English, mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Bahasa, Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesian, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese/ 1 year experience of working in a similar role

Brief Job Description: Leads the decision science and management team which supports all the departments of the bank by providing solutions relating to: data management, engineering and operation: mis and reporting; business intelligence; data science and modelling and data governance. Designs and implements the dsm roadmap by ensuring that resources, capability and technology are in accordance with the company’s strategy and business opportunities.

KOHLBERG, GÖTZ THOMAS Advisor I, Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin project controls analyst, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. 25/f Ayala North Exchange, Tower 2, 6796, Ayala Ave. Cor. Salcedo & Amorsolo Streets, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN MECHANICAL PROJECT SUPERVISOR, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

KEWLANI, SANDEEP KUMAR Head Of Decision Science And Management (AVP (U5))

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

CIMB BANK PHILIPPINES INC 28th Floor, Ore Central 9th Ave. Cor. 31st St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin human resources supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. YOO, BYOUNGHEON Customer Service Representative For Korean

81.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling. YOO, JANGWON Customer Service Representative For Korean

82.

Brief Job Description: Will be responsible for carrying out all tasks associated with candidate examination scheduling.

Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JP & L BEAUTY PRODUCTS INC. 22 The Trade And Financial Tower, 7th Ave. Cor. 32nd St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

A6 A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION BUZAGLO, LIOR (ELIAHU LIOR) Multilingual - Product Development Specialist

83.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving and transmitting text data and graphics from English to other language such as Hebrew, Malay and Mon-Khmer

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and Mon-Khmer language.

84.

Brief Job Description: Assist in overall operation in the marketing department.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Korean and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

102.

85.

86.

KIM, SEUJIN Korean Language Curriculum Consultant Brief Job Description: In-charge in preparation and development of curriculum.

YANG, DASEUL Korean Language Curriculum Consultant

103.

Brief Job Description: In-charge in preparation and development of curriculum.

104.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: University degree major in Korean language; 2 years’ experience. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about product and services

105.

CAO, WENTAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

CHEN, BAISONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

CHEN, YAHUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City

87.

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.

FU, YI Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

SHWE ZIN NWE Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

TAN, WEIQIANG Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

OOI LEE TING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

WONG JING WEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

XIE, CONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / Basic English.

93.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems. CHIN LANG Indonesian Language Customer Service Representative

94.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems. FRANDES LIE Indonesian Language Customer Service Representative

95.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems. JUANA MUSPITA SARI Indonesian Language Customer Service Representative

96.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

97.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about product and services

GENG, JIANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 98.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about product and services

HO LY THAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 99.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about product and services

LIU, YINPING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 100.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about product and services

TANG, MIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 101.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about product and services

108.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

109.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

110.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

111.

Basic Qualification: Graduate 5 years bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

112.

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate 5 years bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills.

113.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate 5 years bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills.

114.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NEO INCORPORATED North Tower Centrum Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque CHONG JIA CHENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

107.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 47/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati BILLY WIYOGO Indonesian Language Customer Service Representative

106.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / Basic English.

115.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

116.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written

117.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written

118.

CHENG, DEQIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

CHENG, KANGNING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

CUI, HUICHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DENG, ZILIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DONG, XIANGFEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DUAN, YONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HE, YAMING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HU, ZHIWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

JIN, XIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LAI, HUIQIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LI, AIFANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LI, KANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LI, LING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written

No.

120.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg., Quirino Ave., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

KOREAN SCHOOL FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, INC. (KOREAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PHILIPPINES) 6a, Upper Mckinley Road, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig Basic Qualification: University degree major in Korean language; 2 years’ experience.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WANG, ZHUORAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KINDOSAR PROCESS SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 5d, Rose Industries Bldg., Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig KIM, YOUNGNAM Marketing Assistant

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

119.

LIANG, PENGCHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills

121.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills

122.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

123.

124.

125.

126.

127.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

128.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

129.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

130.

131.

132.

133.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills

134.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

135.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

136.

137.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

MAO, XUEDONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PAN, QINBIAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PANG, DONGDONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. QIANG, LEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

QIN, LONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

SONG, BINGXU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. WANG, JUNJUN Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

LU, XIANXIN Chinese Customer Service

SU, HENG Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

SONG, ZHAOYANG Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIU, TENGFEI Chinese Customer Service

PEI, YUKUN Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

138.

139.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills WU, WENSHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

XIA, FUSHUAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YANG, HONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YIN, LICHUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHANG, MINGCHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHANG, QI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHANG, TIANMING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHANG, XIAOBIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

140.

141.

142.

143.

144.

145.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHAO, QIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHAO, YUANNENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHONG, HEMING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHOU, HANLIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ZHOU, QIAOZHI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ALEX Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services. ALVIN HENDRIKO TOGAS Indonesian Customer Service

146.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills ANDIKA Indonesian Customer Service

147.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills ANDY BERNANDO Indonesian Customer Service

148.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills ANTO Indonesian Customer Service

149.

150.

151.

152.

153.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills EDY CHANDRA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

EKA MEYLINA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ERWIN XANDRA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

FRENDRY JONALTHAN Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HANDOYO Indonesian Customer Service 154.

155.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

HENDRI Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

HERMAN Indonesian Customer Service 156.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills HERMANTO Indonesian Customer Service

157.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills JONI Indonesian Customer Service

158.

159.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

JULIANTO Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

No.

RUDYANTO Indonesian Customer Service 160.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. SELINA Indonesian Customer Service

161.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

162.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills SINDI Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

163.

SUSANTO Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

164.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services WENDI ARTONO Indonesian Customer Service

165.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

VERINA Indonesian Customer Service

166.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills BEH SHIK MIN Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

167.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

168.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

169.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

170.

171.

172.

173.

174.

175.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services 176.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills KHUN PAING HTET AUNG Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

THANT ZIN HTWE Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

177.

THEIN AUNG Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

178.

THET SWE Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English)

No.

179.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION BUI THI THU HANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

180.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

181.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

182.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

183.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

184.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

185.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

186.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

187.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

188.

189.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

190.

BUI XUAN LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

CHANG THI PHUONG UYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

CHU TUAN DAT Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

CHU VAN THAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHU VAN THUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

DANG DINH BA Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

DANG XUAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DAO VAN HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

DINH THI NUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DINH VAN TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DUONG HOANG MY NHI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

191.

HIU SAY MUI Vietnamese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

HOANG MINH NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service 192.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English)

193.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

194.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 195.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

SAI NING OO Myanmari Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

KHIN THANDAR WIN Myanmari Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

KHAING HLA PHYU Myanmari Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

KAY THI SOE Myanmari Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

FONG KAH WAI Malaysian Customer Service

SIM SIE HUI Malaysian Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HO WEI SENG Malaysian Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHEW SENG HO Malaysian Customer Service

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills HOANG THI EN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

HOANG THI HONG NHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HOANG THI HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HOANG THI THU THAO Vietnamese Customer Service 196.

197.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

HOANG VAN THUY Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Tuesday, July 12, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

198.

199.

200.

201.

202.

203.

204.

205.

206.

207.

208.

209.

210.

211.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HOANG VAN TUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

HONG NHAT NGUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

LAI THI THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LAM VAN BAC Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LAU NHUT PHI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LE DUC HAI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

LE DUC MANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LE VAN TAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LINH VAN QUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LOC VAN PHONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LU QUOC BAO Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LUONG THI THAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LY THI HANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LY THIN HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

MA HOANG DONG Vietnamese Customer Service 212.

213.

214.

215.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

MAC THE HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN CONG QUYET Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN DUC NAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

No.

216.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

217.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills

218.

219.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills

220.

221.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

222.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

223.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

224.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

225.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

226.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

227.

228.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

229.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

230.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

231.

232.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NGUYEN KIM DIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills NGUYEN THI LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills NGUYEN THUY TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN VAN DANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN VAN DIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN VAN DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN VAN DUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN VAN KIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN VAN KINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN VAN LUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

NGUYEN XUAN BAO Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services.

NGUYEN XUAN TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

PHAM DANG VIET Vietnamese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN THI THU Vietnamese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

NGUYEN HOANG ANH NGHIA Vietnamese Customer Service

NGUYEN NGOC NHU HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

233.

234.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

PHAM DUC DUY Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

PHAM THI PHUONG OANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

PHAM VAN TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

No.

235.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

236.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

237.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

238.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION PHUNG VAN TONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

SAM SAY PHAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

SAN SAN KY HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

TIN LE MAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

239.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

240.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

241.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

242.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

243.

244.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

245.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

246.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

247.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

248.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English)

249.

250.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

251.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

TRAN THI DANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

TRAN TU NHAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

TRAN VAN HAI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services. TRIEU THI DUONG Vietnamese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TRAN CAM CUONG Vietnamese Customer Service

252.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills TRIEU THI HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TRUONG VAN CO Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

TRUONG VAN PHU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

VI THI BE Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VI THI YEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VI VAN AN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VU NGOC THE Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VU THI THANH HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VUONG THI BACH NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

OAMPI INC. 8/f 6780 Ayala Ave., Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Application With Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION VIRTANEN, KIMMO KALEVI Finnish Content Moderation Analyst

253.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: To organize by its community of users provide service support in variety of areas.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Question and answer flat form using English and Finnish Language.

255.

256.

CHAN KENT FAI Mandarin Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can Speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HUNG, PEI-YING Mandarin Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can Speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SHEN, WEI-TING Mandarin Product Developer

Basic Qualification: Can Speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Grow company revenues by developing new products

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LEE KEN VUN Mandarin Technical Support 257.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the smooth running of computer systems and ensuring users get max. Benefits from them LIU, ZHONGLIN Mandarin Technical Support

258.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the smooth running of computer systems and ensuring users get max. Benefits from them

272.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

OCEANIC SYMPHONY SERVICES INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

254.

No.

Basic Qualification: Can Speak Mandarin

273.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

259.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable In Computer Skills Including Common Business Applicants CHIN CHAI LING Singaporean Operations Manager/personal Assistant

260.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable In Computer Skills Including Common Business Applicants

Basic Qualification: Any Nationality Who Can Speak And Write Mandarin Fluently

274.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

OUTWIT, INC. 2/f Marvin Plaza, 2153 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati HUANG, HSIN-JUNG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Manager 261.

Brief Job Description: Improves customer service quality results by studying and re-designing process

LU, SHIH-HAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Supervisor 262.

263.

Brief Job Description: Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in customer service activities

NGUYEN DO THU THUY Mandarin Speaking Product Specialist Brief Job Description: Should have strong service and analytical skills

WENG, YU-CHIH Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Manager 264.

Brief Job Description: Evaluates expansions or enhancements by studying work load and capacity of computer system

CHEN, QIAN Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Specialist 265.

Brief Job Description: Manages departmental budget and tracks spending on equipment and staff

Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in mandarin, at least 6months of related experience in this field Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in mandarin, at least 6months of related experience in this field

275.

276.

WANG, QINGWEN Mandarin Operation Planning Manager 266.

Brief Job Description: Overseeing planning development plans from day-today operation sales and marketing within the company, such as planning the markets data on a local.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Management in Marketing, Mandarin Speaking

267.

HAN QINGRONG SILAS Senior Associate, Business Development (cross Border) Brief Job Description: Create implement & execute business development

268.

Brief Job Description: Oversees, supervises and evaluates the matching of Chinese National applicants

278.

279.

269.

270.

271.

Brief Job Description: Customer Service NGO HUE BAO Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service VONG MY PHUNG Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English and Chinese

290.

291.

292.

Brief Job Description: Define region-specific marketing plan that supports the regional sales strategy.

293.

Brief Job Description: Report on a daily basis operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operations duties

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHEN, BEIBEI Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation) 280.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. CHONG, YANNI Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

281.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. NANG THEIN SANDAR KHIN Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

282.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. BAY TING WAY Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

283.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. DAO MY PHUNG Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

284.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. DEWI YANTI Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

285.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. NG HAE SHENG Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

286.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. NG HUI WU Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

287.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. NICHOLAS MAK YE REN Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

288.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation.

Basic Qualification: Through extensive and fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

294.

Basic Qualification: Thorough, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

289.

Brief Job Description: Assigned to the company for planning and implementing recruitment marketing strategy.

296.

297.

298.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Thorough, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese language and with extensive experience in recruitment marketing. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible to resolve queries of the Malay-customers through email and chats

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information. TRUONG NGOC DUY Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

299.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Writing, Reading and Speaking in Vietnamese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp., 213 Buendia Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

300.

301.

302.

303.

304.

CHAN KHIN MUN Chinese Language - Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints. HAO, YUFENG Chinese Language - Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints. CHAO A SAU Vietnamese Language - Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints.

HOANG MUI PAM Vietnamese Language - Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints.

LUONG DAT THANH Vietnamese Language - Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints.

PHAM DUC THUAN Vietnamese Language - Marketing Staff 305.

Brief Job Description: Providing details to clients relative to services being offered.

THAI BA DUY Vietnamese Language - Marketing Staff 306.

Brief Job Description: Providing details to clients relative to services being offered. TRAN THI CHUNG Vietnamese Language - Marketing Staff

307.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Thorough, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

TRAN TAI NANG Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Thorough, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

PHI THI ANH Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Thorough, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

PHAN THI PHUONG MAI Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VISSIONARIES INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati CHEN, NING Recruitment Marketing Specialist (Chinese Speaking)

295.

Basic Qualification: Through extensive and fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

PHAM DUY HIEU Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Basic Qualification: Through extensive and fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking.

NGUYEN VAN DUY Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Writing, Reading, and Speaking in Both English and Bahasa/ Thai/ Chinese/ Vietnamese/ Malay

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NGUYEN TRONG PHI Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

NGUYEN THI THUY TRANG Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in bilingual languages

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking.

NGUYEN THI KIM NGAN Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Basic Qualification: Skilled in French Language

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in bilingual languages

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DO PHONG HAI Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor., Washington St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written

VICCI BUSINESS CONSULTANCY CORP. 10/f Liberty Plaza, 102 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

SPEED QUALITY TECH INC. 3/f Eco Plaza Bldg., 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Extn., Magallanes, City Of Makati IVAN GUSTIANTO Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

Brief Job Description: Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analysing customer information

ZHANG, MENG Chinese Language Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: College Graduate in Chinese Curriculum, can speak and write fluent in Mandarin language,

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TRI7 SOLUTIONS, INC. Unit 9-a 9/f Marvin Plaza Bldg., 2153 Don Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analysing customer information

TEONG SHI TIN Bilingual Field Marketing Officer

Basic Qualification: M.A in business management

SPD JOBS, INC. 3/f Lemon Square Bldg., 1199 E. De Los Santos Ave. 1, Katipunan, Quezon City CHEN, JIANFENG Chinese Employment Specialist

277.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

SHOPEE PHILIPPINES INC 37/f Seven/neo, 5th Avenue E-square Crescent Park West Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Accomplishes all the roles and responsibilities of a Team Leader of French Bilingual Agent.

TAHILIANI, VISHAL Bilingual Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 11th Floor, The Marajo Tower, 26th Street Cor. 4th Avenue Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Develop, recommend and assist in implementing strategies for long-range financial stability and improved efficiencies

CHENG, WOON CHI Bilingual Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in mandarin, at least 6months of related experience in this field

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written

No.

TOTAL CREST BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 26/f & 27/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in mandarin, at least 6months of related experience in this field

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

AMIN, LESLEY MULUH French Operations Team Leader

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Good social and presentation skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills

ZHOU, JIA Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC. Units 23/f, 31st/f - 37th/f Discovery Centre, Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Any Nationality Who Can Speak And Write Mandarin Fluently

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

ZHOU, YANAN Chinese Operation Executive

OPTIMUS SYSTEM SOLUTIONS INC. 8/f Alphaland Makati Tower 3, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati CHU MEEI CHEE Malaysian Head Of Finance-finance Senior Manager

XING, QINYI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

SYBOSS CONSULTANCY INC. 40/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V. A. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can Speak Mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Brief Job Description: Providing details to clients relative to services being offered.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in foreign language speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in foreign language speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YUANTA SAVINGS BANK PHILIPPINES, INC. G/f Chatham House Condo, 116 Valero St. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati KUNG, SHIANG-HO Marketing Department Head (Taiwanese) 308.

Brief Job Description: Leadership skills with the ability to set and prioritize goals.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 *Date Generated: Jul 11, 2022

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A12 Tuesday, July 12, 2022

TheWorld BusinessMirror

China offers rules for managing US engagement in Asia Pacific

hina has handed the US a blueprint for their co-existence in Asia Pacific, as the world’s two largest economies continue to clash in the region on security issues. Chinese Foreign Minster Wang Yi said he’d made the proposal to his US counterpart Antony Blinken during their five-hour meeting in Bali over the weekend. Wang expanded on its details while addressing the secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta on Monday. “I told the US side very solemnly that our two sides should consider discussing the establishment of rules for positive interactions in APAC and jointly uphold open regionalism,” Wang said. “We look for ward to feedback from the US side to the Chinese proposal.”

Wang identified China’s suggested “rules” as being: Support Asean centrality and uphold existing regional cooperation frameworks; respect each others’ legitimate rights and interests in the Asia Pacific; and promote stability while providing “more public goods” to the region. “If China and the US can have sound interactions in APAC it could help release positive energy and also meet the expectations of all regional countries,” he added, saying achieving all this hinged on the US rising above its “hegemonic mentality.” The US Embassy in Beijing

didn’t respond immediately to an e-mail requesting comment Monday. China and the US are increasingly vying for influence in the Indo-Pacific, where Beijing has territorial disputes with Washington’s allies. Chinese officials have also recently asserted the Taiwan Strait isn’t international waters, challenging Washington’s view of international law. In his speech, Wang described the question of democratically ruled Taiwan that the Communist Party considers part of its sovereign territory as “the core of China’s core interests.” In that environment, President Joe Biden hosted the first Asean leaders summit in Washington in its 55-year history in May and shortly after unveiled his IndoPacific Economic Framework as the US seeks to limit China’s regional clout. Wang is currently on an 11-day diplomatic blitz across the key strategic battleground, seeking to assuage regional suspicions of

China’s intentions by emphasizing shared economic benefits. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has stoked fears Beijing could take military action in places like Taiwan. As well as the proposal for the US, over the weekend Wang issued four demands to Australia to get relations back on track. That was quickly rejected by Australia, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying the nation “doesn’t respond to demands.” Most Asian nations have sought to maintain good relations with both countries. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told a security forum in Singapore last month that smaller nations should be “free to choose, free to prosper and free to chart their own course.” Wang hit on this problem, saying many countries in Asean were “under pressure” to take sides. “We should insulate this region from geopolitical calculations, he added, and prevent them from being “used as chess pieces in major power rivalry.” Bloomberg News

New coronavirus mutant raises concerns in India and beyond By Laura Ungar & Aniruddha Ghosal

The Associated Press

he quickly changing coronavirus has spawned yet another super contagious Omicron mutant that’s worrying scientists as it gains ground in India and pops up in numerous other countries, including the United States. Scientists say the variant— called BA.2.75—may be able to spread rapidly and get around immunit y from vaccines and previous infection. It’s unclear whether it could cause more serious disease than other Omicron variants, including the globally prominent BA.5. “It’s still really early on for us to draw too many conclusions,” said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “But it does look like, especially in India, the rates of transmission are showing kind of that exponential increase.” Whether it will outcompete BA.5, he said, is yet to be determined. Still, the fact that it has already been detected in many parts of the world even with lower levels of viral surveillance “is an early indication it is spreading,” said Shishi Luo, head of infectious diseases for Helix, a company that supplies viral sequencing information to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A nurse prepares to administer vaccine for Covid-19 at a private vaccination center in Gauhati, India on April 10, 2022. The quickly changing coronavirus has spawned yet another super contagious Omicron mutant that’s worrying scientists as it gains ground in India and pops up in numerous other countries, including the United States. Scientists say the variant, which is called BA.2.75, may be able to spread rapidly and get around immunity from vaccines and previous infection. AP/Anupam Nath

The latest mutant has been spotted in several distant states in India, and appears to be spreading faster than other variants there, said Lipi Thukral, a scientist at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi. It’s also been detected in about 10 other countries, including Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada. Two cases were recently identified on the West Coast of the US, and Helix identified a third US case last week. Fue l i ng e x per t s’ concer ns are a large number of mutations separating this new variant from

Omicron predecessors. Some of those mutations are in areas that relate to the spike protein and could allow the virus to bind onto cells more efficiently, Binnicker said. Another concern is that the genetic tweaks may make it easier for the virus to skirt past antibodies—protective proteins made by the body in response to a vaccine or infection from an earlier variant. But experts say vaccines and boosters are still the best defense against severe Covid-19. In the fall it’s likely the US will see updated formulations of the vaccine being developed that target more recent

omicron strains. “Some may say, ‘Well, vaccination and boosting hasn’t prevented people from getting infected.’ And, yes, that is true,” he said. “But what we have seen is that the rates of people ending up in the hospital and dying have significantly decreased. As more people have been vaccinated, boosted or naturally infected, we are starting to see the background levels of immunity worldwide creep up.” It may take several weeks to get a sense of whether the latest Omicron mutant may affect the trajectory of the pandemic. Meanwhile Dr. Gagandeep Kang, who studies viruses at India’s Christian Medical College in Vellore, said the growing concern over the variant underlines the need for more sustained efforts to track and trace viruses that combine genetic efforts with real world information about who is getting sick and how badly. “It is important that surveillance isn’t a start-stop strategy,” she said. Luo said BA.2.75 is another reminder that the coronavirus is continually evolving—and spreading. “We would like to return to pre-pandemic life, but we still need to be careful,” she said. “ We need to accept that we’re now living with a higher level of risk than we used to.” Ghosal reported from New Delhi. Ungar reported from Louisville, Kentucky.

N. Korea likely fired artillery rounds amid US-S. Korea drills By Hyung-Jin Kim

The Associated Press

EOUL, South Korea—North Korea appeared to have conducted artillery firing drills on Sunday, South Korea said, days after the United States deployed sophisticated fighter jets to South Korea for joint training. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that it detected multiple trajectories presumed to be North Korean artillery on Sunday afternoon. It said South Korea’s military maintained a firm readiness in close coordination with the United States. South Korea’s presidential office said the suspected launches

occurred off the North ’s west coast. It said presidential nat iona l secur it y d irector K im Sung-han reviewed South Korea n m i l it a r y read i ness a nd that his office closely monitors possible additional launches by North Korea. This year, North Korea has carried out an unusually large number of weapons tests, including nuclear-capable missiles that place both the US mainland and its allies including South Korea and Japan with striking distance. Some experts say North Korea attempts to perfect its weapons technology and boost its bargaining chip in future negotiations with the United States to win sanctions relief or

security guarantees. Last week, six US F-35 aircraft from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska arrived in South Korea for their first temporary deployment in South Korea in about 4 ½ years for joint training with South Korean fighter jets. South Korea’s Defense Ministry said the jets’ deployment is aimed at demonstrating the allies’ combined defense posture and strong deterrence against potential external aggression while improving the interoperability of the two air forces. A US military statement said the US aircraft planned to operate over South Korea and surrounding waters during the scheduled 10-day training mission.

North Korea typically views joint exercises between US and South Korea as an invasion rehearsal and responds with its own weapons tests. US and South Korean defense officials have repeatedly said they have no intentions of attacking North Korea. North Korea has said it was forced to develop nuclear weapons to cope with US military threats. Despite its torrid run of missile tests earlier this year, North Korea hasn’t conducted its expected first nuclear bomb test in five years, and Seoul officials said that’s likely because of an ongoing Covid-19 outbreak and opposition by China, its last major ally and aid benefactor.

Editor: Angel R. Calso • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Japan’s Kishida calls for unity to achieve Abe’s unmet goals By Mari Yamaguchi

The Associated Press

OKYO—Boosted by a new election mandate, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday called for party unity for political stability and to achieve the assassinated former leader Shinzo Abe’s unfinished goals of strengthening the military and revising the warrenouncing constitution. Kishida’s governing Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner Komeito secured a solid majority of seats in the parliament’s upper house in elections Sunday that were imbued with meaning after Abe was shot to death while campaigning Friday. Kishida welcomed the victory but also acknowledged that unifying the party will be a hard task without Abe, who even after resigning as prime minister in 2020 had led a powerful party faction. “Because we’ve lost a great leader, undeniably we could be affected in many ways,” Kishida said. “Our party must unite as we face difficult issues.” At a time of security and economic challenges in and outside Japan, Abe’s death is most regrettable, Kishida said. “We will inherit his will and tackle the issues he had to leave unachieved,” including an amendment to the—drafted postwar pacifist constitution. Sunday’s vote gave the LDP-led coalition 146 seats in the 248-seat upper chamber, the less powerful of parliament’s two houses. The result means Kishida could rule uninterrupted until a scheduled election in 2025 and allows him to work on long-term policies. Advancement on amending the constitution is now a realistic possibility. With the help of two opposition parties supportive of a charter change, the governing bloc now has two-thirds majority in the upper chamber needed to propose an amendment. The governing bloc already had the needed support in the lower house.

Earlier Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Kishida to offer condolences and deliver a letter from President Joe Biden to Abe’s family. “We simply want them to know that we deeply feel the loss on the personal level as well,” Blinken told Kishida. “Mostly I’m here because the United States and Japan are more than allies—we are friends.” Blinken said Abe “did more than anyone to elevate the relationship between the United States and Japan to new heights.” Blinken was the highest-ranking US official to visit Japan in the aftermath of Abe’s death. The wake and funeral for Japan’s longest-serving political leader are expected in coming days. Abe, 67, stepped down as prime minister two years ago, citing health reasons. He said he regretted leave many of his goals unfinished, including revising a constitution that some ultra-conservatives consider a humiliation. He was the grandson of another prime minister and became Japan’s youngest prime minister in 2006, at age 52. The overly nationalistic stint in office abruptly ended a year later, also because of his health, prompting six years of annual leadership change. He returned to the premiership in 2012, vowing to revitalize the nation and get its economy out of its deflationary doldrums with his “Abenomics” formula, which combines fiscal stimulus, monetary easing and structural reforms. He won six national elections and built a rock-solid grip on power. On Sunday, the suspect accused of his murder was transferred to a local prosecutors’ office for further investigation, and a top regional police official acknowledged possible security lapses allowed the gunman to get close to Abe. The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, told investigators he acted because of Abe’s rumored connection to an organization that he resented, police said. Some Japanese media identified the group as the Unification Church.

Chinese bank depositors face police in angry protest By Ken Moritsugu The Associated Press

EIJING—A large crowd of angry Chinese bank depositors faced off with police Sunday, some roughed up as they were taken away, in a case that has drawn attention because of earlier attempts to use a Covid-19 tracking app to prevent them from mobilizing. Hundreds of people held up banners and chanted slogans on the wide steps of the entrance to a branch of China’s central bank in the city of Zhengzhou in Henan province, about 620 kilometers (380 miles) southwest of Beijing. Video taken by a protester shows plainclothes security teams being pelted with water bottles and other objects as they charge the crowd. Later videos posted on social media show an unclear number of protesters being shoved forward individually and down stairs by security teams dressed in plain white or black T-shirts. Phone calls to Zhengzhou city and Henan province police rang unanswered. The protesters are among thousands of customers who opened accounts at six rural banks in Henan and neighboring Anhui province that offered higher interest rates. They later found they could not withdraw their funds after media reports that the head of the banks’ parent company was on the run and wanted for financial crimes. “We came today and wanted to get our savings back, because I have elderly people and children at home, and the inability to withdraw savings has seriously affected my life,” said a woman from Shandong province,

who only gave her last name, Zhang, out of fear of retribution. What had been a local scandal became a national incident last month because of the misuse of the Covid-19 tracking app. Many who set out for Zhengzhou to demand action from regulators found that their health status on the app had turned red, preventing them from traveling. Some reported being questioned by police after checking into their hotel about why they had come to the city. Five Zhengzhou officials were later punished. The protesters assembled before dawn on Sunday in front of the People’s Bank of China building in Zhengzhou. Police vehicles with flashing lights can be seen in videos taken in the early morning darkness. Police closed off the street and by 8 a.m. had started massing on the other side, Zhang said. Besides uniformed police, there were the teams of men in plain T-shirts. A banking regulator and a local government official arrived, but their attempts to talk to the crowd were shouted down. Zhang and another protester, a man from Beijing surnamed Yang, told the AP the protesters had heard from the officials before and don’t believe what they say. Yang declined to be identified by his full name, fearing pressure from authorities. The police then announced to the protesters from a vehicle with a megaphone that they were an illegal assembly and would be detained and fined if they didn’t leave. Around 10 a.m., the men in T-shirts rushed the crowd and dispersed them. Zhang said she saw women dragged down the stairs of the bank entrance.

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15 killed in Ukraine as Russian rocket attack smashed apartment buildings By Francesca Ebel

The Associated Press

HASIV YAR, Ukraine—Dozens of Ukrainian emergency workers labored Sunday to pull people out of the rubble after a Russian rocket attack smashed into apartment buildings in eastern Ukraine, killing at least 15 people. More than 20 people were believed still trapped.

The strike late Saturday destroyed three buildings in a residential quarter of the town of Chasiv Yar, inhabited mostly by people who work in nearby factories. On Sunday evening, rescuers were able to remove enough of the bricks and concrete to retrieve a man who had been trapped for almost 24 hours. Rescuers laid him on a stretcher and he was quickly taken to a hospital. Ukraine’s Emergency Services said the latest rescue brought to six the number of people dug out of the rubble. Earlier in the day, they made contact with three others still trapped alive beneath the ruins. Pavlo Kyrylenko, governor of the Donetsk region that includes Chasiv Yar, said an estimated 24 people were believed still trapped, including a 9-year-old child. Cranes and excavators worked

alongside rescue teams to clear away the ruins of one building, its walls completely shorn off by the impact of the strike. The thud of artillery on the nearby front line resonated just a few miles away, making some workers flinch and others run for cover. Valerii, who gave only his first name, was desperately waiting to hear news of his sister and 9-year-old nephew, who lived in the collapsed building and had not answered his calls since Saturday night. “Now I’m waiting for a miracle” he said, as he stood before the ruins and started to pray, hands clasped together tightly. “We do not have good expectations, but I am avoiding such thoughts,” he said. Kyrylenko said the town of about 12,000 was hit by Uragan rockets that are fired from truck-

Rescue workers sift through rubble at the scene in the aftermath of a Russian rocket that hit an apartment residential block, in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine on Sunday, July 10, 2022. At least 15 people were killed and more than 20 people may still be trapped in the rubble, officials said Sunday. AP/Nariman El-Mofty

borne systems. Chasiv Yar is 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Kramatorsk, a city that is a major target of Russian forces as they grind westward. H o w e v e r , l a t e r S u n d a y, Viacheslav Boitsov, deputy chief of emergency service in the Donetsk Region, told the Associated Press that four shells hit the neighborhood and they were likely Iskander missiles. Residents said they heard at least three explosions and that many people were badly wounded in the blasts. A group of neighbors sat Sunday in a courtyard quietly discussing who was wounded and who was still missing. “ T here w a s a n e x plosion , all the windows blew out and I was thrown to the ground, said

45-year-old Oksana, who gave only her first name. She was in her third-floor apartment when the missiles struck. “My kitchen walls and balcony have completely vanished,” she added, struggling to hold back tears. “I called my children to tell them I was alive.” Irina Shulimova, a 59-yearold retiree, recalled the terror. “We didn’t hear any incoming sound, we just felt the impact. I ran to hide in the corridor with my dogs. Everyone I knew started calling me to find out what had happened. I was shaking like a leaf,” she said. Front doors and ba lconies were torn apart in the blast, and heaps of twisted metal and bricks lay on the ground. Crushed sum-

mer cherries were smeared on shattered windowpanes. A 30-year-old technology worker named Oleksandr said his mother was among those injured in the explosion. “Thank God I wasn’t injured, it was a miracle,” he said, touching the crucifix around his neck. Although the home he shares with his mother is now shattered, he said he doesn’t plan to leave the neighborhood. “I only have enough money to support myself for another month. Lots of people are fed up already of refugees coming from the east—no one will feed or support us there. It’s better to stay,” said Oleksandr, who declined to give his surname. Another resident who gave only his first name, Dima, had lived for more than 20 years on the ground floor of one of the buildings that was hollowed out in the attack. He walked back and forth across the rubble. “As you can see, my home is lost,” he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the Russians of intentionally targeting civilians. “A nyone who orders suc h strikes, ever yone who carries them out in ordinary cities, in residential areas, kills absolutely consciously,” he said in an address to Ukrainians on Sunday night. “A fter such hits, they won’t be able to say that they didn’t know or didn’t understand something.” Saturday’s attack was just the

latest in a series of strikes against civilian areas in the east, even as Russia repeatedly claims it is only hitting targets of military value. Twenty-one people were killed earlier this month when an apartment building and recreation area came under rocket fire in the southern Odesa region. Another at least 19 people died when a Russian missile hit a shopping mall in the city of Kremenchuk in late June. There was no comment about the Chasiv Yar attack at a Russian Defense Ministry briefing on Sunday. The Donetsk region is one of two provinces along with Luhansk that make up the Donbas region, where separatist rebels have fought Ukrainian forces since 2014. Last week, Russia captured the city of Lysychansk, the last major stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in Luhansk. Russian forces are raising “true hell” in the Donbas, despite assessments they were taking an operational pause, Luhansk governor Serhiy Haidai said Saturday. A f t e r t h e s e i z u r e o f Ly sychansk, some analysts pred icted t hat Moscow’s troops likely would take some time to rearm and regroup. But “so far there has been no operational pause announced by the enemy. He is still attacking and shelling our lands with the same intensity as before,” Haidai said. He later said Ukrainian forces had destroyed some ammunition depots and barracks used by the Russians.

World shares mostly lower Sri Lanka talks grow urgent as political vacuum deepens on recession, Covid fears By Krishan Francis

By Yuri Kageyama AP Business Writer

OKYO—Shares have opened lower in Europe after most Asian markets also fell, haunted by worries over the threat of recession and coronavirus outbreaks. US futures and oil prices declined, while Japan’s benchmark rallied after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party garnered a landslide parliamentary election victory. The euro sagged closer to parity against the US dollar, briefly dipping to $1.0109, but then rose back to near $1.0120. Europe’s shared currency is at its lowest level in 20 years against the US dollar, hit by worries over possible recession and the surge in the greenback as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to combat inflation. Early Monday, the euro cost $1.0118, down from $1.0182 late Friday. The US dollar rose to 137.00 Japanese yen from 136.10 yen. Germany’s DAX fell 1 percent to 12,886.28 as the shut-down of a major gas pipeline from Russia to Germany for annual maintenance brought concern Russia might not resume the flow of gas as scheduled. In Paris, the CAC 40 declined 1.1 percent to 5,967.23, while Britain’s FTSE 100 lost 0.8 percent to 7,142.11. On Wall Street, the futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow industrials were 0.6 percent lower. On Friday, the S&P 500 dropped 0.1 percent and the Dow also fell 0.1 percent, while the Nasdaq rose 0.1 percent. The Russell 2000 index of small company stocks slipped less than 0.1 percent. Asian shares were mostly lower on Monday, though Japan’s benchmark Nikkei jumped 1.1 percent to 26,812.30. Japan’s governing party and its coalition partner scored a major victory in balloting Sunday, which came two days after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe was shot by a man emerging from the crowd listening to his campaign speech, took out a homemade gun and fired. The attack shocked a nation that rarely

sees gun violence. The Liberal Democratic Party was bound for victory even before the assassination, but some analysts said the shock of Abe’s death was likely to strengthen that trend. With its partner Komeito party, the ruling coalition raised its combined share in the 248-seat upper house to 146. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida almost certainly stands to rule without interruption until a scheduled election in 2025, ensuring that the pro-US defense and diplomatic policies of the late Abe and the Liberal Democrats will continue unchanged. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 1.1 percent to 6,602.20. South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.4 percent to 2,340.27. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 2.8 percent to 21,124.20, while the Shanghai Composite fell 1.3 percent to 3,313.58. Technology shares fell after market regulators in China fined companies for not reporting past transactions as required. E-commerce giant Alibaba tumbled 6.8 percent while Tencent Holdings lost 3.2 percent. Wall Street had a sputtering finish last week, as global markets turned their attention to Chinese economic indicators and moves by central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, to contain stubbornly growing inflation. “A recession is not the market’s base outlook, but until proven otherwise, investors will debate the depth of the growth hit, not the likelihood of recession; thus, good economic data is good news for stocks,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary. China reports its April-June growth data on Friday, and an update on US inflation is due Wednesday. Investors also are watching for upcoming corporate earnings reports, which will give investors insight into how inflation is impacting businesses and consumers. In energy trading, US benchmark crude lost $1.34 to $103.45 a barrel. It gained $2.06 to $104.79 a barrel on Friday. Brent crude, the international standard, fell 71 cents to $106.31 a barrel.

The Associated Press

OLOMBO, Sri Lanka— Sri Lanka is in a political vacuum for a second day Monday with opposition leaders yet to agree on who should replace its roundly rejected leaders, whose residences are occupied by protesters, angry over the country’s economic woes. Protesters remained in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence, his seaside office and the prime minister’s official home, which they took possession of on Saturday demanding the two leaders to step down. It was the biggest and most eventful day of protests over the past three months surrounding the administrative district in capital Colombo. They remained there Monday saying they would stay until the resignations are official. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Saturday he would leave office once a new government is in place, and hours later the speaker of Parliament said Rajapaksa would step down Wednesday. Wickremesinghe’s office said Monday that Rajapaksa has confirmed his earlier decision to resign on Wednesday. The president hasn’t been seen or heard publicly since Saturday and his location is unknown, but his office said Sunday that he ordered the immediate distribution of a cooking gas consignment to the public, suggesting that he was still at work. Pressure on both men had grown as the economic meltdown set off acute shortages of essential items, leaving people struggling to obtain food, fuel and

Protesters look around and pose for photographs at the president’s official residence a day after it was stormed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, July 10, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister agreed to resign Saturday after the country’s most chaotic day in months of political turmoil, with protesters storming both officials’ homes and setting fire to one of the buildings in a rage over the nation’s severe economic crisis. AP/Eranga Jayawardena

other necessities. Opposition party leaders have been in discussion to form an alternative all-party government, an urgent requirement of bankrupt nation to continue discussions with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout program. Lawmaker Udaya Gammanpila said the main opposition United People’s Front and lawmakers who have defected Rajapaksa’s ruling coalition have had discussions and agreed to work together. Main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and Dullas Alahapperuma, who was a minister under Rajapaksa, have been proposed for president and prime minister and they have been requested to decide on how to share the positions before a meeting with the Parliament speaker later Monday.

“We can’t be in an anarchical condition. We have to somehow reach a consensus today,” Gammanpila said. Opposition parties are also concerned over military leaders making statements on public security in the absence of a civil administration. Law makers have discussed Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Shavendra Silva making a public statement calling on the people’s cooperation to maintain law and order, said Kavinda Makalanda, spokesperson for Premadasa. “A civil administration is the need, not the military in a democratic country,” Makalanda said. If opposition parties fail to form a government by the time Rajapaksa resigns, Wickremesinghe as prime minister will become acting

president under the constitution. However, in line with the protesters’ demand, opposition parties are keen on not allowing him take over even as acting president. T he y say W ic k remesi nghe should promptly resign and allow Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena take over as acting president—the next in line according to the constitution. R ajapaksa appointed Wickremesinghe as prime minister in May in an effort to solve the shortages and start economic recovery. But delays in solving the shortages have turned public anger against him with protesters accusing him of protecting the president. Wickremesinghe had been part of crucial talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout program and with the World Food Program to prepare for a predicted food crisis. The government must submit a plan on debt sustainability to the IMF in August before reaching an agreement. Sri Lanka is relying on aid from India and other nations as leaders try to negotiate a bailout with the IMF. Wickremesinghe said recently that negotiations with the IMF were complex because Sri Lanka was now a bankrupt state. Sri Lanka announced in April that it was suspending repayment of foreign loans due to a foreign currency shortage. Its total foreign debt amounts to $51 billion, of which it must repay $28 billion by the end of 2027. Months of demonstrations have all but dismantled the R ajapaksa political dynasty, which has ruled Sri Lanka for most of the past two decades but is accused by protesters of mismanagement and corruption.

A14 Tuesday, July 12, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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Fast action will save people from poverty

he World Bank said in a recent report that many countries are likely to face recession this year, as the world is entering “a protracted period of feeble growth and elevated inflation.” In January, the lender predicted global growth of 4.1 percent. In June, it cut global growth forecasts by 1.2 percentage points to 2.9 percent for 2022. The bank blames the Covid-19 pandemic for most of the problem, and said the Russian invasion of Ukraine is also a factor. “The danger of stagflation is considerable today,” World Bank President David Malpass said. “Subdued growth will likely persist throughout the decade because of weak investment in most of the world. With inflation now running at multi-decade highs in many countries and supply expected to grow slowly, there is a risk that inflation will remain higher for longer.” From the Associated Press: “A staggering 71 million more people around the world are experiencing poverty as a result of soaring food and energy prices that climbed in the weeks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations Development Programme said in a report Thursday. The UNDP estimates that 51.6 million more people fell into poverty in the first three months after the war, living off $1.90 a day or less. This pushed the total number globally at this threshold to 9 percent of the world’s population.” The AP report said an additional 20 million people slipped to the poverty line of $3.20 a day. In low-income countries, families spend 42 percent of their household incomes on food but as Western nations moved to sanction Russia, the price of fuel and staple food items like wheat, sugar and cooking oil soared. Ukraine’s blocked ports and its inability to export grains to low-income countries further drove up prices, pushing tens of millions quickly into poverty. “The cost of living impact is almost without precedent in a generation... and that is why it is so serious,” UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said at the launch of the report. The speed at which this many people experienced poverty outpaced the economic pain felt at the peak of the pandemic. The UNDP noted that 125 million people experienced poverty over about 18 months during the pandemic’s lockdowns and closures, compared with more than 71 million in just three months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February. Last week, the Philippine Statistics Authority said inflation surged to 6.1 percent in June, the highest since October 2018 when inflation averaged 6.9 percent. The PSA attributed this to rising food and fuel prices. National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said given the steep increase in commodity prices, high inflation would likely continue in the coming months. “We think we have not reached the peak. Based on information on the ground from our data collectors, we collect data weekly, prices of products continue to increase,” Mapa told reporters in a briefing (Read, “June inflation at 6.1% as food prices surge,” in the BusinessMirror, July 6, 2022). Despite government predictions that we will have an average of 5 percent inflation rate in 2022, nobody is certain how high it will go. As the PSA has said, we have not reached the peak yet. As the World Bank chief said, “there is a risk that inflation will remain higher for longer.” The Marcos administration earlier said it prefers targeted support programs over wide-scale subsidies and excise tax suspensions to help ease the pain of rising prices. It would do well for the government to act fast to ease inflation pain, as runaway prices could push more households into poverty. Since 2005

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very Filipino will certainly be awaiting what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will say on July 25 when he delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). The entire nation and the rest of the world will watch and hear that speech in which President Marcos, among other things, will unveil his six-year economic program. I don’t want to pre-empt his SONA but judging from his recent pronouncements aired over radio and television stations and published in newspapers, Mr. Marcos will tackle ways to significantly reduce poverty in the Philippines during his six-year term and empower the countryside through a stronger and dynamic agricultural base. For mer President Rodr igo Duterte and his administration were on their way to lowering the poverty level to 14 percent by this year from 23.5 percent in 2015 until Covid-19 struck. Much of the state resources in the past three years were diverted to efforts to contain the pandemic, resulting in the rise in poverty incidence to 23.7 percent in 2021. Reducing the poverty level is the cornerstone of any economic program. All efforts to develop the economy are pointless if they do not translate into unshackling the chains of many Filipinos from the

poverty curse. I am glad the administration of President Marcos is very much aware of this problem—it aims to bring the poverty rate to 9 percent of the population by the end of his term. The success in lowering the poverty level means more jobs are being generated and with the added income, more poor Filipinos can send their children to school and alter their fate. Several economic indicators point to an increasing or decreasing poverty rate. The unemployment rate, for one, is a good indicator. The jobless rate, per the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, dropped to 6 percent in May from 7.7 percent in the same month last year. From the same labor figures, we can see that 94 for every 100 Filipinos in the labor force were employed in May, or up from 92.3 percent year-onyear. The PSA job data simply mean that 1.4 million more Filipinos

On being the 20 percent

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Economic game plan

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OUTSIDE THE BOX

here are basically two kinds of people in the world. There are those who first complain and grumble in frustration and anger at the problem/s. There are those who first complain and then do take direct action against the problem/s. There is no moral difference between the two and it is not necessarily fair to say one type is “better” than the other. However, it is the “grumblers” who like talking about all the “fighting” that they are doing. The reality is that their actions are usually virtue-signaling activities like gluing themselves to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting to protest fossil fuels because he used oil paints. Of course, Da Vinci used oil paint made from organic materials. Keep the narrative; lose the facts. Facts are annoying anyway.

So as to not be seen to be complete fools, most useless protest actions are made in the name of “raising awareness.” However, there are collective actions on the part of the “grumblers” that do accomplish something constructive against the problem. But the reality is in these protest situations; the “problem” is usually government policy. We are seeing that currently with the farmers’ mass protests in The Netherlands. These are usually first organized and led by the “doers” who are the minority.

Refocusing on agriculture is a strategic move on the part of President Marcos. Majority of Filipinos living in the countryside are poor, and rely on farming and fishing for their livelihood. We cannot establish an inclusive economy if farmers and fishermen are left out of the economic game plan. were added to the labor force from 44.72 million in May last year to 46.08 million. The poverty level is being successfully reduced if more people are employed. The new administration, based on what Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno will submit to President Marcos, will directly tackle this problem. We can already glean the plan of President Marcos’s economic team from the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF). The plan offers “a holistic approach” that will accelerate economic growth and promote the welfare of Filipinos. It will serve, in the words of Mr. Diokno, as the government’s guidebook in reducing poverty incidence and lowering the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio. The administration is deadset on declaring a war against poverty. As Mr. Diokno and the economic team put it, the administration is not only concerned with growth per se, but also with reducing poverty to a single digit of nine percent by the end President Marcos’s term. Raising the gross domestic product, of course, is the main objective. A

The Pareto Principle states that 80 percent of consequences come from 20 percent of the causes. Named after 19th century economist (they are not all a waste of time), Vilfredo Pareto first discovered that approximately 80 percent of the land in Italy was owned by 20 percent of the population. The uprising in Sri Lanka is another example. Note that Pakistan will collapse next. In biology, a “dominance hierarchy” is a type of social hierarchy that arises when members of animal social groups interact, creating a ranking system. A dominant higher-ranking individual is sometimes called an alpha, and the submissive lower-ranking individual a beta. The minority Alpha leads the majority group of Betas, which the Alpha protects and often provides for in return for benefits like better access to limited resources and increased mating opportunities.

higher GDP level means an expanded economic base from which the government can collect taxes and revenues to fund infrastructure projects and social services. The interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee adjusted the 2022 GDP growth projection to a range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent from 7 percent to 8 percent earlier, but raised the target to 6.5 percent to 8.0 percent from 2023 to 2028. I think these growth numbers are much doable. We have seen in the first quarter of the year how the economy expanded by 8.3 percent. It could have grown faster had we fully reopened the economy. The full reopening of the economy, including the full restoration of face-to-face classes, will help achieve the growth targets embodied in the MTFF. Last but not the least, President Marcos’s concern on the agriculture sector is timely in the face of the Ukraine-Russia war. As I have said in this column before, the conflict and the ensuing disruption in the global supply chain for commodities exposed our vulnerability as a food importer. Refocusing on agriculture is a strategic move on the part of President Marcos. Majority of Filipinos living in the countryside are poor, and rely on farming and fishing for their livelihood. We cannot establish an inclusive economy if farmers and fishermen are left out of the economic game plan. For comments, send e-mail to mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph or visit www.mannyvillar.com.ph

The “Doer” Alphas make up about 20 percent of the population and we see that all around us. Companies know that 20 percent of their sales force will make 80 percent of the sales. Teachers know that 20 percent of the class will be responsible for 80 percent of the disruptions. The Pareto Principle states that 80 percent of consequences come from 20 percent of the causes. Named after 19th century economist (they are not all a waste of time), Vilfredo Pareto first discovered that approximately 80 percent of the land in Italy was owned by 20 percent of the population. He carried out surveys on a variety of other countries and found a similar distribution applied there also. The UN Human Development Report in 1989 revealed that in examining the Distribution of world GDP, 82.7 percent was held by the richest 20 percent of the global population. Microsoft discovered that by fixing the top 20 percent of the mostreported bugs, 80 percent of the See “Mangun,” A15

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Statutory and regulatory The senseless killing of Shinzo Abe Abe was known as a peaceaccounting in the maker and a foremost patriot. In an interview with the Time Magazine, he said: “I have Manny F. Dooc electric power industry made a pledge never to wage TELLTALES

Alfredo J. Non

DEBIT CREDIT Part Five

ollowing my discussion in my previous articles, I continue my presentation of the major differences between the statutory and regulatory accounting rules that govern the energy power industry. 5. The RAB (Regulatory Asset Base)—WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital) Relationship While there is general agreement in terms of using depreciation as the means to calculate Return of Capital, the issue of valuation of the RAB puts the results of the calculation questionable. The RAB valuation has time and time again been questioned and has been the subject of a Supreme Court case. Traditionally for financial accounting purposes, this has been valued at historical cost. However, international regulatory practice differs such valuation by allowing the use of replacement cost. That has somehow been reflected locally and even the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 has mentioned it as allowable for those under the Return on Rate Base (RORB) Methodology. With this Epira provision, it became an issue under Performance Based Rate Methodology (PBR) as to whether there is a choice. Later, in October 2019, the Supreme Court issued an Order to the ERC to look for alternative methodology in lieu of the Optimized Depreciated Replacement Cost (ODRC). This issue alone has caused the delay in the reset process for the 4th and 5th RP. So, even with the October 2019 Order and Meralco/ERC Motions for Reconsideration, the issue appears not yet resolved. However, if we analyze this more closely, there is apparently no issue, or the issue is somewhere else. Take these into consideration: There are two principal valuation methodologies—Historical cost and Replacement cost. If we refer to International literature about this, we will find that the principal difference between the two methodologies is INFLATION. This word is widely known and its impact also generally felt. But accounting and regulatory practice differed in that under regulatory practice worldwide, the investor in the industry is given an incentive to be able to recover his investment in full. But, this cannot happen if inflation sets in. So, regulatory practice allows investors to be compensated for the effects of inflation. And, this is done via the revaluation of the assets so that ARR reflects a higher depreciation or, via the WACC by applying Nominal WACC . Compensation for inflation, however, is done only ONCE—either via the RAB (by using ODRC instead of Historical) or via the WACC (by using Nominal WACC). Therefore, for purposes of determining depreciation or Return of Capital, ODRC valuation may be the preferred methodology because it results in a higher depreciation fund to ensure full recovery of the original investment at the time or replacement. Historical Cost may also be followed but, to ensure that the objective of full recovery to investor is achieved, the depreciation calculation may be indexed to CPI or any methodology. With this it is clear that either approach will result in about the same return of capital in the ARR/building blocks. But in calculating the Return on Capital, it is also necessary to decide which RAB to use so that proper RABWACC relationship may be applied. If the DU prefers the ODRC RAB valuation, Real WACC will be used to compute for the Return on Investment since inflation was already incorporated in the ODRC valuation. If

While there is general agreement in terms of using depreciation as the means to calculate Return of Capital, the issue of valuation of the RAB puts the results of the calculation questionable. The RAB valuation has time and time again been questioned and has been the subject of a Supreme Court case. the Distribution Utility (DU) prefers the Historical valuation, Nominal WACC will be used to give effect on Inflation. The proper RAB-WACC relationship to follow is: RAB at ODRC—Use Real WACC. RAB at Historical—Use Nominal WACC. To illustrate and using the information contained in the 3rd RP study, the Return Of and Return On are calculated as follows: ODRC RAB—P130 billion Historical RAB—P70 billion Real WACC—8 percent Nominal WACC—15 percent Applying the correct RAB-WACC relationship the Return On Capital would be: ODRC RAB (P130 billion) x 8 percent = P10.4 billion Historical RAB (P70 billion) x 15 percent = P10.5 billion But, if we apply ODRC RAB (P130 billion) x Nominal WACC (15 percent) Return On will amount to P19.5 billion. Sad to say that there were DUs that followed the latter erroneous computation resulting in a significant over recovery or over billing. In finalizing the Provisional MAPs, there were recommendations to adopt 12 percent as the fair and reasonable rate (following the practice adopted under the RORB rate methodology) applied to a DORC RAB. This will somehow soften the impact to the DUs as it will result in a lower refund, but this is unfair to consumers who already paid the higher rate and, at the same time, the recommendation appears to have no basis because: a. The 12 percent uses the concept of fair and reasonable as decided by the Supreme Court, which theory or definition is not present under PBR (PBR uses WACC). b. The 12 percent is not identified as Real or Nominal WACC. Therefore, ODRC RAB assumption is not automatic. c. In calculating the WACC, the PBR uses a specific financial formula which considers data on debt and equity and the gearing relationship not present in the 12 percent. d. The 12 percent maybe outdated. The source of this 12 percent is the rate recommended by the Central Bank of the Philippines at that time. This rate has since been updated to only 6 percent since 2013. To be continued. Alfredo J. Non is a CPA by profession and a former Partner at SGV & Co. He served as Commissioner of the Energy Regulatory Commission till he completed his term in 2018. He also served as Director and Executive Officer of several private companies and a former professor in Financial Management at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. This column accepts articles from the business and academic community for consideration for publication. Articles not exceeding 600 words can be e-mailed to jltantorres@up.edu.ph.

nother senseless and dastardly act has been committed against humanity, which jolted the people around the world. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan was assassinated last Friday while delivering a campaign speech ahead of the elections set over the weekend in Japan. Gun violence is almost unheard of in the country that has one of the strictest gun laws in the world, together with Denmark and Norway. But his assassin used a homemade gun. His grieving countrymen from all sectors of society lined up the streets to offer flowers and prayers at the site where he was shot and fell. Mourners were distraught and weeping as they laid flowers outside the train station where he was killed. The suspect was just a couple of meters away from him when the fatal shots were fired, and suspect was immediately tackled to the ground and arrested. He was identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old who claimed that he was a former member of the Japanese navy. The authorities are still looking into the motive of the killing, although it was reported that the suspect had an extreme grudge against an unnamed organization to which the former PM was associated, wrongly or rightly. Had there been strict security measures, Yamagami would have no opportunity to approach Abe and shoot him at close range. Japan takes pride in claiming that it is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rate is very low and is the envy of many countries. Last year, the reported crimes in Japan were the lowest since the end of WWII. At present, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Japan and New Zealand have the lowest crime

rates. But maybe this has given the Japanese government a false sense of security. Police authorities have become complacent and security measures are laxed. In our country, for instance, the government continues to provide strict security even to former Philippine presidents. As reported by Nikkei Asia, even the Chief of Police of Nara where the shooting occurred admitted that “when seen as a whole, there were problems in the way security was set up at the Abe shooting site.” It’s ironic that the man who made it a state policy when he was at the helm of the Japanese government to develop stronger defense and national security would die from utter lack of them on his own person. At the age of 51, he became his country’s youngest Prime Minister after the war. Abe held the PM post from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020. He stayed in office for a total of nine years, the longest serving Japan PM ever. In August 2020, he resigned from his position due to severe digestive ailment, which had seriously troubled him since he was

war again, that we must build a world that is free from the sufferings of the devastation of war.”

17 years old. He hailed from a prominent and powerful political family in Japan. His grandfather served as Prime Minister of his country. His father, Shintaro Abe, once served as the Foreign Minister of Japan. Since he resigned from his position, Abe remained a member of the Japanese parliament and led the largest faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). While out of office, he was acknowledged as the kingmaker and top powerbroker. He wielded enough influence in selecting his successor and future PMs. It has become de rigueur for LDP leaders to consult him on sensitive issues confronting the country. Even after his death, he will continue to cast a long shadow over the leaders of his country. During his term, Japan was back on the world stage. He was a respected leader and he excelled in the fields of economy and foreign affairs. He had revived Japan’s economy through a program widely known as “Abenomics,” which allowed him to appropriate more funds for the military. In foreign relations, he promoted a strong alliance with the US and the free world. He established multilateral relations with other countries, particularly the Pacific countries. Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull was all praises for him as he recognized his dynamic and flexible leadership. Time Magazine acknowledged that

VAT zero-rating under CREATE Atty. Mabel L. Buted

Tax Law for Business

efore the enactment of CREATE, all purchases of goods and services by enterprises registered with and located in economic and freeport zones were entitled to value-added tax (VAT) zero-rating. Thus, no VAT were imposed by local suppliers on their sales to locators of economic and freeport zones, so long as the latter remain registered. The basis was the cross-border doctrine, where sales to these entities were treated as export sales. The entitlement to VAT zerorating was usually confirmed by the administrator of the economic zone through the issuance of a Certificate of VAT Zero-Rating. This certification is provided by the registered enterprise to its local suppliers, and this is used by the latter to support the VAT zero-rating of its sales. Also, the VAT zero-rating was made automatic, such that the suppliers were not required to apply for effective zero-rating. This VAT incentive rule used to be straightforward and the availment of both by the registered enterprise and its local suppliers used to be simple. Contrary to the intent of its enactment, CREATE and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) made the implementation of VAT incentives complicated. CREATE limited the application of VAT zero-rating to purchases that are directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity of the registered enterprise. With that, there is a need to determine and sub-

Mangun. . .

Continued from A14

related errors and crashes would be eliminated. In baseball, a study in 2010 showed that 15 percent of all the players produced 85 of the game winning runs. In one US city, the

CREATE limited the application of VAT zero-rating to purchases that are directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity of the registered enterprise. With that, there is a need to determine and substantiate that the goods and services purchased are directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity. That determination itself presents many challenges.

stantiate that the goods and services purchased are directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity. That determination itself presents many challenges. The IRR also went further by providing parameters that are not provided in the law. While the law does not limit the registered enterprises that are entitled to VAT zerorating on purchases, under the IRR, the VAT zero-rating incentive can be availed of only by registered export enterprises. The revenue issuances followed by specifically excluding Domestic Market Enterprises (DMEs or those that are not Export Enterprises) and Service Enterprises (e.g., customs brokerage, trucking services, forwarding services, janitorial services, security services, banking and other financial services, consumers’ cooperatives, credit unions, consultancy services, retail enterprises, and restaurants) from those that are entitled to the 0 percent VAT on their purchases. For these types of enterprises, VAT-registered local

suppliers are supposed to pass on VAT even if the goods and services sold are directly and exclusively used in the buyer’s registered activities. Another parameter introduced by the IRR is to limit the period of enjoyment of the VAT-zero rating incentive to specific number of years. This can be availed only up to a maximum period of 17 days from the date of registration. Apparently, while the income-related tax incentives (i.e., income tax holiday and the 5 percent special corporate income tax) are limited by this period, there is no similar period provided for the enjoyment of VAT incentives. The removal of VAT-zero-rating on local purchases of non-Export Enterprises is particularly crucial, especially for registered enterprises that are not entitled to other incentives other than the VAT zero-rating of purchases. Exclusion from the VAT zero-rating incentives will place them on equal footing with nonregistered enterprises. Is there still advantage for them to register and locate in economic or freeport zones? Even the procedures required to

same 20 percent of hospital patients used 80 percent of the health-care resources. The 50-year long Dunedin Study from the University of Otago in New Zealand has found 80 percent of crimes are committed by the same 20 percent of criminals. Globally, the current average an-

nual GDP growth is 1.22 percent with ASEAN+2 growth comparable at 1.2 percent. However, the G-20 countries average growth is 0.53 percent. And G-20 inflation is currently averaging 12.3 percent with global inflation only 10.48. ASEAN+2 has an average inflation of 4.825 percent.

“Japan became a much more prominent international player” because of Abe’s effective personal diplomacy. He was a skillful statesman who had won the support of many heads of state. This brand of diplomacy was amply demonstrated when he and his wife personally visited President Rodrigo R. Duterte at the latter’s home in Davao City after Duterte assumed office. He was the first head of state that visited a Filipino president at his private residence. No wonder that Duterte called him “a true friend, closer than a brother.” Abe was known as a peacemaker and a foremost patriot. In an interview with the Time Magazine, he said: “I have made a pledge never to wage war again, that we must build a world that is free from the sufferings of the devastation of war.” But Abe strongly espoused an independent foreign policy and pursued a more assertive position when confronted by the threat and aggression of neighboring China and North Korea. He antagonized China by expressing support to Taiwan and incurred other countries’ distrust by pursuing efforts to rewrite Japan’s pacifist Constitution. The Director of Asian Studies, Jeff Kingston, has said: “He was a political giant. He has been a continued towering presence. His voice carried a considerable weight.” Definitely, Abe’s achievements had boosted Japan’s self-respect. His successors may find it prudent to continue his agenda and become a part of his legacy. He had brought honor and pride to his people who will be forever grateful to his immense work. You can ask the stream of endless people who have filed before his casket to pay their last respect to their fallen hero. Wiping the tears in his eyes, one mourner who traveled from Osaka said: “I told him thank you for everything, and please rest in peace.”

be complied in the availment of VAT zero-rating is quite a challenge. The reimposition of the application for the VAT zero-rating poses a concern on the timing and regularity of the application. In fact, there is also a requirement that the application should be accompanied by a sworn declaration of the registered enterprise that the goods and services bought are directly and exclusively used for the production of goods and completion of services to be exported, together with the VAT-Zero Rating Certification issued to the buyer. These are just among the questions and challenges surrounding the implementation of the VAT incentives as modified by CREATE. All these, and many other concerns, related to the entitlement to the VAT incentives by registered enterprises and the VAT treatment of sales by local suppliers should present compelling reasons for the review of the implementing rules and regulations and the related revenue issuances. Hoping that there will be modifications so that the reasons behind the enactment of the law will be realized. A review of the rules and procedures might be worth considering while these are relatively new. The author is a junior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a memberfirm of WTS Global. The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at mabel.buted@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 160.

Of course, it is not fair or accurate, but can we speculate in this instance that the ‘G-20’ is responsible for ‘80 percent’ of the word’s problems? E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

A16 Tuesday, July 12, 2022

‘MAKES SENSE FOR ECONOMIC TEAM TO REVIEW MIDTERM PLAN’ By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

SENIOR lawmaker on Monday said the decision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic team to review and evaluate the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal program, and growth targets for FY 2022 to 2028 is a sensible move to address the economic challenges the country faces. Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab said the economic team’s pronouncements on the newly updated medium-term macroeconomic assumptions, fiscal program, and growth targets for 2022 to 2028, while underscoring the administration’s priorities and fiscal strategy—including the domestic developments and external pressures —will serve as a guide not only to the government but to economists, businesses, and stakeholders in accelerating economic growth. Also, Ungab said the Department of Finance’s recently unveiled Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) is very promising, as he urged lawmakers to support the President’s economic and fiscal agenda. “I believe this will be our country’s pivotal point towards the trajectory of resilient economic recovery. This Medium-Term Fiscal Framework and the government’s updated medium-term macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal program are what we need to guide us during these difficult times. I fully agree with the PBBM administra-

tion that this is a good game plan in facing the challenges wrought by the pandemic, the ongoing geopolitical conflicts, and the high inflation rate, among others,” Ungab said. He cited the significance of having a well-crafted economic framework and fiscal program geared towards “achieving inclusive and sustainable development, responsive to the aspirations of the Filipino people.” The MTFF’s goals are: reducing the deficit, promoting fiscal sustainability, and enabling robust economic growth, which all coincide with the objectives of the updated medium-term macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal program, i.e. the creation of more quality jobs, reducing poverty incidence, and achieving inclusive and resilient growth within the term of the President until 2028. “For our part, Congress ought to support the President’s economic agenda by passing laws essential to rebuilding the economy, spurring the creation of jobs, encouraging MSMEs, and reducing poverty,” Ungab said. Ungab anticipates that the first expenditure plan or the 2023 expenditure program of the national government will already be aligned with the updated MTFF. Ungab earlier suggested the updating of the country’s MediumTerm Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) for 2023-2028, which becomes one of the bases for budgeting the expenditures in the coming months and years of Marcos administration.

Amended Public Service Act could boost FTA moves for US, PHL By Andrea E. San Juan

HE amendments to the eightdecade-old Public Service Act (PSA) could boost efforts of Manila and Washington to forge a free trade agreement (FTA), according to a nongovernment organization. “With the new amendment to the Public Service Act, there is a significant opening here where the Philippine economy is far more open on Telecoms and Digital trade than it is on most other issues which has further long been the barrier to a US-Philippine [free trade agreement] FTA,” said Gregory B. Poling, Senior Fellow and Director, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He spoke at Makati Business Club (MBC)’s Virtual Economic Briefing on the US-Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) recently. Poling said the Clean Energy, Decarbonization, and Infrastructure and Supply chain pillars are the reasons the Philippines and other framework partners joined the USled economic framework. The senior fellow emphasized that the Philippines entering into the said economic framework is “perfect timing” given that the country is currently the only member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) “that agrees to the APEC standards on digital privacy, so it’s closest to the US and Japan on that issue.” Further, Poling added, “It’s got the booming [business process outsourcing] BPO sector and a wide open digital economy,” unlike, he said, most of the partners in Asean other than Singapore. Republic Act 11659 or the amended Public Service Act was signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 21, 2022. RA 11659 seeks to ease or lift restrictions on foreign investments in public services by amending the 85-year-old public service law, distinguishing definitions between “public utilities” and “public services,” as it will repeal provisions that limit foreign participation in certain economic activities. Earlier this year, former Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said the enactment of the amended PSA could

lead to over $100-billion investments in telecommunication, transportation and logistics in the next two years. As of March 2022, Lopez said potential investments in the sectors of telecommunication, transportation, logistics and railway—where foreigners are now allowed to own 100 percent equity—is over $60 billion. In fact, Elon Musk’s Starlink, an American-based satellite internet provider which uses low Earth orbit satellites (LEOs), has already ushered investments in the country, according to the former Trade chief. Lopez attributed the clinching of these investments to the PSA and Executive Order 127, which expands internet services through inclusive access to satellite services. During his stint as Trade chief, Lopez had always lauded the enactment of the amended PSA as “another landmark reform” that “finally” opened up critical sectors like telecommunications and transportation, shipping, railways, to more foreign players. He added that PSA could be an avenue to attract more foreign players, allowing greater competition, more technolog ybased innovations, better quality services and lower costs to be enjoyed by all consumers and users. For its part, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) said in March that the amended PSA would attract global players to help “modernize” the Philippine public service sectors with “increased competition seen to generate higher quality of service and competitive pricing” for Filipino consumers. Meanwhile, the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) emphasized in March that as new foreign investments enter the country, the amended PSA establishes rules to protect the country from malign intentions that endanger its national security. Moreover, FEF said, the provisions on vetting of potential investments in critical infrastructure and the requirement for an ISO certification for Information Security for telecommunications investors ensures that the Philippines will be less vulnerable to cyber threats and domination of foreign interests.

As comebacking DOE chief, Lotilla faces many challenges

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla & Lenie Lectura @llectura

RESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. has picked Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla as his Energy Secretary. In a statement on Monday, Press secretary Beatrix “Trixie” CruzAngeles said Marcos decided to recruit the energy secretary of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to his Cabinet. Angeles said Lotilla was also a former Deputy Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). A law professor in the University of the Philippines, Lotilla received his Masters of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Lotilla’s appointment comes as Marcos is scheduled to hold his second Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Among the issues his Cabinet faces are stabilizing the country’s food supply and addressing the rising pump prices. Lotilla, who served the same position from 2005 to 2007 under the Arroyo administration, is among the

four candidates previously being eyed to replace Alfonso Cusi. The other names are former Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Agnes Devanadera, former congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, and DOE Undersecretary DOE Benito Ranque. Lotilla is highly knowledgeable about the energy sector as he also served as president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation, and chairman of Philippine National Oil Co. Devanadera’s replacement at ERC, meanwhile, has yet to be announced. According to the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), the DOE and ERC would need firm hands to cope with the current crises. ICSC Senior Policy Advisor Pedro Maniego, who is also the former

chairman of the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB), said the pressing challenges include insufficient power supply and reserves, mainly due to the prolonged shutdowns of power plants, intermittent breakdowns of old and new coal-fired power plants, and the derating of natural gas power plants caused by Malampaya gas supply restrictions. “Because of the chronic power shortage, the spot market prices were elevated necessitating the imposition of the secondary price cap a number of times to arrest the spikes,” stressed Maniego. He cited WESM’s average price for Luzon grid last June 30 that stood at P9.66 per kilowatt hour (kWh) while peak price reached high of P29.1/kWh. Fossil fuel prices are expected to continue rising amid the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Maniego said these factors will continue to increase electricity rates. As to the next ERC chairperson, Maniego said the person must be a member of the Philippine Bar per Section 38 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira). If the next chairman does not possess the relevant technical experience, the next ERC commissioner to be appointed must preferably have a technical background and energy experience, he said.

Meanwhile, Terry L. Ridon, convenor of public policy think tank Infrawatch PH, said his group looks forward to working with Lotilla. In the view of former Energy Secretary Vince Pérez, the current chairman of Alternergy group, Lotilla “is an excellent choice by President Bong bong Marcos for Energy Secretary. He is most qualified, is very familiar with the challenges facing the energy sector. Furthermore, he is a man of integrity and a true professional. We look forward to working with him during this challenging period of energy transition.“ Angeles clarified, though, “The designation of Atty. Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla, is right now a nomination, pending clarification of his employment status.” She added: “Atty. Lotilla, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s personal choice to head the DOE (Department of Energy), is currently an independent director of Aboitiz Power and also of ENEXOR,” she added. Republic Act 7638 or the Act Creating the DOE, banned it from having a secretary, who was an external auditor, accountant, or legal counsel of any private company or enterprise primarily engaged in the energy industry within two years from his or her retirement, resignation, or separation therefrom.

A PORTRAIT of the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is displayed at the Japanese Embassy in Manila as the embassy opens a condolence book for signing that will be open from 9 am to 12 pm, and 2 pm to 4:30 pm on July 11 and 12, 2022. Abe was assassinated as he was making a speech at a campaign event on July 8, 2022. NONIE REYES

FDA: Local Lucky Me! noodles compliant By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

OLLOWING a series of meetings after some European countries started recalling batches of popular Filipino brand Lucky Me! noodles due to the presence of a harmful chemical, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday declared that Monde Nissin Corporation is “compliant” with food safety. T he FDA said that this is based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)/Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements which showed the latest results of inspections conducted in March 2022 and July 2022, respectively.

In a statement, the FDA said that it has already received a copy of the European Union Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (EURASFF) that Lucky Me! instant noodles manufactured in Thailand are being recalled in Ireland, Malta, and France due to the presence of residual ethylene oxide. In the Philippines, Lucky Me! is registered with the FDA as a food product and the Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) holder and FDA-licensed manufacturer is Monde Nissin Corporation. The FDA noted that when the Rapid Alert from EU was raised, the FDA initiated an investigation to determine if the locally produced Lucky Me! Instant Noodle Products are likewise affected.

The agency clarified that in the Philippines, ethylene oxide gas is allowed for gas sterilization of certain agricultural products. “Such use is allowed in the Philippine National Standard [PNS] BAFS (Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards of the Department of Agriculture) 149:2015; ICS 67.020, the Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Dried Aromatic Herbs. To further assure food safety, the FDA said that the local manufacturer is in the process of verifying the level of residual ethylene oxide in the packets of seasoning.

Spot inspections

“THE FDA food inspectorate has already conducted spot check in-

spections and collected samples for laboratory analysis,” the FDA said, stressing that they will wait for all information, including laboratory results, before “taking further action.” In the meantime, the FDA assured the public it will continue to coordinate with the manufacturer and to monitor the situation. “The FDA remains committed to collaborate with the DA-BAFS, DTI-BPS, the private sectors, the academe, and food scientists, researchers and experts to update its science-based policies and regulation to prevent potential and real food contaminants for the protection of public health,” the FDA assured. Continued on A5

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

8990’s Malaysian investors rescind offer to sell shares

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ass housing builder 8990 Holdings Inc. said its Malaysian investors have withdrawn their offer to sell their shares to the public. “We have been advised of the decision taken by the company collectively with Pasir Salak Investments Ltd. and TPG Rafter Holdings Ltd. to withdraw the offer,” 8990 said in its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). The transaction involves 1.4 billion shares, divided into an initial 1.25 billion shares and another 150 million to cover for the overallot-

ment option, which will be sold at an offer price of up to P18.99 per share. Pasir Salak and TPG are each selling 475 million shares of 8990, covering all its 17.62 percent holdings in the affordable housing developer. iHoldings, the other selling shareholder, meanwhile, is selling 450 million shares. Khazanah unit Pasir Salak In-

vestments Ltd and TPG are set to raise a combined P18.04 billion from the said deal. Khazanah and TPG participated in the housing builder’s P9-billion follow-on offering in 2014. 8990 said that since the registration statement was filed, “the management teams of the company and the selling shareholders have exerted diligent and good faith efforts to prepare for the offer and implement the various steps needed to comply with the requirements for registration.” “However, this has proven to be very challenging given current market volatility and the economic uncertainties due to the continuing pandemic, including increasing inflationary pressures exacerbated by the Ukraine-Russia conflict.” The company noted that when

the registration statement was signed on January 24, the PSE index was at 7,252.64 points. As of July 7, the company said the index has declined to 6,352.32. “The company and selling shareholders are continuing to seek guidance from their financial advisors in relation to when circumstances are more favorable to re-file the registration statement,” it said. “With optimism for proceeding with the offer when conditions permit, we respectfully request the commission to grant the company a full credit of the filing fees paid in relation to the registration statement in the total amount of P7.28 million when the company re-submits a registration statement or any other application with the commission in the future.”

PLDT: Visayas facility goes solar By Lenie Lectura @llectura

elco giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) said Monday its biggest solar rooftop facility in the Visayas has been energized. Located along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City, the installed PV (photovoltaic) panels on the rooftop of PLDT Jones will generate approximately 214,553 kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar power annually. This will reduce PLDT’s carbon footprint by 152 tons of carbon diox-

ide each year equivalent to planting around 15,680 trees or 313,600 trees over 20 years, said PLDT Property and Facilities Management Executive and Project Manager of the Solar Rooftop Project Henrey Donguines. This is the third PLDT facility in the Visayas to be partly powered by solar energy. Two more offices in the Visyas are set to be equipped with solar panels soon. The project which aims to cut carbon emissions by integrating renewable sources of power in its energy mix not only aligns with PLDT and Smart Communications

Inc.’s direction to further embed sustainability in the business, but is also an opportunity to reduce energy costs. The solar panels in the five facilities were installed by Spectrum, a subsidiary of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). “We continue to look for opportunities to install solar rooftop panels in more PLDT and Smart facilities in order to enjoy the same benefits from the current deployments. Under the environmental pillar of our ESG initiatives, focus areas include energy efficiency, the use of green network technologies, and

renewables. By doing so, PLDT and Smart are also doing their part to help the government achieve its target of reaching net zero by 2050,” said Melissa Vergel De Dios, PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Investor Relations. These initiatives, official added, underscore PLDT and Smart’s efforts in helping the country achieve its commitment under the Paris Agreement and to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG No. 7 on affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

Mercedes ByteDance-backer snags $3.2B sales down 16% in Q2

ercedes-Benz Group AG sold 16 percent fewer cars during the second quarter as Covid-related lockdowns and a prolonged shortage of semiconductors continued to weigh on production. Deliveries in China, the world’s largest car market, declined 25 percent, while sales in Europe fell 10 percent, the Stuttgart-based automaker said in a statement Monday. “We are making every effort to fulfill customer expectations, despite the current supply restrictions,” said Britta Seeger, the management board member responsible for marketing and sales. The auto industry is still feeling the pain of supply-chain disruptions and shortages of components such as semiconductors, particularly amid a broad transition to electric vehicles that are dependent on increasingly sophisticated software. BMW AG said last week that its sales declined almost 20 percent in the second quarter. Ongoing supply-chain problems could jeopardize Mercedes’s plan to cut back on entry-level vehicles in order to focus on higher-end cars that deliver bigger profits. Mercedes said a dearth of chips contributed to a 16-percent decline in sales for the top-end luxury category. Bloomberg News

Pedestrians walk along an elevated walkway as an electronic ticker displays stock figures in Pudong’s Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai, China, on Friday, December 28, 2018. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

iming Venture Partners raised $3.2 billion across two new funds, joining Sequoia China and IDG in securing fresh capital as investors grow more sanguine about the country’s startup arena. Qiming, known for early bets on tech giants from ByteDance Ltd. to Meituan and Xiaomi Corp., becomes at least the third venture house in recent weeks to home in on significant new capital. The firm closed its oversubscribed USD Fund VIII at $2.5 billion and also raised roughly $700 million in the first closing of a yuan-denominated fund, both aimed at the technology, consumer and health-care sectors. Qiming now

manages $9.4 billion across 18 funds, it said in a statement on Monday. Venture funding in China plummeted at the start of this year as the government’s far-reaching crackdown on consumer internet, gaming and fintech hit valuations across public and private markets. VC and private equity funds raised only $6.2 billion in the first five months of 2022, a 90 percent drop from the previous year, while startup investments slowed 40 percent to $34 billion, according to data from research firm Preqin. Investors remain cautious about regulatory uncertainty but recent weeks have shown signs of improving sentiment, as Sequoia China secured

about $9 billion for investments in tech and consumer firms. IDG Capital is poised to raise about $900 million for a new China-focused fund backed mostly by existing investors. Early-stage investor BlueRun Ventures China also reached the final close of a second dual-currency fund of more than 5.5 billion yuan ($817 million) in May, according to a company statement. Founded in 2006, Qiming has backed over 480 companies. The company has made over 180 exits, it said in the statement. Managing Partners Duane Kuang, Nisa Leung, William Hu and Gary Rieschel will lead Fund VIII, the firm said. Bloomberg News

‘Okada Manila posts strong performance’

BusinessMirror file photo

kada Manila on Monday said its performance has exceeded prepandemic levels some six months after the group of Japanese casino magnate Kazuo Okada took over the management of the $3.3-billion integrated resort and casino in Entertainment City. The company said its gross gaming revenues rose by an alltime high of 44 percent this year, surpassing its target and 4 percent ahead of June 2019. “With the economy and borders opening up, Okada Manila is expected to sustain the momentum and become the fastest growing integrated resort in Entertainment City,” the Kazuo group said. Year-to-date, Okada Manila’s hotel and room revenues posted an increase of 6 percent and 8 percent, respectively, higher during the same period in 2019. Meanwhile, food and beverage cash revenues were up 14.5 percent compared to the same period in 2019. “Gaming daily visits are up by

1 percent month-on-month, already registering 81 percent of 2019 levels.” Kazuo’s group assured the employees that their welfare comes first with the timely release of salaries, bonuses and other benefits, the company said. The Kazuo group took over the casino operations from Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc. in late May. The group also said Okada Manila’s June property traffic is rising and is already 74 percent of 2019 levels. “With average daily foot traffic increasing by 8 percent month on month, customers can now better enjoy their stay at Okada Manila as more stores are being opened and more services being offered for Okada Manila’s growing clientele.” Okada said his immediate plan is to reopen the property’s iconic fountain, which he claimed was neglected by the previous operator. The fountain will be reopened on Sunday.

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

July 11, 2022

Net Foreign Stocks Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

71,920 150,030,604 118,589 52,771,515.50 447,975 2,400 1,670,805 165,489,240 84,020 7,184 971,554 3,373 18,558,222.50 149,367.50 313,700 14,050 636,969 1,724,050

34,994,015 -12,378 9,825,796 67,750 -1,210,621 531,030 -126,014 5,193,763.50 -29,802.50 6,990 -56,000 1,724,050

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 8.2 8.3 8.22 8.34 8.01 8.3 3,937,800 32,332,086 ALSONS CONS 0.93 0.94 0.91 0.94 0.91 0.94 97,000 89,320 ABOITIZ POWER 30.1 30.3 30.15 30.3 30.05 30.3 308,100 9,290,415 RASLAG 2 2.02 2.07 2.12 2 2 7,943,000 16,188,040 BASIC ENERGY 0.385 0.39 0.4 0.4 0.385 0.385 2,030,000 785,100 FIRST GEN 17.2 17.44 17.68 17.68 17.2 17.2 152,000 2,635,712 FIRST PHIL HLDG 61 62.9 62.2 62.2 61 61 590 36,168 MERALCO 354 355 351 354 347.2 354 63,380 22,264,260 MANILA WATER 16.54 16.56 17.42 17.42 16.54 16.54 1,269,400 21,035,394 PETRON 3.04 3.05 3.07 3.07 3.04 3.04 101,000 307,220 PETROENERGY 4.69 4.84 4.68 4.84 4.68 4.84 3,000 14,360 PHX PETROLEUM 9.3 9.99 9.9 9.99 9.9 9.99 5,500 54,674 SYNERGY GRID 12.08 12.1 12.14 12.14 12.02 12.1 855,900 10,338,524 PILIPINAS SHELL 17.88 18 18 18 17.9 18 20,400 367,126 SPC POWER 9.11 9.12 9.12 9.13 9.08 9.11 101,600 925,412 SOLAR PH 1.7 1.71 1.75 1.77 1.7 1.71 108,070,000 186,165,770 AGRINURTURE 5.45 5.5 5.48 5.5 5.4 5.5 3,550,800 19,410,945 AXELUM 2.19 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.19 2.2 255,000 560,900 CNTRL AZUCARERA 9.31 9.42 9.32 9.32 9.32 9.32 1,000 9,320 CENTURY FOOD 24.6 24.85 24.1 24.9 23.9 24.85 1,091,000 26,876,665 DEL MONTE 13.82 13.98 14.3 14.3 13.62 13.82 87,800 1,237,916 DNL INDUS 6.92 6.93 7.06 7.07 6.8 6.93 1,539,100 10,679,188 EMPERADOR 17.4 17.5 17.8 18 17.1 17.5 469,400 8,209,104 SMC FOODANDBEV 46.4 46.5 46.5 47.25 46.1 46.5 22,600 1,056,040 FIGARO COFFEE 0.63 0.64 0.6 0.65 0.59 0.64 32,367,000 20,479,190 FRUITAS HLDG 1.07 1.09 1.08 1.1 1.08 1.09 1,371,000 1,489,970 GINEBRA 99.05 100.5 100 100.5 99 100.5 5,160 513,416 JOLLIBEE 212.8 214 216.8 216.8 210.8 214 248,710 52,958,112 KEEPERS HLDG 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.1 1.1 1,344,000 1,482,630 LIBERTY FLOUR 17.7 21.35 17 17.7 17 17.7 900 15,770 MAXS GROUP 4.57 4.6 4.69 4.69 4.6 4.6 45,000 207,240 MG HLDG 0.111 0.113 0.112 0.113 0.111 0.111 690,000 76,880 MONDE NISSIN 13.2 13.38 13.04 13.38 13 13.38 3,906,200 51,824,366 SHAKEYS PIZZA 7 7.01 7 7.09 7 7.02 600 4,229 ROXAS AND CO 0.53 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.53 0.55 1,485,000 787,090 RFM CORP 3.9 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3,000 11,850 ROXAS HLDG 1.23 1.27 1.28 1.28 1.23 1.27 36,000 44,570 UNIV ROBINA 117.4 118.8 118.5 118.9 115.8 118.8 563,110 66,067,599 VITARICH 0.59 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.6 0.62 72,000 43,470 CEMEX HLDG 0.61 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.6 0.61 543,000 334,840 EAGLE CEMENT 12.06 12.32 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 100 1,206 EEI CORP 3.47 3.49 3.6 3.73 3.47 3.49 463,000 1,658,360 HOLCIM 5.08 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 100 520 MEGAWIDE 4.55 4.65 4.85 4.85 4.52 4.55 466,000 2,174,090 PHINMA 19 19.2 19.2 19.2 19.2 19.2 800 15,360 TKC METALS 0.71 0.74 0.75 0.75 0.71 0.71 27,000 20,010 VULCAN INDL 0.79 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.79 0.79 194,000 153,430 CROWN ASIA 1.7 1.82 1.83 1.83 1.83 1.83 1,000 1,830 EUROMED 1 1.04 1.05 1.05 1.05 1.05 1,000 1,050 MABUHAY VINYL 5.3 5.58 5.4 5.58 5.4 5.58 600 3,258 GREENERGY 1.53 1.55 1.54 1.56 1.52 1.55 729,000 1,121,480 INTEGRATED MICR 6.2 6.3 6.15 6.3 6.15 6.3 10,000 61,683 IONICS 0.66 0.69 0.72 0.72 0.65 0.69 543,000 364,300 PANASONIC 5.6 5.87 5.5 5.87 5.5 5.87 1,100 6,198 SFA SEMICON 1.18 1.2 1.16 1.24 1.16 1.18 1,279,000 1,555,070 CIRTEK HLDG 2.81 2.83 2.75 2.84 2.75 2.83 402,000 1,135,810

3,888,070 940 7,363,135 -53,500 -80,110 -5,598 7,138,300 3,223,554.00 -3,040 -420,868 2,739 -1,219,760 613,585 66,000 6,633,800 258,870 -1,299,319 5,083,676 -432,445 -30,820 15,905,418 512,600 -92,000 34,410 3,419,562.00 -2,127 -11,850 11,087,618 -35,190 42,040 103,340 2,464 -592,410 -

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS

3,337,720.00 -10,088,770 5,042,606.50 -29,392,451 4,460 -21,096 -7,671,316 -734,400 13,517,570 1,382,213 -7,614,350 -25,447,395 1,801,979 -8,125 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

44 119 8.25 87.8 26.95 6.73 7.05 49.2 7 16.1 18 55.6 90.2 78.3 1.83 3.46 179.1 2,378

1.64 640 50.5 9.99 8.7 0.75 0.405 4.44 8.71 6.87 1.83 478.2 3.55 49.7 7.51 0.52 8.35 0.241 3.61 2.4 2.9 0.9 827.5 103.7 105 0.25

44.95 119.8 8.28 88.8 27 8 7.06 49.4 7.09 17.98 18.1 56.85 90.5 78.8 1.89 3.53 180 2,400

1.65 644 50.6 10 8.98 0.8 0.41 4.5 8.72 7.07 3.35 483 3.6 49.95 9.67 0.61 8.4 0.335 3.65 2.42 3.14 0.94 838 106 117 0.27

44.95 120 8.29 87.1 27.1 8 6.99 49.8 7.01 17.96 18.02 56.9 89.9 78.1 1.87 3.46 184 2,378

1.64 649.5 50.85 9.61 8.8 0.8 0.41 4.45 8.84 6.95 2.45 499 3.5 50 7.51 0.61 8.48 0.236 3.7 2.4 2.9 0.92 839 105.9 117 0.25

44.95 121 8.29 88.8 27.1 8 7.1 50.05 7.01 17.96 18.04 56.9 90.8 79.8 2 3.53 184.9 2,378

1.66 649.5 52.8 10 8.89 0.8 0.41 4.5 8.95 6.95 2.45 499 3.6 50.1 7.51 0.61 8.48 0.236 3.72 2.44 2.9 0.95 858 106 117 0.25

44.95 118.1 8.1 87.1 26.95 8 6.99 48.95 7 17.96 18 55.5 89.9 78 1.82 3.46 180 2,378

1.63 625 49.45 9.53 8.8 0.8 0.405 4.43 8.64 6.87 2.45 477 3.5 49.3 7.51 0.59 8.3 0.236 3.61 2.31 2.9 0.92 826 103.6 116 0.25

44.95 119.8 8.25 88.8 26.95 8 7.06 49.4 7 17.96 18 55.6 90.5 78.8 1.89 3.53 180 2,378

1.65 644 50.5 10 8.89 0.8 0.41 4.5 8.71 6.87 2.45 478.2 3.6 49.95 7.51 0.61 8.4 0.236 3.65 2.4 2.9 0.94 838 106 116 0.25

1,600 1,256,370 14,400 597,220 16,600 300 236,700 3,351,000 12,000 400 53,900 60 205,390 1,900 163,000 4,000 3,530 725

12,163,000 81,720 1,275,930 9,339,300 3,100 3,000 150,000 41,000 2,983,000 122,400 2,000 94,820 234,000 1,000,300 1,200 91,000 568,600 10,000 6,813,000 587,000 1,000 153,000 127,390 28,360 1,160 460,000

19,968,830 52,090,545 63,829,336 91,759,833 27,442 2,400 61,350 182,770 26,010,601 842,904 4,900 45,584,482 841,220 49,836,875 9,012 53,890 4,762,361 2,360 24,896,640 1,416,360 2,900 142,620 107,135,950 2,996,778 134,855 115,000

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.55 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 6,000 3,540 ANCHOR LAND 6.01 7.83 7.83 7.83 7.83 7.83 3,000 23,490 AYALA LAND 25.4 25.45 26.15 26.2 25 25.45 27,497,400 699,154,385 AYALA LAND LOG 3.03 3.07 3.17 3.23 3 3.03 1,119,000 3,417,420 ALTUS PROP 14 14.4 14.18 14.48 14.18 14.48 2,000 28,390 ARANETA PROP 1.49 1.5 1.54 1.54 1.42 1.5 1,013,000 1,479,270 AREIT RT 36.45 36.5 36.95 37.35 36.1 36.5 296,300 10,887,735 CITYLAND DEVT 0.67 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 1,000 690 CROWN EQUITIES 0.085 0.086 0.086 0.089 0.086 0.086 15,830,000 1,361,410 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.47 2.48 2.5 2.5 2.47 2.48 101,000 250,690 CENTURY PROP 0.38 0.385 0.37 0.38 0.37 0.38 370,000 140,300 CITICORE RT 2.39 2.4 2.43 2.45 2.39 2.4 4,954,000 11,928,670 DOUBLEDRAGON 8.13 8.14 8.2 8.2 8.12 8.13 48,200 391,958 DDMP RT 1.52 1.53 1.52 1.54 1.5 1.53 1,001,000 1,519,880 DM WENCESLAO 6.8 6.82 6.82 6.82 6.82 6.82 16,300 111,166 EMPIRE EAST 0.213 0.217 0.205 0.22 0.205 0.217 2,460,000 526,550 EVER GOTESCO 0.25 0.255 0.26 0.265 0.25 0.26 5,770,000 1,459,100 FILINVEST RT 6.79 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.77 6.8 1,269,200 8,611,531 FILINVEST LAND 0.86 0.88 0.87 0.89 0.86 0.86 5,879,000 5,100,370 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.84 0.88 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 26,000 21,840 8990 HLDG 10.04 10.42 10.3 10.42 10.04 10.42 45,200 467,776 PHIL INFRADEV 1 1.01 1.01 1.01 0.98 1 98,000 97,410 CITY AND LAND 0.7 0.73 0.75 0.75 0.7 0.7 245,000 172,170 MEGAWORLD 2.25 2.26 2.31 2.31 2.24 2.26 9,171,000 20,735,030 MRC ALLIED 0.18 0.184 0.183 0.183 0.18 0.181 1,350,000 245,580 MREIT RT 15.9 16 16 16 15.6 16 617,300 9,797,448 OMICO CORP 0.34 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 120,000 40,800 PHIL ESTATES 0.37 0.38 0.37 0.375 0.37 0.37 740,000 273,950 PRIMEX CORP 2.09 2.1 2.09 2.12 2.09 2.1 1,644,000 3,449,450 RL COMM RT 6.5 6.55 6.5 6.55 6.3 6.55 1,354,500 8,721,869 ROBINSONS LAND 17.6 17.72 17.8 17.8 17.7 17.72 232,800 4,125,688 ROCKWELL 1.2 1.23 1.22 1.22 1.2 1.2 185,000 222,020 STA LUCIA LAND 2.91 3.07 3.07 3.07 3.07 3.07 5,000 15,350 SM PRIME HLDG 36.9 37.45 37 37.45 36.7 37.45 3,962,800 147,444,310 VISTAMALLS 3.21 3.44 3.21 3.44 3.21 3.44 6,000 19,720 VISTA LAND 2.09 2.1 2.11 2.17 2.1 2.1 473,000 1,002,870 VISTAREIT RT 1.74 1.76 1.77 1.77 1.74 1.76 1,536,000 2,687,150 SERVICES ABS CBN 9.43 9.69 9.7 9.7 9.43 9.69 11,100 106,913 GMA NETWORK 11.16 11.18 11.2 11.22 11.12 11.16 74,000 825,524 MANILA BULLETIN 0.32 0.335 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32 50,000 16,000 GLOBE TELECOM 2,276 2,282 2,294 2,300 2,230 2,276 69,250 156,984,180 PLDT 1,701 1,709 1,697 1,709 1,690 1,709 61,155 104,097,590 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.037 0.038 0.038 0.039 0.037 0.037 304,800,000 11,434,000 CONVERGE 21.2 21.4 21.9 21.95 21.1 21.4 4,571,000 97,342,530 DFNN INC 3.1 3.16 3 3.26 3 3.16 189,000 596,520 DITO CME HLDG 4.3 4.31 4.4 4.4 4.26 4.31 2,938,000 12,753,640 JACKSTONES 1.45 1.85 1.88 1.88 1.88 1.88 2,000 3,760 NOW CORP 1.19 1.21 1.19 1.21 1.19 1.21 217,000 259,810 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.285 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.285 0.285 2,080,000 593,650 2GO GROUP 6.5 6.67 6.5 6.77 6.5 6.67 7,700 50,612 ASIAN TERMINALS 13.52 13.88 13.9 13.9 13.9 13.9 200 2,780 CHELSEA 1.27 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.26 1.27 37,000 46,810 CEBU AIR 42 42.25 42.25 42.55 41.85 42.25 50,400 2,124,050 INTL CONTAINER 186.2 189.4 186.5 189.6 185.2 189.4 397,510 74,696,891 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.6 0.69 0.55 0.65 0.55 0.65 28,000 16,750 MACROASIA 4.22 4.28 4.2 4.29 4.2 4.26 169,000 716,730 METROALLIANCE A 0.83 0.94 0.83 0.94 0.83 0.94 2,000 1,770 PAL HLDG 5.46 5.57 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 900 4,860 HARBOR STAR 0.96 0.98 0.99 0.99 0.95 0.95 253,000 242,150 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.088 0.09 0.087 0.09 0.085 0.088 36,330,000 3,206,360 WATERFRONT 0.45 0.475 0.45 0.47 0.45 0.47 380,000 178,000 IPEOPLE 5.61 7.12 5.93 7.12 5.92 7.12 2,800 16,956 STI HLDG 0.33 0.35 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 50,000 16,500 BELLE CORP 1.19 1.2 1.18 1.2 1.18 1.2 202,000 239,400 BLOOMBERRY 5.95 5.96 6.02 6.02 5.95 5.96 1,034,200 6,161,317 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.43 1.48 1.43 1.45 1.43 1.45 37,000 53,170 LEISURE AND RES 1.38 1.39 1.36 1.39 1.36 1.38 107,000 147,700 PH RESORTS GRP 0.82 0.83 0.89 0.91 0.83 0.83 6,659,000 5,758,130 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.395 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.395 0.4 1,240,000 495,800 PHILWEB 3.9 3.94 3.82 4.02 3.8 3.9 4,964,000 19,433,840 ALLDAY 0.305 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.3 0.31 5,580,000 1,708,500 ALLHOME 4.42 4.43 4.4 4.45 4.4 4.43 347,000 1,536,430 METRO RETAIL 1.45 1.46 1.45 1.47 1.45 1.46 797,000 1,156,150 PUREGOLD 31.25 31.95 32.45 32.45 31.1 31.95 334,400 10,585,870 ROBINSONS RTL 53.35 53.4 53.35 53.4 52.9 53.35 246,100 13,121,215.50 SSI GROUP 1.27 1.28 1.34 1.34 1.28 1.28 3,111,000 4,050,750 WILCON DEPOT 23.6 23.95 23.5 23.95 23.4 23.95 280,500 6,622,365 IPM HLDG 6.75 6.97 6.75 6.75 6.75 6.75 400 2,700 MEDILINES 0.66 0.67 0.66 0.68 0.65 0.67 2,848,000 1,898,470 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.44 0.445 0.43 0.44 0.425 0.44 2,430,000 1,052,450 MINING & OIL ATOK 6.63 6.96 6.63 6.98 6.6 6.96 17,700 117,842 APEX MINING 1.44 1.45 1.46 1.46 1.45 1.45 1,359,000 1,972,180 ATLAS MINING 4.62 4.63 4.63 4.65 4.6 4.62 701,000 3,244,170 BENGUET A 5.47 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.47 5.5 23,400 128,628 BENGUET B 5.52 5.53 5.53 5.53 5.53 5.53 9,100 50,323 CENTURY PEAK 2.7 2.73 2.74 2.75 2.64 2.73 20,000 54,580 FERRONICKEL 2.33 2.35 2.33 2.35 2.31 2.35 600,000 1,396,650 LEPANTO A 0.132 0.134 0.133 0.134 0.13 0.134 8,800,000 1,158,200 MANILA MINING A 0.0094 0.0097 0.0094 0.0094 0.0094 0.0094 10,000,000 94,000 MANILA MINING B 0.0094 0.0098 0.0095 0.0095 0.0095 0.0095 1,000,000 9,500 MARCVENTURES 1.31 1.33 1.39 1.44 1.3 1.33 4,252,000 5,782,230 NIHAO 0.9 0.92 0.9 0.92 0.9 0.92 7,000 6,400 NICKEL ASIA 5.59 5.6 5.8 5.84 5.58 5.6 6,927,600 39,250,009 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.69 0.73 0.7 0.73 0.69 0.69 357,000 246,730 PX MINING 3.17 3.2 3.14 3.2 3.13 3.2 1,173,000 3,724,860 SEMIRARA MINING 36.75 36.9 36.95 37 36.35 36.9 2,124,200 78,056,050 ACE ENEXOR 13.76 13.8 13.48 14.58 13.2 13.8 1,450,500 20,375,452 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 11,200,000 126,400 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 1,200,000 15,600 PHILODRILL 0.0087 0.0088 0.0088 0.0088 0.0087 0.0087 4,000,000 35,000 PXP ENERGY 5.71 5.93 5.85 6.22 5.71 5.93 1,516,300 9,081,985 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 98.8 99.5 98.8 98.8 98.8 98.8 12,000 1,185,600 AC PREF B1 500 501.5 500.5 500.5 500 500 1,000 500,070 BRN PREF A 103.6 106.5 106.5 106.5 106.5 106.5 1,620 172,530 CEB PREF 41.5 42.25 41.5 41.5 41.5 41.5 2,200 91,300 CPG PREF A 99.1 101.8 98.7 101.8 98.7 101.8 20 2,005 DD PREF 96 98.95 97 97 95.75 96 30,050 2,886,184 EEI PREF A 100.6 104 104 104 104 104 510 53,040 EEI PREF B 105 106.5 106.5 106.5 106.5 106.5 28,680 3,054,420 JFC PREF A 960 980 970 970 955 955 500 479,450 JFC PREF B 955 978 965 965 955 955 250 240,450 PNX PREF 3B 100 100.5 100 100.5 100 100.5 3,110 311,045 PCOR PREF 3A 1,030 1,044 1,040 1,040 1,030 1,030 1,000 1,033,250 PCOR PREF 3B 1,063 1,070 1,063 1,063 1,063 1,063 50 53,150 SMC PREF 2F 76 76.1 76.2 76.2 76.1 76.1 10,090 767,858 SMC PREF 2H 75 76.2 75 75 75 75 7,600 570,000 SMC PREF 2I 75.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 75.7 75.7 100,060 7,581,778.50 SMC PREF 2J 73 74 74 74.25 74 74 55,960 4,141,062.50 SMC PREF 2K 72.6 74 74 74 72.55 72.55 7,910 574,313 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 9.12 9.34 GMA HLDG PDR 10.9 11.3 11.4 11.4 11.3 11.3 3,800 43,240 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.51 0.52 0.53 0.54 0.52 0.52 131,000 69,360

-57,088,225 104,200 -1,643,815 -1,358,800 -8,576,540 -39,027 305,540 -130,000 1,119,844 -4,328,520 -71,898 4,500 684,570 1,307,054 -11,100 -1,051,000.00 2,693,078 340,340 -2,923,415 -139,940 364,910 122,273,210 -26,626,905 148,000 15,271,360 262,680 345,320 -13,970 1,114,625 -10,405,623 -50,980 -85,590.00 -2,400 -744,941 -3,029,950 956,790 36,600 61,600 -927,785 8,929,595.50 2,592,100 2,580,690 54,020 4,250 -719,400 -753,830 553 54,580 -70,380 -9,500 194,860 -3,240,382 34,580 29,408,325 281,380 -59,000

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

0.7 0.93 0.93 0.73 1.28 0.3

0.71 0.95 0.98 0.74 1.29 0.315

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

97.8

0.7 0.95 0.98 0.75 1.3 0.315

0.71 0.96 0.98 0.75 1.31 0.315

0.69 0.93 0.98 0.73 1.28 0.315

0.71 0.93 0.98 0.73 1.28 0.315

5,625,000 6,884,000 21,000 400,000 212,000 40,000

3,962,020 6,436,080 20,580 295,570 275,020 12,600

-1,065 -1,018 -50,000 43,240 26,470 -88,420 18,200 -

99.1 99.1 98 98 8,020 789,570 188,974.50

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Ayala creates health super app by combining 3 entities

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

lobe Capital Venture Holdings Inc. (917Ventures) and Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) have agreed to consolidate three of their mobile applications to “deliver the largest healthtech play in the country through a one-stop health super app.”

In separate disclosures to the stock exchange, Globe Telecom Inc. and Ayala Corp. said they are combining apps KonsultaMD, HealthNow, and AIDE into one platform

to “uplift the healthcare journey of every Filipino.” KonsultaMD serves teleconsultations, HealthNow offers medicine deliveries, and AIDE serves labora-

tory tests and home care. Altogether, the companies have an existing user base of over 2 million. The full-service health super app is expected to go live by the first quarter of 2023. “By combining the strengths of each of the three entities, I am excited to see the new KonsultaMD support AC Health’s vision of an integrated healthcare ecosystem,’’ AC Health President Paolo Borromeo said. “This combined digital team, supplemented by the network of services from AC Health, allows us all to be in a better position to provide much-needed access to quality healthcare services and medicines across the country, accelerating our goal of touching the lives of 1 in 5 Filipinos by 2030.” For his part, 917Ventures Man-

aging Director Vince Yamat said the consolidation is a “very important step” for KonsultaMD. “We have long experienced the challenges and difficulties of healthcare in the Philippines and we intend to address those challenges. Our ambition is to democratize health services, making it as easily available and affordable to every Filipino regardless of where you are in the country.” Cholo Tagaysay, who has presided over KonsultaMD the past two years, will be the CEO of the consolidated entity. “Consultations are at the top of the funnel. Consultations generate prescriptions which in turn generate lab requests. Now, we can fulfill all of these. We are a one-stop-shop for all your health needs.”

Emperador set to list shares on SGX E mperador Inc. on Monday said it is set to list its shares on the main board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. (SGX) this week after satisfying the conditions indicated in its eligibility-to-list document. Shares of the liquor firm led by Andrew Tan will be traded on SGX under the ticker symbol “EMI” starting June 14. Its ticker symbol at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) will also be changed to “EMI” from the current “EMP”. “The secondary listing of Emperador on the SGX is a key milestone in the development of our business as a leading international brandy and whisky company, reflecting our global reach and the strength of our world-class portfolio of brands. This will expand opportunities for participation by investors in Singapore and beyond as we continue to invest in our ambitious international expansion,” Winston Co, the company’s president, said. Upon listing on the SGX, Emperador will continue to maintain its primary listing on the PSE and the stock is anticipated to trade on both exchanges concurrently, making it the first PSE-primary listed company to conduct a secondary listing on the SGX. UBS AG, Singapore Branch and J.P. Morgan Ltd. are acting as joint

managers for the Proposed Secondary Listing. “Investment banks have been mandated to explore ways to introduce liquidity to the Proposed Secondary Listing, subject to market conditions and satisfaction of the ETL conditions,” the company said. Emperador started by selling brandy of the same name, but it eventually acquired known European distilleries and vineyards. It now owns United Kingdombased Whyte and Mackay Group Ltd., the fifth largest Scotch whisky manufacturer in the world; Bodegas Fundador in Spain, owner of the iconic Fundador brand; and Domecq Bodega Las Copas which manufactures Mexican brandies and wines. As of 2020, the company’s brandy products held an 86.5 percent market share among all local and imported brandies in the Philippines based on volume, according to Nielsen Co. With the pandemic, however, its domestic sales lagged as a result of a series of lockdowns and the imposition of liquor bans by local government units. Its international sales, meanwhile, have picked up the slack. For the first half, its revenues from brandy grew 10 percent to P16.34 billion from last year’s P14.9 billion, while revenues from Scotch Whisky rose 35 percent to P8.99 billion from the previous P6.63 billion. VG Cabuag

US-listed Chinese stocks fall on regulatory fines

nited States-listed Chinese stocks dropped in premarket trading as authorities hit tech giants with regulatory fines and Covid outbreaks renewed concern over lockdowns. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. fell 4.1 percent in premarket trading after regulators fined the company for not properly reporting past transactions. Peer JD.com Inc. slid 3.5 percent. The KraneShares CSI China Internet Fund, an exchange-traded fund that tracks Chinese tech stocks, was down 3.5 percent. The move tracked a 3.9-percent decline in the Hang Seng Tech Index, its worst day since June 22. China’s antitrust watchdog handed out a 2.5 million yuan ($373,000) fine to Alibaba’s subsidiaries for skipping reports on five deals, according to

a statement, while Tencent Holdings Ltd. was also fined. Still, the regulator said it will fully support the development of the companies involved. “I would view this as part of the final rectification process the authorities alluded to in recent speeches,” said Adam Montanaro, investment director at Abrdn. “Clearly there has been some fast money taking profits but the fundamentals remain attractive.” Uncertainty around the government’s crackdown on the tech industry has been a key risk preventing investors from adding exposure to Chinese stocks. On Friday, Full Truck Alliance Co. and Didi Global Inc.’s freight service were summoned by China’s Ministry of Transport over issues including illegal price-cutting. Bloomberg News

mutual funds

July 11, 2022

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 204.06 -8.13% -8.75% -5.66% -12.45% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.3433 -6.06% -6.83% -3.68% -19.28% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.8012 -8.62% -12.49% -8.3% -13.48% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7031 -9.25% -9.86% n.a. -7.06% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6552 -14.14% -9.6% n.a. -15.01% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.5916 -6.22% -6.22% -3.88% -11.41% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.6846 -5.05% -8.51% -6.58% -12.6% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 76.6 -26.11% -14.63% n.a. -18.88% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 41.9989 -7.82% -7.61% -4.17% -12.73% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 437.67 -8.38% -7.52% -4.32% -12.59% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.2231 5.77% -3.14% -1.28% -9.82% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 32.0493 -6.13% -6.77% -3.24% -12.42% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8266 -6.78% -8.18% n.a. -12.19% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.3501 -6.83% -6.98% -3.5% -12.31% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 724.7 -7.32% -7.05% -3.58% -12.53% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6438 -9.62% -11.99% -6.52% -14.46% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.2664 -7.68% -9.5% -4.98% -13.48% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8248 -7.63% -7.34% -3.84% -12.67% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.0399 -6.58% -7.13% -2.87% -11.56% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a 1.009 -7.36% n.a. n.a. -13.22% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 882.25 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 97.6975 -6.94% -6.84% -3.2% -12.36% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.9373 -24.71% -1.73% -0.84% -16.8% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.4599 -19.72% 3.62% 4.8% -20.93% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.5272 -9.75% -4.62% -2.92% -9.74% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.0745 -7.48% -4.04% -2.59% -9.07% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.494 -4.39% -2.51% -1.16% -7.32% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1918 -1.94% n.a. n.a. -8.23% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.8742 -4.3% -1.44% -0.28% -7.07% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.4176 -7.45% -3.32% -1.75% -9.23% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 15.3127 -7.5% -3.48% -1.81% -9.1% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 1.9604 -5.05% -3.37% -1.79% -7.59% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.2877 -6.71% -5.75% -2.74% -9.85% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8554 -3.51% -5.32% -2.33% -10.35% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.8966 -9.34% -4.44% n.a. -9.42% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.8203 -9.78% -7.29% n.a. -13.15% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.8082 -9.88% -7.65% n.a. -13.46% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03318 -13.66% -4.03% -1.41% -12.55% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.9211 -17.98% -2.36% -0.91% -13.68% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $3.9552 -17.28% 1.55% 3.05% -17.64% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.015 -15.77% -1.74% 0.19% -15.32% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 373.52 0.25% 2.12% 2.27% -0.21% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.89 -1.69% -0.2% 0.03% 0.28% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2287 -0.07% 1.88% 3.25% -0.47% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.1694 -4.23% -0.3% 0.68% -3.65% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.3964 -1.86% 1.19% 1.6% -1.22% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.1838 -6.59% -0.03% 0.55% -4.82% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.321 0.14% 2.79% 2.8% 0.14% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.8844 -2.44% 1.7% 2.2% -2.05% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0075 -2.64% 2.44% 1.68% -2.01% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1265 -2.79% 1.81% 2.54% -1.91% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.6925 -3.26% 0.97% 1.87% -2.2% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $481.28 -1.06% 1.59% 1.81% -1.69% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є210.56 -4.36% -1.15% -0.06% -4.3% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0781 -10.11% -3.12% -0.83% -10.45% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0242 -7.63% -1.86% -0.57% -6.92% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $0.898 -15.54% -6.12% -3.44% -12.2% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.2088 -12.48% -1.96% -0.01% -11.85% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0606828 -3.7% 0.8% 1.18% -2.58% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.7561 -13.88% -3.62% -1.48% -13.77% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 132.29 1.49% 2.27% 2.56% 0.84% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.064 1.02% 1.57% n.a. 0.6% Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3263 1.58% 2.1% 2.47% 0.81% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0641 0.6% 1.13% n.a. 0.33% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a 44.3385 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.2385 -5.56% n.a. n.a. -10.44% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a $0.8157 -17.61% n.a. n.a. -15.91% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

c - Listed in the PSE.

d - in Net Asset Value per Unit

(NAVPU). 1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.). 2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2021.

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Tuesday, July 12, 2022

BSP asked to explain use of ₧1k polymer bills

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

OUSE Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda last Monday asked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to clarify the acceptance of damaged, folded or otherwise altered P1,000 polymer bills by business establishments, in response to concerns raised by both businesses and consumers.

7 bad money habits that pinoys must stop doing

HAT you believe controls your thoughts, which then dictates your actions. And having unhealthy beliefs about money will definitely lead to bad financial habits. Below are seven money mindsets that a lot of Filipinos have and among the major reasons why they’re financially poor. Check yourself against them. Take action on eliminating and then replacing them with better and smarter money habits. 1. One-day millionaire. When one has worked so hard to earn money, it’s easy to believe that they deserve a reward when their salary finally comes. It’s not wrong to think this way. In fact, it’s okay to treat yourself once in a while. However, this often becomes a dangerous belief when one spends more than what they can afford. 2. Splurging on pasalubong. This is common for overseas Filipino workers — spending extravagant amounts on pasalubong (souvenir) whenever they come home. It’s mostly their guilt that’s making them do it; because they’re trying to make up for their absence. Your presence is the best pasalubong you can give your loved ones, and what matters most to them is fulfilling your promise that you’ll come home for good soon. So work on that instead, and save your money. Moreover, it’s not your obligation to bring home pasalubong or to treat the whole town and all your relatives when you’re back: so don’t. Never mind if they think you’re “kuripot” (stingy) or “madamot” (selfish). Your loved ones are your priority, not them. 3. Celebration mentality. Pinoys love having parties. From birthdays to town fiestas, from baptism to graduation; Filipinos believe these occasions require lavish celebrations. While these are meaningful moments, their significance won’t diminish if you choose to just have a simple celebration. Spending the day with your loved ones during these times is more important than the size of the party and the number of guests you have. 4. Spending future income today. One of the reasons why a lot of Filipinos live from paycheck to paycheck is because they spend their salaries even before they receive it. Worse, they borrow money or use their credit cards, to spend on mostly unnecessary things. They buy on impulse or spend on travel, believing that it’s okay because their salary is coming in a few days anyway. However, repeating this without proper budgeting, and soon they’ll find themselves deep in credit card debts. 5. Keeping up with friends and trends. In general, we all want accep-

Fitz Gerard Villafuerte

personal finance tance and that sense of belonging. Unfortunately, this can lead to unhealthy financial habits when we begin to think that we need to keep up if we want to maintain our friendships. True friends will never judge nor take it against you if you’re not as financially capable as them. And they will never pressure you into spending on non-essential things. They’ll accept you for who you are, including your financial capacity. If your friends make you feel unwelcome or less of a person if you can’t keep up with them, then it’s time for you to find a new set of friends. 6. I’m poor in Math. “Hindi ako magaling sa Math” is a popular sentiment among Filipinos. I’ve heard it often, especially when I try to explain budgeting and investing to someone. When it comes to personal finance, it’s a popular belief that you need to be good in mathematics to create and follow a budget and that you need to understand Economics to be able to invest successfully. The truth is far from it. Just give it a little effort to understand, and avoid immediately dismissing such topics. You’ll discover that all it takes is simple Arithmetic and basic knowledge about money. And just because you are not good in Math, Economics, or in any other financial subjects, it doesn’t mean you can’t do practical money management strategies. 7. “Okay naman kami” attitude. Sometimes, when I try to encourage people to invest, I am met with a response that they don’t really want to because they’re doing good financially anyway. “Hindi ko naman pinangarap yumaman. Basta nakakakain kami ng tatlong beses isang araw, okay na.” [I never dreamed of getting rich. It’s enough that we eat three times a day.] That’s the line I would normally hear from them. Unfortunately, this belief comes from the misconception that investing is just for people who want to become rich. The truth is, investing is for everyone who wants to have financial security in the future. It’s not about accumulating a lot of wealth. Rather, it’s making sure that you will always have enough to live comfortably. Fitz Villafuerte is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal-financial planning, attend the 97th RFP program this August. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp. ph or text at 0917-6248110.

In his letter to the BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla, Salceda asked the Central Bank to issue guidelines on the polymer bills. “I understand that one of the primary motivations for shifting to the polymer-based bill was that it is more durable than the paper bills,” the lawmaker said in his letter. “However, the lack of guidelines on what constitutes still-valid legal tender and which bills are damaged beyond being acceptable by business establishments has led to confusion in ordinary cash transactions.” According to Congressional rules, Salceda’s committee oversees

“monetary and financial affairs of the national government.” “A s such, to resolve t hese concerns, may I request that the BSP issue guidelines on accepting polymer P1,000 bills, and what remedial recourses cashholders can resort to, should their polymer bills no longer be acceptable to establishments. I understand that, with the paper bills at least, damaged bills could still be exchanged with banks and the BSP,” the lawmaker said in the letter. In theory and in usual practice, Salceda, who once worked at UBS Warburg (a division of Swiss Bank

Corp.), the value of money is not affected by its appearance. “What matters is the validity of the promise embedded in the currency. That should determine the value. Money is fungible, so you should be able to exchange one bill with another and not lose value. One folded bill should be just as good as a bill not folded,” he said. If the polymer bills are more sensitive and less flexible than the paper bills, the lawmaker said the whole effort sort of defeats its own purpose, which is to make paper bills more durable. “I also have problems with en-

forcing the prohibitions against folding the bill. How do you tell who did what? There isn’t a record of who held which bills,” he added. “Anyway, I hope Philip [Medalla] directs the issuance of guidelines soon. We are not the only currency using polymer. Australia and Canada also do; and they’re not quite as finicky about the bills,” Salceda said. The lawmaker further said he has scheduled a meeting with the BSP officials on the polymerization of other bills as well as their impact on the abaca sector. Abaca is used in some paper bills issued by the BSP.

BTr sold ₧13.16B of T-bills amid demand for high yields By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) sold P13.16 billion out of its P15-billion offering of Treasury bills (T-bills) on Monday as investors sought higher yields across all tenors. After fully awarding government securities in two consecutive auction days last week, Monday’s auction results ended up mixed as the Treasury fully awarded the 91-day T-bills and partially award 182-day and 364-day debt papers. All tenors fetched average yields above the benchmark secondary market rates. The P5-billion offering of 91-day T-bills capped at an average rate of 1.876 percent; 2.4 basis points (bps) higher vis-à-vis the Bloomberg Valu-

ation Service (BVAL) Reference rate of 1.852 percent. Meanwhile, the 182-day and 364day securities fetched average rates of 2.907 percent and 2.981 percent, respectively. The former jumped by 51bps while the latter soared by 28.8bps than the benchmark BVAL rates of 2.397 percent and 2.693 percent, respectively. Had the Treasury fully-awarded the 182-day and 364-day T-bills, the average rates for the respective tenors would have hit 2.956 percent and 3.191 percent, respectively. Nonetheless, the auction was more than twice oversubscribed, with total bids reaching P36.7 billion. National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon said the auction committee’s decision was based on the Treasury’s reasonableness test and guidance from the Bangko Sentral

Smuggled goods seized in H1 valued at ₧8.37B

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced it seized smuggled goods—mostly counterfeit products—in the first half of the year and which the agency valued at P8.37-billion (about $149.43 million at current exchange rates). The BOC said last Monday it staged 293 seizure operations from January to June this year. Counterfeit goods led the list of top seized commodities, amounting to P5.23 billion, followed by illegal drugs (P1.67 billion) and general merchandise (P388.8 million). In a statement, the agency vowed to continue intensifying efforts to protect the country’s borders to bar entry of illicit goods. The Customs bureau added it has issued 58 Letters of Authority in the same period; 44 of these yielded positive results. The bureau also said it issued 78 alert orders, 57 of which were positive for violation of pertinent customs

laws, rules and regulations. The BOC reported the smuggled goods seized for 2021 was valued at P28.4 billion, of which P21.65 billion were for counterfeit products. Customs officials expressed confidence the bureau may surpass its P679.226 billion full-year 2022 collection target, or more than 10 percent from the P616.75 billion set as target for 2021. So far, the BOC has reported collecting more than half of that as the second half of the year has begun. The bureau said its collection of P396.804 billion has already exceeded its mid-year collection target of P327.81 billion. Customs officials attributed the positive collection performance to improved valuation, digitized and modernized systems and the improving economy; resulting to higher volume of importations, among others. Bernadette D. Nicolas

ng Pilipinas (BSP) on the path of rate hikes. In a bid to tame soaring inflation, the BSP has so far raised the interest rates by a total of 50bps this year: 25 each in its May 19 and June 23 policy meetings. These hikes have brought the policy rate to 2.5 percent. But the BSP seems not to be done yet as Governor Felipe M. Medalla has said monetary authorities are prepared to unleash a more aggressive rate hike of another 50bps in its next policy meeting in August, noting that the central bank is “strongly committed to maintaining price stability.” The government’s economic team under the Marcos administration is now expecting inflation to remain “elevated” in the coming months as fuel and food prices continue to escalate.

Last Friday, the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee adjusted upward its inflation forecast for this year to 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent, higher than the 3.7 percent to 4.7 percent projection adopted by former President Duterte’s economic team in May this year. For this month, the government is set to borrow P200 billion from the local debt market. To raise the amount, the Treasury said it will be auctioning off next month P140 billion in Treasury bonds and another P60 billion in T-bills. As of end-May, the national government’s outstanding debt inched lower to P12.5 trillion from a recordhigh of P12.76 trillion as of end-April after a repayment of a P300-billion short-term, zero-interest loan from the central bank.

SSS maternity benefits issued in 6 yrs at ₧53B

OCIAL Security System (SSS) President and CEO Michael G. Regino announced last Monday that P53.27 billion maternity benefit was released to 1.91 million members from 2016 to 2021. Regino explained in a statement that the “significant jump” in disbursement was first noted in 2019 following the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11210 (Expanded Maternity Leave Law). The SSS official said the highest peak of releases was recorded in 2021 amounting to P13.90 billion. “The SSS, as a conduit agency gave its full support to this endeavor through continuous disbursement of maternity benefits to our qualified female members since the law was implemented in March 2019,” Regino was quoted in a statement as saying. The SSS CEO added the pension fund manager has also “recalibrated and simplified” the application procedures through online submission

of maternity benefit application for members and reimbursement for employers through the My.SSS portal. Under RA 11210, Regino pointed out that the maternity leave was extended from 60 days (for normal delivery) and/or 78 days (caesarean section delivery) to 105 days. SSS female members may also avail of this benefit, regardless of the frequency, provided that the minimum of three qualifying contributions from the 12-month period prior the semester of childbirth or miscarriage/emergency termination of pregnancy has been met and were not paid on or after the semester of contingency. The SSS executive explained that with RA 11210, “the increased amount of maternity benefit and number of maternity leave assisted our female members with their financial needs, providing extra time to recover from childbirth and, most importantly, to spend quality time with their newborn babies.”

Bill to give Marcos power to freeze PhilHealth fees By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ONGRESS was asked to frontload passage of urgent remedial legislation empowering President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to suspend any increase in the current rate of PhilHealth contributions to “spare Filipinos from an additional burden in critical times.” T his as Senator Grace Poe filed an enabling bill authorizing the President to freeze a looming increase in contributions to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Poe noted that the higher contribution rates sought to be imposed “comes at a time when our people continue to grapple with the impact of the pandemic and the soaring prices of basic needs.” The senator stressed that “right now, we (in Congress) must heed

their distress call for food to feed their families and jobs to help them get by, with the least burden and utmost support from government.” Poe clarified in a statement issued last Monday that the proposed remedial legislation aims to “provide that in the event of a state of national emergency or public health emergency or state of national calamity, the President, upon the recommendation of the PhilHealth board after consultation with stakeholders, may suspend the increase in premium contributions. As proposed, she added, the enabling bill seeking to amend Republic Act 11223 embodying the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. The law stipulates that the mandated increase may be implemented upon the lifting of the declaration of a state of national emergency, public health emergency or of na-

tional calamity. “By giving the President the power and authority to suspend such increases in times of need, we are also providing our countrymen a critical lifeline,” Poe said. The solon also aired hopes her bill will be “given due attention to halt a Philhealth contribution hike” imposed starting June this year. The premium rate currently being collected is at 4 percent from the previous 3 percent. She noted that being retroactive from January, “this means that on top of the increased contributions, PhilHealth members would also have to pay an additional premium of 1 percent from January to May.” The Senator said that under the law, the premium rate should increase by 0.5 percent yearly, starting from 3 percent in 2020 until it hits 5 percent. She recalled that In

January last year, then President Rodrigo Duterte directed PhilHealth to defer the scheduled hike amid the health crisis. The lawmaker lamented that while the goals of the Universal Health Care Act and the National Health Insurance program are desirable, “the increase is ill-timed.” Poe pointed out that “the country is still recovering from the socio-economic impact of the pandemic, and our people are trying to adjust to the new normal. “Some have just gotten back to work or re-opened their businesses while still struggling to make ends meet and pay off debts,” she added. The Senator cautioned that “any untimely increase can dim the hope and dent the ability of our countrymen to survive at this challenging time,” suggesting that “we must look after them with concern and compassion.”

Art

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘A panorama of Philippine contemporary paintings’ ❷

❶ THE Dance,

Jonathan Rañola, 2005, acrylic and pen on paper, 15”x10”

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Malala Yousafzai, 25; Rachel Brosnahan, 32; Phoebe Tonkin, 33; Steve Howey, 45. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Facts and truth matter. Listen, assess and do your research. Trust your intelligence, memory and ability to get to the bottom of anything questionable. Take the initiative and discover unique ways to improve your everyday life. Invest more time and money in how you look and what you know, and up your game with diversification. Live, learn and laugh. Your numbers are 7, 14, 23, 29, 32, 39, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Look for answers, take control and learn about health, stress management and how to achieve a fulfilling, happy life. By being responsible for your decisions, you’ll feel better about yourself and the direction you pursue. Avoid overload. HHHHH

❷ THE Grandchild, Thomas Daquioag, 2016, oil on canvas, 24”x18”

ROM national artists to emerging talents, from realism to abstractions, it’s a wide array of names and styles presented in the latest exhibition at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C. Titled Figures & Forms, the massive group show features artworks from entirely private collections for the first time in the space’s “Of Art and Wine” series. The show opened on June 28 and is on view until August 27. “We are delighted to celebrate Of Art and Wine’s 19th installment in the hotel’s 6th year of operations, which furthers our commitment in championing the Filipino artist and artistry,” said Linda Pecoraro, Conrad Manila general manager. “As we continue to move forward, Conrad Manila remains steadfast in providing our guests with touches of well-curated luxury that inspire and showcase local tradition.” A total of 21 artists are featured in the exhibition. According to curator and former Cultural Center of the Philippines president Nes Jardin, the idea was to find new owners for pieces from private collections. No particular guideline set, no theme to be followed. “When I saw all of [the artworks],” Jardin said, “I thought it’s a panorama of Philippine contemporary paintings of basically four styles: realist, expressionist, figurative and abstract. Each one exemplifies these styles in terms of subject matter and various forms and figures. It’s a good study of Philippine Contemporary Art.” Headlining the jam-packed roster are National Artists BenCab and Cesar Legaspi. The BenCab piece is a 2007 nude pastel sketch of a woman on her feet,

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Set your sights on your goal and make whatever changes necessary to get what you want. An assertive attitude will help you push your way past slowpokes holding you back. Don’t let uncertainty set in due to emotional interference. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take charge, and don’t rely on others to do things for you. Look at the scope of what you want to achieve. Focus on the details that will get you to your destination; your long-term plan will lead to victory. HHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Trust in yourself. Don’t follow anyone or give others control over what happens to you. Make decisions that contribute to your pursuits. Overreacting will lead to problems. Distance yourself from temptation, and do your best to declutter your life. HHH

❶ hands behind her back, her gaze long. Meanwhile, the Legaspi is another nude pastel, but dated much earlier, in 1982. Portrayed is a woman resting on her right arm, body tilted sideways and bathed in blue light. Jardin emphasized that despite Legaspi’s effective use of colors to signify and evoke emotions, he was, of course, color blind. “When he was alive, he was describing that he only saw shades of brown and gray,” the curator said of the National Artist. “And yet, what is amazing about him is his color palette is so tasteful and so masterful. Despite the fact that he was color blind, his paintings appeared beautiful in terms of combination, in terms of intensity.” Also part of the exhibition is Khristina Manansala,

granddaughter of another National Artist, Vicente Manansala. Her works likewise focus on scenes and practices of Filipino culture, such as the domestic role of women in Tres Marias and Cinco Mujeres. Elsewhere are even more local talents on display. Melissa Yeung, for instance, displays her prowess in abstraction in Mother and Child. Rodel Jacintos offers a meaty surrealist image in Allegory of the Raging Melody. Part of the exhibition as well are Thomas Daquioag, Manuel Baldemor, Jonathan Rañola, Carrie Gonzales, Rudy Yu, Janice Liuson-Young, Joan Balboraona and Ianne Malate Guerrero. Also in the show are Andrew Tan, Joan Ian Lee Fulgar, Katrina Pallon, Katrina Cuenca, Rishab Tibon, Bobit Segismundo, Kublai Millan and Karen Acala. n

LOURDES MONTINOLA PIÑA WEAVING COMPETITION BACK TO SHOWCASE THE BEST OF PHL TEXTILE INNOVATIONS WINNING entry (honorable mention) of Raquel’s Piña Cloth to the Lourdes Montinola PiñaWeaving Competition 2019

Today’s Horoscope

THE stage is set for artisans once again to showcase their unique talents in the art of weaving, dyeing, embroidering and embellishing piña, as the Lourdes Montinola Weaving Competition launches its 5th edition and welcomes new entries from all over the Philippines. The country’s premier piñaweaving contest is back and will be one of the highlighted activities during HABI Philippine Textile Council’s Likhang Habi Market Fair slated from October 14 to 16. The annual competition seeks to encourage piña weavers to keep to their traditional craft, continue creativity in weaving, and innovate their piña-weaving techniques. “We see weavers coming up with both traditional and innovative techniques, [and these] play a role

in strengthening awareness and patronage of piña,” says Lourdes Montinola, founder of the competition, chair emeritus of the Far Eastern University, and author of Piña, the 1991 book about the Philippine pineapple textile. To join, participants must submit a panel that is at least two meters long. More than 50 percent of the body of the cloth must be made of piña, and must come with a detailed description and a photograph showing the weaver working on his/her entry. Entries must be submitted to the HABI Office, 962 May Street, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. The deadline for submission is on September 30. As with last year’s competition, the 5th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition will give out three major cash prizes: P50,000 for the first-place

winner, P30,000 for second, and P20,000 for third. “The surprising thing about the contest is that every year, better and more exquisite pieces are entered. With the Young Weaver Award, it became evident that young people are into practicing the craft, thus ensuring a resurgence and continuity,” says Habi president Adelaida Lim. Through this competition, Gino Gonzales, coauthor of the fashion history book Fashionable Filipinas and one of last year’s judges, says the country is “reminded of the many possibilities of piña and its design process.” Interested parties may call HABI: The Philippine Textile Council at 09218496974, or e-mail support@ habiphilippine textilecouncil.com for more information.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put your responsibilities behind you before you head out to do something more enjoyable. Your spare time will be significantly better if you have a clear conscience. Changing your routine to fit your lifestyle will pay off. HHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a hint from someone you respect. Making comparisons can help you visualize what makes you happy and how to accommodate your needs. Putting an end to what is no longer working for you will help you embrace the freedom closure presents. HHHHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Concentrate on who and what you want to be, and map out a responsible plan that encourages you to apply your skills and experience to achieve your goals. Arguing won’t solve problems; fix yourself before trying to change others. HH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Revise your plans to fit any changes that pop up. Staying on top of situations will help alleviate stress. Be innovative, use your imagination and learn as you go. Change begins with you. HHHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Overspending and underestimating will play havoc with your life if you lack discipline. A tight schedule will help keep you on the straight and narrow and set your mind at ease. Personal growth and physical fitness are encouraged. HHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Talk things through to make sure you are on the same page as the people around you, then proceed to the finish line. You’ll accomplish your objective if you are earnest, focused and refuse to give in to temptation or outside interference. HHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Dig deep and you’ll discover you have the answer you need to get on with your life. Evaluate, plan and move forward with confidence knowing that you are doing what’s best for you. Be a leader and do your own thing. HHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep trying until you feel comfortable with the results. Share your thoughts with people experiencing similar situations. You will find a way to resolve anything standing in your way. Hope for a better future. HHHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are thoughtful, original and helpful. You are emotional and secretive.

‘you’ve got a friend in me’ BY KEVIN SHUSTACK The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Apt rhyme for “exam,” to a procrastinator 5 Robe closer 9 Some free Wi-Fi hubs 14 Tomato type 15 Tennis great found in “smashes” 16 TV host...or, read backward, a Marx brother 17 Couple, in a tabloid 18 End of a kite 19 Cautious 20 Set of local laws (In this answer, note the first + last letter and letters 7-9) 23 Win over 24 Unit of resistance 25 Barry network 28 Output of some agencies 29 Prejudice 32 On deck, say 34 Chocolaty, coffee-flavored dessert (First + last letter and letters 6-8) 36 Band formed in Stockholm 39 Before now 40 3/15, e.g.

41 Piece of plastic found on the beach? (First + last letter and letters 5-7) 46 Wrinkled plums 47 Sister of Rachel 48 Acquire 51 “Didn’t I tell you?” 52 Fuss 54 Shower sponge 56 Reject on ethical grounds (First + last letter and letters 4-7) 60 Give a talking-to 62 What might be on the house? 63 Decorate with tinsel 64 Rock similar to a thunder egg 65 Lazing about 66 Slushy treat 67 Like rock-hard abs 68 Athletic award 69 Stereotypical Scrabble pro DOWN 1 Black Sea peninsula 2 Stout 3 What you might make with an enemy 4 First lady Eisenhower 5 Like The Onion

6 Right away, briefly 7 Sect that doesn’t have a Sunni disposition? 8 Adele hit whose title is a greeting 9 Sri Lankan metropolis 10 Mimicked 11 Drawn without instruments 12 Cornfield unit 13 Bashful 21 Playa del Amor’s resort, informally 22 Blacken 26 Spreadable cheese 27 Keatsian poems 30 Ishmael’s captain 31 Katey of Sons of Anarchy 33 Boo-boo 34 ___ drag 35 Dull date 36 Energizes, with “up” 37 Lead-in to “bones” or “knuckle” 38 Belgian White beer brewer 42 Having a goatee, perhaps 43 Food-inspecting org. 44 “Nonsense!” 45 Breakfast chain

48 49 50 53 55 57 58 59 60 61

Formula One driver’s sensation Not as hard Like this puzzle Half-pipe jump Pay to play, say Like a shoppe Tupperware toppers Company with many reviews of itself Mil. bigwig Corp. bigwig

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Celebrities react to ‘Godfather’ star James Caan’s death

DINGDONG DANTES anchors the popular infotainment program.

OS ANGELES—James Caan, the Oscarnominated actor known for roles in the The Godfather, Brian’s Song, Misery, and Elf, died Wednesday at age 82. Caan’s death drew tributes and expressions of grief from industry colleagues and fans. nnn “Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend. It’s hard to believe that he won’t be in the world anymore because he was so alive and daring. A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. I loved him, gonna miss him.”—Al Pacino, who starred in 1972’s The Godfather, in a statement.

‘AMAZING EARTH’ MARKS FOURTH YEAR WITH SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EPISODES

“I’m very very sad to hear about Jimmy’s passing.”—Robert De Niro, who starred in 1974’s The Godfather: Part II, in a statement. “Team Mates and friends till the end. RIP Jimmy.”—Billy Dee Williams, who starred with Caan in the 1971 TV football movie Brian’s Song, via Twitter. “I can’t believe Jimmy’s gone. Working with him on Misery was one of the most profound experiences of my career. When you watch his performance, his terror, it’s as though he’s watching a snake. Brilliant. So many memories flooding back today.... He was kind. Hilarious. He would have something insightfully funny to say right now. I’m bereft.”— Kathy Bates, in a statement. “Jimmy was not just a great actor with total commitment and a venturesome spirit, but he had a vitality in the core of his being that drove everything from his art and friendship to athletics and very good times.”—Michael Mann, who directed Caan in the 1981 film Thief, via Instagram. “Loved him very much. Always wanted to be like him. So happy I got to know him. Never ever stopped laughing when I was around that man. His movies were best of the best.”—Adam Sandler, via Twitter. “I’m so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was so talented.”—Barbra Streisand, who starred with Caan in the 1975 movie Funny Lady, via Twitter. “Was lucky enough, after a lifetime of loving his work, to get to work with him and I loved him as a

JAMES CAAN (left) and Barbra Streisand appear at a press conference for their film Funny Lady in New York on March 11, 1975. AP

person even more. Funny, warm, self-deprecating, and effortlessly talented. They say never meet your heroes, but he proved that to be very very wrong.”— Andy Richter, who appeared with Caan in the 2003 movie Elf, via Twitter. “Heartbroken for his family & his friends. Wonderful to know him & call him a pal. Jimmy was so supportive of Gary Sinise Foundation & my work w/ our veterans. He will be missed. Thank you my friend.”—Gary Sinise, via Twitter. “Always a fun guy to be around. He was always

supportive of my career. He even did a cameo in my tv special and got Robert Duvall to be in it. A highlight of my career. God bless James Caan.”—Jon Lovitz, via Twitter. “I will always remember him not only as a brilliant actor but as a man of humor & warmth playing with my 1 year old son on set.”—Jill Hennessy, who appeared with Caan in the TV series Las Vegas, via Twitter. “So sad about Jimmy Caan. He was a legend. He was always kind to me. Sending his family my love.”— Maria Shriver, via Twitter. AP

Defamation suit against Sacha Baron Cohen rejected AN appeals court on Thursday rejected a $95 million defamation lawsuit against comedian Sacha Baron Cohen filed by former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who said he was tricked into a television appearance that lampooned sexual misconduct accusations against him. The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, upholding a lower court’s ruling in favor of Baron Cohen, said Moore signed a disclosure agreement that prohibited any legal claims over the appearance. The three judges also found it was “clearly comedy” when Baron Cohen demonstrated a so-called pedophile detector that beeped when it got near Moore and no viewer would think the comedian was making factual allegations against Moore.

The lawsuit centered on Moore’s unwitting appearance on the comic’s Who is America? show. The segment ran after Moore faced misconduct accusations during Alabama’s 2017 US Senate race that he had pursued sexual and romantic relationships with teens when he was a man in his 30s. He denied the allegations. Moore, a Republican known for his hardline stances opposing same-sex marriage and supporting the public display of Ten Commandments, had been told he was receiving an award for supporting Israel. But in the segment, Baron Cohen appeared as faux counterterrorism instructor “Col. Erran Morad” discussing bogus military technology, including the supposed pedophile detector. The fake device beeped repeatedly as it got near

Moore, who sat stone-faced. “Baron Cohen may have implied (despite his in-character disclaimers of any belief that Judge Moore was a pedophile) that he believed Judge Moore’s accusers, but he did not imply the existence of any independent factual basis for that belief besides the obviously farcical pedophile detecting ‘device,’ which no reasonable person could believe to be an actual, functioning piece of technology,” the court wrote in the unsigned summary order. Moore and his wife, Kayla, sued, arguing that the segment defamed Moore and caused them emotional distress. The couple claimed the waiver Moore signed was unenforceable because it was obtained under a false representation. The appellate court

noted that it was indeed a ruse that got Moore to appear on the show but Moore signed a binding release waiving all legal claims. The accusations against Moore contributed to his loss to Democrat Doug Jones, the first Democrat to represent Alabama in the Senate in a quarter-century. The seat returned to Republican control when Jones lost the following election to Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a former college football coach. Baron Cohen has for years lured unwitting politicians into awkward interviews. He has faced past lawsuits over similar pranks, but those were also tossed out because the individuals had signed releases. Moore and his wife indicated they will appeal. AP

EXPLORE more uncharted territories and discover fascinating stories about the planet as GMA Network’s toprating and multi-awarded infotainment program Amazing Earth celebrates its fourth anniversary with a four-week special featuring all-new episodes beginning July 10. Behind the success of the program is Amazing Earth host Dingdong Dantes, who takes viewers to breathtaking destinations across the country and around the world, and shares unique stories about nature, animals and local heroes. Dingdong says he enjoys and learns a lot from the show: “More than 200 episodes at apat na taon na pala ’yon—ang bilis! Hindi na lang siya basta trabaho para sa ‘kin, kundi way of life ko na rin. Bumalik ako sa pagiging estudyante ng buhay.” He also guarantees they will deliver more exciting adventures and stories to viewers every week: “I’m very grateful dahil marami pa kaming ipapakitang kuwento, hindi lang tungkol sa mga hayop at kapaligiran kundi pati ang heroes na laging ipinaglalaban ang kalikasan. Marami pa kaming ibibida na mga hidden travel destination.” Glaiza de Castro helped kicked off the anniversary celebration last week as she gave a tour of her house in picturesque Baler Province. She also showcased her Zumba skills together with the other enthusiasts in Luneta Park. The episode also showcased Dingdong’s countdown of the biggest developments at Yellowstone National Park, one of the most ambitious restoration projects in history. Epic Yellowstone: Return of the Predators is a nature documentary from the Smithsonian Channel originally narrated by actor Bill Pullman. On July 17, Dingdong will take the audience on an epic journey around the country and the seven continents with stories from the series Epic Yellowstone: Life on the Wing. Joining him is GMA leading lady Max Collins as she reminisces her island girl roots in Boracay where she became a resident for four years. Moreover, viewers will find out about the supernatural near-encounter between two cyclists and what they believe are the ghosts of Bataan Death March soldiers. Amazing Earth continues its anniversary specials on July 24 with Lolong star Ruru Madrid. Catch Ruru’s recent nature adventure with the so-called Team Harabas in Occidental Mindoro. Don’t miss out on the second part of Epic Yellowstone: Life on the Wing, a countdown of the most fascinating winged creatures at Yellowstone National Park. Join Dingdong as he travels to the beautiful El Nido, Palawan, to witness the release of a rescued turtle or pawikan. He will also share some exclusive videos of the Dantes family’s recent vacation in the majestic island. To complete the month-long celebration on July 31, get to know the youthful eco-warriors of Bagac, Bataan, headed by Fr. Noel Nuguid. Their team conducts coastal clean-ups and releases rescued turtles back to the sea. Also, get to know more about our reigning Miss Universe Charity Pauline Amelinckx, who does free diving and creates coloring books for children as part of her pro-nature advocacy. Under the helm of director Rico Gutierrez, Amazing Earth airs Sundays before 24 Oras Weekend on GMA (www. gmanetwork.com).

Affirming the love and leadership of Liza Diño

WHEN news broke out last week that veteran actor Tirso Cruz III took his oath in Malacañang as the new chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), members of the movie industry were caught by surprise. The 70-year old Cruz, still very active as an actor and who is also a lung cancer survivor, will replace the well-loved Liza Diño, who has done brilliant work for six years and has placed the Philippines in the map of so many international film events. The news certainty drew mixed reactions, especially since Diño had just been reappointed in March by Duterte for another

three year term as chairman and CEO of the FDCP. To clarify, Diño’s post is not co-terminus with former President Rodrigo Duterte, and thus she is not included in the Memorandum Circular which declared that all co-terminus positions are deemed resigned at the end of the term of President Duterte. Many speculations arose as to why Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the new president, made his new appointment right away. Wasn’t Marcos Jr. made aware that his predecessor just reappointed Diño a few months back because of her exemplary work at the council? We also heard from insiders that actor Michael de Mesa was offered the post but he turned down the offer. But all is water under the bridge now, and Cruz has been sworn in as the new head of the council. In fact, Malacañang, through its Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles (not related to Tirso Cruz III), said that under Republic Act 9167, the president can exercise his power to remove the current chair and appoint a new one. At the time of this writing, we also got the latest official statement from the FDCP, which reads: “Incumbent FDCP chairman Mary Liza Diño

was called to Malacañang yesterday, July 6, 2022, by the Office of Executive Secretary to discuss the appointment of incoming FDCP Chairman Tirso Cruz III as the new head of the agency. In the meeting, she was instructed to continue to perform her duties as chairman and CEO in a hold-over capacity to ensure the continuity of the agency’s operations while waiting for the release of the official appointment documents of the incoming Chairman. Furthermore, (Diño and Cruz) have already talked and discussed details regarding the turnover process to ensure a smooth transition of the agency and the duties thereof.” “I personally welcome the appointment of Kuya Pip as the new chairman of the agency and hope that he continues the programs we have started and takes these initiatives to new heights. Kuya Pip will be blessed with the most hardworking, passionate and dedicated teams of FDCP who are ready to rally behind him in further support and to champion Philippine cinema and the industry,” Diño said. “The agency thanks the industry and the general public for the support that it received during the term of chairman Diño, and requests their ardent and full

support of the incoming chairmanship.” Messages of thanks, love and support continue to pour in for Diño, especially from those whose lives she touched during her term, from the major players to the the often neglected film workers in the big cities and provinces, to the far-flung places like Nabunturan in Compostela Valley, Davao, and Iloilo where cinematheques were built so movies and documentaries can be accessible to more Filipinos. Many personalities from overseas, both foreign and those with Filipino lineage, including those that continue to champion Philippine cinema and give breaks to aspiring Filipino film creators, also have sent their well-meaning messages of gratitude for Diño and the wonderful leadership, love and living legacy she will leave behind at the local film agency when her replacement comes in. Liza Diño has made her indelible mark at the FDCP, and we are sure that she will continue to do so, in whatever capacity she will take on in the future. Let us not forget that she is a wonderful and awardwinning actress, too, and there will be many roles waiting for her on the big screen if she chooses to come back to acting.

B6 Tuesday, July 12, 2022

AEB expands in PH, upgrades WMS to boost cold chain industry

ERMANY-BASED logistics software specialist AEB is entering the second half of the year with two major milestones—its expansion in the Philippines and building of a new team to handle local operations and new enhancements to its warehouse management system (WMS). Seeing the growing cold chain market in the Philippines, AEB, which has 40 years of experience in global trade and supply chain, entered the country in 2016 to help boost the industry further and broaden its own market. As part of nurturing industry collaboration, AEB has also been sharing its industry knowledge and expertise in warehouse automation and related cold chain technologies in Cold Chain Association of the Philippines Inc. (CCAP) events at the same time continuing to master cold chain processes to improve its WMS solutions. AEB currently has a strong customer base with the major cold storage companies in the Philippines. Keen to make cold storage operations modern, seamless and efficient, AEB developed a smart, cloud-based and industrystandard Cold Chain Warehouse Management. This system has been tested and validated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics in Germany and is now being used by leading cold chain companies. It can cater to specific cold chain processes such as blast-freezer receiving to match client requirements. With shifting consumer preferences pushing up demand for chilled and frozen products and the 24/7 economy

AEB ESTABLISHES A PHILIPPINE TEAM TO PROVIDE WMS SERVICE FOR THE LOCAL COLD CHAIN INDUSTRY, FROM LEFT: Frans Kok , General Manager; Jennifer Laddaran, Sales Manager; Daisy Pacheco, Presales Consultant; Brandon Boen, Project Manager. requiring the availability of a variety of foods to meet demand in the BPO sector and 24-hour stores, AEB expects the cold chain market to continue on its upward trajectory and recognized the importance of continued innovations to stand out. AEB’s Philippine team will oversee and manage the company’s project management and sales in the country. The team will consist of project managers, solution consultants, business development managers and pre-sales consultants. They will be led by Frans Kok, the Asia Pacific general manager of AEB. The lead project manager for all of AEB’s WMS project implementations in the Philippines is Brandon Boen. Backed by five years of experience in the supply chain, Boen will be responsible for providing strategic cold chain industry-standard

solutions for AEB’s existing, new and potential customers. He is also AEB’s WMS solution product expert in the Asia Pacific. Meanwhile, Jennifer Laddaran will be AEB PH’s business development manager, overseeing commercial operations and business development for the Philippine market. To help AEB’s clients gain a competitive advantage, Laddaran will equip them with the right technologies to streamline warehouse processes and bring better revenue growth. As a Cold Chain WMS expert with a new and dedicated local team, AEB has also included value-added services in time for its Philippine operations. These services include an interactive and secure support portal, local support, standard support, hypercare and extended support for infrastructure and technical consultation.

LSEG celebrates re-opening of Manila office

UK AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINES AND PALAU, LAURE BEAUFILS (FIFTH FROM LEFT) ATTENDED THE RE-OPENING CEREMONY WITH (FROM LEFT): LSEG Philippines’ Director for People Service Delivery, Daisy Aquino; the Department of International Trade’s Trade & Investment Manager Jon Perez; Senior Trade and Investment Manager Emma Leister; Director for Trade & Investment Richard Colley; LSEG Philippines’ Director for Collections-Asia & Manila Co-Site Lead Wilma Gonzales-Montano; Director for Client Incident Response & Escalation and Manila Co-Site Lead Mary Arce; and Head of Frontline Support Lei Buendia.

SEG (London Stock Exchange Group), a leading global financial markets infrastructure and data provider, formally re-opened the doors of its Manilabased operation center two years after implementing a work-from-home set-up among its employees due to the pandemic. “I’m energised meeting the LSEG team today,” Ambassador Beaufils remarked. “I am delighted to see great Filipino talent

dedicated to working for a brand we’re incredibly proud of in the UK. The work that you do here is obviously resonant not just in the Philippines but indeed across the world. It is a real testament to the professionalism, talent and ability of Filipinos and your young talent. I’m proud of this company and the very dynamic British financial service industry. I wish you much joy in coming back to the workplace where you can

resume working together face to face, cocreating and continuing to build on the impressive work you’ve done together.” With the 2021 acquisition of Refinitiv, LSEG and its operations in the Philippines opened its doors to provide more opportunities for Filipinos who wish to pursue a career in the financial data industry. The company currently has around 2,000 employees in the country, mainly providing its clients financial solutions for both local and international financial markets. “The operations center in Manila celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have remained constant in our commitment to pursue and deliver excellence for our customers.” LSEG’s Head of Frontline Support, Lei Buendia noted. The re-opening ceremony highlighted the company’s strong culture of diversity and inclusivity, and development activities and programs focused on learning and career growth. It also committed to continuing its engagement on sustainability, including through its employee group the Community Action Team PH which spearheads its volunteering and CSR campaigns locally.

beep™ lets you earn more points and bigger rewards

F Payments Inc. bolsters its beep™ Rewards program to continue making daily commutes a rewarding experience for Filipinos. For a limited time only, users can earn bigger reward points that they can exchange for load, QR tickets, and other special promotions via the beep™ app. Apart from expanding its coverage nationwide, the beep™ Rewards program also introduces a new points system. Every PHP 1 spend using beep™ card wherever it is accepted earns 1 point, and 200 points earn the beep™ card user PHP 10. This includes buses, PUVs, convenience stores, select retail and food establishments, and now, even spend transactions at rail stations, namely LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3, are eligible. Only 200 points are needed to start redeeming rewards. “Our transport partners network is continuously expanding. As we provide convenience and efficiency to our business partners, we also want to build better experiences for commuters. We enhanced beep™ Rewards to make journeying even more worthwhile for our customers and encourage more commuters to adopt cashless payments in transportation. We’re also looking forward to expanding to other kinds of digital financial transactions in both the government and private sectors to benefit more Filipinos,” said Sharon G. Fong, Chief Commercial

Officer of AF Payments Inc. To redeem beep™ load, go to the Rewards page in the beep™ app by tapping the medal icon at the bottom panel. Choose a card to redeem its points. Users can also convert reward points to a beep™ QR ticket by selecting their preferred operator, route, and origin station in the app’s Rewards page. For more information, <www.beeptopay.com>.

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown is the official accommodation of Ironman 70.3 PHL

AVOY Hotel Mactan, the 3rd Savoy Hotel brand under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts located inside the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown in LapuLapu City, is the official accommodation for the participants of the biggest and grandest race in Asia, Megaworld IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines powered by AIA vitality this coming August 7, 2022. Driven by their commitment to serve all participants with the highest standards of health and safety, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown has redefined their operations to keep everything seamless from the moment they arrive up until crossing the finish line. If you’re planning to join or witness this exciting race, spend your IRONMAN weekend on August 5-8, and enjoy a Three (3) Nights stay in a Superior Deluxe Room with breakfast buffet at a special rate of Php28,500 NETT. This promo is bookable through our official website www.savoyhotelmactan.ph or guests may book directly through our Reservation team. With so much pride and honor to be part of this prestigious event, Savoy Hotel Mactan’s General Manager, Josef Victor Chiongbian and the rest of his team have prepared a series of offerings – starting your day with full breakfast

“Brunch” at Savoy Café, carbo-loading station at The Poolside to Patio, Grab n’ Go light meals at Zabana Bar and Combi Food Truck inside The Mactan Newtown Beach. For more information, contact +032 494 4000 / +63 917 8686746 or email reserve@savoymactan.com. Follow Facebook, Instagram & YouTube accounts at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown | Facebook / @ savoymactannewtown / Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.savoyhotelmactan.ph

BRIA Homes makes homeownership accessible to OFWs

BRIA Homes has a diverse portfolio of horizontal and vertical housing projects.

OMEOWNERSHIP is now every average Filipino’s top aspiration as toptier property developer BRIA Homes is helping to make it happen with a diverse portfolio of horizontal and vertical housing projects. Imagine settling down in wholesome and secure residential enclaves with open green spaces and recreational amenities, making your choice from a slew of house and lot models designed to suit individual needs and requirements. Now BRIA Homes is serving these up to our hardworking dear kababayans, the OFWs, as exceptionally safe and stable investments. With the current dollar exchange rates, OFWs are getting more bang for their buck, property investments included, and BRIA is making it easier for them. First, BRIA is bolstering its online presence

to reach out to more Overseas Filipino Workers whose remittances hit $8.65B at the end of the first quarter of 2022 alone. Consistently held up as modern-day heroes for helping prop up the Philippine economy during the country’s most challenging times, OFWs are being spurred to invest in properties now. BRIA communities are strategically placed near key lifestyle hubs such as schools, churches, hospitals, retail establishments, and government offices. The gated villages also feature multipurpose halls, covered basketball courts, and walkable open green spaces that help foster healthy and thriving communities ties among their homeowners and residents. OFWs with young students and professionals back home will want to buy their condo units of choice at BRIA Condo Vertical Villages. These, too, come with sought-after amenities like swimming pools, jogging path, gyms, play areas, and communal clubhouses. ET Aguilar, Division Head of BRIA, affirms that their vision for Filipinos acquiring their homes of choice extends far beyond the country’s borders. He then urges our kababayans to consider BRIA for their next big investment. “Yes, now while the dollar remains strong and our units remain available at competitive prices,” Aguilar says. To know more, visit www.bria.com.ph, like and follow “Bria Homes, Inc.” on social media accounts or call 0939-887-9637.

Cinemalaya 2022 breaks through the noise with on-site screenings at the CCP

ITH the gradual return to the new normal, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. are enthusiastic about the IRL (in-real-life) screenings of full length and short feature films in competition this year. For its 18th edition, Cinemalaya returns with on-site screenings of 11 full-length films and 12 short features in competition from August 5 to 14, 2022, at various CCP venues. For the past two years, the country’s biggest independent film festival streamed consciousness and navigated the turbulent currents, anchoring on the online screenings of competing short features and exhibition films. This year, 11 full-length films vying for the coveted Balanghai trophies will break through the noise. They are: 12 Weeks by Anna Isabelle Matutina; Angkas by Rain Yamson; Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin? by Real S. Florido; Batsoy by Ronald Espinosa Batallones; Blue Room by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagńalan; Bula Sa Langit by Sheenly Gener; Ginhawa by Christian Paolo Lat; Kaluskos by Roman S. Perez, Jr.; Kargo by TM Malones; Retirada by Milo Alto Paz and Cynthia Cruz-Paz; and The Baseball Player by Carlo Obispo. For the short feature main competition, the finalists are: Ampangabagat nin Talakba ha Likol by Maria Estela Paiso; Black Rainbow by Zig Dulay; City of Flowers by Xeph Suarez; Dikit by Gabriela Serrano; Distance by Dexter Paul de Jesus; Duwa-Duwa by Nena Jana Achacoso; Kwits by Raz de la Torre; Mata Kang Busay by Nińo B. Maldecir and Cypher John T. Gayorgor; Mga Handum nga Nasulat sa Baras by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico; See You, George! by Mark Moneda; Si Oddie by Maria Kydylee Torato; and Roundtrip to Happiness by Claudia Fernando. The competing films will also be shown in select partner cinemas nationwide from August

10 to 17. After that, Cinemalaya goes to the regions, with screenings in selected communities on August 22 to 29, 2022. A major component of the film festival, the Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, considered the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in the ASEAN region, will once again harvest the best films which will compete in various categories such as Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary and Animation. Finalists from the different categories will be screened from August 6 to 8, 2022 at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde. The Gawad Alternatibo Awarding will be on August 13, 2022. The Cinemalaya Awards Night will be held on August 14, 2022 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) For more details, check out the CCP and Cinemalaya websites. Follow the CCP and Cinemalaya official social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SHORT feature Kwits by Raz de la Torre

World Features BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Blinken chides Asean members for lack of pressure on Myanmar By Matthew Lee

Music fountain performs at the Wynn Macao on April 22, 2010. Losing money due to Covid, the American casino giants that helped make Macao the “Las Vegas of Asia” face a fresh challenge: The tiny Chinese territory wants them to reduce its reliance on gambling by building theme parks and other tourist attractions. AP/Kin Cheung

‘Las Vegas of Asia’ tells casinos to invest in non-gaming projects By Joe Mcdonald AP Business Writer

EIJING—Losing money due to Covid, the American casino giants that helped make Macao the “Las Vegas of Asia” face a fresh challenge: The tiny Chinese territory wants them to help reduce its reliance on gambling by paying to build theme parks and other attractions. The former Portuguese colony stayed out of business decisions for decades and now is aligning with official strategy on China’s mainland, where foreign companies are required to help pay for the ruling Communist Party’s development ambitions, profitable or not. The licenses of MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts and three Chinese rivals that invested billions of dollars in Macao expire in December. Rules released in early July say any that want to operate over the next 10-year period face an added requirement to invest in “non-gaming projects.” Casinos face still more financial pressure after they were ordered to close this week, along with most other businesses, while Macao tries to control a renewed coronavirus outbreak. They already were operating under rules imposed in late June that limited the number of their employees to 10 percent of normal. Financial analysts expect the Americans to get licenses, but the government says bidding is open to anyone. The territory of 700,000 people crowded onto a 30-square-kilometer (12-squaremile) peninsula jutting into the South China Sea near Hong Kong is the biggest global center for gambling but is under pressure from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government to rely less on its dominant industry. Beijing wants theme parks, entertainment and conventions to attract more nonChinese visitors. Even before tourist travel was shut down to fight Covid in 2020, the mainland was trying to limit the flow of gamblers across the fenced boundary that separates Macao from Guangdong province. Macao is “dedicated to steering the composition of industries towards adequate diversification,” said its economy secretary, Lei Wai Nong, at a May 31 government meeting. An added complication for the Americans: Relations between Xi’s government and Washington are strained by disputes over trade, technology, human rights and other irritants. Other companies have been hit by retaliation for US tariff hikes, but Macao casinos haven’t been targeted. “There is a high risk that at least one, if not two, may not get a new concession,” said Ben Lee, managing partner of IGamiX, a gambling industry consulting firm in Macao. “Why would 50 percent of such a dominant industry in Macao be ceded to foreigners, particularly Americans?” Pressure for change comes as Macao faces growing competition for potential nonChinese gamblers from casinos in Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia. Financial analysts expect MGM, Sands and Wynn to be approved for licenses due to the jobs and tax revenue they generate. Their casino hotels with thousands of employees soar above the narrow lanes of Macao’s centuries-old city center and Cotai, a strip of land reclaimed from the sea. Still, the risk an established operator might fail to receive a license “should not be ignored,” Fitch Ratings said in a June 16 report. The Chinese competitors include SJM Holding, part of the empire of the late Stanley Ho, a competitive ballroom dancer and Macao’s “King of Gambling,” who had a fourdecade, government-granted monopoly on casinos until 2001. SJM is run by Ho’s daughter Pansy. The others are Melco International, run by Ho’s son Lawrence, and Galaxy Entertainment Group. The decision to allow in foreign-owned casinos in 2002 brought a flood of money to Macao, once best known in China for its Portuguese-style egg tarts, and billions of dollars in profit to their operators. In total, the six license holders operate 41 casinos. Annual revenue from slot machines, dice tables and other games peaked at $45 billion in 2013. That was equal to $65,000 for each man, woman and child in Macao and more than triple Nevada’s 2021 revenue of $13.5 billion. But revenue was sliding even before Covid hit in 2020. Beijing was tightening controls on how often mainland gamblers could visit. Curbs were imposed on financial transfers to Macao in a crackdown on money laundering and tax evasion. By 2019, before the pandemic, gambling revenue had sunk 19 percent from 2013’s level to $36.4 billion. In 2020, it collapsed a further 80 percent to just $7.6 billion. Last year, revenue climbed back to $10.8 billion, but that is down 75 percent from 2013. Macao’s economy, possibly the world’s most tourism-dependent, has shrunk by half since 2019, according to government data. The government has appealed to casino operators to avoid laying off employees. Macao’s appeal is so powerful that Las Vegas Sands Corp., traditionally the biggest global casino operator by revenue, sold its namesake Las Vegas hotel in 2021 to wager everything on its six Macao properties and one in Singapore. The company has invested an estimated $13 billion in Macao. It is in the midst of a $2.2 billion overhaul of one of its hotels. Betting so heavily on Asia, however, meant Sands suffered the biggest Covid hit. The company reported a first-quarter loss of $478 million. Revenue fell 21 percent from a year earlier to $943 million. Wynn Resorts Ltd. said revenue at its two Macao casinos fell, but its Las Vegas properties helped to limit its overall loss to $183.3 million on revenue of $953.3 million, temporarily putting it ahead of Sands. MGM Resorts said its first-quarter revenue of $268 million in Macao was down 76 percent compared with the pre-outbreak level of $734 million in the first quarter of 2019. Adding non-gambling assets would make Macao more like Las Vegas, where casinos try to attract families and non-gamblers with roller coasters, music, shopping centers, art exhibits and water parks. SJM operates a zip line and indoor skydiving attractions. It has dropped an earlier proposal for a Hello Kitty theme park. The tycoon behind Galaxy talked about a possible theme park resembling the movie “Avatar,” but it never went ahead. “Entertainment and theme parks are costly to run, with questionable returns,” said Lee. Regulators need to craft investment requirements “very carefully,” Lee said. “You can’t force concessionaires to invest in theme parks and entertainment without a return unless it is in black and white.”

AP Diplomatic Writer

ANGKOK—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is criticizing Southeast Asian nations for not doing enough to press Myanmar’s military government to return the country to the path of democracy following last year’s power seizure.

But as Blinken lamented the lack of progress in Myanmar, also known as Burma, he also moved to strengthen US ties with key regional ally Thailand—part of efforts to counter Chinese influence across the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at a news conference in Bangkok, Blinken said it was “unfortunate” that repression in Myanmar was continuing nearly 18 months after the military takeover. And, he said he was disappointed that Myanmar’s neighbors weren’t applying pressure for it to end. “I think it’s unfortunately safe to say that we’ve seen no positive movement,” Blinken told reporters. “On the contrary, we continue to see the repression of the Burmese people who continue to see violence perpetrated by the regime.” He blasted Myanmar’s military leaders for jailing or forcing almost the entire opposition to flee and for worsening the grim humanitarian situation by not delivering the kind of assistance and supplies that are needed to improve conditions. Blinken then took aim at Myanmar’s neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which has been attempting to convince the military into implementing a five-point plan to return the country to a democratic path. “All countries have to continue to speak clearly about what the regime is doing in its ongoing repression and brutality,” he said. “We have an obligation to the people of

Burma to hold the regime accountable. Regional support for the regime’s adherence to the five-point plan developed by Asean is also critical. That has not happened.” He added that all members of Asean “need to hold the regime accountable for that, continue to demand an immediate cessation of violence, the release of political prisoners and the restoration of Burma’s democratic path.” Just last week, Myanmar hosted a regional gathering of officials in what the opposition said was a direct contravention of the Asean peace plan following the ouster of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi’s ouster in February 2021 triggered widespread peaceful protests that were violently suppressed and evolved into armed resistance, and the country has slipped into what some UN experts characterize as a civil war. Blinken traveled to Thailand after attending a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 20 rich and large developing countries in Indonesia, where he accused China of siding with Russia over the war in Ukraine and said that support was complicating already fraught relations between Washington and Beijing. After meeting China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bali on Saturday, Blinken warned that Chinese support for Russia on Ukraine poses a threat to the rules-based international order. Blinken’s visit to Thailand was intended to bolster at least one small part of that order.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a press conference during his official visit to Thailand, in Bangkok on Sunday, July 10, 2022. Stefani Reynolds/Pool Photo via AP

In Bangkok, Blinken signed two cooperation agreements with his Thai counterpart, pledging to expand strategic cooperation with Thailand and improve the resilience of supply chains. Although modest, the deals fit into the administration’s broader strategy for the Indo-Pacific, which is aimed at blunting China’s increasing assertiveness and offering alternatives to Beijingsponsored development that many US officials regard as a trap for smaller, poorer nations. Blinken did not mention China by name in his comments with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha or Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. But after signing the deals, he said the US and Thailand “share the same goal of a free, open, interconnected prosperous, resilient and secure Indo-Pacific.” American officials use that phrase often to refer to the prevention of Chinese dominance in the region and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had similar comments when he visited Bangkok last month and met Prayuth. Thailand is already a member of President Joe Biden’s Indo-Pacific Economic Forum, a bloc that was created earlier this year with the aim of curbing the momentum of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has poured billions of dollars into development and infrastructure projects throughout Asia and elsewhere. Like its predecessors, the Biden ad m i n i st rat ion h a s w atc hed

China’s rapid growth warily and sought to hold it to international standards without significant success. The US and like-minded democracies are trying to discourage developing Southeast Asian and other countries from entering large-scale infrastructure and development projects with China unless they are proven economically feasible, structurally sound and environmentally safe. “What we’re about is not asking countries to choose but giving them a choice when it comes to things like investment and infrastructure, development assistance, et cetera,” Blinken said in Bali. “What we want to make sure is that we’re engaged in a race to the top—that is, we do things to the highest standards—not a race to the bottom where we do things to the lowest standards.” US officia ls from multiple administrations have criticized China for exploiting smaller nations by luring them into unfair or deceptive agreements. “My hope would be that if, as China continues to engage itself in all of these efforts that it engages in a race to the top, that it raise its game,” Blinken said. “That would actually benefit everyone.” Before returning to Washington, Blinken will travel on Monday from Bangkok to Tokyo, where he will make a brief condolence call on senior Japanese officials following the assassination on Friday of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Balkan activists keep fighting for Europe’s last wild rivers By Sabina Niksic

The Associated Press

ARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina—It took a decade of court battles and street protests, but Balkan activists fighting to protect some of Europe’s last wild rivers have scored an important conservation victory in Bosnia. A new electricity law, which passed Thursday, bans the further construction of small hydroelectric power plants in the larger of Bosnia’s two semi-independent entities. Still, the new law only highlights the long road ahead to protect such rivers across the entire Balkans from being degraded, diverted and commercialized by people with connections to the region’s corruption-prone political elite. “This is extraordinary. It will become the role model for other European countries, I am sure,” said Ulrich Eichelmann of the Vienna-based conservation group River Watch and coordinator of the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign to protect the entire network of wild Balkan rivers. Since it was launched in 2013, the campaign has brought together environmental activists, conservation groups and local people to jointly fight for protection of what it calls “one of the most important spots for European biodiversity.” It says the Balkans has over 28,000 kilometers (17,400 miles) of waterways in pristine or near-natural state, with “extensive gravel banks, untouched alluvial forests, deep gorges, spectacular waterfalls and even karstic underground

rivers.” Overall, more than 2,700 large and small hydropower plants are projected to be built on these Balkan rivers, including some inside national parks. Bosnia alone has 244 rivers and had plans to build over 350 hydropower plants with the installed capacity of up to 10 mW—or more than one on every waterway. “This whole business with small hydropower plants began some 15 years ago when investors started visiting villages and promising prosperity to the local people,” explained Lejla Kusturica, a prominent Bosnian river conservation activist. In their telling, she added, “rivers were supposed to be prettified, we were supposed to generate significant quantities of clean electricity and local communities were promised it will all benefit them greatly.” Instead, Kusturica said, investors begun trapping rivers and diverting them by pipe, taking away water used daily by locals and wildlife, eroding and degrading nearby forests. Undeterred, the authorities offered investors public subsidies and fixed abovemarket prices for long-term contracts, arguing that this would help Bosnia reduce its dependence on coal and speed up its transition to renewable energy. But following a construction boom that saw 110 small hydropower plants built in Bosnia, people from across the ethnically divided country begun arguing that these projects were in fact harmful for both the environment and their livelihoods. R e s i d e n t s o f B o s n i a ’s r i v e r s i d e

villages and towns spontaneously started mobilizing against the small hydroelectric plants, documenting their destruction of nature, analyzing official statistics on their alleged economic contributions and launching court challenges against the permits authorities continued to issue for new projects. The resistance included peaceful, at times months-long, sit-in protests on roads and bridges to prevent investors and their heavy machinery from accessing the rivers. At times, local authorities used violence to disperse the activists. Still, a grassroots river protection movement gradually captured broad popular support in Bosnia and abroad, especially after it disclosed that numerous contracts for the commercial exploitation of rivers were awarded to the politically connected. “People stood up against investors on their rivers. They were not knowledgeable people, they were no ecological experts or scientists, they were ordinary people that live next to a river,” Eichelmann said. According to official data in Bosnia, painstakingly collected by activists, the owners of small Bosnian hydropower plants over the past decade have been raking in millions of euros in subsidies while paying minuscule concession fees, typically between 1 percent to 3 percent of their income. In the meantime, the promised transition to renewable energy never really materialized. In 2021, Bosnia’s small hydropower plants contributed only just

over 2.5 percent of the nation’s electricity. The battle has been especially fierce along the Neretva River, a cool, emerald green 255-kilometer (158-mile) waterway that is a popular destination for rafters, fishermen and hikers. Before emptying into the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, the river and its tributaries run through both parts of Bosnia. At first, stopping the commercial exploitation of Neretva and its tributaries, where 67 new small power plants were originally planned, appeared impossible, as it required deep knowledge of the different and sometimes conflicting laws in Bosnia’s two administrative parts. But unlike any other issue in Bosnia since the end of its brutal 1992-1995 w a r, t h e o p p o s i t i o n t o c o m m e r c i a l exploitation of the free-flowing rivers has brought people of different ethnic b a c k g r o u n d s t o g e t h e r. S o f a r, t h e activists fighting for the Neretva River basin have stopped or delayed the construction of 56 hydropower plants. While villagers were physically blocking access to the rivers for construction crews, teams of legal experts and scientists have been challenging those permits in the courts. In about a dozen cases, Bosnian courts said authorities had failed to uphold the requirement to consult with local communities, protect nature conservation areas and demand environmental impact studies from investors before consenting to their plans. The court said authorities also failed to properly inspect the construction and operation of the plants.

JUNNA TSUKII:

I NEVER LOSE HOPE J

By Josef Ramos

UNNA TSUKII looked doomed in her first fight at the Birmingham World Games on Saturday in Alabama, but like a bamboo tree—either the Japanese or Philippine variety—she was relentlessly pliable and stood rigidly tall in the end. “I don’t lose hope,” the 30-yearold Filipino-Japanese whose women’s -50 kgs in kumite of karate was the country’s only second gold medal in the World Games after Carlos Biado triumph in men’s 9-ball of billiards in 2019 in Wroclaw. “I was down in the first round just like the rest of my previous tournaments, but I didn’t give up as my father [Shin] always taught me,” Tsukii told BusinessMirror on what was a rest-day for the 10-member Team Philippines in Birmingham on Monday. “I kept fighting until the end and I always believe in myself—I never lose hope,” she said. Tsukii opened with a 1-8 loss to Venezuela’s Yorgelis Salazar, the same opponent she met— and defeated—in the final, but bounced back with a 6-4 win over Germany’s Shara Hubrich. She lost again to Spain’s Gema Morales via first score advantage despite a 3-3 tie. It was a different Tsukii who battled Salazar in the gold medal play. She didn’t disappoint. “I studied her moves and techniques wisely and thanked God I got her this time,” said Tsukii, who got back at the Venezuelan, 2-0, to win gold. Tsukii was all primed for the Tokyo 2020+1 Olympics but failed in the Paris qualifiers last June. She also missed the gold and settled for a silver medal at the Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian Games last May, losing the title she convincingly won in the 2019 Philippine edition. “I lost a lot this year, but I just kept going despite being frustrated and shocked after those defeats,” she said. “That’s life, you have to continue fighting to achieve your goals.” Still to compete in Birmingham are Biado and Rubilen Amit in billiards, Annie Ramirez in jiu-jitsu, Philip Delarmino and Leeana Bade in muay and Marion Kim Mangrobang, John Chicano and Fernando Caseres in duathlon. Powerlifter Joyce Gail Reboton finished ninth overall among 12 participants in the women’s heavyweight class last Sunday.

JUNNA TSUKII finally snaps out of a losing skid by winning gold at the World Games.

Sports

On Rybakina’s crown: Russia claims credit

BusinessMirror

| Tuesday, July 12, 2022

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

DJOKOVIC RULES ON GRASS

THE Czech Republic’s No. 2 Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova beat No. 1 Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai, 6-2, 6-4, to win the women’s doubles crown as Novak Djokovic acknowledges the big crowd at the All England Club. AP

IMBLEDON, England—Novak Djokovic waited. He waited for Nick Kyrgios to lose focus and lose his way. Waited to find the proper read on his foe’s big serves. Waited until his own level rose to the occasion. Djokovic is not bothered by a deficit—in a game, a set, a match. He does not mind problem-solving. And at Wimbledon, for quite some time now, he does not get defeated. Djokovic used his steady brilliance to beat the ace-delivering, trickshot-hitting, constantly chattering Kyrgios, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3), on Sunday for a fourth consecutive championship at the All England Club, seventh overall there, and 21st from all Grand Slam tournaments. “It’s weird. I felt like he didn’t do anything amazing today,” said the unseeded Kyrgios, offering an assessment with which some might not concur, given that Djokovic accumulated 31 winners and merely

eight unforced errors over the last two sets, while facing zero break points in that span. “But he was just so composed. That’s what I was just thinking to myself. In big moments, it just felt like he was never rattled. I feel like that’s his greatest strength: He just never looks rattled,” said Kyrgios, about whom those words likely have not been uttered. “He just looks completely within himself the whole time. Didn’t look like he was playing overaggressive, even though it felt like he was playing big.” Among men, only Roger Federer owns more Wimbledon titles than Djokovic, with eight, and only Rafael Nadal owns more major trophies, with 22. “The more you win, it’s logical the more confident, the more comfortable you feel out there every next time you step out on the court,” said the topseeded Djokovic, who was pleased to hear some spectators at Centre Court chanting his nickname, “Nole! No-le!” as he served out the final point of a tremendously well-played

tiebreaker. As of now, Djokovic will not be able to try to pull even with Nadal by winning the US Open, which begins in late August: The 35-year-old Serbian can’t enter the United States because he decided not to get any shots against Covid-19, the same reason Djokovic missed the Australian Open in January. “I’m not vaccinated,” Djokovic said Sunday, “and I’m not planning to get vaccinated.” Aside from his experience—32 Grand Slam final appearances versus one for the unseeded Kyrgios—his skill and his clutch gene shined in the concluding tiebreaker, and all of those qualities were present for two particularly pivotal games that helped swing the match. “Key moments,” Djokovic called them. They were games in which Djokovic steeled himself, and Kyrgios blinked. And games that Kyrgios

National BMX championships up in Tagaytay

ORMER Asian junior champion Patrick Coo displays his act before his countrymen as the PhilCycling holds the National Championships for BMX Racing and Freestyle in Tagaytay City this weekend. Philippine Olympic Committee and PhilCycling

Rivas, Emana grab Sta. Rosa netfest honors

Allan Across America AUSTRALIAN Allan Jefferson is your 2022 Race Across America winner! Before we go to Allan, the Tour de France will be pleased to know that the Race Across America is billed as the “world’s toughest bicycle race.” Allan Jefferson won the Race Across America in 10 days and 15 minutes. The race runs across 12 states which translates to 4,828 kilometers. Cyclists must complete the course in eight days. According to cyclist.co.uk, “Inaugurated in 1982, the

President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Monday that the Tagaytay City BMX Racing Track finally comes alive since the Covid-19 pandemic halted all sports activities for most of the past two years. “Finally, the BMX track will be of full use,” Tolentino said. “And this national championships will draw the best out of our BMX aspirants

on a world-class track.” The International Cycling Union-standard Tagaytay City BMX Racing Track was one of cycling’s venues in the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the country hosted in 2019. But the pandemic stunted the cycling discipline’s development for the next two years. Now, the track has a roof—the

ATEO RIVAS and Mica Emana fashioned out straight-set wins in 16-and-under play as they anchored the Quezon City bets’ surge in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Mayor Arlene Arcillas national age-group tennis tournament at the Sta. Rosa sports complex in Laguna over the weekend. Rivas, ranked seventh in a full-packed

Race Across America (RAAM) runs non-stop from the Pacific to the Atlantic, traversing 4,800 kilometers across the center of the USA. That’s well over a thousand kilometers more than the average Tour de France. Yet, rather than taking three weeks, the winning rider will complete the course in as little as eight days. To accomplish this they’ll spend less than an hour off the bike each day. That’s 23 hours rolling at a time. Some will even go as far as Kansas, over 1,500 kilometers into the Midwest, before pausing for the first time. To achieve this feat, each competitor is followed by a support crew whose job it is to care for and motivate their rider, helping them to eke out every last bit of performance from their screaming bodies.” Another difference between the Tour de France and Race Across America is the Tour de France has stages which gives competitors time to mentally and physically recover whereas the Race Across America is literally non-stop with, at most, only an hour’s rest for the participants. Australia native Jefferson, a 54-year-old from Townsville, North Queensland, wasn’t expecting to win the Race Across America. The rescue helicopter crewman competed in the world’s

would not let go as he began engaging in running monologues, shouting at himself or his entourage (which does not include a full-time coach), earning a warning for cursing, finding reason to disagree with the chair umpire he fist-bumped before the match, and chucking a water bottle. With Djokovic serving for the second set at 5-3, Kyrgios got to love-40—a trio of break points. But Kyrgios played a couple of casual returns, and Djokovic eventually held. When that set ended, Kyrgios waved dismissively toward his box, sat down and dropped his racket to the turf, then groused to no one in particular: “It was love-40! Can it get any bigger or what?! Is that big enough for you?!” AP

IMBLEDON, England— The Russian Tennis Federation was quick to claim Elena Rybakina as “our product” on her run to the women’s title at Wimbledon. They then praised her training program in the country after she won the Venus Rosewater Dish as Wimbledon champion while representing Kazakhstan. “It’s the Russian school, after all. She played here with us for a long time, and then in Kazakhstan,” Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev told sports website Championat on Saturday after Rybakina beat Ons Jabeur, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, on Centre Court. The 23-year-old Rybakina was born on Moscow and played in the Russian system until 2018, when financial issues led to her nationality switch. There’s been no official reaction from the Kremlin on Rybakina’s Wimbledon success, but some commentators have claimed her victory as a Russian achievement and a symbolic snub to the All England Club’s ban on players representing Russia and Belarus. Players from those countries were banned from the Wimbledon tournament because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some Russian state media outlets emphasized Rybakina’s roots in Moscow, with others opting to call her simply a “representative of Kazakhstan.” The last Russian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title was Maria Sharapova at the French Open in 2014. Moscow-born Sofia Kenin, who left Russia as a baby and plays for the United States, won the Australian Open in 2020. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, is ecstatic at having its first Grand Slam singles champion. AP SOME Russian state media outlets emphasize Elena Rybakina’s roots in Moscow, with others opting to call her simply a “representative of Kazakhstan.” AP

first of its kind in Southeast Asia— with close to 50 aspiring BMX athletes competing in the two-day championships presented by Tagaytay City, as well as the Eighth District and Province of Cavite. Action kicks off on Saturday (July 16) with BMX Racing at the track and winds up on Sunday with the Freestle, Park and Flatland contests at the Tagaytay City Skate Bowl. Competitions will be in the Men and Women Elite, Under 23 and Junior categories.

64-player boys’ draw, dished out top form in posting a string of lopsided wins following an opening round bye, romping past Jonas Marquez, Samuel Davila and Jaime Reyes before shocking top seed John Bona, 7-5, 6-1, in the semfinals of the Group 2 tournament marked by a upsets. Ranged against an equally determined Andre Coladilla from Biñan, Rivas survived another first set scare then reasserted his

toughest bicycle race in 2019 but had to withdraw due to health issues. Since the race started in 1982, Jefferson is only the second Australian man to finish. The win wasn’t without challenges according to ampc. abc.net.au, “He was on the bike for those first couple of days for 22 hours a day and that put us into a great position for later in the race,” Huppatz said. “He was having one 90-minute sleep break a day in the first stages. His derriere took a bit of a beating from sitting on the bike for that extended period, so we were taking him off every couple of hours to dress some wounds,” Huppatz said. “Mentally, Al went to some places that he’s probably never been. The self-doubt and the denial and the delusions that he had…it was really tough at some stages.” The biggest winner of Allan’s victory was the thousands of dollars that went to Selectability, Townsville’s mental health charity. On a side note, Allan and his boss, the man who led Jefferson’s Race Across America support crew, Greg Hautz, will be my guests on podcast Sports For All with the date and time to be announced so please watch out for it.

might in the next to hack out a 7-5, 6-2 decision and clinch the crown in the week-long event presented by Dunlop which drew a record cast of over 300 entries. The sixth seeded Emana likewise flashed awesome form, upending top seed Jane Diaz, 4-0, 4-1, in the second round then routing No. 2 Kimi Brodeth, 6-3, 6-0, in the finals to share top honors with Rivas in the event put up by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro as part of the company’s commitment to boost local junior tennis and at the same time discover talents from the countryside. Other winners are Julio Naredo and Kay Ann Emana, also from Quezon City, Nueva Ecija’s Lexious Cruz, Exequiel Jucutan from La Union, top seed Adriana Lanza from Pasig and Daviane Gauran from faraway Negros Oriental. The top-seeded Naredo trampled Aljhon Rombawa, 6-1, 6-1, for the boys’ 12-under trophy; Kay Ann Emana foiled younger sister Mica’s bid for a double crown with a 6-0, 6-4 victory in 18-under finals; Cruz repelled top seed France Dilao, 7-5, 6-1, for the boys’ 14-under title; and Jucutan hacked out back-to-back three-set wins, the last against top ranked Marc Jarata, 6-7(2), 6-4, 10-2, for the boys’ 18-under diadem.

MATEO RIVAS (second from left) and Mica Emana pose with Calabarzon United Tennis Philippines OIC Jonathan Bernardo (left) and Romeo Adato, Executive Assistant at Sta. Rosa’s Sports Office.