BusinessMirror October 09, 2019

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019 Vol. 14 No. 364

PHL competitiveness falls on poor health, infra

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By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

ETTING poor scores on health and infrastructure, the Philippines fell eight points in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report 2019, pushing the country in the lower quartile of the rankings of Southeast Asian economies.

The Philippines obtained a score of 61.9 in the 2019 edition of the report, down from the 62.1 it received in the 2018 cycle. This put the country in the 64th spot in the

survey measuring the competitiveness of 141 economies, including all Southeast Asian nations except Myanmar.

In the region, the Philippines

slipped to sixth—from fifth last year—behind Singapore at first, Malaysia at 27th, Thailand at 40th, Indonesia at 50th and Brunei Darussalam at 56th, and just ahead

6th

The Philippines’s new rank in the region under the WEF Global Competitiveness Report 2019, down from fifth last year. It is behind Singapore at first, Malaysia at 27th, Thailand at 40th, Indonesia at 50th and Brunei Darussalam at 56th, and just ahead of Vietnam at 67th, Cambodia at 106th and Lao PDR at 113th. of Vietnam at 67th, Cambodia at 106th and Lao PDR at 113th.

The Philippines saw the biggest drop in both its score and rank in

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DOLLAR RESERVES SEEN HITTING FRESH RECORD HIGHS ON REMITTANCES

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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EMITTANCES from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will help beef up the country’s record dollar reserves until the end of the year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Tuesday.

BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno made this pronouncement after the latest data from the Central Bank revealed that the gross international reserves (GIR) hit a record high in September.

Preliminary data from the BSP showed that the GIR level rose to $86.16 billion in September, $130 million higher than the $86.03 billion recorded in end-August.

“We haven’t even reached December [and the GIR has already hit record high]. The GIR usually picks

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PESO EXCHANGE RATES n

right? So [the choice is a] no-brainer,” Diokno said. “[Easing import restrictions] still makes a lot of sense because of the law of comparative advantage.”

The BSP chief also said Republic Act (RA) 11203, or the rice trade liberalization law, needed to be passed since it has been “languishing in Congress for 50 years.”

He said a policy that removed the import restrictions on rice will serve the “greater good.”

When it comes to giving farmers cash or rice subsidy, Diokno said the choice was another “no-brainer” as farmers would rather receive cash.

Cash, he said, is a better transfer because it will allow households to adjust their spending according to their needs.

“Cash is better than in kind. If See “Rice law,” A2

See “Dollar reserves,” A2

See “Competitiveness,” A2

PHL better off with rice law in place–Diokno MID the continous decline in the price of unhusked rice produced by local farmers, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) maintained that the government did the right thing in easing the restrictions on imports via the rice trade liberalization law.

BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno told reporters on the sidelines of The Asset Forum in Bonifacio Global City on Tuesday that the Philippines is not competitive in rice production.

Diokno said rice is two to three times more expensive to produce in the Philippines and this places the farmers and consumers at a disadvantage.

“So choose [between] 105 million Filipinos versus 1.25 million farmers. Who will benefit? In fact some of the farmers are consumers,

up in December because OFWs usually send money,” Diokno told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of The Asset Forum held in Bonifacio Global City.

The BSP chief also said the slowdown in foreign direct investments (FDI), which could boost the country’s dollar reserves, is only temporary. He attributed this to the uncertainties caused by the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act bill which will rationalize fiscal perks.

Diokno said he remains confident that the FDI target of $9 billion for the year remains attainable.

“I think the Philippines is one of the best-performing countries in the world. So where will investors park their money? In the Philippines, right?” he said.

Shorter time frame for Citira to hike deficit–DOF

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HIGHER RATES A Meralco lineman fixes electric lines on a busy street in Baclaran, Parañaque City, in this October 2019 photo. Electricity rates in October increased to P9.0862 per kWh from last month’s P9.0414 per kWh, on higher generation charge recorded for the supply month of September. Meralco said Tuesday the upward adjustment means an increase of around P9 in the typical household’s total bill. Story in “Companies,” page B2. ROY DOMINGO

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Tuesday warned that a shorter time frame for the proposed reduction in corporate income tax may widen the country’s budget deficit.

In an ambush interview on the sidelines of a business forum, Dominguez said that a faster drop in rates would also mean a credit downgrade. “If we drop the corporate tax too quickly, we are going to balloon our deficit; ballooning our deficit is going to mean a credit downgrade; if a credit downgrade happens, everybody’s interest rate goes up, so what’s the use of it?”

Dominguez explained.

See “Citira,” A2

US 51.8620 n JAPAN 0.4834 n UK 63.7591 n HK 6.6131 n CHINA 7.2554 n SINGAPORE 37.5594 n AUSTRALIA 34.9083 n EU 56.9030 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.8273 Source: BSP (8 October 2019 )

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Wednesday, October 9, 2019

‘No crisis’ as 3 railway lines see disruptions; options cited

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By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

HE partial closure of the east-west train line in Metro Manila has caused what government officials, commuter groups and militant alliances called an “immeasurable inconvenience” to commuters, an unfortunate situation that has to be quickly addressed, but not with band-aid solutions.

The convenor of the commuter network The Passenger Forum (TPF), Primo Morillo, said the government should form a special task force to cushion the effects of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2’s provisional operations, which are currently cut to the Cubao to Recto route.

“It is important that a specific group of government officials is mandated not only to ensure that mobility issues are addressed but also, and more importantly, to hasten the process of repairing the LRT 2,” he said on Tuesday.

According to LRT Authority (LRTA) Spokesman Hernando B. Cabrera, the Santolan, Katipunan and Anonas stations will be closed for at least nine months to make way for the replacement and restoration of the train line’s equipment

razed by fire on Thursday.

He noted in a BusinessMirror interview, however, that this could be shortened should the government find alternative means to the P430-million acquisition of new parts, including a rectifier transformer. Other possibilities, he said, will include the procurement of parts from existing train operators and manufacturers in neighboring countries or the use of a newly acquired equipment for the train line’s extension.

“We should take note that the LRT 2 is the only rail system that transports passengers from East to West. Add to this the fact that even before the fire that damaged the system near Anonas Station, Cubao— a busy district as it is—is already congested with passengers.

This will force commuters to use road-based alternatives that will worsen the traffic situation from Cubao to Santa Mesa to Recto,” Morillo lamented.

He added that the local governments of Pasig, Marikina, and Quezon City, as well as commuter groups, should be included in the special task force, should the national government decide to make one.

“It is well within their interest to make sure that this will be solved the soonest possible time,” Morillo said.

However, for Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran, what is more important than the quick reopening of the train system is to ensure that the railway line is safe for passengers.

Tuesday saw the LRT 2 opening provisionally with only stations from Cubao to Recto opened for commercial operations. It also had seven trains working, or just less than two trains versus normal days.

Its closure prompted militant alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) to claim that Metro Manila is in a state of mass transport crisis, given the recent incidents in all three overhead railway lines to collectively serve around 1 million passengers per day.

“While we want to do this as fast

as possible, we don’t want to do it hurriedly. Safety is the main concern for us, and we need to identify the root cause to understand how to fix this properly. It will take time, and we will yield to the experts for this,” Libiran said.

She added that the incident does not merit the “crisis” branding, given the recent improvements in all three train lines.

“What happened in LRT 2 is an operational risk, it’s an isolated case. If there are risks, of course, there should also be an operational response. We have alternative modes of transport, which for now, are quite in disarray. But in the next few days, it will be better,” Libiran added.

Alternative modes of transportation for affected passengers were deployed on Tuesday. Pointto-point buses, 40 modern publicutility vehicles, and a bus service loop were deployed in various points from Masinag to Legarda.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also continued their free bus rides between Santolan and Cubao.

Motorcycle taxi app Angkas also provided commuters with free rides. “Those are the things that we do to lessen the inconvenience,” Libiran said. “We are happy that there is a huge support for this.”

Makati government closes hotel used in sex trafficking by Chinese workers M AKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay ordered the closure of a hotel in the city reportedly being used as a prostitution den, and rescued 35 alleged sex workers, mostly Chinese women, while arresting 21 Chinese men on Monday night.

On orders of Binay, inspectors from the city’s Business Permits

and Licensing Office (BPLO) on Tuesday served a closure order on Maxx Hotel in Barangay Poblacion for violating Republic Act 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

On Monday night, the Makati Police Department conducted an entrapment operation after

receiving a report that the hotel was being used as a prostitution den.

Since January this year, the BPLO has closed down 127 errant establishments for violations that include operating without a valid business permit and noncompliance with the National Building Code, Sanitation Code,

House panel calls for transport ‘crisis’ meet Continued from A8

Invited to attend the hearing are officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Light Railway Transit Authority (LRTA), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of the Interior and Local Government(DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), PNP-Highway Patrol Group(PNPHPG), Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), Slex management and city bus operators.

According to Sarmiento, the suspension of the LRT 2 operations, which could last up to nine months for its Santolan-Anonas segment, could affect the mobility of at least 200,000 passengers daily.

“We are talking about hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who would lose their means of mobility because of this suspension. We are now in the middle of a transportation crisis and we should really move quickly to solve this,” Sarmiento said.

Meanwhile, he said, the “carmageddon” on Slex must also be addressed as the ongoing Skyway construction that led to the closure of some portions of the highway could last until the later part of 2020.

“The transportation committee doesn’t want to be stuck in the endless blame game that led to this traffic mess. Rather we want to get the solutions right away so that we can quickly make our recommendations on how we can ease the burden of our people,” Sarmiento said.

He said the government needs to quickly provide doable solutions to address the situation, as the traffic problem will worsen with the onset of the holiday season.

Emergency power?

BAYAN Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, for his part, said the Palace should not use the current mass transport problem to force the public to accept its proposed emergency powers supposedly to solve the traffic crisis.

“The proposed emergency powers to resolve the traffic problem could just be a ploy of some unscrupulous individuals to make profit,” he said.

“Some individuals, including administration officials, have been pushing for it since 2016. Is there an ulterior motive behind this push other than to supposedly solve the worsening traffic and public transport problem in the Metro?” asked the Davaobased solon.

Faster solutions

EARLIER, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade urged Congress to approve pending measures granting President Duterte emergency powers to address the country’s traffic problem.

Tugade told lawmakers Duterte needs emergency powers so that the government can implement faster solutions to the worsening traffic.

Tugade also allayed fears of lawmakers on granting the emergency power, saying the emergency powers that will be given to the President would not be permanent as it will only be granted for two to three years.

The secretary, likewise, assured that the emergency powers will also not remove the oversight powers of Congress.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

and other relevant laws and ordinances.

“The continuing crackdown has been ordered by the mayor to restore order and discipline in Makati and protect the interest of legitimate businesses—Makatizens and the general public,” Binay said in a statement.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Rice law. . .

Continued from A1

you want to help somebody, it’s better to give them cash,” Diokno said.

Last week, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) disclosed that the average farm-gate price of dry unhusked rice sank to a new seven-year low in the second week of September.

Preliminary figures released by the PSA showed that average palay prices plunged 30.08 percent to P16.18 per kilogram, from the P23.14 per kg recorded in the same period of last year.

The latest average dry palay quotation is the lowest since the fifth week of March 2013, when dry palay farm-gate price averaged P16.15 per kg.

Farm-gate prices fell after RA 11203 took effect on March 5. Experts, such as University of Asia and the Pacific Center for Food and Agribusiness Executive Director Rolando T. Dy, said the influx of imports caused the rice glut and resulted in lower quotations from traders. Cai U. Ordinario

Citira. . .

Continued from A1

“I agree that it is a long period, but we actually have a choice here. I believe that governance and management is always about making choices,” he added.

Dominguez assured that the Philippines would not lose out to investments and supply chains moving from China to other Asean countries. “I believe that when foreigners make investments in the country, they look at a number of things. First, they want to see stability in policy, second they want to see fairness of the legal system and the safety of their personnel,” the secretary said.

The House Bill 4157 or the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (Citira) seeks to lessen the current 30-percent corporate income tax rate by two percentage every other year until 2029 to bring it to 20 percent. The Philippines has one of the highest CIT rates in Asia as of 2019. Jove Moya

www.businessmirror.com.ph

P2-B jet will be handy in crisis, says Palace

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

Bayan Muna Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr. took a swipe at the administration when he tweeted: “When you spend millions of dollars for the comfort of officials, while ordinary folks carry the daily burden of #TransportCrisis.”

Reacting to Reyes’s statement, Panelo quickly dismissed the criticism: “Di naman comfort yun. Kumportable ba yon?” [That is not comfort.

Is that comfortable]?.”

“E kung in times of crisis, kailangan mo yun. Kaya nga crisis e. When there is necessity. [In times of crisis, you need it.

That’s crisis. When there is necessity],” he said.

Asked if he thinks the purchase of the jet was justified, Panelo said: “Of course. E, si Presidente pa, napakafrugal. [The President is so frugal]. He doesn’t spend unless necessary.”

The C295 is set to be delivered within the year, while the G280 will be delivered sometime next year, around August.

While the C295, Andolong said, has a longer range and is suitable for marine patrol missions and transporting supplies and troops, the G280 is a smaller aircraft that flies faster but does not carry as many personnel.

Andolong also said the C295 underwent public bidding, while the G280 falls under the Foreign Military Sales.

The P2-billion contract for the G280 was signed in November 2018

by Lorenzana.

Earlier this year, Duterte vowed to never buy arms and military equipment from the United States.

This, after Washington threatened to impose sanctions on countries engaging trade with Russia.

In June, the President said he would reconsider purchasing arms as he said he likes US President Donald Trump.

@BNicolasBM

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ALACAÑANG on Tuesday justified the Philippine government’s purchase of a highend, brand-new P2-billion jet from the United States, saying it would be helpful in times of crisis and that the President would not spend on anything unless it is needed.

At the same time, Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo clarified that it was not the President who requested for the jet but Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana.

“The secretary of the National Defense explains [that] the plane will serve as a platform to carry senior leaders and commanders, in the event of, for example, a crisis situation. That was his explanation. So it is similar to an airborne command post. It has a capability better than the ordinary, like it requires a short runway,” Panelo told reporters in a Palace briefing.

Department of National Defense (DND) Spokesman Arsenio Andolong confirmed on Monday that the Philippine Air Force has bought two aircraft —a C295 and a Gulfstream G280—to be configured for command and control missions.

Andolong said the President, as well as the chief of staff, the defense secretary and major service commanders can use the G280, which he described as a “little more appointed” than the average aircraft.

Since this will carry senior leaders, he said, this was designed to be a “little more comfortable.”

However, the PAF’s move did not sit well with some groups.

Dollar reserves. . .

Diokno said the country has “excess” dollar reserves. The September GIR level can cover 7.5 months of imports, but he said the “cardinal rule” when it comes to the GIR is that it should be able to cover three months of imports.

He said this is the reason the BSP is currently discussing reserves management with the World Bank. Diokno said the BSP is open to investing the country’s reserves in new financial instruments, such as green bonds.

Diokno said the discussions with the World Bank are centered on “state of the art” ways of managing reserves, as well as the best practices of other countries with regard to this.

“That’s what we’re discussing. What the optimal way [is]. Where are we going to put the money, such as considering putting it in green bonds [and similar instruments], new instruments,” he said.

The BSP said the increase in the September GIR level month-on-month reflects the national government’s for-

Competitivess. . .

the pillar of information and communications technology adoption.

Its rating in this pillar declined to 49.7, from 54.8, and its rank to 88th, from 67th, on below average scores in fixed broadband Internet subscriptions and mobile cellular telephone subscriptions.

The country’s rank in the pillar of macroeconomic stability slumped to 55th, from 43rd, on the inflation rate that surged last year and is just easing this year.

The Philippines suffered its lowest rank in the pillar of health at 102nd. The report attributed this to the decrease in the country’s life expectancy to 65.6 years, from 67.6 years.

On the upside, Manila got its highest rankings in the pillars of market size at 31st, labor market at 39th, financial system at 43rd, business dynamism at 44th and product market at 52nd.

The Philippines also improved

Continued from A1

eign-currency deposits and the Central Bank’s income from its investments abroad.

“However, the increase in reserves was partially tempered by payments made by the NG for servicing its foreignexchange obligations,” said the BSP. The country’s GIR has been on an upward trend since November 2018, according to BSP data. The Philippines also started 2019 with a GIR level of $82.48 billion.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. economist Michael Ricafort said in July that he expects the country’s dollar reserves to increase further toward the end of the year and even post new record highs due to the following factors: the Philippines’s S&P upgrade to “BBB+,” possible continuation of net foreign portfolio investment inflows amid easing in inflation and local interest rates, continued growth in the country’s structural US dollar/foreign-currency inflows and proceeds from the government’s foreign bond issuances.

Continued from A1

its score by 0.4 to 64.9 in the pillar of labor market, but its global rank declined to 39th, from 36th; and in the region, to fourth, from third, as the country was overtaken by Brunei Darussalam. The country’s labor market maintained high ratings in internal labor mobility and cooperation between labor and management, but got flagged for redundancy costs.

Globally, Singapore topped all 141 economies included in the annual competitiveness report to lead the United States, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Denmark, in that order.

The WEF survey makes use of the global competitiveness index, which assesses the drivers of productivity among economies. The Makati Business Club is the WEF’s partner institute in the Philippines administering the executive opinion survey that is used in the report.

News BusinessMirror

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PHL population expected to grow to over 115M by 2025

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HILE the Philippine population is on track to reaching the so-called replacement rate in five years, the Commission on Population (Popcom) said such is only one of the conditions that will allow the country to reap the demographic dividend.

The latest population estimates, based on the 2015 Population Census, from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), showed that the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman is attainable by 2025.

By 2025, the PSA estimates there would be 115.378 million Filipinos.

Around 58.19 million are males and 57.186 million are females.

“This new projection indicates that the second necessary element [of three] is attainable before 2025,” Popcom Undersecretary Juan Antonio A. Perez III told the BusinessMirror.

Perez explained that the three conditions in reaping the demographic dividend includes the reduction of the total fertility rate (TFR) of 2 based on PSA estimates is already attainable by 2025.

However, when it comes to the two other conditions, Perez said, much work still needs to be done. The two conditions are that majority working age population, while the third is having a dependency ratio of 50 percent.

“The third item is very much a work in progress but should go hand in hand with reduction of TFR. Demographic dividend is not automatic if unemployment remains high among young people and women,” Perez said. It can be noted that based on the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) data, youth unemployment increased to 14.4 percent, while unemployment rate among women increased to 39.4 percent in July.

Apart from this, a study commissioned by the National Economic and Development Authority showed the gender gap in the Labor Force Participation Rate remains at 30 percent, the widest in the region.

Data showed that currently, married men are more likely to participate in the labor force by 11 percentage points more compared to never married men and 5 percentage points more compared to men who are separated, annulled or widowed.

By comparison, currently married women have a lower likelihood to participate in the labor force by 12 percentage points relative to never married women and by 10 percentage points relative to women who are separated or widowed.

The presence of young children aged three years and below is also associated negatively with labor force participation for women and is not significantly related with men’s labor force participation.

Neda said there is a positive marginal effect of children in the school ages which may indicate the need for women to augment family income to defray for educational expenditures.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, October 9, 2019 A3

Amid worsening traffic, telecommute pushed as ‘viable option’ for workers

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By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

ELECOMMUTING was endorsed at the Senate on Tuesday as a “viable option” seen to retain workers’ productivity level, amid Metro Manila’s crippling transportation crisis.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment, cited the worsening transportation problem that, he noted, should “prompt labor regulators and employers to utilize alternative solutions,” suggesting they could adopt telecommuting as a viable alternative.

In a news statement, the senator projected that the volume of traffic is expected to become heavier as the holiday season draws closer.

“We want to create more options for our employees to fulfill their duties, while minimizing the need to go out of their homes and travel to their places of work,” said Villanueva, who

pushed the passage of the Telecommuting law embodied in Republic Act 11165.

The senator pointed out that given the worsening traffic situation compounded by the partial shut down of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 2, “it’s really high time for employers to consider the benefits of telecommuting.”

The senator added: “Hindi po tama na kalbaryo araw araw ang turing ng mga manggagawang bumabyahe para magtrabaho at buhayin ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Ipinapatupad na po ang Telecommuting law at kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng pag-aaral ang DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment] sa mga trabahong maaaring ilagay sa isang telecommuting arrangement.”

“Para po sa kapakanan ng ating mga mang gagawa, hinihikayat natin ang DOLE na itaas pa ang

kaalaman tungkol sa batas na ito,” Villanueva said.

The senator clarified that the law encourages employers in the private sector to adopt telecommuting, a work arrangement that allows an employee to work from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication and other relevant technology.

Villanueva explained that the law also provides protection for workers who will decide, with an agreement from their employer, to work from home.

“Workers under a telecommuting arrangement will receive the same compensation and social protection benefits as other workers who report or work in offices,” he assured.

At the same time, Villanueva prodded employers w ith current telecommuting policies to “align with existing standards

of the labor department to ensure compliance with the law’s implementing rules and regulations,” which were promulgated in March this year.

The senator made the suggestion after noting system issues in the three main railways of Metro Manila reported to be “worsening the daily commute of workers in the country’s capital.”

For instance, he recalled that operations of the LRT 2 have been suspended since October 3 after a fire broke out on its Katipunan station, damaging equipment and parts of the tracks. Operator Light Rail Transit Authority resumed partial commercial operations on Tuesday, October 8, with trains running up to Cubao in Quezon City from Recto in Manila. The line ferries around 220,000 passengers daily, according to the LRTA, he added.

Filipino, US troops begin 9-day Kamandag military exercise in Subic

By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

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ILIPINO and American troops will begin today (Wednesday) their nine-day Kamandag military exercise as part of the continuing effort of both forces to further develop their joint capability, readiness and interoperability.

Philippine Marines Spokesman Capt. Felix Serapio Jr. said the Kamandag exercises, the third for both forces, will open at Subic Bay before it transfers to designated sites in Luzon and Palawan for the war games.

Serapio said the more than a week exercise will be joined by at least 1,400 American soldiers, 600 Philippines Marines and other forces from the Philippine Navy, the Air Force and Philippine Coast Guard.

It will also be joined by at least 100 Japanese soldiers. A month ago, about 500 Philippine Army and US

THE US Navy’s San Antonio-class amphibious transport USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) is seen docked at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday. The vessel, which can carry two air-cushioned landing craft, as well as land or launch up to four UH-1 helicopters (second photo), is participating in Kamandag 2 (Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat), a military exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States which also features participation from Japan.

Special Forces also conducted jointly the first-ever airborne operations exercise in Pampanga as the Philippine military continuously train with US forces in land, sea and air operations.

An earlier statement from the US Embassy in Manila said that for this year’s Kamandag, American and Filipino forces will conduct jointly for the first time assault

amphibious vehicle exercise, along with the low-altitude air defense and threat reaction trainings.

“These activities represent an increase in military capability and

a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and demonstrate the ability to forward deploy forces in the event of a crisis or natural disaster,” it said.

Mobile app payment may soon be the norm in paying PUV fares

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ILIPINOS may soon be using electronic payments when commuting on tricycles and jeepneys, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Central Bank Governor Benjamin E. Diokno told reporters on the sidelines of The Asset Forum at the Bonifacio Global City on Tuesday that the BSP and Department of Transportation are already discussing the use of quick response (QR) codes for Filipinos transportation needs.

Diokno said he already met with Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade in Singapore to discuss the matter. The attention is more focused on QR use than exploring

briefs

➜ Senate probers zero in on ‘ninja’ cops SENATE probers resume Wednesday their ongoing probe against wayward law enforcers dubbed as “ninja” cops. This as Sen. Richard Gordon, probe chairman, assured that the Senate Blue Ribbon panel inquiry will give beleaguered National Police chief general Oscar Albayalde enough time to clarify questions linking him to the controversy implicating other police officers. Gordon added, however, that other unnamed witnesses are also expected to testify and present evidence affirming existence of the so-called ninja cops linked to illegal activities. The Senate chief prober asserted that “the people have a right to know how these ninja cops, [how] these corrupt cops, operate and they are entitled to justice.” “People want to know that the policeman that they have work for them. That they are still working for their welfare, for their safety. Having these corrupt cops is like being trapped in a hen house with a ravenous python,” Gordon added. Butch Fernandez

➜ BI bars entry of Taiwanese fugitive at Naia 1 A TAIWANESE fugitive wanted in his country for business fraud was barred entry in Manila when airport immigration

electronic currencies, which, Diokno said, are “too risky.”

“Our focus, Secretary Tugade and I, is the use of QR codes when you ride a tricycle, jeepney, bus, train, etc., where you can use your telephone to pay for your commute. This is more convenient and does not even require drivers to provide change,” Diokno said. He said this augurs well for the government’s aim of increasing the use of electronic payments by 50 percent.

He also said that with the introduction and eventual use of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), or the National ID, the use of electronic payments could be more than 50 percent.

agents saw his name blacklisted in their data base. Bureau of Immigration Port Operations Division chief Grifton Medina identified the suspect as 70-year-old Miao Jwu-Yi. He was intercepted on September 30 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 upon his arrival from Hong Kong.

Medina said Miao was apprehended after his name registered a hit in the BI’s database of blacklisted foreigners with derogatory records. He was flown back to Taipei the following day, together with his escorts from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Manila, Medina added. Teco officials said Miao was convicted and sentenced to more than four years in prison in 2017 for violating Taiwan’s Business Entity Accounting Act. Recto Mercene

➜ Comelec: Over 4M turn up for voter registration MORE than 4 million Filipinos have turned up during the two-month long voter registration period conducted nationwide by the Commission on Elections from August 1 to September 30, breaching their projected number of newly registered voters for 2020. Latest data from the Comelec showed that applications for regular registrants, or those aged 18 years and above, reached 3,082,396, while

The Central Bank governor said with the National ID, Filipinos who could not open bank accounts because of the lack of governmentissued IDs, could now access the banking system.

“With that National ID, they can open bank accounts [since] they are already qualified. And given that every Filipino has a phone, this could speed up [the increase in electronic payments]. The estimate of a 50-percent, [growth in electronic payments was still] conservative,” Diokno said.

Last year, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said once the PhilSys is fully implemented with the issuance of the Phil ID, Filipinos can say goodbye to their

other government-issued IDs. Neda Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon said IDs that could be invalidated include the Unified Multi-Purpose ID issued by the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System.

Other IDs that could be invalidated are the Tax Identification ID, Postal ID, and PhilHealth ID, among others. Only the driver’s license, Professional Regulation Commission ID, and passport will not be replaced by the Phil ID. The Phil ID shall streamline and expedite applications for the availment of, among others, social welfare and benefits from the government;

applications from those 15 to 17 years of age who are qualified to vote for Sangguniang Kabataan positions was posted at 1,014,607. “A turnout this high far exceeds the projected number of new registered voters for the year 2020.

This is true for the 16 regions in the country. For the regular applicants, the nationwide average is 152 percent more than what was statistically expected,” Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said in a news statement issued on Tuesday. Citing statistics provided by the Election Records and Statistics Department, the projected total number of new registered voters who are 18 years old and above is just 2,030,630. Comparing the actual number to the estimated number of the registrants aged 18 and up, the projection is even 1 million lower. However, the total number of applications processed for those aged 15 to 17 was only recorded at 1,014,607, lower than its estimate of 1,229,859. Based on gender, the data also showed that there were also more female than male registrants at 2,150,259, and 1,946,744, respectively. Bernadette D. Nicolas

➜ DFO House okay expected before year-end THE House of Representatives is expected to approve a

tax-related transactions; opening of bank accounts; and transactions for employment purposes.

Under the law, the Phil ID will contain the registrant’s biometric information, along with seven demographic data, such as full name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address, nationality and three optional information, specifically, marital status, mobile number and e-mail address.

The PhilSys Act requires that said personal information be kept in a resilient data system to ensure that the people’s right to privacy, confidentiality and other basic rights, such as those guaranteed by the Data Privacy Act of 2012, are upheld. Cai U. Ordinario

measure creating the Department of Filipino Overseas before the year ends, a lawmaker said on Tuesday. In an interview following a technical working group meeting on the proposals creating a single agency for overseas Filipino workers, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the measure creating DFO is one of the top priorities of the Duterte administration and the 18th Congress. Salceda, head of the TWG, said the proposed DFO would absorb the functions of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration with the POEA as the lead agency. “We [the TWG] will finish the draft bill this week as this was identified as top priority of the small group Ledac [Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council] and [it will be submitted to the plenary for approval when session resumes in November],” he said. “We are recognizing the contribution [of Filipino workers abroad] as the most stable source of money for the economy. [Therefore], we must be able to provide their needs by having a single department that will protect them and their families,” Salceda said. In 2018, OFWs personal remittances accounted for 9.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product while their cash remittances amounted to $28.94 billion. Jovee Marie Dela Cruz

A4 Wednesday, October 9, 2019

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019 A5

A6 Wednesday, October 9, 2019 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

Banana sector’s greatest threat

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MONG all tropical fruits grown in the Philippines, the banana is widely available due to the relative ease with which it can be cultivated.

The banana is almost as ubiquitous as the mango, which is widely grown in Luzon. In contrast, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicated that more plantations in Mindanao are devoted to bananas.

The PSA said the top 3 producers of bananas in the second quarter are all in southern Philippines—Davao region, Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen.

Of the varieties grown in the Philippines, the Cavendish is the most popular as it is a source of export dollars. The quality of Philippine bananas, coupled with the increase in supply, allowed the country to regain its stature as the second-largest exporter of the tropical fruit last year (See, “PHL reclaims rank as 2nd top banana exporter; growers seek govt aid,” in the BusinessMirror, February 4, 2019). In its preliminary market review report, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimated that the country’s banana shipments went up 77.34 percent to an all-time high of 2.95 million metric tons in 2018, from a recorded volume of 1.663 MMT in 2017.

The popularity of the tropical fruit in rich Asian countries, such as South Korea and Japan, had encouraged growers to expand their plantations. Producers also invested in new technologies to protect their crops from diseases, such as Fusarium wilt. The last time the industry had to deal with the infestation of the dreaded banana disease was in 2016, when 15,000 hectares of plantations in Mindanao was struck by Fusarium wilt.

While the disease has been relatively dormant in recent years, the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association Inc. said plantations have experienced sporadic outbreaks of Fusarium wilt. This is because there is no effective treatment of soil or plants to control or cure the disease, according to the FAO. It also said fungal spores are able to lie dormant in soil for more than 30 years, and have proved resistant to fungicides.

The dreaded banana disease was first reported in 1876 in Queensland, according to the FAO. It wasn’t until the mid-1900s when Fusarium wilt had made a significant economic impact on Central America, where more than 100,000 hectares of banana plantations were destroyed. The outbreaks of the banana disease forced companies to switch from Gros Michel banana, a variety known to be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, to Cavendish, which is now widely grown in Mindanao.

More than 100 years after it was first detected, Fusarium wilt or Panama disease continues to threaten banana plantations. The FAO reported that the TR4 (Tropical Race 4) strain of Fusarium wilt was detected in Colombo in July—the same strain that currently affects local banana plantations. TR4 pathogens deplete plants by attacking the roots and stems, including those of the Cavendish banana variety, one of the most popular varieties globally. Though harmless to humans, the fungus can easily spread through planting materials and movement of soil particles on shoes, vehicles and in water.

What countries can do, the FAO said, is to fortify soil health and strengthen genetic resources in banana-producing areas to build resilience to the disease in the future. The FAO said only strict observation, along with scientific support, early detection and international collaboration can prevent its spread. Biosecurity measures, such as those currently being implemented in Mindanao plantations, will also help the cause of growers to protect the sector and retain the country’s share in the global banana market.

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OOKING after the elderly is a responsibility of every society.

The most significant part of caring for our senior citizens is showing how much we love and care for them.

In the Philippines, the first week of October marks the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week. The celebration highlights the important contributions of the elderly to the nation, while raising awareness on issues that affect the sector. Health is a primary concern of senior citizens, so it is important to look after their well-being.

Respect and care for our lolos and lolas is ingrained in the Filipino culture. Many of us grew with our grandparents either living with us, or near our house. We have been accustomed to Sunday get-togethers with our grandparents as the tie that binds families.

The same tie binds SSS to our elderly. Pensioners are one of its key stakeholders. It recognizes the fact that during their productive years, they remitted contributions to Social Security Services (SSS), which sustained the fund.

Monthly pension is the primary benefit of retirees who contributed to SSS for a minimum of 120 months. While many would say that the amount of pension is low, it is good to note that the return of premiums to SSS in the form of pension is high.

To cite an example, a self-employed member receiving monthly pension now paid the minimum contribution of P110 under the SS law of 1997. His total contributions amounted to P13,200. Minimum pension now is P2,200. In effect, he would have recovered all his contributions to SSS in just six months of receiving pension. With this illustration, one can see that the return of contributions to SSS is high.

Monthly pension is transferred 100 percent to the surviving legal, dependent spouse. Dependents or children below 21 years of age regardless of legitimacy, including those

with congenital illnesses and are not capable of working, also have a share in the monthly pension of the deceased retiree.

However, we admit that the current minimum pension at SSS is low.

It stems from the low amount of contributions to the pension fund. In any financial endeavor, the higher the savings, the higher the returns. This also holds true with SSS membership.

As of June 2019, SSS has disbursed retirement benefits worth P55.70 billion to about 1.7 million pensioners, old and new. The amount is 8.6 percent higher than the P51.28 billion released in the same period last year.

SSS is always looking for ways to help its pensioners. There were countless stories by pensioners who were abused by private lenders with usurious interest rates. Some surrendered their ATM cards as collateral such that their daily needs for basic necessities, such as food and medicines were badly affected.

When retirees requested the SSS to offer a loan program, management conducted a feasibility study.

Hence, in September 2018, the SSS Pension Loan Program was launched.

From September 3, 2018, to October 1, 2019, SSS has approved a total of 59,468 PLP applications and released more than P1.4 billion in pension loan proceeds.

Recently, the PLP guidelines were enhanced. The minimum loanable

amount now is six times their basic monthly pension plus the additional P1,000 benefit, while the maximum is up to 12 times their monthly pension. A qualified retiree pensioner can now loan up to P200,000, and repay his loan on installment basis within a period of six, 12 or 24 months.

Proceeds of the pension loan are remitted to a separate cash card since a good number of retirees who talked to SSS admitted that they surrendered their ATM cards with lending firms. SSS ensures that a pensioner still receives a portion of his monthly pension outside of loan deductions to make sure he still has money for his daily sustenance.

The enhanced PLP was launched during the SSS Pensioners’ Day on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Held at the main office in Quezon City, about 300 pensioners accompanied by members attended the event, which also provided free medical consultation and assistance regarding SSS concerns.

When was the last time you said “I love you lolo and lola?” There is no better time to say it but now, and everyday, thereafter. Each of us has a responsibility to take care of our elderly.

Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer.

We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss. gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.

Trump isn’t immune from demand for tax records, judge rules

By Bob Van Voris & Christian Berthelsen

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror

MEMBER OF

Making our elderly happy at all times

Bloomberg Opinion

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RESIDENT Donald J. Trump’s accounting firm was ordered by a federal court to turn over his tax filings and other financial records to New York state prosecutors, though the president won a last-minute delay pending an emergency appeal.

A federal judge in New York ruled early Monday that Trump can’t stop his accountants, Mazars USA Llp, from turning over eight years of taxes and other financial documents to Manhattan District Atty.

Cyrus Vance Jr., whose office is investigating whether the Trump organization falsified business records related to hush payments. The judge called Trump’s claims of immunity “repugnant” to the US Constitution.

Trump immediately appealed and in less than two hours won a delay to give the federal appeals court in Manhattan time for expedited review. The delay postponed what would have been a Monday afternoon deadline for Mazars to begin turning over the records to prosecutors.

The ruling means that Trump is closer to losing control of his tax filings and other financial records after years of defying a modern presidential norm of disclosing

them to the public.

US District Judge Victor Marrero rejected Trump’s request for an injunction to block a grand jury subpoena for Trump’s personal and business records, ruling that the case should have been filed in state court rather than federal court. But he also ruled against the president’s constitutional claims, calling his argument for immunity from investigation “virtually limitless.”

Trump asserted broad claims of presidential immunity from criminal investigation, extending to his company and business associates, as well. But the judge found the assertion overly broad and dismissed Trump’s argument, saying it “would constitute an overreach of executive power.”

Marrero’s ruling marked another crack in the legal wall Trump has constructed around his personal financial records. Two judges have

already ruled against Trump in other federal cases involving his financial records, and the president is appealing those decisions. The stakes of the legal fight have only increased with the Democrats starting a formal impeachment inquiry.

Trump assailed the ruling in a tweet shortly before the appeals court issued its temporary order.

Even if New York prosecutors obtain the financial records, the public won’t see them. Lawyers from Vance’s office told Marrero that New York law and legal ethics rules required them to keep the material secret.

But information from the returns, or the documents themselves, could be used to develop cases or presented as evidence in a trial.

“This court cannot endorse such a categorical and limitless assertion of presidential immunity,” Marrero wrote in his ruling. “The expansive notion of constitutional immunity invoked here to shield the president from judicial process would constitute an overreach of executive power.”

Harry Sandick, a former federal prosecutor and partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler in New York, said the ruling was clear.

“The court was unwilling to accord the type of absolute immunity

Trump’s lawyers asked for,” Sandick said. “The founders meant to give us a president, not a king.”

If Trump loses in the federal court system, he could still try to block the subpoena by suing in state court, potentially drawing out the process.

Mazars took no position in the case.

Vance is seeking evidence about hush payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who say Trump had extramarital trysts with them. Federal prosecutors last year charged Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, with coordinating payments to Daniels and McDougal at the direction of Trump, whom federal prosecutors famously referred to as “Individual 1” in court papers.

Cohen pleaded guilty last year to campaign-finance violations, tax evasion, bank fraud and lying to Congress and is serving a threeyear prison term. In a remarkable turnabout, the same Justice Department that prosecuted Cohen and labeled Trump as Individual 1 took preliminary steps this month to back Trump’s argument that the president can’t be investigated by state authorities.

See “Trump,” A7

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Opinion

In or out?

Senator Cynthia Villar: OFW champ

BusinessMirror

Susan V. Ople

Atty. Macario R. de Claro Jr.

Competition Matters

SCRIBBLES

OU may have heard in the news that the Philippine Competition Commission is looking into big mergers and the behavior of dominant market players. The PCC investigates alleged abuses of dominant position and reviews proposed mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures that exceed set thresholds to determine their effects on competition in the relevant markets.

What, then, is a relevant market?

HAVE kept close ties with the Villar family ever since the 2010 presidential elections when former Senate President Manny Villar ran as a presidential candidate. I could never forget his kindness and generosity to the people who supported his bid, including the senatorial candidates of the Nacionalista Party. My father was a party stalwart during the Marcos days and so it was but natural that my first foray into national politics was under that same illustrious party.

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Based upon the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) under Rule 2 (l), relevant market refers to the market in which a particular good or service is sold and which is a combination of the relevant product market and the relevant geographic market, defined, as follows: (a) a relevant product market comprises all those goods and/or services which are regarded as interchangeable or substitutable by the consumer or the customer, by reason of the goods and/or services’ characteristics, their prices, and their intended use; and (b) the relevant geographic market comprises the areas in which the entity concerned is involved in the supply and demand of goods and services, in which conditions of competition are sufficiently homogenous and which can be distinguished from neighboring areas because the conditions of competition are different in those areas.

Market definition is often the starting point of competition assessment. It primarily depends on consumer response to the exercise of market power by firms. Imagine there is a monopolist in the market for a certain product—say soda. If this monopolist will increase prices (by just 5 percent to 10 percent but permanently), decrease quality, or limit product availability, do customers have alternative products to which they can and are willing to switch? Are there suppliers in other places from whom they can buy?

Consumer insight on purchase and usage patterns is crucial for market definition. What usually determines the relevant product market is demand-side substitution as a response to price or nonprice changes. But sometimes, supply-side substitution also factors into market definition when competing suppliers can switch production to the relevant product without incurring significant additional costs or risks. This can happen when the companies segment their product line into several grades or variants, like in the case of baby formula, cement or paper.

In these markets, customers with different needs may be unwilling

Trump. . .

continued from A6

The appeals court set October 21 as the soonest date it may hear arguments in the appeal. The court ordered Trump’s legal team and lawyers from the Justice Department to file briefs by October 15. Vance has until October 17 to respond.

Justice Department policy, dating back to 1973 and reaffirmed in 2000, holds that a sitting president can’t be charged with a crime. But the policy doesn’t address whether a sitting president can be investigated, or whether that protection extends to investigations by nonfederal lawenforcement agencies. And although that policy remains in effect, it hasn’t been ruled on by a court or enacted into law by Congress. In another case involving Trump’s records, the House Ways and Means Committee is trying to get six years of his tax records from the Internal Revenue Service. Trump also sued separately to block a New York law that would let Congress get his state tax returns.

Trump is also fighting subpoenas from other House committees that

to substitute between variants, but suppliers are usually able to shift supply and offer a competitive constraint on any undue exercise of market power by a firm just as quickly and effectively.

Talking about the relevant geographic market, does this include a barangay, city, province or the whole country? It depends on transportation costs. Other factors may be also considered such as regulations, culture, and other trade barriers that limit the willingness or ability of customers to substitute products or prevent suppliers from serving customers. Seller locations may also shape the geographic market when customers go to these locations to obtain goods and services. Alternatively, if suppliers bring their products to their customers, then the relevant geographic market will be based on the locations of suppliers’ target market.

So, why is market definition important? It is important because it allows competition authorities to limit the scope of products and services, geographic areas, and market participants that are relevant to their assessment or investigation. Sound market definition lends credence to the calculation of market shares and concentration in later stages of the assessment. For example, evidence on the extent of market share and the ability and incentive of a single player to exercise market power within a certain relevant market would allow competition authorities to determine a dominant position of a certain entity and potentially the entity’s abusive conduct.

For more information on market definition and its applications in competition policy enforcement, you may check the PCC’s web site https://phcc.gov.ph.

Commissioner de Claro Jr. is a CPA lawyer who has worked in companies in the fields of manufacturing, mining, telecommunications, real estate and banking and finance prior to his appointment to the Philippine Competition Commission. A litigation and corporate lawyer, he once served as legal consultant to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He graduated from the De La Salle College with a BS in Commerce, Major in Accounting and earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Davao Law School.

are trying to get financial information from Mazars, the president’s accounting firm, and from his bankers at Deutsche Bank AG and Capital One Financial Corp. Federal judges in New York and Washington have ruled against Trump in those two cases, and he’s appealing.

Congressional Democrats want to get hold of the records to investigate matters including Trump’s possible business ties to Russia and potential violations of the Constitution’s emoluments clauses, which curbs a president’s ability to take payments from foreign and domestic governments or officials.

Vance’s investigation is focused on determining whether business records were falsified to hide the nature of the payments to Daniels and McDougal, which were made before the 2016 presidential election. The Justice Department has for decades taken the position that the Constitution protects presidents from being charged criminally while in office.

But the question of whether he can be probed by state authorities has never been tested in court.

A spokesman for Vance declined to comment.

I

Nine years hence, I have seen and felt the sincerity of the Villar family in looking after the welfare of our overseas Filipino workers. What some described as a campaign gimmick now remains unsurpassed in terms of actual accomplishments.

For one, the family’s private foundation known as the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG) has helped numerous distressed OFWs through its livelihood and repatriation programs.

Sen. Cynthia Villar has taken on the role of OFW champ in the Senate, just as her husband did during his own incumbency. She was among the first to question the imposition of airport terminal fees on departing OFWs, contrary to an existing law that exempts them. She also filed a bill, now enacted into law, which extended the validity of Philippine passports from five to the current 10 years. In budget hearings at the Senate, she would always ask the

Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment to submit budget proposals aimed at improving repatriation and on-site services for our OFWs. Listening intently to the wish list of our overseas workers, the senator filed a bill creating the Department of Migration and Development, which quite a few labor migration experts have expressed preference for, over other similar bills. What made her proposal stand out was its emphasis on the development aspect of migration: that all Filipinos overseas have something to contribute to national progress. It seeks to create the InterAgency Council on Migration and Development that would mainstream the overseas employment sector in the Philippine Development Plan.

Villar’s bill seeks to preserve the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration as an attached agency, while also strengthening OFW reintegration programs.

Together with other OFW groups,

Solving the traffic mess

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By Jose Antonio Cangco

IG cities have big problems. These include pollution, overcrowding, crime, high risks of contaminating diseases, a strained delivery of public services that include health care, water, electricity and, last but not least, a tremendous traffic mess.

Compared to other news publications, I think BusinessMirror has given the most space for this, having featured many distinguished persons to write about the traffic gridlock. There’s the cultural and social aspect of the issue where we don’t want to leave our cars at home and mix with commuters on crowded, hot and smelly public transport.

Also featured is the lack of good and modern infrastructures to carry the rising volume of vehicles being sold everyday. Add to that the fact that even moderate rains result in flooding, where in the past, such areas were flood-free or at least passable to light vehicles.

Building more roads, tunnels and elevated roadways for cars is not the only answer to the increasing volume of vehicle ownership in the country. Build and they will come… and come…and come to cause heavier traffic. Major road infrastructures, as long-term investments, should be built with this major purpose in mind: to move people in an efficient public commuter system, not to move just another thousand of vehicles.

From an intermediate point of view, there should be a toll fee for private vehicles using Edsa. Ambulances, fire trucks, government cars, buses, and high occupancy transport network vehicle service (TNVS), public-utility vehicle (PUV), taxis, and private vehicles will be exempted from payment of the toll fee. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority can study which among the major thoroughfares can benefit from this scheme. The toll fee can be adjusted (like the BSP interest rate) to accommodate more or less vehicles on major roads in the metropolis. A P1,000 fee from Balintawak to MOA in Pasay City ought to discourage single occupancy private vehicles from driving on Edsa during rush hours.

If this is to be implemented, there should be additional P2P buses, first class Metro Rail Transit coaches for executives and others who are willing to forego the use of their cars. Imagine a polo barong-wearing executive riding a taxi from his house to the P2P terminal that will bring him to the Makati or Bonifacio Commercial District. Upon alighting from the

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 A7

the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, which I head, recently attended the Villar SIPAG Foundation’s Values Enrichment and Financial Literacy Seminar for OFWs. In her speech, Villar said: “My personal dream is for our overseas workers to start their own businesses and become eventual employers. Their exposure to other cultures have expanded their horizons, and we should give them the wings to soar to greater heights, not just as workers but also as potential and actual employers.”

In one of the OFW forums, the senator shared this advice to former OFWs and OFW spouses: “If you plan to start a business, make sure that it’s something close to your heart. Try to apply as an apprentice or even volunteer to work for free if this would enable you to learn the ropes from the bottom up. Set aside your pride in order to learn from those more knowledgeable than you. For example, if you want to start a carinderia, you can look for a friend who owns one and ask questions or volunteer to help out. This way, you’ll have the chance to find out if that business is really for you before you part with your hard-earned savings.”

The senator also reminded OFW families to maintain a simple lifestyle. “Do not think that an OFW in the family will be there to provide for your needs all the time and every time. There comes a time when your loved one from abroad needs to come home and be cared for by the ones that benefited the most from his or her remittances.

Be prudent with the money sent from abroad. Develop a culture of constant saving, rather than impulsive spending.”

For repatriated domestic workers, the Villar SIPAG Foundation is offering free training on house painting and other less physically draining construction skills, leading to employment in their own realestate company. In our hometown of Hagonoy, Bulacan, graduates of the Foundation’s mobile skills training program are now employed by Vista Land.

I was there when an OFW from the Saudi Arabia who suffered head blows from her employer received enough grocery items and financial assistance to start a mini store.

Through the years, such beneficiaries have grown in numbers. There will always be people who would criticize and find fault with the senator and her family, but perhaps it’s also time that those who have seen and felt their sincerity and generosity speak up.

On November 12, the Villar SIPAG Foundation will hold its ninth OFW and Family Summit at the World Trade Center. This wholeday event will feature lectures on income-generation, micro and small businesses, including agri-businesses, as well as talks on government programs for OFW families. For more details, please visit www.ofwsummit2019.villarsipag.org for more information.

Villar is a certified OFW champ, in my eyes, and in the eyes of so many distressed OFWs who have come to know and love her.

bus, he can take another taxi or an e-jeepney or walk to his place of work as many office buildings are usually concentrated together. If he chose to ride the first-class MRT coach to his point of destination, he can arrive at his office looking smart and ready for work, not disgruntled like an insomniac struggler.

With a subway or an elevated highway devoted to public commuter vehicles, traveling will become convenient, fast, comfortable and practical. Many New Yorkers and Japanese use their public transport system because of these reasons. (With the recent and frequent mechanical and electrical troubles in our Light Rail Transit, it makes me wonder why we didn’t get just one provider for the whole system, instead of different ones for MRT, LRT 1 and LRT 2?

We could create a pool of mechanics to service all of them, using interchangeable parts, and make all three lines compatible with one another.)

Awaiting the potential to contribute something beneficial to the Metro besides their dangerous rising water levels during the rainy season are the Pasig River and the various waterways. As Sen. Sonny Angara wrote, the Pasig River can be used for alternative transport. The river flows from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay, passing through Taguig, Taytay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati and Manila. The Marikina, Pateros-Taguig,

Napindan and San Juan Rivers are four major tributaries. There are 43 minor tributaries, such as Estero de Quiapo, Amorsolo Creek in Makati, and Estero de Sunog Apog, and Estero de Vitas in Tondo. The government can fund studies on how to develop them efficiently for transport. Private companies can be given franchises to operate them.

The tributaries can be dredged and widened to accommodate slim and air-conditioned commuter water crafts. The government will not spend billions of pesos to acquire right-of-way, and if these waterways are cleared of obstruction and dredged, it will help ease flooding, so that moving around becomes safe, fast, and tolerable even during the rainy season.

Who says traffic cannot be solved if there is cooperation, political will (a.k.a. determination) and a longterm strategy? As regards the other problems besetting the Metro, let the lawmakers start the ball rolling.

Susan V. Ople heads the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, a nonprofit organization that deals with labor and migration issues.

She also represents the OFW sector in the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking.

Jose Antonio Cangco has a Business Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and an Accounting degree from PSBA, QC. He contributed articles on ancient eastern knowledge and other subjects to the Philippine Panorama from May 2006 to December 2013, totaling 20 articles. He also worked as an online editor, translator and writer on regulatory compliance at Ebar Abstracting Co. Inc. which supplies Web content to www.thomsonreuters.com. He is now retired.

Iraq may be the next flash point for oil markets

By Ellen R. Wald Bloomberg Opinion

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T’S now been a week since mass protests sprang up in southern Iraq, sparking unrest that has left dozens dead and continues to flare. W hat began as spontaneous expressions of discontent over high unemployment, government corruption and Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs has quickly turned into a movement that could soon have severe consequences for global oil markets. This new danger comes just as supply concerns following last month’s attacks on a key Saudi Arabian facility have begun to die down.

Southern Iraq is home to most of Iraq’s oil industry and the protests have reached the city of Basra, where

thousands of people took to the streets last week. The situation there is particularly volatile because that city is responsible for the majority of Iraq’s oil exports. So far, Iraqi security forces have responded to the disturbances with deadly force. Still, the protests, some of which have turned into violent riots, show no signs of abetting. In fact, given the anti-Iranian tenor the protests have taken on, the situation could get worse before it gets better as millions of Iranians prepare for an annual religious pilgrimage to Karbala, a city in southern Iraq.

Iraq’s oil industry is the lifeblood of the government and an important input in the global supply chain, so any disruptions caused by the unrest would send ripples through the broader market. The

port at Basra exported 3.5 million barrels of oil per day in September, according to calculations from TankerTrackers.com, representing 90 percent of all of Iraq’s oil exports. (Iraq is the second-largest oil producer within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, known as Opec.) These exports alone generate approximately $213 million every day for Iraq, TankerTrackers estimates, without which the government wouldn’t be able to function. Heavy oil from Iraq is particularly valuable in the current market and is an important source of crude for China, India, the Netherlands and South Korea. In the US, heavy oil from Iraq helps make up for the loss of heavy oil from Venezuela, which refineries in the US can no longer import due to sanctions on that country. Iraq is also an important

exporter of petroleum products, many of which are produced at refineries in Basra. Iraq’s role in the refined petroleum market is even more significant now, with Saudi Arabia’s ability to produce petroleum products impaired following last month’s attacks. In fact, Saudi Arabia is currently importing Iraqi petroleum products to fill voids left by the damage.

In an oil market that just lost the cushion of Saudi Arabia’s spare capacity, a disruption to Iraqi oil production for any length of time could pressure prices.

Iraq isn’t Saudi Arabia, and doesn’t have workarounds and spare capacity built into its system to compensate for outages due to sabotage or strikes. Traders and market watchers should be monitoring Iraq and the developing situation there closely.

A8 Wednesday, October 9 , 2019

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DAKILANG ADHIKAIN NG ATING LAHI (DANGAL) AWARDS, YEAR 7

‘Senior moments’ that are worth remembering

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By Mike Policarpio

N Tagalog, the term nakatatanda translates as “the elderly,” or “senior citizens.”On another level, it could also mean, by some degree of deeper contemplation, “someone who is able to remember.”

For some old persons, because of their advanced age, the effort to remember might prove to be difficult, and are, thus, relegated to operate in the confines of the self, as their world shrinks inside their minds.

However, some remarkable older Filipinos have been making an imprint not just in the minds, but also in the lives of many in their respective communities.

Such is the case with the senior citizens nominated for this year’s set of awardees in the “Dakilang Adhikain Ng Ating Lahi,” or the Dangal Awards.

The seventh edition of the Dangal Awards, set for Wednesday, October 9, at the Unilab Bayanihan Center, will be keynoted by Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian.

Besides this year’s awardees who underwent a rigorous judging process, the Dangal Awards organizers will give out the year’s special award‚the Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Dakilang Adhikain ng Ating Lahi (Dangal)—to Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones. It is given annually to “living legends” who continue to excel in their respective fields and inspire fellow senior citizens.

This year’s batch of elderly citizens is so far the largest to be nominated by their local government units (LGUs) or organizations for the latest edition of the Dangal Awards, the special recognition program for Philippine society’s “elder statesmen [and of course, stateswomen]” institutionalized by local pharmaceutical giant United Bayanihan Foundation Inc. (UBF), RiteMed and the BusinessMirror.

According to UBF Executive Director Arthur Loyola, 10 seniors will be feted this year—double the number from the past editions— due to the increase in the number of nominees who came mostly from

Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“Consider it a positive development for ‘Dangal.’ It will serve as our impetus to let more people know of the activities of our dear elderly, that they are our treasured assets in the community and society,” said Loyola, a Unilab retiree still actively serving the pharmaceutical firm after 30-plus years.

“That is the hallmark of Unilab: the genuine care for our employees who have dedicated their energies for the company. Our hearts are full of gratitude, and it impels us to share this to those who have given so much to our society well past the prime of their lives,” UBF’s executive director explained.

Defying Father Time

ENTERING their “twilight” years... being at the proverbial “departure area...” Just waiting for the sun to set on them. The nominees, however, defied these clichés, taking the alternate route by devoting their time, talent and treasure toward meaningful activities, such as leading and engaging in medical and wellness missions (visiting the sick, free clinics), religious and spiritual pursuits (Bible reading and sharing), light physical programs (such as Zumba sessions and regular exercises), social engagements (free movie screenings, workshops), and a host of many others.

Nominees for this year’s roster of Dangal Awards are: ■ Nuna Almanzor, 70, helped organize the senior citizens’ association in their village in Sucat, Parañaque City, inspiring nearby subdivisions to establish their own.

The Asean Engineer (honorary fellow) promotes constant communication among constituents through regular Kapihan sessions.

■ Renato Bade, 60, a visual artist, harnesses the young talents of Pateros through coaching and

GATCHALIAN

BRIONES

being a judge in competitions.

■ Luzviminda Batto, 77, is the president of the Christian Fellowship–Tangos Chapter in Navotas City. Her mission is to fight the state of squalor in her locale through regular cleanup drives, with a vow to “serve silently until the end.”

■ Guillermo Bognot, 70, is secretary-general of his province’s seniors’ organization and helped reorganize the “dormant” Office of Senior Citizens’ Association (Osca) in Bacolor, Pampanga. He also helped fix the senior citizens’ database and organizational chart in his village.

■ Emma Borja, 82, of Salapan, San Juan City, partners with professionals and companies to earn their support for programs on senior citizens. Her mission is to serve, particularly for the latter’s spiritual and emotional well-being.

■ Celia Buizon, 70, from Catmon, Malabon City, has received numerous citations for her service and volunteer work to the community, especially to the local homeowners’ association.

■ Helen Cabrera, 65, elevated the needs of seniors in Arayat, Pampanga to the Senate and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. as her area’s Osca head, while working as a news writer for the local radio station.

■ Cristina Castañeda, 69, of Malibay, Pasay City, usually works by herself in conducting activities for their senior citizens, such as houseto-house visits for the sick. She is pushing to tap their Osca’s budget for home care and for the elderly to visit their sick counterparts.

■ Corazon Cortez, 78, president of the Alliance of Senior Citizens in Valenzuela City and the Catholic

Women’s League in their locale, works for laws and ordinances to address abuse against their 54,000 elderly persons, as well as the establishment of helpdesks for their welfare.

■ Rosalinda Dizon, 68, is the Osca Head in San Vicente, Santo Tomas, Pampanga, and in the region. A broadcaster, she also claims to have the gift of healing, which she uses in medical missions for as long as, she says, her body can.

■ Lilian Enriquez, 72, is a retired teacher and the president of Park Homes Senior Citizens’ Association in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City. She was adjudged Ulirang Ina of the LGU in 2019, and has since treated her members as her own “children.”

■ Dr. Delia Gagto, 67, is a book author, and retired music and master teacher, who now spends her time instructing music, spearheading livelihood programs and pushing for the adoption of public schools in partnership with a major foundation.

■ Rosita Lacson, 77, from Holy Spirit, Quezon City, lobbies for the benefits of seniors in the Senate.

She also leads the conduct of livelihood training as president of the 7,000 member-strong Confederation of Older Persons Association of the Philippine (Copap).

■ Armando Llado, 71, says he was brought up to serve seniors early on. A lay minister and servant leader in Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, he provides “personal touch” to those in need of medical attention, especially to “those who haven’t yet seen a hospital.”

■ Ofelia Magat, 72, is president of Malabon City’s Lupon Tagapamayapa (peacekeepers). A resident of Barangay Tañong, the

retired teacher has vowed to dedicate her “remaining” years for the benefit of her community.

■ Priscila Mañago, 65, channeled her energies in serving the elderly as a diversion from her fight against breast cancer, which she has successfully conquered. She oversees the savings of her community in Concepcion, Malabon City, so local folk can learn the value of savings.

■ Elma Nuñez, 73, a retired teacher, supports the call for senior citizens to be given work opportunities. She is also among the patrollers who help kids cross the streets of Longos, Malabon City.

■ Angelina Osorio, 82, is president of the Taguig Association of Senior Citizens Inc. in Bagumbayan, Taguig City. She is a volunteer of the many endeavors in her area, and an adviser “peacekeeper” in conflict and problem resolution among the elderly in her environs.

■ Corazon Pineda, 75, is president of the senior citizens’ organization in Kapasigan, Pasig City, and in the parish church taking care of the “poorest of the poor.” They give scholarships to indigent students and the disabled.

■ Hernando Salvador, 75, uses his corporate savvy in leading many facets of senior citizen matters in District 2, Commonwealth, Quezon City.

■ Zenaida San Diego, 73, is the president of the senior citizens’ group in Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches, Quezon City. Her acumen as a former educator and principal is put to the fore as the press officer of a group of retired teachers of the LGU. ■ Teresita Sanchez, 72, leads spiritual and physical programs in Talon 4, Las Piñas City. She preaches the benefits of sleep management and “laughter yoga” for senior folks.

■ Felix Santiago, 70, as secretary of their senior citizens’ association, coordinates with the LGU and government agencies in Concepcion Uno, Marikina City for various resources needed. As a pastor, he is into evangelization and volunteer work for prisoners and parolees.

■ Estelita Santos, 64, as an Osca head, ensures that more old persons from her place in San Simon,

Pampanga would receive social pension. She has worked to help local indigents and roll out the damayan scheme (voluntary monthly donation of P20 per member that is pooled for their future use).

■ Asuncion Sison, 78, as secretary of the Kalumpang Senior Citizens’ Association in Marikina City and member of their Lupon Tagapamayapa, helped increase the number of their members.

■ Diwa Tee, 68, is a civic leader.

She heads the City Alliance of Senior Citizens of San Pedro Inc. and the Association of Senior Citizens in San Pedro, Laguna. In her community, she has instituted various activities for the elderly, including the Seniors’ Month and Seniors’ Night.

■ Virgilio Trinidad, 70, is president of the senior citizens’ organization in Acacia, Malabon City. He takes pride in providing “service from the heart” for the local elderly while leading programs, such as medical missions.

■ Emmanuel Villafuerte, 80, from Poblacion, Makati City, is a consultant of their Osca and a resource person-co-host for the DWIZ-AM program Senior Citizens Forum. He considers this as his public service on radio for the elderly, as well as their caretakers, apart from his constant coordination with our local legislators.

‘BM’ honorees

ASIDE from these remarkable elderlies, two former BusinessMirror editors will be posthumously awarded for their contributions to the Dangal Awards. They are former Editor in Chief Rosauro Acosta and section editor Efleda Campos.

Acosta conceptualized the concept and meaning of Dangal’s acronym, while Campos extensively covered the proceedings of the recognition, being the BusinessMirror’s editor for “Our Time,” the section on senior citizens.

For certain, the collaboration between the Unilab Bayanihan Foundation, RiteMed and the BusinessMirror through the Dangal Awards will continue, as they trumpet the valuable contributions of the Filipino senior citizens that are worth recognizing—and remembering.

SC, sitting as PET, defers action BSP STILL KEEN ON FURTHER RRR CUT on Marcos-Robredo case

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

T

HE Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), again failed to decide on the fate of the election protest filed by Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo.

SC Spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said the justices did not take any action on the report submitted by Associate Justice Afredo Benjamin Caguioa on the result of the revision and recount of ballots in three pilot provinces covered by the election protest.

Caguioa is the justice assigned to handle the election protest.

“For those inquiring, the PET did not take any action on the Vice Presidential Election Protest Case during the tribunal’s session today. The said case remains pending and is still being deliberated by the members of the Tribunal,” Hosaka told reporters.

As to when it would be deliberated by the PET, the SC official said, “I do not now what date the matter was reset to; but the Chief had already said before that the PET meets for discussion every week.”

Supporters of Robredo belonging to the so-called Bantay Nakaw Coalition were anticipating a ruling on the case as they trooped outside the premises of the SC to call for a dismissal of the election protest.

The group also staged simultaneous rallies in Naga, Cebu, Baguio and Cagayan de Oro. Marcos’s camp admitted that it is also waiting for the SC’s decision on the case.

“Like everyone else, we also patiently waited for the PET decision that was moved again to the 15th. Until then we have no statement to make in deference to the Presidential Electoral Tribunal and the honorable justices,” said Marcos’s lawyer Victor Rodriguez.

Caguioa’s report covers the result of the revision and recount of ballots in the provinces of Iloilo, Negros Oriental and Camarines Sur involving 5,415 precincts.

The outcome of the revision and recount of ballots in the test provinces would determine whether PET will proceed in the

vote revision on 39,221 clustered precincts covering 27 provinces and cities identified in Marcos’s election protest.

Marcos’s protest cites three causes of action: ■ that the automated elections system was compromised, hence, its integrity cannot be relied upon to declare a legitimate winner; ■ the revision or manual recount of the actual ballots to determine the votes cast in all the 36,465 protested clustered precincts; and ■ the annulment of election results for the VP position in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan due to terrorism, intimidation and harassment of voters, as well as pre-shading of ballots in all of the 2,756 protested clustered precincts in the areas.

The PET has dismissed Marcos’s first cause of action for being “meaningless and pointless.”

Marcos filed an election protest on June 29, 2016, claiming the Robredo camp cheated in the automated polls in May that same year. Joel R. San Juan

T

HERE may be no stopping the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from further cutting local banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) this year to stimulate economic growth.

BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno told reporters on the sidelines of The Asset Forum in Bonifacio Global City on Tuesday that monetary officials are still monitoring economic data.

Slashing the RRR further augurs well for the BSP’s plan of bringing down the rate to single-digit before Diokno steps down from office.

“We’re looking at the data. If [cutting RRR] can be done, why not? We’re looking in October. We only have

September so we still have to wait for October, November, December,” he said.

Diokno said the BSP is also observing the overall inflation environment, as well as international reports, such as the World Economic Outlook released by the International Monetary Fund.

The BSP has already cut the RRR by 200 basis points this year. With another 100 bps by November, the Central Bank would bring down the RRR by 300 bps this year.

The RRR is one of BSP’s monetary tools. It is the portion of depositors’ balances that banks are asked to keep idle in the BSP’s vaults as reserves.

A high RRR means that a significant chunk of the bank’s funds are still kept in the BSP’s coffers instead

of being lent out to fuel economic growth.

However, with regard to interest rates, Diokno said the Monetary Board may no longer adjust the rates.

“Maybe we will let interest rates be for now. We will close the matter as of now. [Overall], I think everybody’s happy,” he said.

Authorities said a 100-bps cut in the RRR of universal and commercial banks is expected to infuse about P90 billion worth of liquidity into the system.

Security Bank chief Economist Robert Dan Roces said in May that the BSP’s decision to cut its RRR is a boon for the Philippines. A cut of 2 percentage points in the RRR is estimated to inject some P200 billion in the local financial stream.

House panel calls for transport ‘crisis’ meet

T

HE House Committee on Transportation has called for an emergency meeting on Wednesday with all stakeholders in the transport sector amid an unfolding “transportation crisis” in Metro Manila.

Committee Chairman Edgar Mary Sarmiento said the panel

seeks to find the quickest solution to ease the crisis caused by the suspension, and later on the partial resumption of operations of the Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT 2), and the ongoing repair of the South Luzon Expressway (Slex).

“I called for the meeting hoping to find the quickest, most do-

able and most practical solution to fill the vacuum that was caused by the suspension of the LRT 2 operations, and ease the burden of commuters and motorists traveling along Slex following the closure of certain portions of its northbound outermost lane,” the lawmaker said.

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In the ad material of Notice of filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on August 3, 2019, the name of Mr. Anayse, Brasileiro (A) under SHELL SHARED SERVICES (ASIA) B.V. should have been read as Mr. Vieira De Assis Silva, Paulo Victor Paulo and not as published. While in the ad material published on March 21, 2019, the position of Mr. Wei, Zhongwei under HUA XIN GLOBAL SUPPORT INC. should have been read as IT Mandarin Customer Service Representative and not as published. In addition, in the ad material published on August 28, 2019, the position of Mr. Fan, Yuanchao under MALOG SOLUTIONS, INC. should have been read as Chinese Customer Service Representative and not as published.

If you have any information / objection to the above mentioned application/s, please communicate with the Regional Director thru Employment Promotion and Workers Welfare (EPWW) Division with Telephone No. 400-6011.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Regional Office No. IV-A 4th Flr. Andenson Bldg. II, Brgy. Parian, Calamba City Telefax No.: (049) 545-7362

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QUAN ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOFEI SHU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WEIMIN YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HOH ZENG YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DONGHANG CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QUANJIE/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. TIAN YU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. GUOZHU CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIN XU/ Chinese

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YINGMING YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HONGJUN LIANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. RUIFEI HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YUSONG CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LINYU WEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FEI YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANYONG FENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BIN TAO/ Chinese

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QINGFENG WEN Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. NENGWU HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHIJIE ZENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHIBIN WEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JUNJIE WEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LU LIN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHUANG LIANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DAWEI KANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. HONGJU LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MINGYU WEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. RENJIE WEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YETING MAI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BIN TAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DEHUA GONG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BINBIN CHENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

October 9, 2019

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (AEP) Notice is hereby given that the following employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s.

Name and Address of Company/Employer

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5

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8

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Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIONGFENG TAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LIE TAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FANG TAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FUBIN HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LEI FENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOCAO TANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHAO ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HAI SUN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHEN CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. TIANHE HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BANG SHU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SUXUN YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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Chinese Customer Service Representative

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DINGAN TAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YONG HU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SONG YUNCHAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WEN ZENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XINLONG ZHUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHENGLONG LIN/ Chinese

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WANG SHU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHEN YI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. KUANGQI LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JINGWANG YANG/ Chinese

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JING YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HONGHUANG ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

26

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. GANG ZHOU/ Chinese

27

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. ANLE HUANG/ Chinese

28

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LINGLING HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

29

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YUEJING HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

67

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIAN ZHANG/ Chinese

30

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. PING DAI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

68

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHIRONG LUO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

31

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. DENGFENG LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

69

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WEIWEI ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

32

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. TIANYI HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative

70

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHANGYAN XIANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

33

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YUJUN KE/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

71

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HAO YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

34

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BAO HU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

72

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. HUI YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representative (Chinese) Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

Chinese Customer Service Representative

BusinessMirror

A26 Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Name and Address of Company/Employer

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

Name and Address of Company/Employer

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

73

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOCHENG SHU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 110 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. QIAN CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

74

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. JING YU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 111 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. WENJUN WU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

75

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MIN CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 112 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LIMIN ZHONG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

76

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHAO LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 113 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DEFENG HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

77

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CAIXING LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 114 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BAOQUAN GAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

78

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. LANYAN TAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 115 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. XINZHU CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

79

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YIMOU XIONG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 116 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LIZHAN SU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

80

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MINFU PAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 117 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WENLIANG ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

81

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DINGHUA TAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 118 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHENCHAO XIE/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

82

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JUNSHANG HUANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 119 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YONGGUI HAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

83

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. XIAOMEI LIN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 120 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR.LIANJING YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

84

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QI HUANG/ Chinese

Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 121 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. RONGTAO ZHOU/ Chinese

85

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. YAN FU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 122 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YANG SHI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

86

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZONGJIE ZHENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 123 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIAJIA HUO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

87

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZUYUN YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 124 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHENGXING XIE/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

88

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XUE YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 125 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. LILI GUO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

89

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. RONGGANG HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 126 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZECHUAN LAI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

90

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YAN WU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 127 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. LAIJI WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

91

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HAIYONG ZHOU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 128 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHAOSHUANG SUN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

92

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YILIANG SUN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 129 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JUNJIE ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

93

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HAO WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 130 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHIHAO CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

94

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHUNIAN GAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 131 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QIANG WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

95

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JINHONG ZHOU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 132 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

Mr. JIE LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

96

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHENXI ZHENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 133 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. YANG YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

97

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. XIAOHUAN GAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 134 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QINGLONG SUN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

98

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. TE PENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 135 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MIN CHENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

99

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. XIAOFEN LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 136 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIN LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

Technical Advisor

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 137 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZEZE SONG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 138 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XUANZHANG LIANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

Chinese Customer Service Representative

BELTONTOTOKU PHILIPPINES, INC. 100 CIP 2, Brgy. Milagrosa, Calamba City, Laguna

MR. YOSHIHIKO WATANABE/ Japanese

ROSARIO FASTENERS 101 CORPORATION CEZ, Rosario, Cavite

MR. HONG-CHOU CHEN/ Taiwanese

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 102 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YALONG LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 139 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. MOUYAN XIAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 103 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHAOHUA CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 140 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WENWU PENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 104 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MINGPAO CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 141 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HUALONG WU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 105 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DONGSHENG LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 142 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOPENG ZHU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 106 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. LIJUAN LU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 143 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR.YANJUN LIAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 107 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. WANQIONG CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 144 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LIANG WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 108 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. QIONG ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 145 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QIANG KANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 109 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WENYUN CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 146 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FOLIN AI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

Plant Manager

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Name and Address of Company/Employer

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

Name and Address of Company/Employer

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 A27 Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 147 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YONGFENG XUE/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 185 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. XIA DENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 148 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FEI TANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese) Nationality

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 186 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. JUZHEN CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 149 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIAN SUN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 187 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YONGCAN QUE/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 150 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOJUN ZHAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 188 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. YUHONG QIN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 151 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIALIANG LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 189 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. PEIDONG JIANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 152 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. YAYUN XU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 190 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. ZHONGFANG MA/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 153 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LINGJIAN CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 191 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. TAO YAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 154 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QIPENG HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 192 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HERONG HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 155 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XUDONG JIN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 193 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHILONG YE/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 156 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. SHUANG PAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 194 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FUXIN LU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 157 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAO FENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 195 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHU SUN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 158 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. XIAOQIAN LING/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 196 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XICONG ZHOU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 159 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. RAN CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 197 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHIYING CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 160 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIZHAN WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 198 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HENG ZHOU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 161 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIN LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 199 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JUNHONG HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 162 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BIAO HU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 200 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHIZHAO LIN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 163 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANCHENG LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 201 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HAOHUA ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 164 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. KAI YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 202 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MINGSHUAI ZHAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 165 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WENBIN HU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 203 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MrR. HONGPENG CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 166 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LONGXIANG YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 204 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DONGLIN HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 167 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. RUN XU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 205 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. PENG MA/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 168 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHUZHE CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 206 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HUIJIE WU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 169 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHI LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 207 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LITING LIN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 170 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QIBING WU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 208 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIE SHU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 171 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WEI ZHONG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 209 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BAOWEI XU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 172 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WENHUI LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 210 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZIKAI YUAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 173 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QIZHEN WU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 211 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. TONG CAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 174 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZILONG LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 212 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XUEWANG LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 175 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. KAISHUN QIN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 213 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIE HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 176 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHE WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 214 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANPING WU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 177 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. YA ZHOU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 215 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOKAI WEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 178 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. ZHEN FU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 216 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. PENG CAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 179 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. ZHEN FU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 217 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. GAOPING ZHONG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 180 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHI YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 218 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIN TANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 181 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. SHUPING XU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese) Nationality

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 219 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BINGBING YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 182 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DONG YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 220 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BO WEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 183 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WEI XU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 221 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FENGHUI YANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 184 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHIPENG LAI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 222 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIONG ZHOU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

BusinessMirror

A28 Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Name and Address of Company/Employer

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

Name and Address of Company/Employer

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 223 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHAO LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

256

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. HAITAO WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 224 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YIMING LIANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

257

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. MENGNA HAN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 225 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. LUYAN WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

258

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 226 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YIFENG CHENG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

MS. GUXIN JIANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 227 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MINNING LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

259

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SONG WAN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 228 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHIRONG LYU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

260

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SHUCHANG LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 229 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. LIDONG LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

261

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZHIWEI SUN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 230 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. GUXIN JIANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

262

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. FEI LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 231 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHONGJIE WEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

263

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SONGSONG ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 232 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. ZIJUN HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

264

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 233 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. CHENDAN LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

MR. ZHIGANG ZENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 234 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

265 MS. ZHOU RONGTAO/ Chinese

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. MEILI QIN/ Chinese

266

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SHAOLIN MA/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

267

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SHIXIN LIU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 235 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANGPING WEI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 236 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANBIN HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 237 SOLUTIONS, INC. Binan, Laguna, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIN HUANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

268

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. CHUNXIA WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

DENSO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 238 CIP I, Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna

MR. KONTARO KONDO/ Japanese

Manager-Production Engineering Department

269

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. XINGLONG LIANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

270

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

Mr. ZHONGLIANG ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

271

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. KANGSHUAI WU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

272

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. KUN HU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

273

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. KE LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

274

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. RONGSHUAI YIN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

275

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. NING WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

276

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. WEI CAI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

239

SHIMANO (PHILIPPINES) INC. FPIP, Tanauan City, Batangas

MR. TAKURO JIMBU/ Japanese

240

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. XIAOLING OU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. WENTING CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

241

Manager for Drive Unit

242

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. YUANZHI HU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

243

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. JUNFENG JI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

244

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. JINGJING JIA/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

245

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. DELAI ZHENG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YANLONG CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

MR. LONGKANG OU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

246

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 247 Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite 248

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. CHEN WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

277

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. PENGFEI BAI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

249

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YANG JIN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

278

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. LUMING ZHU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

250

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. XIAOXUE LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

279

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

Mr. KYAN MU PI/ Burmese

280

MR. REUBEN FANG KOK BILIS ALL-FREIGHT CORPORATION CHEN/ Sta. Clara, Batangas City, Batangas Bruneian

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 251 Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

252

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SHISEN ZHANG/ Chinese

MR. SHIKUAN HONG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Chinese Customer Service Representative

253

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. PAN WU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

254

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. XIAOHUI JI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

255

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. YANG REN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

CAL-COMP PRECISION (PHILIPPINES), INC. 281 FPIP-SEZ, Brgy, Sta. Anastacia, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

MR. CHIA-CHING WU/ Taiwanese

Customer Service Representative

General Manager

Secondary Process Assistant Manager

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 the DOLE Regional Office within 30 days from the date of publication.

Please inform the DOLE Regional Office if you have an information of any criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

HENRY JOHN S. JALBUENA Regional Director

To avail of free job referral, placement, and employment guidance services, visit the nearest Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) or log on at http://www.philjobnet.gov.ph AEP20191007234

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

B1

BPI mounts ₧3-B bonds sale

A

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

YALA-LED lender Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launched on Tuesday its P3-billion longterm negotiable certificates of time deposit or LTNCD, with option to upsize.

Proceeds of the sale will be used to support the bank’s expansion plans, diversify funding sources and offer investors an attractive investment instrument.

The paper will have a tenor of five and a half years and an interest rate of 4 percent per year, to be paid quarterly.

Bloomberry named ‘Asiamoney’s’ Most Outstanding Company in gaming sector

R

AZON-LED Bloomberry Resorts Corp., the operator of Solaire Resorts and Casino, has been awarded as the country’s Most Outstanding Company in the casinos and gaming sector by the Asiamoney Awards.

The award recognizes listed companies that have excelled in multiple areas, including financial performance, management team excellence, investor relations activities and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The winners were selected through Asiamoney Asia’s outstanding companies survey in which over 824 fund managers, buy-side analysts, bankers and ratings agencies took part in voting.

The results acknowledge companies as being the most outstanding for their sectors and in the market.

Asiamoney is a publication covering Asian banking and financial markets. It celebrated its 30th anniversary this year as the most authoritative voice in Asian banking. VG Cabuag

T he minimum investment amount is set at P1 million with increments of P100,000 thereafter.

The offer period is from October 7 through October 18 this year, with the issue and listing date with the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. set for October 25.

BPI said it reserves the right to adjust the timing of the offer as needed.

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Ltd. is the sole arranger and participating selling agent of this deal, while BPI Capital Corp. is the sole selling agent. The bank earlier issued its $300-million senior unsecured fixed rate Asean Green Bond, which it will use via a drawdown of its $2-billion medium-term note program. It is the first bank in the country to do such dollar issuance.

It is also the lowest coupon and yield ever paid for a US-dollar denominated bond from the Philippines and the lowest credit spread ever paid by a Philippine bank.

The Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed that the

bonds comply with the requirements under the Asean Green Bonds circular and, as such, are qualified to be issued under the Asean Green Bond label.

The bonds were priced at 99.641 with a reoffer yield of 2.577 percent.

The bonds will carry a coupon of 2.5 percent per year, payable semiannually, and will have a final maturity date of September 10, 2024.

The offering was over four times oversubscribed, with the order book allocated predominantly to Asia, and the rest to Europe. Net proceeds from the bonds will be used for the financing and/or refinancing, in whole or in part, of “green” eligible projects, as further described in BPI’s Green Finance Framework.

DPWH rushing ROW needs to meet Calax’s 2021 target

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

S

ANTA ROSA, Laguna—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has vowed to deliver at least a third of the right-of-way (ROW) requirements for the Cavite side of the CaviteLaguna Expressway (Calax), as it strives to meet its target of opening the whole thoroughfare within 2021.

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said his group has so far delivered 40 percent of the needed easement for the Cavite side of Calax, and the remaining 30 percent will be given to MP CALA Holdings Inc. within the year.

“Currently, the right-of-way is workable. We have permit to enter, and we are continuously acquiring

the right-of-way. Maybe by the end of the year, we can deliver the majority of the right-of-way—around 70 percent,” he said in an interview.

As this progressed, the Laguna side of Calax will be opened to the public by the end of the month, Villar added. “For the portion of Laguna, our target is to open the 10-kilometer segment by the end of the month,” he said. “This will start from Mamplasan and end in Santa Rosa.”

Villar noted that approximately 10,000 cars are expected to use the Laguna side on its maiden launch.

“The opening of these sections should ease traffic along Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road,” he explained.

For his part, MP CALA President Roberto V. Bontia said his group is working closely with the DPWH

to complete the full 45 kilometers within the time frame under the concession agreement.

Calax is envisioned to be a fourlane, 45-kilometer toll road that will connect the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex) and the South Luzon Expressway (Slex). It will have eight interchanges: Kawit, Daang Hari, Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay, Laguna Boulevard., Technopark and a toll barrier before Slex.

Calax will be equipped with Automatic License Plate Recognition System, which enables a “barrier-less entry.” It will also sport IP-based Speed Detection Cameras, CCTVs and will feature various commercial establishments, such as gasoline stations, retail outlets, convenience stores, and restaurants, among others.

PITx, LTO team up on services to motorists T HE operator of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx) has teamed up with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to bring basic regulatory services closer to motorists.

In a statement, PITx General Manager Mariano Arroyo said with the partnership, LTO on Wheels will be available to users of the country’s “first land port,” with services ranging from issuance of student permits to motor vehicle registration.

“PITx aims to make commuting friendlier,

while LTO wants to reach out to motorists.

Both of us have objectives that benefit our fellow Filipinos, so we’re really supporting each other and working together to make things happen,” he said.

LTO on Wheels will be parked at PITx Gate 1’s 2nd level on the following dates: October 9 and 10; October 16 and 17; October 23 and 24.

Arroyo explained that the facility’s “strategic location” is the value proposition by which the partnership was built. The land

port recorded an average weekday foot traffic of over 50,000 in September alone, a figure seen to increase this month as more bus routes are set to be opened.

“Hopefully, this partnership opens more opportunities of working together towards the fulfillment of our commitment of convenience for Filipinos,” he said.

MWM Terminals Inc., a company led by Megawide Construction Corp. and Walter Mart Property Management Inc., operates the PITx. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Ecozone firms’ workers need solid safeguard plan–experts

By Elijah Felice Rosales @alyasjah

T

O prevent a labor disaster, the government has to formulate a safeguard plan that will provide assistance to workers that economic zone firms will retrench to cope with the removal of their fiscal incentives, experts said on Tuesday.

In a news briefing, Ateneo School of Government dean Ronald U. Mendoza said the safety net this time should be efficient and clear. He pointed out it must be different from the mitigating measures rolled out for those affected by the tax hikes under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law and import deregulation under the rice trade liberalization law.

“In general, the government must lay out a concrete plan and safeguards for the rollout of all of its reforms— particularly those triggering massive structural adjustments in key economic sectors with vulnerable populations, [such as] farmers and workers,” Mendoza said. Estimates by the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines put job losses at above 700,000 if legislators pass the current version of the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (Citira) bill. Department of Finance (DOF) officials dispute this number. The Citira bill will trim corporate tax rate to 20 percent by 2029, from 30 percent at present, on one hand, and will rationalize incentives granted to locators on the other.

It will effectively put a cap on the number of years tax perks can be enjoyed, as well as end the payment of 5 percent tax on gross income earned (GIE) in lieu of all local and national taxes, which economic zone firms insist on retaining.

“Recall the rollout of TRAIN 1 visa-vis high inflation and rice tariffication law vis-a-vis farmers [suffering] depressed palay prices. Both these earlier reforms should offer much food for thought when embarking on further reforms, given that their rollout issues have not yet been fully sorted out,” Mendoza pointed out.

“There are even reports that the cash transfers to protect poor and low income households from the impact of TRAIN 1 have not been fully paid out—even as the law was passed in [December of] 2017,” the Ateneo dean added.

While the TRAIN law exempted workers earning a gross annual income of P250,000 and below from paying personal income tax, it also raised duties on oil, petroleum products, sugar-sweetened beverages,

automobiles, among others. These tax hikes were cited among the factors for the inflation surge last year, peaking at 6.7 percent in September and October.

The TRAIN law promised to deliver monthly cash transfer to the poorest 10 million households as a mitigating measure—P200 last year, P300 this year and next year—but these subsidies, as Mendoza said, “have not even been fully paid out.”

Lessons for Citira

AS such, Mendoza said the government should review figures on the Citira bill before enacting it into law to really concretize its impact on investments and jobs. The government as a whole, he added, should be ready to implement this reform, warning failure to work as one could result in unintended consequences happening all over again.

He said “the general weakness presently in our whole-of-government approach to help ensure these reforms” are more successful than their predecessors is a cause for concern. “Economic reforms must be supported by strong safety nets and adjustment mechanisms to make their full positive impact much more robust and inclusive. Many agencies have to work more effectively together; otherwise, we may see unintended consequences all over again,” the Ateneo dean said.

Trust DOF?

ASIAN Consulting Group Founding President Raymond A. Abrea also questioned the mindset of the DOF in making fiscal reforms. He asked why the lowering of taxes on this sector or product should come at the expense of higher taxes on another sector or product. Abrea added it is difficult to trust finance officials defending the Citira bill when they were the TRAIN law proponents who promised no inflationary impact for the measure.

“I think it’s clear that we should all learn from the past and TRAIN law definitely taught us all a lesson,” Abrea said. “If the experts and the government agencies claimed that there will be no inflationary impact—but it did happen in 2018— then now I don’t have any trust to believe that there will be no job losses [in the Citira bill].”

The tax expert advised the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, arguably the strongest critic of the Citira bill, to come up with a counterproposal to the measure and to avoid falling into the DOF’s numbers game.

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

October 8, 2019

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BDO LEASING COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

56 142.9 92.05 24.9 11.72 67.3 12.8 21.05 43.05 57.2 111.7 26.15 194.6 59.05 1.9 18.26 4.63 1.21 0.4 720.5 0.9 177.1 1820

57.3 143 92.2 25 11.74 67.5 13 21.85 43.3 57.95 138 26.85 197 59.1 1.97 18.5 4.73 1.25 0.42 750 0.92 178.5 1830

57.2 142 93 25 11.66 68.5 12.8 22.25 44.3 57.2 110.2 27 196 59.5 2 18.6 4.63 1.27 0.4 775 0.89 179 1830

57.3 145.4 94 25 11.88 69.75 12.8 22.25 44.3 57.2 110.2 27 199 59.5 2 18.6 4.7 1.27 0.405 775 0.9 179 1840

56 140.3 91.7 24.8 11.66 67.2 12.8 21.8 43 57.2 110.2 26 194.5 59 2 18.2 4.6 1.27 0.4 775 0.89 177.1 1830

57.3 143 92.2 25 11.72 67.3 12.8 22.25 43.05 57.2 110.2 26.15 194.6 59.05 2 18.6 4.7 1.27 0.4 775 0.9 177.1 1840

2010 1952600 1827620 43800 181600 1887830 32500 4100 108100 90 370 44700 162500 15990 2000 13500 118000 1000 310000 20 112000 610 15

115035 277741118 169235021.5 1093060 2134462 128526395 416000 90145 4670235 5148 40774 1168135 31959001 944167.5 4000 250118 548400 1270 124350 15500 99900 108316 27525

-560 47024196 35599650.5 647848 -27893168.5 -3871135 -164985 2398601 -797175 1860 15300 -

INDUSTRIAL ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO MANILA WATER PETRON PETROENERGY PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER AGRINURTURE AXELUM BOGO MEDELLIN CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV ALLIANCE SELECT GINEBRA JOLLIBEE MAXS GROUP MG HLDG PEPSI COLA SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP ROXAS HLDG UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VICTORIAS CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CEMEX HLDG DAVINCI CAPITAL EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP HOLCIM MEGAWIDE PHINMA TKC METALS VULCAN INDL CHEMPHIL CROWN ASIA LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR IONICS PANASONIC SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG

37.4 0.245 24.2 79.5 363 20 5.07 4.26 2.35 10.78 33.55 7.39 15.54 4.69 88.05 17.42 14.94 5.6 8.55 6.99 89.2 0.67 46.1 226 13.28 0.187 1.69 11.3 1.92 5.05 2.31 158.1 1.18 2.42 65.2 71.5 2.48 6 15.18 10.06 14.32 18.22 9.58 1.03 1.1 112.1 2.01 5.18 3.4 5.3 31 2.34 7.72 1.46 5.03 1.01 8.18

37.5 0.25 24.35 79.55 364 20.5 5.08 4.3 2.36 11 33.95 7.4 15.98 4.7 107.4 18.74 14.96 5.94 8.58 7 90.35 0.68 46.8 227 13.3 0.201 1.7 11.4 1.93 5.1 2.39 160 1.2 2.54 69 75 2.49 6.14 15.42 10.12 14.48 18.24 9.59 1.05 1.11 119.9 2.08 5.29 3.53 5.34 32.3 2.37 7.8 1.54 5.45 1.04 8.19

36.5 0.242 24.55 79.5 362 20 5.04 4.3 2.26 10.8 34 7.31 15.9 4.5 108.9 18.76 14.88 5.62 8.64 7.05 89.1 0.66 47 223 13.36 0.188 1.65 11.4 1.89 5.05 2.39 157.7 1.17 2.54 66.7 74 2.44 6.14 15.5 10.06 14.48 18.28 9.6 1.05 1.11 112.1 2.08 5.35 3.53 5.31 31.3 2.36 7.86 1.45 5.35 1.01 8.14

37.5 0.25 25.3 79.7 364 20.25 5.07 4.3 2.35 11 34.2 7.4 15.98 4.78 108.9 18.76 14.96 5.95 8.66 7.05 90.55 0.68 47.45 229.4 13.36 0.188 1.75 11.4 1.96 5.1 2.39 162.7 1.22 2.54 69 74 2.49 6.15 15.5 10.2 14.48 18.4 9.6 1.05 1.12 112.1 2.08 5.35 3.53 5.31 32 2.41 7.87 1.54 5.35 1.03 8.38

36 0.24 24.2 79.45 362 19.92 4.99 4.26 2.25 10.8 33 7.31 15.52 4.24 107.7 17.42 14.86 5.6 8.55 6.98 89.1 0.66 46.1 223 13.26 0.188 1.65 11.16 1.83 5.05 2.39 157.2 1.16 2.54 65 70 2.43 6 15.02 10.06 14.3 18.1 9.5 1.01 1.1 112.1 2.08 5.1 3.53 5.3 30.95 2.34 7.72 1.45 5.35 1.01 8.01

37.4 0.25 24.2 79.55 363 20.25 5.07 4.3 2.35 11 33.95 7.39 15.98 4.7 107.7 18.74 14.94 5.94 8.55 7 89.25 0.68 46.8 226 13.28 0.188 1.7 11.3 1.92 5.1 2.39 160 1.2 2.54 69 71.5 2.49 6.14 15.42 10.06 14.48 18.24 9.58 1.05 1.11 112.1 2.08 5.29 3.53 5.3 32 2.38 7.8 1.54 5.35 1.03 8.18

2408800 1980000 1176300 24320 87890 981900 2817300 8000 15903000 12100 476500 33600 195100 58083000 180 3400 660600 50400 4104100 1866200 274420 318000 14500 904760 45900 80000 5114000 770400 2655000 3700 1000 2896270 13030000 1000 1450 1380 1865000 65200 385700 1230100 31400 1826000 37300 47000 2886000 10 25000 145700 5000 87200 44800 5718000 80000 165000 200 30000 183300

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL AYALA LAND LOG ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES SEAFRONT RES TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.85 12.68 865 53.85 10.6 3.43 6.66 0.7 1.12 1.15 6.56 8.7 13.02 848 5.63 69.2 5.1 0.48 4.35 13.54 0.58 4.91 0.038 1.34 2.82 1000 164.5 0.86 2.44 222 0.221 0.229

0.86 13 867 54.9 10.76 3.44 6.93 0.71 1.14 1.18 6.59 8.71 13.4 850 5.99 69.6 5.77 0.52 4.38 13.56 0.6 4.94 0.039 1.38 2.93 1007 165 0.87 2.49 228.8 0.232 0.24

0.84 12.74 853 53 10.9 3.44 6.65 0.71 1.13 1.15 6.6 8.63 13.4 840 5.66 69.2 5.5 0.51 4.38 13.66 0.56 4.88 0.038 1.3 2.82 989 164 0.84 2.44 222 0.233 0.23

0.86 13.48 870 54.9 11.28 3.46 6.94 0.72 1.18 1.18 6.6 8.82 13.42 860 5.66 71 5.5 0.52 4.38 13.7 0.6 5.03 0.039 1.38 2.82 1009 167 0.87 2.44 224.6 0.233 0.23

0.83 12.66 853 53 10.6 3.38 6.65 0.69 1.1 1.14 6.53 8.59 13 840 5.66 69 5.5 0.49 4.34 13.52 0.56 4.87 0.038 1.3 2.82 975.5 164 0.83 2.44 222 0.233 0.228

0.86 12.68 865 54.9 10.6 3.43 6.94 0.71 1.14 1.18 6.59 8.71 13.4 850 5.66 69.6 5.5 0.52 4.35 13.56 0.6 4.94 0.039 1.38 2.82 1007 165 0.87 2.44 223.6 0.233 0.228

7247000 15100 452870 980960 17923400 7117000 600 724000 2831000 168000 481300 6719600 44100 60900 2000 956950 10000 116000 317000 1173900 578000 12371000 5000000 154000 4000 387830 150710 92000 14000 280 30000 310000

HOLDING & FRIMS

89,226,975( 35,128,894.9999) 485640 28910040 4996050 1933637.5 -749878.5 31906492 -10081028 19652151 -5464600 14113779 -176328 34280 36,880,010( 3,150,369.9997) 132642 16118100 4209355 246200 3100768 1288480 267521370 60961160.0003 19546 63648 9864914 6376322 282636 -280359 35260968 -4763229 13101479 -5243674 24584439.5 -3435928.5 213700 679005 344705 205259956 76406038 610072 -74346 15040 8708130 1315300 8693696 -3112640 5055790 18735 2390 459057334 -20969242 15523870 -357900 2540 95690.5 98581 4599200 -2609230 397078 5913224 -500240 12393710 -11409100 454248 -88030 33311046 -7692158 356245 48260 3188540 35520 1121 52000 -16640 754101 17650 -0 462425 1423705 -993490 13594990 -734210 624157 -295933 243900 1070 30580 1490859 3260 6154660 192658 391797400 53331892 194430760 24119510 4047 507040 3164600 194590 3165064 58552316 581930 51769200 11320 66660453 55000 57090 1380270 15928246 339800 61266520 194500 206650 11280 388930270 24848173 78340 34160 62344 6990 71020

-2010 37319475 -8733462.5 -39323682 -440980 116750 -348812 13950015 -26000 -24746135 -4691709 -287780 -8254976 192330 -11739650 -38860 28665165 -12563392 -35672 -

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.85 0.87 0.83 0.89 0.81 0.87 3427000 2972180 -870 AYALA LAND 46.5 46.7 46.5 46.9 46.2 46.5 7806600 362798530 -120569930 ARANETA PROP 1.81 1.85 1.83 1.85 1.8 1.85 516000 933340 -180000 BELLE CORP 2.03 2.05 2.06 2.08 2.03 2.03 586000 1203510 -764000 A BROWN 0.83 0.84 0.85 0.85 0.82 0.84 320000 266560 CROWN EQUITIES 0.207 0.21 0.207 0.216 0.207 0.216 220000 45640 CEBU HLDG 6.1 6.34 6.35 6.35 6.34 6.34 5200 32970 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.65 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.61 4.65 819000 3808430 -283630 CENTURY PROP 0.54 0.55 0.55 0.56 0.54 0.55 1556000 855340 22000 DOUBLEDRAGON 20.7 20.8 20.45 20.8 20.15 20.7 91300 1880080 857545 DM WENCESLAO 9.5 9.86 9.8 9.95 9.5 9.5 324100 3149911 155533 EMPIRE EAST 0.44 0.445 0.445 0.445 0.44 0.44 120000 53250 FILINVEST LAND 1.51 1.52 1.49 1.54 1.48 1.51 23213000 35334950 -7818450 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.19 1.2 1.19 1.2 1.17 1.19 268000 316810 8990 HLDG 15.04 15.06 15.06 15.06 15.04 15.06 16800 252716 -31584 PHIL INFRADEV 1.33 1.35 1.34 1.37 1.32 1.35 794000 1062590 -399500 MEGAWORLD 4.53 4.54 4.63 4.68 4.49 4.53 29755000 135574360 -52932500 MRC ALLIED 0.3 0.305 0.3 0.305 0.295 0.3 7560000 2283200 -3000 PHIL ESTATES 0.42 0.44 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 10000 4100 PRIMEX CORP 2.02 2.04 2.01 2.04 2.01 2.04 42000 84980 ROBINSONS LAND 24.55 24.6 24.5 25.05 24.15 24.6 5882000 145388730 17592260 PHIL REALTY 0.375 0.385 0.37 0.385 0.37 0.38 170000 64500 ROCKWELL 2.29 2.35 2.35 2.36 2.28 2.29 18000 42210 STA LUCIA LAND 2.78 2.8 2.77 2.8 2.72 2.8 2610000 7237260 -116760 SM PRIME HLDG 38.2 38.25 38 38.8 37.85 38.2 21687800 826809910 648404510 VISTAMALLS 5.66 5.69 5.82 5.82 5.66 5.69 35000 199326 4656 SUNTRUST HOME 0.87 0.89 0.88 0.9 0.87 0.89 52000 45460 VISTA LAND 7.67 7.7 7.64 7.7 7.64 7.7 4475700 34400239 -3429748

SERVICES ABS CBN 18 18.24 18 18.24 17.98 18.24 13500 244534 GMA NETWORK 5.18 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.18 5.2 25700 133212 MANILA BULLETIN 0.43 0.435 0.43 0.44 0.43 0.43 90000 39000 MLA BRDCASTING 13.06 14.08 13 14.22 13 14.22 700 9344 GLOBE TELECOM 1793 1806 1800 1819 1791 1794 29725 53614365 -8660110 PLDT 1100 1108 1104 1142 1095 1100 85020 94068335 -19516450 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.043 0.045 0.046 0.046 0.043 0.043 4300000 188300 IMPERIAL 1.76 1.95 1.77 1.77 1.76 1.76 15000 26450 ISLAND INFO 0.107 0.11 0.107 0.11 0.107 0.11 900000 96630 ISM COMM 4.99 5 4.97 5.03 4.95 5 828000 4142410 -94850 NOW CORP 2.79 2.8 2.72 2.84 2.72 2.8 1808000 5057290 86520 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.32 0.325 0.32 0.325 0.315 0.325 2680000 858650 PHILWEB 3.08 3.1 3.04 3.15 3.04 3.08 805000 2502300 -18630 2GO GROUP 10 10.06 10 10 10 10 3700 37000 CHELSEA 6.8 6.81 6.66 6.8 6.66 6.8 261600 1761131 -18333 CEBU AIR 91.6 91.75 92 92.5 91.5 91.6 53620 4914951.5 1119029.5 INTL CONTAINER 118.9 119 120.1 122.8 117.8 119 2926020 349311230 -217786009 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.9 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.9 0.9 13000 11900 MACROASIA 18.6 18.8 18.62 18.92 18.6 18.8 381800 7156266 -437796 METROALLIANCE A 1.11 1.15 1.14 1.14 1.11 1.14 18000 20400 PAL HLDG 7.88 8.14 8.12 8.19 7.85 8.19 6200 48999 HARBOR STAR 1.6 1.62 1.6 1.63 1.58 1.6 558000 900320 ACESITE HOTEL 1.55 1.6 1.64 1.66 1.64 1.66 9000 14800 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.051 0.052 0.052 0.053 0.051 0.052 47050000 2421020 -724940 WATERFRONT 0.68 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.66 0.69 336000 226180 9380 IPEOPLE 8 8.15 8 8 8 8 15000 120000 STI HLDG 0.67 0.68 0.67 0.68 0.67 0.68 154000 103980 -54400 BERJAYA 2.28 2.29 2.28 2.3 2.28 2.28 16000 36500 BLOOMBERRY 10.76 11 11 11.08 10.64 11 39492500 433703046 -6060364 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.79 2.82 2.86 2.86 2.8 2.8 108000 304160 -110150 LEISURE AND RES 3.01 3.03 3.09 3.14 3 3.03 139000 426160 -83420 MANILA JOCKEY 3.35 3.47 3.35 3.35 3.35 3.35 7000 23450 PH RESORTS GRP 4.79 4.99 4.79 4.79 4.79 4.79 5000 23950 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.7 0.71 0.72 0.72 0.69 0.71 630000 443360 -14760 METRO RETAIL 2.48 2.49 2.38 2.51 2.37 2.49 61876000 146838060 -142635350 PUREGOLD 40 40.1 39.2 40.35 39.2 40 1255500 49974010 9418165.0003 ROBINSONS RTL 76.5 76.9 76.5 77.75 76.5 76.9 1995570 153560455.5 27027860.5 PHIL SEVEN CORP 135.4 140 140 140 140 140 10 1400 SSI GROUP 2.41 2.42 2.54 2.65 2.42 2.42 6897000 16915050 -5621410 WILCON DEPOT 16.7 16.8 17 17 16.66 16.8 1163900 19562282 12746976 APC GROUP 0.61 0.62 0.6 0.62 0.6 0.61 23445000 14349800 -1980120 EASYCALL 9 9.08 9.02 9.12 8.98 9.08 60900 548983 GOLDEN BRIA 430 435 431 435 430 435 590 254400 IPM HLDG 3.51 3.8 3.79 3.79 3.79 3.79 3000 11370 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.53 0.5 0.52 6393000 3297250 73760 SBS PHIL CORP 9.12 9.32 9.27 9.32 9.27 9.32 16100 149897

MINING & OIL ATOK 12.6 12.78 12.6 12.6 12.6 12.6 10500 132300 APEX MINING 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.12 1.14 1291000 1462550 -563579.9996 ABRA MINING 0.0017 0.0018 0.0016 0.0017 0.0016 0.0017 318000000 540000 CENTURY PEAK 2.6 2.63 2.62 2.63 2.6 2.6 200000 523500 FERRONICKEL 1.67 1.68 1.7 1.7 1.66 1.68 6873000 11543870 GEOGRACE 0.217 0.219 0.218 0.22 0.215 0.219 750000 163410 LEPANTO A 0.105 0.107 0.106 0.107 0.106 0.107 90000 9620 LEPANTO B 0.106 0.11 0.106 0.106 0.106 0.106 50000 5300 MANILA MINING A 0.009 0.0093 0.009 0.009 0.009 0.009 88000000 792000 MANILA MINING B 0.0091 0.01 0.0098 0.01 0.0098 0.01 9000000 89600 MARCVENTURES 1.12 1.14 1.16 1.16 1.11 1.12 28000 31790 NIHAO 1.05 1.11 1.13 1.13 1.06 1.11 226000 242820 NICKEL ASIA 4.13 4.18 4.2 4.28 4.09 4.18 5317000 22103510 1682160 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.85 0.88 0.87 0.89 0.85 0.88 276000 236760 PX MINING 3.51 3.57 3.51 3.57 3.51 3.57 65000 228940 7040 SEMIRARA MINING 23 23.05 22.1 23.15 21.85 23 1961400 45006385 25521665 UNITED PARAGON 0.0061 0.0066 0.0064 0.0066 0.0064 0.0066 3000000 19500 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 11100000 132500 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 100000 1200 PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.012 0.01 0.011 18400000 207300 PHINMA PETRO 9.46 9.48 8.84 9.6 8.84 9.46 1970000 18459605 -885124 PXP ENERGY 12.16 12.2 11.6 12.26 11.6 12.2 1009400 12166804 -888516

PREFFERED

HOUSE PREF A 96.55 98 98 98 96.5 98 2220 214822.5 AC PREF B1 501 510 501.5 501.5 501 501 4000 2004005 AC PREF B2 486 500 499.8 500 499.8 500 80 39996 ALCO PREF C 101.2 106 106 106 106 106 370 39220 DD PREF 100.1 101 100.1 101 100.1 100.9 3750 377222 SMC FB PREF 2 996 998 998 998 998 998 100 99800 FGEN PREF G 108 109.8 109.8 109.8 108.9 108.9 130 14184 LR PREF 0.98 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.98 0.98 1580000 1563700 PNX PREF 3A 100.4 102 100.4 100.4 100.4 100.4 50 5020 PCOR PREF 2B 1001 1095 1038 1100 1038 1100 25 26880 PCOR PREF 3A 1020 1040 1040 1040 1040 1040 155 161200 SMC PREF 2C 77.8 78 77.7 77.8 77.7 77.8 32560 2532166 SMC PREF 2F 76 76.5 76.6 76.6 76.6 76.6 2000 153200 SMC PREF 2G 76 76.4 76 76 76 76 6000 456000 SMC PREF 2H 75.2 76 76 76 75.2 75.2 69200 5209740 SMC PREF 2I 75.65 76 76 76 75.65 75.65 164960 12487799 342000

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

17.5 5.08

17.98 5.17

17.98 5.17

17.98 5.17

17.98 5.17

17.98 5.17

25100 200

451298 1034

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.53

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ITALPINAS 6.53 KEPWEALTH 8.98 XURPAS 0.9

1.59

1.53

1.53

1.53

1.53

6000

9180

-

6.6 9 0.91

6.35 9.1 0.9

6.75 9.1 0.91

6.35 8.9 0.87

6.6 9 0.91

293700 210800 2071000

1951663 1891003 1843520

1139601 -

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

115.8

-381176 -

116.3

115.5

116.3

115.5

116.3

9850

1143870

9296

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DOE seeks feedback by Oct. 11 on missionary electrification

T

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE Department of Energy (DOE) is soliciting comments on the revised guidelines for its qualified third-party (QTP) program, which allows the entry of “alternative” electric service providers to remote and unviable areas that were originally assigned to a particular distribution utility (DU) but which failed to carry out its mandate.

“In order to meet the total electrification target of the government, there is a need to update and revise the existing guidelines on the participation of QTPs to pro-

vide a policy and regulatory environment that is more conducive to the participation of private sector,” stated the new draft rules.

The DOE wants all comments

in by October 11.

Sought for comment, DOE Director Mario Marasigan explained, “the new proposed department circular provides for simplified process for QTP proponents.”

The process starts upon the declaration of unviable areas, which the DU cannot serve for any reason.

These areas will be open for competitive bidding. The DOE will approve the terms of reference and bid documents within 20 days upon receipt from the DUs. A QTP proponent shall submit its bid proposal not later than 60 days from the publication of the bid invite.

It may also submit a nomination for QTP operation in its area of interest not covered by a competitive bidding process, which shall be subjected to price challenge.

In case the DU fails to conduct its competitive bidding for QTP within 20 days from the DOE’s

declaration of unviable areas or from the direct nomination by the QTP proponent, the DOE shall conduct the bidding.

A QTP Service Contract will be entered into between the DOE and the QTP. The contract will define the latter’s responsibilities in providing the missionary electrification in unviable areas. The contract shall set the terms and conditions by which the QTP shall provide the service including the applicable performance and service standards, excluding the Full Cost Recovery Rate.

The rules also allow the QTP to apply for an electricity distribution franchise.

The DOE said all unviable areas, which the DU cannot serve for whatever reason, are eligible for support under the government’s missionary electrification program and are declared open for participation by QTPs.

October Meralco rates rise on higher generation charge

E

LECTRICITY rates in October increased to P9.0862 per kWh from last month’s P9.0414 per kWh, mainly due to higher generation charge recorded for the supply month of September.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Tuesday the upward adjustment of P0.0448 per kWh will mean an increase of around P9 in the typical household’s total bill.

Generation charge, which makes up around 50 percent of the consumers’ electric bill inched up to P4.5406 per kWh from P4.5191 per kWh last month.This was brought about by a smaller net settlement surplus (NSS) refund.

It may be recalled that part of the P0.52 per-kWh rate reduction last September was due to the almost P700-million NSS refund, which the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) to implement.

The refund amount for October is smaller at around P381 million.

Other factors affecting generation rates include Wholesale Electricity Spot Market prices, charges from independent power producers (IPPs) and power-supply agreements (PSAs). Meralco said the supply situation improved and WESM prices were generally lower.

“WESM charges decreased by P0.5290 per kWh driven by an improved power-supply situation in the Luzon grid as there were fewer power

plants on outage during the supply month,” Meralco said.

The share of WESM to Meralco’s supply needs remained at 17 percent.

The cost of power from IPPs decreased by P0.1512 per kWh due to a strengthening of the peso against the US dollar. Around 97 percent of IPPs costs are dollar-denominated.

IPPs and PSAs provided 40 percent and 43 percent, respectively, of Meralco’s supply needs.

Meralco said WESM and IPP charges partly offset PSA charges, which increased by P0.3694 per kWh mainly due to lower average plant dispatch.

Transmission charge also increased by P0.0249 per kWh as a result of higher ancillary service charges, while taxes and other charges registered a decrease of P0.0016 per kWh. Meralco’s distribution, supply, and metering charges, meanwhile, have remained unchanged for 51 months, after these registered reductions in July 2015.

Meralco reiterated that it does not earn from the pass-through charges, such as the generation and transmission charges. Payment for the generation charge goes to the power suppliers, while payment for the transmission charge goes to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

Taxes and other public policy charges, like the FiT-All rate are remitted to the government. Lenie Lectura

Unable to meet higher net worth rule, AFPGen yields license to IC

T

HE A r med Forces and Police General Insurance Corp. (AFPGen) surrendered its license to regulators on Tuesday, saying it could no longer raise the required net worth by the end of 2019.

In a statement, Insurance Commissioner Dennis B. Funa said the nonlife insurance firm voluntarily stopped its operations. “The AFPGen was unable to meet the minimum net worth requirement mandated by the Insurance Code by the end of the year,” the statement read.

He added that despite AFPGen’s compl i a nce w it h t he minimum requirement of P500 million by the end of 2018, it is no longer viable to maintain its insurance business considering that its financial health was

continuously eroded in the last six years. “AFPGen is now prohibited from entering into new insurance contracts,” said Funa.

Funa further explained that the AFPGen’s operations are now limited to servicing its existing policyholders.

Under the Amended Insurance Code, the capital requirement for insurance firms will increase every three years until 2022. The mandated increase in insurers’ minimum net worth is P900 million by the end of 2019.

Launched in 1979, the AFPGen is a whollyowned subsidiary of the AFP-Mutual Benefit Association Inc. which was initially created to service the insurance needs of the country’s military and police organizations.

Jove Moya

MUTUAL FUNDS

October 8, 2019

NAV ONE YEAR THREE YEAR FIVE YEAR Y-T-D

PER SHARE RETURN* RETURN STOCK FUNDS ALFM GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 248.08 3% -2.23% -1.15% -1.63% ATRAM ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 1.5092 10.91% 2.81% 0.27% 4.75% ATRAM PHILIPPINE EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 3.8426 2.59% -3.43% -2.33% -1.55% CLIMBS SHARE CAPITAL EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND CORP. -A 0.9258 6.72% N.A. N.A. 2.75% FIRST METRO CONSUMER FUND ON MSCI PHILS. IMI, INC. -A 0.8398 5.72% N.A. N.A. 2.33% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN EQUITY FUND,INC. -A 5.2734 5.82% -0.59% -0.66% 0% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,6 0.8446 5.93% -4.88% N.A. 0.94% MBG EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND, INC. -A 114.86 -0.02% N.A. N.A. -1.12% PAMI EQUITY INDEX FUND, INC. -A 50.5681 7.91% -0.22% N.A. 2.73% PHILAM STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 526.93 8.08% -1.18% -0.66% 2.37% PHILEQUITY DIVIDEND YIELD FUND, INC. -A 1.2708 5.34% -0.31% 0.44% 1.34% PHILEQUITY FUND, INC. -A 37.4811 6.74% 0.61% 0.38% 2.32% PHILEQUITY MSCI PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,3 1.0032 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILEQUITY PSE INDEX FUND INC. -A 5.1374 9.07% 0.54% 1.22% 3.6% PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND CORP. -A 857.69 9.11% 0.44% 1.15% 3.53% SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 0.8859 9.15% -0.66% N.A. 3.01% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE EQUITY FUND, INC. -A 4.1612 6.99% 0.14% 0.41% 2.52% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND, INC. -A 0.9854 8.67% 0.37% N.A. 3.26% UNITED FUND, INC. -A 3.6247 8.65% 1.99% 1.77% 3.54% EXCHANGE TRADED FUND FIRST METRO PHIL. EQUITY EXCHANGE TRADED FUND, INC. -A,C,2 115.0194 9.37% 1.2% 2.18% 3.86% ATRAM ASIAPLUS EQUITY FUND, INC. -B

$0.9445 -2.83% 0.98% -1.09% 1.66% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY WORLD VOYAGER FUND, INC. -A $1.271 -1.2% 6.66% N.A. 15% BALANCED FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ATRAM DYNAMIC ALLOCATION FUND, INC. -A 1.5944 -0.86% -3.81% -3.62% -3.44% ATRAM PHILIPPINE BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 2.2442 4.42% -1.6% -0.58% 1.58% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN BALANCED FUND INC. -A 2.6058 6.42% -0.02% -1.76% 2.47% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN F.O.C.C.U.S. DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A,8 0.2281 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. GREPALIFE BALANCED FUND CORPORATION -A 1.3286 3.99% N.A. N.A. 1.86% NCM MUTUAL FUND OF THE PHILS., INC. -A 1.9409 8.11% 0.85% 0.89% 5.31% PAMI HORIZON FUND, INC. -A 3.7355 9.49% -0.37% 0.07% 5.84% PHILAM FUND, INC. -A 16.7526 9.37% -0.34% 0.01% 5.31% SOLIDARITAS FUND, INC. -A 2.1158 5.57% 0.08% 0.86% 2.25% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 3.822 7.57% 0.41% 0.42% 4.68% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2028, INC. -A,D,4 1.0026 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2038, INC. -A,D,4 0.9855 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2048, INC. -A,D,4 0.982 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A 0.9663 6.9% -0.17% -0.24% 4.84% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES COCOLIFE DOLLAR FUND BUILDER, INC. -A $0.03882 11.91% 2.61% 2.61% 9.97% PAMI ASIA BALANCED FUND, INC. -A $0.9776 1.96% 1.29% -0.28% 6.99% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ADVANTAGE FUND, INC. -A $3.7221 1.9% 4.97% 3.14% 12.5% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR WELLSPRING FUND, INC. -A $1.1106 4.07% 3.18% N.A. 9.96% BOND FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 354.86 3.91% 2.4% 2.29% 3.32% ATRAM CORPORATE BOND FUND, INC. -A, 1 1.9184 3.26% 0.2% -0.03% 3.18% COCOLIFE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 3.0875 5.1% 5.29% 5.24% 3.74% EKKLESIA MUTUAL FUND INC. -A 2.213 4.49% 1.66% 2.03% 3.94% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN FIXED INCOME FUND,INC. -A 2.3379 5.61% 1.54% 1.56% 6.02% GREPALIFE FIXED INCOME FUND CORP. -A P 1.6087 2.02% -0.6% 0.18% 2.83% PHILAM BOND FUND, INC. -A 4.3114 12.21% 1.17% 1.94% 9.99% PHILEQUITY PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.7515 8.35% 2.12% 1.61% 6.66% SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC. -A 0.9525 7.79% 0.15% N.A. 6.88% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.0385 10.08% 2.89% 2.63% 9.86% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY GS FUND, INC. -A 1.6811 9.67% 2.37% 2.19% 9.17% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ALFM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $466.14 4.62% 1.99% 2.91% 3.96% ALFM EURO BOND FUND, INC. -A Є220.53 3.52% 1.38% 1.53% 3.7% ATRAM TOTAL RETURN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -B $1.2032 7.42% 2.18% 2.58% 6.88% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $0.0259 4.44% 1.05% 1.62% 4.44% GREPALIFE DOLLAR BOND FUND CORP. -A $1.7168 1.49% -1.67% 0.55% 1.57% PAMI GLOBAL BOND FUND, INC -A $1.1062 7.96% 0.12% -0.77% 6.75% PHILAM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $2.4256 13.34% 2.13% 3.72% 11.74% PHILEQUITY DOLLAR INCOME FUND INC. -A $0.0602948 6.06% 2.02% 2.14% 5.78% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ABUNDANCE FUND, INC. -A $3.1951 10.95% 1.55% 3.24% 11.25% MONEY MARKET FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 124.84 4.17% 2.67% 2.09% 3.28% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A,5 1.024 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILAM MANAGED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 1.2416 5.91% 2.37% 1.49% 5.05% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 1.256 3.89% 2.81% 2.2% 3.02% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR STARTER FUND, INC. -A $1.0334 2.21% N.A. N.A. 1.72% 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 - ADJUSTED DUE TO CASH DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST JANUARY 29, 2018. 2 - ADJUSTED DUE TO STOCK DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST JUNE 5, 2018. 3 LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 3, 2019.

4 - LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 28, 2019. 5 - LAUNCH DATE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2019. 6 - RENAMING WAS APPROVED BY THE SEC LAST OCTOBER 12, 2018 (FORMERLY, ONE WEALTHY NATION FUND, INC.).

7 - LAUNCH DATE IS AUGUST 1, 2019. 8 - LAUNCH DATE IS SEPTEMBER 28, 2019.

"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."

The World Editor: Angel R. Calso

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

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Chinese envoy going to US on Thursday for trade talks

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EIJING—China’s chief trade envoy is going to Washington on Thursday for talks aimed at ending the tariff war between the world’s two largest economies.

The Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday that Vice Premier Liu He will lead a delegation that will include China’s commerce minister and central bank governor and industry, technology and agriculture regulators.

The two governments have made conciliatory gestures ahead of the talks, including lifting or postponing punitive tariffs. But there has been no sign of progress toward settling their core disputes over Beijing’s trade surplus and technology ambitions.

The two sides have raised import duties on billions of dollars of each other’s goods, fueling fears their dispute might tip the global economy into recession. AP

US to blacklist Chinese AI firms

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HE United States is blacklisting a group of Chinese tech companies that develop facial recognition and other artificialintelligence (AI) technology that the US says is being used to repress China’s Muslim minority groups.

A move on Monday by the US Commerce Department puts the companies on a so-called Entity List for acting contrary to American foreign policy interests.

The blacklist effectively bars US firms from selling technology to the Chinese companies without government approval.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a written statement on Monday that the US government “will not tolerate the brutal suppression of ethnic minorities within China.”

The blacklisted companies include Hikvision and Dahua, both of which are global providers of video surveillance technology.

Hikvision said in a statement on Monday that it respects human rights and strongly opposes the Trump administration’s decision.

The company said it has spent a year trying to “clarify misunderstandings about the company and address their concerns,” and that this will hurt its US business partners.

Prominent Chinese AI firms such as SenseTime, Megvii and iFlytek are also on the list. SenseTime and Megvii are known for the development of computer vision technology that underpins facial recognition products, while iFlytek is known for its voice recognition and

translation services.

The companies are among 28 organizations added to the blacklist on Monday. Along with the tech companies, the Commerce Department’s filing targets local government agencies in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region.

The filing said the listed groups have been implicated in “China’s campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention and high-technology surveillance” against Uighurs, Kazakhs and other predominantly Muslim minority groups.

The Chinese embassy and several of the targeted companies didn’t immediately return requests for comment on Monday.

The Trump administration earlier this year used the same blacklisting process to punish Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant targeted by the US over national security concerns. Added to the list in June were five Chinese groups working in supercomputing.

Ross said Monday’s action will ensure US technologies “are not used to repress defenseless minority populations.”

China is estimated to have detained up to 1 million Muslims in prison-like detention centers in the region. The detentions come on top of harsh travel restrictions and a massive surveillance network equipped with facial recognition technology. China has denied committing abuses in the centers and has described them as schools aimed at providing employable skills and combating extremism. AP

Johnson warned against big tax cuts as UK faces no-deal shock

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NITED Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson was urged not to press ahead with his plans for big tax cuts amid warnings that a no-deal Brexit could blow a £100-billion ($123 billion) hole in the public finances.

The budget deficit is already set to exceed £50 billion next year and that could easily double if Britain crashes out of the European Union without a transition deal, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IPS) said in its Green Budget published on Tuesday.

Even with a “substantial” easing of monetary and fiscal policy, the British economy is facing two years of stagnation under a no-deal Brexit scenario, according to Citi, which provided analysis for the report.

“The government is now adrift without any effective fiscal anchor,” said IFS Director Paul Johnson. “Given the extraordinary level of uncertainty and risks facing the economy and public finances, it should not be looking to offer further permanent overall tax giveaways.”

With a possible general election looming, Johnson is offering voters an end to austerity with tens of billions of pounds of spending increases and cuts to payroll taxes. Plans announced by Chancellor Sajid Javid last month mean that day-to-spending on the National Health Service and policing are now higher than those proposed by the opposition Labour Party before the 2017 election, the IFS said.

Lost output

CITI estimated that Britain has lost out almost entirely on the bout of global growth since 2016, with output around £60 billion lower than it would have been had voters chosen to stay in the EU. A further delay to Brexit would extend the uncertainty weighing on investment and growth, it said.

Britain is on course to break its key fiscal rule, which requires structural borrowing to be less than 2 percent of gross domestic product in 2020-2021, the IFS said.

A fiscal stimulus to help the economy weather a nodeal Brexit would see debt climb to almost 90 percent of national income for the first time since the mid-1960s, raising the prospect of sharp cutbacks to spending in future years. Bloomberg News

B4 Wednesday, October 9, 2019

SM Center Dagupan is now open

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AGUPAN City’s name is a take-off from the word pandaragupan, which means “gathering place” in the local dialect.

Located on the Lingayen Gulf on the northwest-central part of Luzon and within the fertile Agno River Valley, it is a major commercial and financial center north of Manila.

Historically, Dagupan was a center for salt-making in numerous salt evaporator beds in the low-lying swampy areas close to the Lingayen Gulf. Beginning in the 19th Century, some of the salt making operations gave way to the pond culture of fish, most prominently, the milkfish, or bangus, for which the city has become famous which paved the way for the annual Bangus Festival.

Today, Dagupan is the economic center of Pangasinan and one of the centers of modern medical services, media, and communication in NorthCentral Luzon.

A regional market center for centuries, it recently welcomed another gathering place with the opening on SM Center Dagupan on October 4. It is SM Prime Holdings’s 74th mall and the third in Pangasinan after SM City Rosales and SM City Urdaneta Central.

The new and vibrant SM Center Dagupan will bring residents and visitors a state of the art two story shopping center, complete with ample parking and a transport terminal. It will serve customers in this bustling area, as well as in nearby towns and cities in Pangasinan -- Lingayen,

SOBEL HOTEL OPENS ITS DOORS ON SEPTEMBER 20. Sobel Hotel is your newest family hotel in the heart of Caloocan.

Strategically located at the busy gateway in Monumento, it offers quality rooms and places to unwind. Soon to operate is the Al-fresco Sky Bar for after-work relaxation and coffee lounge for those who want to grab a quick breakfast and early morning caffeine. Sobel Hotel presents quality service with affordable prices for everyone to enjoy. Its function hall is now also available for your next events, which can cater up to 150 persons.

PANGASINAN Vice Governor Mark Lambino (2nd from left) and Dagupan City Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua (2nd from right) graced the recent opening of SM Center Dagupan, They are joined by SM Chairman for Executive Committee Hans T. Sy and SM Prime Holdings President Jeffrey Lim (right) with Most Reverend Bishop Socrates Villegas, Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan (center).

Binmaley, Calasiao, Mangaldan, Santa Barbara, Malasiqui, and San Carlos City.

With approximately 23,000 square meters of floor area, the project master plan is organized along Calasiao-Dagupan Road with two separate entries to the shopping center and the SM Hypermarket for the convenience of all shoppers.

SM Center Dagupan’s façade is bold and exciting, featuring a dynamic pattern with varied vertical strips in blue accent colors along the main facades, a well-marked SM signs in both entries. The mall’s main façade on the street level is open and welcoming

Home Credit Philippines named as one of Asia’s Top 100 Best Employer Brands

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with large storefronts, glass entrances, and an alfresco seating area. Well-planned sidewalks and lay-by spots for taxi service make the mall highly accessible.

The interior architectural design of the shopping mall is elegant and vivid.

Lively white ceiling panel strips and linear light features extend to the atrium walls and clerestory throughout the center.

Elegant floor materials and patterns, exciting storefronts and kiosk, extensive landscaping, and a variety of seating options provides all shoppers with a flowing and memorable experience.

ALPHA OMEGA AQUINO, Home Credit Philippines’ Head of Talent Acquisition, receives the Top 100 Best Employer Brands Award.

OME Credit Philippines was distinguished as one of the Top 100 Best Employer Brands in Asia for 2019-2020 by the Employer Branding Institute and World HRD Congress at the 10th Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards. Held in August 15, 2019 at the Pan Pacific, Singapore, the Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards recognizes leading organizations within the region that have effectively built its employer brand through exemplary human resource initiatives and practices. This is the first time Home Credit Philippines has been awarded by the said award-giving body.

Alpha Omega Aquino, SHRM-SCP, Home Credit Philippines’ Head of Talent Acquisition, proudly dedicated the organization’s success to its people. “This [award] is for our more than 5 million customers in the Philippines and our 12,000 employees, who are our own brand ambassadors.”

Sports BusinessMirror

US women counter soccer U federation’s assertions on pay

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| Wednesday, October 9, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

THE US team members celebrate their Women’s World Cup victory against The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in France. AP

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OHA, Qatar—If the goal of this year’s track and field world championships was to find a fresh face, a vibrant personality, a one-of-a-kind talent to replace the mile-wide void left by Usain Bolt’s absence, then consider it still a work in progress.

The 10-day run in the desert had its moments—a world record in the 400-meter hurdles, a hometown high jumper taking gold, female sprinters and hurdles striking a blow for new moms everywhere. But the main message coming out of Doha very well might have been “Wait ‘til Next Year.”

The Tokyo Olympics, the first that will take place without Bolt since 2000, start in less than 10 months, and the worlds provided some clues as to what’s ahead—and also about the problems this sport still faces.

There were a few athletes with the star power to shine for at least a couple of days, including a pair of double gold medalists: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a vibrant new mom from Jamaica who established herself as the woman to beat, again, in the sprints; and Noah Lyles, the American with the silver hair who won the 200 and anchored the US to a long-awaited victory in the 4x100 relay.

There were also problems aplenty for the sport that anchors the Olympic program over the final week of the games.

Doping reared its head, as usual.

It came in the form of the latest developments in the long-running Russian scandal, leading to the question: Which athletes from the world’s second-biggest delegation will be allowed to compete next year, and under what conditions?

And in the form of 100-meter champion Christian Coleman’s confusing, and ultimately dismissed, whereabouts case.

And then by the sudden removal of Alberto Salazar, the famed distance coach who received a four-year doping ban based on evidence that he ran experiments with supplements and testosterone, all as a way of trying to build a stronger, better runner.

One of Salazar’s protégés, Sifan Hassan, pulled a firstof-its-kind double, winning gold medals in the 1,500 and 10,000 meters.

She came under scrutiny, not only for associating with Salazar but for her romp in the 1,500 meters—a wire-towire runaway that makes her the favorite at any distance she tries next year.

“Sadly, it is the world we live in,” International Alliance of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe said.

“It is inevitable that outstanding performances, given the broader nature of trust, is permanently a question.”

That wasn’t Coe’s only problem.

The debate about the wisdom of bringing the IAAF’s biggest competition to a country that is admittedly still gearing up to host the biggest in any sport—the 2022 World Cup—haunted this event from the get-go.

It put Coe on the defensive about the thin crowds that suddenly—magically?—got much bigger toward the end, as the criticism mounted; and also about the road races run in the middle of the night in stifling conditions that sent

‘WAIT ‘TIL NEXT YEAR’ AT TOKYO OLYMPICS dozens of athletes off the course and into the medical tent.

But next year in Tokyo, the weather could be even hotter.

So, consider this a warm-up for the main event.

Coe said that, going into the final day, 28 percent of medalists in Qatar were aged 24 or under.

“We have some metrics that tell us our sport is in pretty good shape,” he said.

Here’s a look at a few of the up-and-comers about whom Coe speaks:

JAPANESE RELAY MEMBERS

AUGUST 7, 2020, will be an electric day inside the Olympic Stadium. Japan has never earned Olympic gold in the men’s 4x100 relay, but the team certainly stoked some enthusiasm when it won a surprise silver in Rio de Janeiro four years ago.

A foursome anchored by Hakim Sani Brown, who runs at the University of Florida, backed that up by setting a national record (37.43 seconds) to capture a bronze medal.

Hand offs and teamwork are the key for Japan, which will not beat the United States on speed alone.

MUTAZ BARSHIM

THE biggest cheers of the Doha championships were saved for Mutaz Barshim, the high jumper who was born in Doha and represents Qatar.

“The Qatari Falcon” sent the fans home happy, and will be a favorite in Tokyo. Hard to imagine him savoring a victory more than this one, though.

GERMANY’S Malaika Mihambo competes, while Ukraine’s Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk celebrates in the women’s long jump final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha. AP

SALWA EID NASER

THE women’s 400 stage belonged to heavy favorite Shaunae Miller-Uibo. But the 21-year-old Salwa Eid Naser, born in Nigeria but now running for Bahrain, stole the show with a time of 48.14 seconds. The world record of 47.60 seconds has long been thought untouchable, in part because it was set by an East German in the 1980s. Maybe not now, though.

“Anything is possible,” Naser said.

WOMEN’S 400 HURDLES

DALILAH MUHAMMAD broke her own world record in adding a world title to her Olympic crown. Pushing her in Doha and down the road will be 20-year-old Sydney McLaughlin, who earned the silver in Doha as Muhammad held her off by .07 seconds.

And while Muhammad’s world record currently stands at 52.16 seconds, the talk in this event is that the 52-second barrier could be breakable.

“It is definitely possible,” Muhammad said.

ARMAND DUPLANTIS

THE Swedish pole vaulter who lives in Louisiana and went to LSU gave defending world champion Sam Kendricks of the US a run for his money. Kendricks prevailed, but not after a back-and-forth tussle that ended with Armand Duplantis taking silver.

“I am young,” Duplantis said. “I have a lot more opportunities.” AP

S Soccer was misleading when it asserted some players for the women’s national team made more money than their male counterparts, the women’s team players said in court documents filed Monday.

The players say in the documents that the men’s pay would have been far greater if they’d had the same success on the field as the women.

The filing was a response to a US Soccer motion opposing the players’ request to certify a lawsuit seeking equitable pay as a class-action. The women asked a court last month to include all players called up to the national team, which could increase the class to more than 50 players.

Twenty-eight players, including stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, were part of the original suit filed against US Soccer in March alleging institutionalized gender discrimination that includes inequitable compensation between the men’s and women’s teams. A May 5 trial date has been set in US District Court in Los Angeles.

The federation has maintained that compensation for each team is the result of separate collective bargaining agreements, and that the pay structures are different as a result. Men’s team players are paid largely by appearance and performance, while the contract for the women’s team includes provisions for health care and other benefits, as well as salaries in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

US Soccer further argued last week that four players— Morgan, Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd and Becky Sauerbrunn—were each paid more than the highest-paid player on the men’s national team in four years over the period between 2014 and 2019. The four earned more even when NWSL salaries weren’t included, the motion said.

US Soccer said because those players made more, they lack the standing to represent a class.

“The women chose to have a guaranteed salary of up to $172,500 per year, and in addition to this salary, they earn game and tournament bonuses, and receive a robust package of benefits.

While the players on our men’s national team can earn larger bonuses, they take more risk as they do not receive any

guaranteed money or benefits within their pay-for-play contract structure,” US Soccer said in a statement.

The women’s filing Monday said the only reason those four players were able to earn more was “they worked in far more games, had far greater success, and thus, were able to earn more money in salary and bonuses even under the indisputably discriminatory set of the USSF’s [Unites States Soccer Federation] compensation policies.” It said this didn’t constitute equal pay.

The players’ response maintains that the four players were paid less than one-third of what a male counterpart would have made if the men’s team had been as successful over the same period.

“This is the very definition of gender discrimination, which is illegal. USSF has repeatedly tried to distort these figures—including by hiring lobbyists, creating PowerPoint presentations with false data, trying to blame Fifa, and purposely manipulating the equation. But the math is simple: when the rates from the men’s CBA are applied to each woman player’s record and performance, the results show an unmistakably large pay gap,”said Molly Levinson, who represents the players in matters surrounding the lawsuit.

The women’s team won this year’s World Cup in France and had additional games leading up to the tournament, including qualification matches. The women also won the World Cup in 2015. The team played in victory tour matches following those World Cup titles.

The men’s team, meanwhile, did not make the field for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and had fewer matches, and therefore, fewer call-ups and training camps from 20172018. The team has also transitioned to new Coach Gregg Berhalter, who was hired last December. AP

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Business

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE STRAINED I

T wasn’t even a month ago that National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver sat overlooking center court at an arena in Beijing, watching the goldmedal game at the World Cup with other basketball dignitaries.

That night was all smiles.

Silver’s return to China later this week will be much different.

The relationship between China and the NBA—a multibillion-dollar marriage that involves media rights, streaming, merchandise sales and much more—is strained right now in ways unlike any other since the league first began planting roots there in earnest three decades ago. A since-deleted tweet from Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey that showed support for Hong Kong antigovernment protesters prompted an immediate backlash, complicated further by the timing of the NBA having two preseason games in China this week.

“We apologize,” Rockets star James Harden said in Japan on Monday. “We love China. We love playing there. I know for both of us individually we go there once or twice a year. They show us the most support and love. So we appreciate them as a fan base and we love everything they’re about and we appreciate the support that they give us individually and as an organization.”

That support is being sternly tested, be it from tweets that were deleted, uproars over an NBA statement that had some of its meaning lost in translation when posted in Mandarin and even the cancellation announced Monday of two G League games to be played in China between the

minor-league affiliates of the Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks.

At least one Chinese sporting goods company said it was no longer cooperating with the Rockets and a sports news web site in China said it was no longer covering the team.

“There is no doubt, the economic impact is already clear,” Silver told Kyodo News in an interview Monday. “There have already been fairly dramatic consequences from that tweet, and I have read some of the media suggesting that we are not supporting Daryl Morey, but in fact we have.”

The NBA is enormously popular in China: Oft-cited figures from basketball executives in both the US and China say that 300 million people play the game recreationally there and that about 500 million Chinese watched at least one NBA game last season.

And the Rockets are among the biggest team brands there, no doubt because Chinese star Yao Ming—a Basketball Hall of Famer—spent his NBA career with Houston.

Yao is now president of the Chinese Basketball Association, which announced over the weekend it is suspending its ties with the Rockets in retaliation for Morey’s tweet. While Yao has not shared his personal feelings on the topic, it’s clear that the relationship between Yao and his only NBA team is currently, at best, rocky.

Silver will address the matter at a news conference Tuesday in Japan, where the Rockets are playing this week. He then is scheduled to speak in Shanghai on Thursday, in advance of two preseason games in China between the Los Angeles Lakers, led by global sports icon LeBron

YAO MING, a Basketball Hall of Famer and now president of the Chinese Basketball Association, says he is suspending its ties with the Rockets as Adam Silver announces he will address the matter at a news conference Tuesday in Japan. AP

James, and the Brooklyn Nets, now owned by Joe Tsai, the cofounder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.

“What is the problem with people freely expressing their opinion? This freedom is an inherent American value and the NBA has been very progressive in allowing players and other constituents a platform to speak out on issues,” Tsai wrote in a lengthy open letter posted late Sunday. “The problem is, there are certain topics that are third-rail issues in certain countries, societies and communities.”

And in China, discussion of the Hong Kong protests is one of those issues, Tsai said.

The NBA’s relationship with China dates back about 30 years to the time when former Commissioner David Stern struck a deal with Chinese television to show games on a tape-delayed basis. Stern even talked about having an NBA-sponsored or branded league in China. The first league office there had three employees and flimsy furniture.

Now, about 200 NBA employees work in China in offices in Beijing and Shanghai.

Games are streamed live and Chinese media cover all the league’s biggest events such as All-Star weekend and the NBA Finals. The league has played preseason games there

A NEW CAREER FOR MIKE TYSON

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for years, has three NBA academies in the country—designed to find the next star prospect—and big-name players go there every offs-eason to promote their brand.

Retired Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade has a lifetime contract with Chinese apparel company Li-Ning. Golden State guard Klay Thompson has a 10-year deal with another Chinese shoe company, Anta. Five-time champion Kobe Bryant has been visiting China annually for about two decades and is a massive star there, even now that his playing career is done.

The league has navigated its way around one thorny issue related to the US and China in recent months: a trade war between the nations that includes back-and-forth tariffs.

The Hong Kong tweet, though, is likely to present a much bigger test for the NBA. “What I can tell you for sure is it’s not going to erase the decades of work that, you know, myself and everyone else in the NBA has put in, in building a tremendous base for basketball in China,” Golden State Warriors COO Rick Welts said Monday in an appearance on CNBC. “And I think this will pass. And I do think our future in China is probably pretty remarkable.” AP

Cignal, starring Daquis, remains unblemished

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IGNAL stretched its winning streak to four following an emphatic 25-14, 25-14, 22-25, 25-18 win over Marinerang Pilipina in the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference Tuesday at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.

Rachel Anne Daquis waxed hot, while Alohi Robins-Hardy dished out her usual allaround performance for the HD Spikers, who lost a set for the first time in the conference but still preserved their immaculate record.

Daquis delivered 11 kills, five aces and a block for 17 points while Robins-Hardy tallied 11 excellent sets on top of 11 points off eight attacks, two blocks and an ace with 12 digs.

National team stalwart Mylene Paat chipped in 10 points, while Janine Navarro and Ranya Musa added eight and seven points, respectively, for Cignal, which moved

a win shy of bagging a semifinal berth.

“I’m happy because my players are very eager to win each game. These victories are the results of our hard training,” Cignal Coach Edgar Barroga said.

“Although they played relaxed and failed to follow our defensive pattern in the third set, they still worked their way back into the game,” Barroga added.

Seth Rodriguez, who engineered a thirdset surge, fired 12 points, while Floremel Rodriguez and Ivy Remulla added eight points apiece for the Lady Skippers, who committed 30 errors in the match.

Marinerang Pilipina remained winless in four games.

IKE TYSON is ready to talk your ears off about MMA. The former heavyweight champion is set to join the Professional Fighters League as host of the new series “Mike Tyson’s New Fight Game: The PFL,” which will debut this week on the league’s YouTube channel and other digital platforms before the playoffs start Friday.

Tyson will conduct interviews with fighters, and musicians, entertainers and other famous fans of mixed martial arts. Tyson will be joined on “Fight Game” by cohost Sean O’Connell, PFL ESPN play-by-play announcer and PFL 2018 light heavyweight champion.

“We can take this to another dimension,” Tyson told The Associated Press. “We can brand it the proper way.

Give it the proper advertisement. We can take these fighters and publicize these fighters properly. We can take all the fighters from all over the planet, and all the techniques and all the disciplines and put them in one tournament and find out who really is the baddest [fighter] on the planet that ever lived.”

The PFL is a tournament-based organization that kicks off the playoffs this week. PFL playoffs are held over three nights in October: Friday’s fights are headlined by women’s 155 pounds and welterweights; October 17, features featherweights and lightweights; and October 31 has light heavyweights and heavyweights. Each male fighter must fight twice and win twice that night to advance to the championship finals.

Tyson can add TV host to an entertainment tableau highlighted by a scene-stealing stint in The Hangover. He voiced himself in an animated show on the Cartoon Network and even starred in a one-man show on Broadway. He hosted a podcast and founded his own cannabis company.

Tyson has long been ant uncensored, unfiltered athlete who has unloaded quotes like this one on Evander Holyfield (whom he bit twice during their infamous 1997 fight): “I want your heart! I want to eat his children!” Or this one on his own persona: “I come across as crass, a Neanderthal, a babbling idiot sometimes. I like to show you that person. I like that person. He makes you want to come and listen to me.”

He hopes fans will tune in as he transitions to the PFL. “I really want to get into the essence of what people are really about,” Tyson said. “You really never know a person until you get there and talk to him. You have to make him comfortable when he’s uncomfortable. That’s when you really get into the essence of people.” AP

MIKE TYSON will conduct interviews with fighters, and musicians, entertainers and other famous fans of mixed martial arts. AP

Blue Eagles eye 9th straight win

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TENEO tries to widen its gap from the rest of the field, while Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) try to break away from a tie on Wednesday in University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 men’s basketball action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Holding a perfect 8-0 win-loss record, the defending champion Blue Eagles face the Final Four aspirant Adamson University Soaring Falcons (3-5) at 4 p.m.

FEU and UST, which share third to fifth places with De La Salle at 4-4, battle National University (10:30 a.m.) and the University of the East (12:30 p.m.), respectively.

The three-peat seeking Blue Eagles opened the second round of eliminations with a 66-52 win over the Tigers last Saturday with Thirdy Ravena scoring 17 points and nine rebounds and SJ Belangel adding 11 points and four rebounds.

“As I said after the end of the first round, no time to rest, no time to look backward, only to look forward to the next game,”Ateneo Coach Tab Baldwin said.

FEU, on the other hand, avoided total collapse when it got its acts together in overtime to beat University of the Philippines, 82-79, last Sunday.

The Tamaraws wasted a 17-point lead in the fourth period and were held scoreless for four minutes until the final buzzer.

Wendell Comboy led the offensive change in extra time with Ken Tuffin hitting clutch baskets for the Tamaraws. Ramon Rafael Bonilla

AT ALL COST! France’s Antoine Dupont runs at

the Tongan defense during their Rugby World Cup Pool C game at Kumamoto Stadium in Kumamoto, Japan, on Sunday. France won, 23-21. AP

orts

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PHL billiards team targets four golds in 30th SEA Games EJ OBIENA poses with his father Emerson (left) and mother Jeanette Obiena during Tuesday’s forum. ROY DOMINGO

OBIENA FOCUSED ON SEAG

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OLE vaulter EJ Obiena, the first of two Filipino athletes who have so far booked a ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is not looking too far ahead considering that there’s the 30th Southeast Asian Games in December.

The 23-year-old Obiena said qualifying for Tokyo 2020 is “more of a dream coming true.”

But Obiena told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Amelie Hotel Manila that his focus is on the SEA Games, which the country is hosting for the fourth time after 1981, 1991 and 2005.

With a personal best of 5.81 meters, which is ranked 10th in the world, the 6-foot-2 Obiena should be the favorite to win gold in the SEA Games, where Thailand’s Porranot Purahon is the reigning champion with his 5.35 meters in the 2017 Games in Kuala Lumpur.

“I may have the slight edge but it’s a competition. Anything can happen. Hopefully I can be the one standing on top of the podium holding the Philippine flag,” Obiena told the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel and Pagcor.

Obiena is fully aware that in each competition, the bar is raised, and he expects

Bulanadi lifts Stags, upsets No. 2 Pirates

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AN Sebastian-Recoletos leaned on its big second-half assault to dismantle Lyceum of the Philippines, 73-71, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 95 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Although down on a huge 19 point, 22-41 disadvantage in the second quarter, the Golden Stags never surrendered and had Allyn Bulanadi on the commanding role.

Slowly, the squad trimmed the deficit and had the biggest shot courtesy of a short stab by rookie Rommel Calahat off an assist from Bulanadi with 5.2 second left.

Bulanadi paced San Sebastian with 28 points—with 19 coming in the second half—and had seven rebound and two steals. RK Ilagan added 11 points and three rebounds.

The Golden Stags recorded their ninth win against six losses to solidify their grip of the last Final Four spot over the trailing College of Saint Benilde and Mapua, who both share 7-8 slates.

“The good thing is, even if we had a bad start, the boys showed character, and we did have composure on the last minute. I credit this victory to them because they did not give up,” Stags Head Coach Egay Macaraya said.

Jaycee Marcelino scored 21 points for the Pirates, while Mike Nzeusseu registered a double-double of 16 points and 12 boards.

The semis-bound Lyceum could have secured the second position in the standings but instead dropped to a 12-4 record.

Ryniel Berlanga

higher marks in the SEA Games. The pole vault competition is set December 7 at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, the main hub of the bienniel event.

“What I can do is do what I can,” said Obiena, who was accompanied in the forum by his parents, Emerson [a silver and bronze medalist in the 1995 and 2005 SEA Games] and Jeanette.

“I will do my best to win the SEA Games gold.

It’s our home country. It’s going to be a shame if I lose and I know that,” said Obiena, fully recovered from an ACL injury he suffered just days before the 2017 SEA Games.

Obiena is looking at practically the same field in the Games.

“The Thais are really good, the Malaysian and the young Indonesian. You’ll never know,” he said.

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ILIPINO cue artists could deliver at least four gold medals when they compete in the 30th Southeast Asian Games from December 3 to 10

at the Manila Hotel Tent City.

Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines Secretary-General Robert Mananquil said his athletes are in high spirits and are ready to surpass their finish of two gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the previous staging of the Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2017.

Mananquil said they have a deep bench of pool talents led by world No. 3 Rubilen Amit, world No. 4 Carlo Biado, Dennis Orcollo, Johann

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ARLOS EDRIEL YULO came through with a gritty performance on Monday to advance to the men’s’ all-around finals, and, more important, secure a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the 49th International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the Hans Martin Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart, Germany.

Propped up by identical scores of 14.333 in the vault and parallel bars, his last two events, Yulo finished 18th overall out of 160 entries to make the cut of 24 gymnasts in the all-around finals on Friday at the ultra-modern, 15,000-seat arena in the home of both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

In a historic first for Philippine gymnastics, the diminutive 4-foot-11 dynamo emerged as the country’s second Olympic qualifier after pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, who sealed his own ticket to Tokyo early last month in ruling a meet in Italy.

As icing on the cake, the gymnast scored a solid 14.666 points in his pet event, the floor

exercise, and finished seventh overall to make cut of eight entries and enter the finals of the apparatus on Saturday in the stint supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Yulo’s qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics was confirmed in an official press notice issued by the FIG, which was received by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) SecretaryGeneral Bettina Pou back in Manila.

“Yes, Caloy [Yulo’s nickname] has already qualified in the all-around because he has moved up as No. 1 in the individual rankings since China, Russia and Japan have already qualified their athletes after their 1-2-3 finish, respectively, at last year’s worlds held in Doha, Qatar,” Pou said.

“This is wonderful for Philippine gymnastics and for Caloy. It is an honor for GAP to have the second qualifier to the Olympics,” said GAP President Cynthia Carrion, who took in the athlete way back in 2009 as a GAP protégé.

“Hopefully he will

continue to do well and win a medal in both the all-around and floor exercise. And we urge our countrymen back home to pray for his success here.”

Back home, Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino was elated by the good news.

“We would like to congratulate Caloy Yulo for being our country’s second Olympic qualifier. We would like to acknowledge GAP and its president, Cynthia Carrion, in making this happen,”Tolentino said. “As he continues to train hard, we pray that this boy will be among our medal hopeful in the Tokyo Olympics.”

Shortly after his performance, Yulo, the youngest entry in the men’s all-around event at 19, admitted that he felt pressured in this competition after bagging a bronze medal in the floor exercise last year.

“I was a bit nervous and my legs were shaking,” bared the athlete, who began his campaign with a score of 13.033 points on the high bar.

Incorporating new and more difficult elements in his floor exercise routine, Yulo bounced back in style to wow the crowd of 6,000

but if luck rolls our way, we might sweep all pool events and win six out of the 10 gold medals at stake.”

Seeing action in snookers are Alvin Barbero, Michael Angelo Mengorio, Jeffrey Roda and Basil Al-Shajjar, while Benjie Guevarra and Luis Saberdo will carry the torch in English Billiards.

Pool great Efren “Bata” Reyes will also see action as he joins Francisco de la Cruz in carom while assuming the responsibility as head coach of the national squad with another legend in Francisco “Django” Bustamante as deputy chief.

“What we have is a very stacked and solid lineup,” said Mananquil, adding that they will have a tough time in English Billiards and carom events.

“The Malaysians and the Singaporeans, being former British colonies, are expected to dominate English Billiards while carom is the pet event of the Vietnamese. Despite that, we will still go all out and take advantage of our homecourt edge.”

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez welcomed this development, saying: “It’s difficult to predict outcomes, but with proper scouting, sports associations could somehow see their targets well.”

“The PSC is also supportive of billiards as it is with all sports,” Ramirez added.

Mananquil said the PSC has been very supportive to their preparation.

CARLOS EDRIEL YULO is the second Filipino to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

COURTESY JAN TENORIO

inside the arena and tally 14.666, his best score among all the six apparatuses.

But he dipped in form in his next two events—the pommel horse and rings—with tallies of 12.466 and 13.553, respectively, and looked like he would miss the boat to the allaround finals at that point.

Sensing that he was in a jam, Yulo rose to the occasion and regained his bearings to turn in high scores on the vault and parallel bars, an event where he won a gold medal in the 2017 Asian junior championships in Bangkok, Thailand, sealing his entry to the finals as well as trip to the Tokyo Olympics.

“Satisfied with Caloy’s performance but there is still a lot of work to be done,” stressed Japanese Coach Munehiro Kugimiya, who has mentored the gymnast for over six years and has seen him blossom into a world-class athlete, and now, an Olympic-bound athlete.

Yulo will have a three-day break to refine his performance before returning to action in the all-around finals on Friday.

Asean sports officials call for gender equity in sports

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ENIOR officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and their counterparts from Japan issued a call for equal participation in sports during the First Asean Plus Japan Meeting on Women and Sports at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Pasay City on Tuesday.

William Ramirez, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission and head of the Fifth Asean Ministerial Meeting on Sports, acknowledged all the delegates and emphasized the power of sports “as a tool for peace, equality and development among Southeast Asian nations.”

Japan International Affairs Division Director Hirokazu Kumekawa committed to the objective as he thanked all participants.

“This will strengthen the commitment of equal participation and opportunity

National team golf shootout finale up

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10-ball doubles where we also have fighting chances.

Of course, I can’t promise that we would also win the gold there,

YULO BAGS SLOT TO TOKYO 2020

EMILIO Aguinaldo College’s Jethro Mendoza is forced to lose the ball against the right guarding of College of Saint Benilde’s Robi Nayve. NONOY LACZA

INETEEN clubs will clash for the title—and an all-expense paid golf vacation in Thailand that members of the winning team will be rewarded with—in the Federation National Team Shootout grand finals on Thursday at the Couples course of the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite.

All 19 clubs staged their respective qualifying tournaments in the last two months and it now comes down to the 18-hole finale presented by Empire Golf Sports Shop, the local distributor of Titleist, where four-man teams will play under the scramble format.

This year’s edition marks the revival of the event organized by the Federation of Golf Clubs in the Philippines Inc. as a way of bringing together its member clubs all over the country.

Competing for Luzon are Alabang, Beverly Place, Eagle Ridge, Forest Hills, Manila Golf, Mount Malarayat, Orchard, Manila Southwoods, Riviera, Royal Northwoods, Sta. Elena, Tagaytay Highlands, Tagaytay Midlands, Valley, Wack Wack and host Riviera.

Carrying the Visayan banner are Alta Vista, Cebu

Chua, Jeffrey Ignacio, Warren Kiamco, Chezka Centeno, Iris Rañola and Floriza Andal.

He said with this lineup, they can easily corner four gold medals in the men and women’s 9-ball competition and men and women’s 10ball event.

“That’s four gold medals already,” said Mananquil, who is also a board member of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“We still have 9-ball and

Country Club, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

Riviera is providing a free practice round for the finalists on Wednesday with the FGCP hosting a welcome dinner in the evening.

Tournament rules require each team to be made up of four players with a combined total handicap index of at least 50 or higher. The FGCP will assign handicap indexes to a team based on their totals that will serve as their team handicap with the maximum handicap pegged at 10.

FGCP is also allowing a combination of men, ladies, junior dependent (must be 12-17 years old

by October 9, 2019) and seniors (must be 55 years old by October 9, 2019) per team. The men and boy dependents will tee off from the blue tees, the ladies and girl dependents from the red and the seniors from the white.

Among the rules adopted for this year’s edition of the Shootout is allowing a club with more than one course to field another team. Also to be allowed is a substitution for one member of a team that reaches the finals provided the original combined total handicap index range is met.

of sports for every women in the Asean nation,” Kumekawa said.

The officials put emphasis on increasing public awareness on the participation of women and girls in sports and identifying ways to promote their participation in the region.

Ramirez also met with Deputy Chef de Mission of the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, Widya Rahmanto, and Indonesian Embassy Information, Media and Public Relations Head Agus Buan and discussed arrangements for the 30th Southeast Asian Games the country is hosting.

The meeting prompted Ramirez, also the Team Philippines Chef de Mission, to call for a meeting with the ambassadors of the 11 participating nations.

AL MENDOZA alsol47@yahoo.com

THAT’S ALL

Welcome to America

NEW YORK CITY—I was sunning up at the Rockefeller Center square on Saturday (October 5) in Manhattan when three police cars pulled over. Sirens on. Lights blinking. People were just looking. Me, too.

I wanted to visit the famed Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, less than a kilometer away.

“No, you can’t,” said retired prosecutor Joven Florido. “Our bus might suddenly arrive. Let’s just stay put here.”

It made sense heeding a man of the law.

Another in our group, a Pinoy New Yorker obviously, said to me: “Avoid moving around.

There seems to be a police operation. Safer to be still.”

What brought me to this place, anyway, where the famed skating rink of many a Hollywood location shootings is located?

You guessed it right. I was in a bus tour of the City—the City being Manhattan.

I’ve not been terribly alone, and not forgotten in Manhattan, since September 28.

In fact, the writer-journalist Sol F. Juvida more than kept me company; she clicked away shots of me in places that mattered and did not. A shot to remember was a pose of me with the NBC Studios and Radio City in the background.

Ah, I wanted that one badly. It was at Radio City where Abet Guidaben, the legendary Crispa Redmanizer, and I had coffee in 2004. I was passing by from my coverage of the World Team Golf Championship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, en route to Los Angeles, California.

I never heard of Abet again, although I was told by some kababayans here that he is still fit as a fiddle, and is doing well with his business of repairing/renovating houses.

Just when I was about to wrap up my reminiscing, our bus arrived.

As we left Rockefeller, the police operation remains uncompleted.

The next morning, Sunday, I read in the Staten Island Advance (price: $2.50) about the tragedy of four homeless men getting beaten to death with a metal pipe in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

A 24-year-old suspect was in police custody.

Police caught him with the metal pipe still in his hands, officials said.

“The motive appears to be just random attacks,” the newspaper quoted Chief of Manhattan South Detectives Michael Baldassano as saying. “There was no evidence yet that victims were targeted by race, age, anything of that nature.”

The victims were assaulted as they slept in doorways and sidewalks, with the suspect leaving a fifth victim in critical condition.

An isolated case?

Uh-oh. Welcome to America.

THAT’S IT Thank God my nephew, Kenneth Causon, had a successful procedure at Mt. Sinai hospital on Thursday (October 3). Kenneth, the third child of my departed, lamented, sister, Atche Elvie, had undergone an ablation (whatever that is) to check on his irregular heartbeat, a needle or something inserted through his groin to get to his heart. Sol and I, together with Gerard (Kenneth’s caring younger brother), visited Kenneth the evening of the operation that lasted more than five hours. Kenneth was a bit down but was otherwise in high spirits overall. The following day, he was out of the hospital, with his doctors telling him to move about and not lie in bed too long. So, Kenneth, an incorrigible gourmet, went to Queens from his Manhattan flat by the Hudson Yards. “You know what, Uncle?” he said on the phone. “I just had karekare for dinner.” Beat that!

LASCUÑA’S UPBEAT, BUT WARY IN DAVAO MICAH SHIN toughens up in various tournaments in other regional circuits.

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ONY LASCUÑA comes out fresh from a much-needed break following a series of grueling tournaments that netted him back-to-back feats in Taiwan and at Apo the last two weeks, upbeat but wary of his chances for a third straight championship in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) South Pacific Classic firing off on Wednesday in Davao.

“It’s been quite a good rest kahit dalawa lang.

Okay na ’yun, at least I was able to re-charge,” said Lascuña, who drew former fellow Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Asia leg winner James Ryan Lam and Fidel Concepcion on No. 1 at 8 a.m.

“But there are many good players around, so it’s going to be tough,” he added.

They include Micah Shin, back on the PGT after toughening in various tournaments in other regional circuits. The reed-thin but power-hitting Korean-American, who honed his talent and skills here in Davao and winner of The Country Club Invitational last year, opens his bid at 8:50 a.m. on No. 10 with Edgar Ababa and Peter Villaber.

Tarik Can, who humbled the tough international field to reign at Aboitiz Invitational in tough conditions at Wack Wack last month, is also back after an abbreviated stint at Apo last week where he withdrew in the second round with a hand injury.

But back in top shape, the bearded American hopes to contend for the crown

worth P550,000—and like the rest of the 81-player cast—for the bragging rights as the winner of the first PGT event held at the new South Pacific Golf & Leisure Estates.

“The course is tough, especially the greens. But I still feel good about my chances although there are a lot of other strong players around,” said Lascuña.

Ferdie Aunzo, another local talent, served notice of his title drive by winning yesterday’s pro-am tournament along with the likes of Keanu Jahns, Nilo Salahog, reigning Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla, Pueblo de Oro titlist Reymon Jaraula, Ira Alido, Paul Echavez, Art Arbole, Ramil Bisera, Elmer Salvador, Jhonnel Ababa, Elmer Saban and Jay Bayron.

EVERY SHOT. EVERY PLAYER. EVERY ROUND.

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Wednesday, October 9, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

GOLFERS play the 17th hole during the second round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, in May 2014. AP

By Doug Ferguson

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The Associated Press

HE Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour is expanding its live video coverage of The Players Championship as far as it can go—every shot by every player in every round.

In a first for golf, and most likely the first step toward video access to every player at every tournament, The Players Championship will offer live streaming of all 144 players in the field.

Coverage will be available to “PGA Tour Live” subscribers on NBC Sports Gold or Amazon’s Prime Video channels.

“Our vision is to bring every shot in every PGA Tour golf tournament live and on-demand to our fans,” said Rick Anderson, the chief media officer for the PGA Tour. “And this is the first step to making that happen.”

The ambitious production will require about 120 cameras—some stationary, some hand-held and others part of the NBC Sports Group broadcast—to show shots that for the opening two rounds start at about 7:40 a.m. and end some 12 hours later.

Augusta National had video coverage of every shot from every player at the Masters this year, though it was available through a catalog of players chosen off its web site. The difference at The Players is that every shot will be accessible live.

It’s up to the subscribers to choose whom they want to see.

PGA Tour Live for the last few years has had featured groups in the morning and afternoon that have live streaming, often the biggest names in the field that have consecutive tee times to make it easy for cameras to get to them.

That was expanded this season, with all domestic events in the fall having featured pairings for live streaming.

Now it’s every player, even those who might not be seen at all during a tournament.

“You’ll be able to click on any group and watch that group play, and we do that for every golfer in the field,” said Luis Goicouria, the tour’s senior vice president of media.

“We’re not viewing it from the perspective of who wants to watch a certain golfer. We’ve known for many years that the future of our sport absolutely involves taking all the content that is happening live and making that available to our audience. In golf, that’s a huge amount of content.”

The tour is using its showcase event for the debut of its latest technology, which is not unusual. It’s where the tour first tried “Live at 17” by showing every shot from

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE....

The New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) and Minnesota Twins’ Miguel Sano (22) look up at an infield flyout with bases loaded in the second inning of Game Three of their Major League Baseball American League Division Series on Monday in Minneapolis. The Yankees won, 5-1. AP

every player on TPC Sawgrass’ notorious island-green par-three 17th hole.

The announcement Monday comes as the PGA Tour already is talking to media companies about a new television deal. The current arrangement ends after 2021, and consumption habits are changing rapidly.

The Masters has the smallest broadcast window of the four majors and The Players—18 hours over four days—and it has widened the digital coverage with live video channels from Amen Corner, the 15th and 16th holes, and a featured group, but still not the entire round. Augusta National prefers limited coverage.

The PGA Tour is all about wallto-wall coverage, and its global distribution now includes a 10-year deal

last year with Discovery and its GOLFTV arm.

“Those platforms are becoming more sophisticated, more ubiquitous and more content hungry,” Goicouria said.

“Live sports of any kind is extremely valuable to media companies.... If we create and get all the content out there, it will find an audience. And there’s any number of ways to leverage this content.”

Anderson said it could take as many as five years before the tour can develop a system where live streaming of every player in the field is available and every tournament, though it was not clear if that included the three events it has in Asia.

The starting point is The Players Championship, which is from March 12 to 15.

“We’re doing it to showcase a really major advancement at our flagship event,” Anderson said. “The idea is absolutely to get to a point where it makes economic sense. That’s still some time period away. We wanted to demonstrate it at The Players that we can do that. As it becomes more efficient and the costs come down, it’s something we can do every week eventually.”

Platini plans major comeback, legal fight after 4-year Fifa ban N YON, Switzerland—Four years after a ban for financial wrongdoing thwarted his chances of becoming Fifa president, Michel Platini is free to work in soccer again on Tuesday.

However, the former UEFA president—who was once seen as the heir apparent to Fifa’s Sepp Blatter—said Monday he is still unsure where and when he will return to the game that has continued to dominate his life even after his stellar playing career with France.

“I have some idea but it’s difficult to speak today,” Platini told The Associated Press in an interview about his future plans, hours before the ban was set to expire.

And any comeback into a senior role would likely force him to first pay Fifa a fine of 60,000 Swiss francs ($60,300) that is three years overdue. Platini is still challenging that fine in court and continues to dispute the allegations that led to his four-year ban from all football activities. The charges of receiving an irregular payment and wrongful pension entitlement approved

by Blatter derailed Platini’s hopes of succeeding his former mentor as the head of global soccer.

Now aged 64, Platini looks hardly to have aged at all during that ban, which became the longest vacation of his storied life in soccer.

The former France said he is keeping all options open, but pointed out that the next elections for top roles at Fifa, UEFA and the French football association are “some years ahead.”

In the Paris headquarters of the French federation, the 77-year-old Noël Le Graët, recently promoted by UEFA to a seat on Fifa’s ruling council, is in office until 2021.

“It’s not now,” said Platini, who captained and coached the national team, and organized the 1998 World Cup won

by France at home. “I have time, if I come back to this.”

Currently, his focus is on what is likely the last legal fight against allegations that were upheld so far by two Fifa judicial bodies, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and Switzerland’s supreme court.

Platini has challenged the Swiss federal ruling at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, and “that means I don’t pay this fine” until a ruling is issued.

That ongoing sense of injustice, and unpaid debt, could cause Fifa’s ethics committee to impede his return.

“They will try to use what they want so that I don’t come back, I am sure,” Platini suggested of soccer’s world body, which has been led since 2016 by his former general secretary at UEFA, Gianni Infantino.

Fifa declined to comment Monday on its rules enforcing payment of fines. It did confirm that Blatter paid his fine of 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,250) first imposed in 2015.

Blatter is serving a six-year Fifa ban, upheld by CAS,

for authorizing a $2-million payment to Platini in 2011 as backdated salary for work as his adviser a decade earlier.

Blatter also approved extending his former protege’s Fifa pension plan, that added more than $1 million by 2015.

Court documents state Platini later asked to be credited with four extra pension years for his time as an adviser, when the scheme was intended only for executive committee members.

“I never asked for the pension, it was Blatter who gave me that,” Platini said Monday.

The Frenchman also weighed in on several other issues concerning global soccer.

QATAR

PLATINI said the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be wonderful for fans.

Qatar won a Fifa hosting vote over the United States in 2010 that Blatter has often blamed on Platini changing sides, and taking other European voters with him. Platini was said to be pressured at a lunch meeting in Paris with then-President Nicolas Sarkozy and the crown prince of Qatar, now the Emir.

“It was not important, it was one vote,” he said Monday about his own role in Qatar’s victory.

French prosecutors investigating the 2022 World Cup vote questioned Platini over several hours in June.

Platini stressed that he was not arrested and said he was asked about “Blatter, Fifa TV rights, Qatar, Paris SaintGermain” during the questioning.

INVITATIONS

PLATINI was ambivalent about going to Qatar for the Fifa Club World Cup in December—the first big test there of World Cup planning.

He noted that he was not invited by organizers to the 2018 World Cup in Russia or the 2017 Champions League final in Cardiff despite supporting both hosting bids.

“I don’t wait on [anything] from anybody,” he said.

VIDEO REVIEW

NEVER a fan of technology in soccer, Michel Platini is unhappy with the effect of video review to help referees.

He said the video system “killed” the referee’s authority and atmosphere in the stadium when fans can’t immediately be sure if a goal will count.

“It’s a joke but unfortunately I think we will never go back,” he said, suggesting there were mistakes for both of France’s firsthalf goals in the 2018 World Cup final that video review could not or did not correct. France beat Croatia, 4-2. AP

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Liberating God

EAR God, in Jesus you free us from the bonds of sin and death. In hope we pray: Show us mercy, oh God. Prosper efforts to protect the unborn, care for women in crisis, pregnancies and ensure the well-being of all children. Help us to end gun violence and stop production of “assault weapons,” and to restore safety to our schools and public places. Transform the hearts of those who are tempted to harm themselves or others. May God enlighten our hearts through the Gospel and lead us to walk in the light of Christ, by the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

GIVE US THIS DAY SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • lifestylebusinessmirror@gmail.com

MICROSOFT’S Chief Product Officer Panos Panay holds a Surface Duo at a recent event in New York. AP

Life BusinessMirror

JAMES FRANCO’S EX-STUDENTS SUE ALLEGING SEXUAL IMPROPRIETY D3

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

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FUJITSU LAYS OUT ‘TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES VISION’

Microso�t returns with smartphone a�ter high-profile �lops N

By AnicK JeSdAnUn The Associated Press

EW YORK—After high-profile flops, Microsoft is getting back into smartphones with a dual-screen Android device that won’t be out for another year.

Microsoft unveiled the Surface Duo as part of a new lineup of Surface computers. It marks a reversal for a company that abandoned smartphones following lackluster demand for its own operating system and an ill-fated purchase of smartphone maker Nokia.

“I believe the third time’s a charm for Microsoft and smartphones,” said Patrick Moorhead, an analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy.

He said Microsoft has had a good track record with Surface devices, while the Duo’s novel design offers something new at a time when phone innovation has

been slowing down.

Microsoft says the Duo makes phone calls, though it stopped short of calling it a phone. Though it runs Android, the back of the prototype has a Surface logo that resembles Windows. The company prefers calling the Duo just another Surface device.

Microsoft also announced a dual-screen Surface Neo tablet, which also won’t be out until late next year.

In a blog post, Microsoft said other manufacturers including Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo will also make dual screen and foldable devices using a variant of Windows called 10X. Both Surface devices feature two screens connected with a hinge and can fold like laptops.

They can display separate apps side by side or a single app stretched across both screens. They are technologically less ambitious than foldable phones from Samsung and others, whose screens actually bend as the devices close. Some of those folding

phones have experienced technical difficulties.

The Duo is about the size of a large smartphone when folded, with two 5.6-inch displays, while the folded Neo is similar in size to a small tablet, such as the iPad mini or an Amazon Fire.

The devices will initially be available only for developers who create and test apps. Microsoft plans to start selling them during the 2020 holiday season.

The company offered no details on price.

Available sooner are $249 Surface Earbuds, as Microsoft joins Apple, Amazon, Google and others in making wireless listening devices.

At a product event Wednesday in New York, Microsoft also unveiled two new Surface Pro tablets.

The Surface Pro X will have a 13-inch screen, rather than the 12-inch ones on the new Pro 7 and older models. But the X will be about the same size overall, thanks to a smaller bezel.

The company also unveiled a refreshed laptop. n

Reinventing printing for today’s smart work styles GLOBAL tech brand HP (www.hp.com) has revealed a breakthrough in seamless, low-cost efficiency printing with the launch of the HP Neverstop Laser, which includes a groundbreaking toner reload kit that enables businesses to get back to printing in seconds with no stress, no mess.

HP also announced new additions to its print portfolio: the HP OfficeJet Pro, HP Laser and HP Smart Tank. Together, the new print innovations deliver modern designs that suit the work styles of small and medium businesses (SMB) today.

HP Neverstop Laser printer series is the company’s first toner tank that lets users get up to 5,000 pages right out of the box before the first toner reload. It can print high-volumes of up to 3.5x more pages than inclass HP lasers without interruption.

Users can quickly and easily restore toner levels in just 15 seconds through its revolutionary toner reload kit designed to quickly restore toner levels without mess. The printer also delivers up to 85 percent savings on original HP Toner Cartridge costs. The HP Neverstop Laser lineup includes single-function HP Neverstop Laser 1000a and HP Neverstop Laser 1000w and multifunction HP Neverstop Laser 1200a and HP Neverstop Laser 1200w.

HP OfficeJet Pro Series, which includes the HP OfficeJet Pro 9020, 9010 and 8020 All-in-One printers, is designed to power up small businesses by simplifying repetitive tasks, enabling remote productivity. Linked with the HP Smart App, the HP OfficeJet Pros enables you to stay on top of your tasks so you can print and scan from anywhere, anytime.

The HP OfficeJet Pro also boasts the best in class security with features like data encryption, Secure Boot with self-healing, and Secure Cloud Printing.

The HP Smart Tank series, meanwhile, is made

for easy mobile printing through the HP Smart app with its dual-band Wi-Fi which allows SMB workers to work anytime, anywhere. This high-capacity ink tank printer with an ADF plus fax delivers uncompromising quality and up to 8,000 color or up to 6,000 black pages. The series includes the wireless HP Smart Tank 615 AiO and the HP Smart Tank 519, 515 and 500 AiO. These and other new print innovations from HP all work with HP Smart App, from easy setup to effortless printing from your mobile device, tablet, laptop or smartphone. The HP Smart App also offers access to HP Smart Task, which allows you to save time by digitizing and organizing all your business documents with just one command. For small home offices and start-ups like boutique designers, home bakers and online sellers, HP Smart Task makes easy work of printing receipts or presentations with just three simple clicks. HP Smart App can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android.

HP has shipped over 1 billion printers worldwide. It is the only brand in the Philippines that offers PCs, as well as continuous ink supply system and continuous toner supply system printers that serve modern work styles and lifestyles.

IN today’s interconnected era, organizations, as well as society in general, are now realizing the benefits brought by digital technologies. The use of these tech tools in all aspects of everyday life has become the norm, leading to dramatic changes in the way people work, consume goods and services, access information, communicate and interact with others. At the same time, however, concerns continue to mount around privacy and the use of personal data, and the increasing threat of cyber attacks, says leading information technology (IT), systems integrator and solutions provider Fujitsu Philippines Inc. “Now that the world becomes more interconnected, organizations face complexities, proving that many of the traditional structures and institutions we used to rely upon are inadequate and breaking down. We are also struggling to keep pace with technology as data grows faster than it used to be,” said Raul “Cricket” Santiago, president and chief executive officer of Fujitsu Philippines (www.fujitsu.com/ph).

With these adversities, Santiago noted that rebuilding trust in data and technology, as well as in enterprises that leverage digital technology remains more important than ever.

This mindset is what Fujitsu focuses on in its Technology and Service Vision this year.

With the theme “Human Centric Innovation: Driving a Trusted Future,” Fujitsu’s Technology and Service Vision 2019 introduces the company’s approach to cocreating a trusted business and society against the backdrop of complex circumstances through the use of cutting-edge technologies and real examples of cocreation with customers and ecosystem partners.

Fujitsu also aims to ensure a sense of trust that surrounds the use of data with security and blockchain technologies, while developing trusted AI technologies centered around proprietary technology that can explain the reason and basis for an AI inference. By further promoting trust in data and technology, Fujitsu seeks to contribute to the realization of a safe and secure future achieved through digital technology.

Google won’t pay for news links under new French law LONDON—Google said on Wednesday it will tweak how it shows previews for news stories in France but won’t pay license fees to publishers when the country brings in new European Union copyright rules. The US tech giant will stop showing a snippet—a few lines of text—and a small thumbnail photo for articles by European publishers seen in France, as it currently does for some news results.

The change will take effect in late October, when France becomes the first EU country to adopt the bloc’s directive, aimed at modernizing copyright rules, into national law.

One of the EU directive’s more controversial parts was a requirement that search engines pay for offering up snippets of news articles. Using anything more than a single word or “very short extracts” of an article would require payment.

Offering no snippets of the story means Google can avoid paying fees to publishers, unless it gets permission to show them for free.

“We don’t pay for links to be included in search results,” Richard Gingras, Google’s vice president of news, said on a conference call with reporters. “Doing so would not only skew the options we might provide, but it would ultimately undermine the trust users have in how search and news work on Google.”

The EU copyright directive was aimed at giving writers and artists more protection of their creative rights and incomes. News companies, concerned about maintaining quality journalism, had pushed for the reform amid slumping revenue at traditional media organizations.

But tech companies and digital rights campaigners criticized it over worries it would lead to censorship.

Google had lobbied strongly against the directive, saying that removing previews would lead to a drop in traffic to publishers’ web sites. AP

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Pet Corner BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

z

Today’s Horoscope

BETH ELDER, a volunteer at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, takes care of Fiona at the shelter in Phoenix, Arizona. There are many ways to volunteer at an animal shelter to improve the lives of the animals waiting there for a forever home. AP

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Brandon Routh, 40; Scott Bakula, 65; Tony Shalhoub, 66; Sharon Osbourne, 67.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Direct your energy wisely. You’ll have choices to make that can alter the way you live and how well you do. Be willing to learn and hone your skills, as well as apply your attributes to fit the changing times in which we live. It’s important to keep up and to work alongside those who share your beliefs. Your lucky numbers are 5, 16, 19, 22, 31, 35, 46.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Fight fire with fire. Intensity coupled with strong beliefs will overpower anyone trying to stand in your way.

Plan your actions and execute them with precision to get the results you want. HHH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll be faced with all sorts of options that will require you to be accurate. Dealing with matters that concern coworkers, employers or government, financial or medical institutions will require consistency. HHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Step up and offer to help others. Taking on tasks that allow you to show your strengths will have an impact on others. Some will be jealous of what you have accomplished, and others will offer suggestions that will help further your goals. HHHHH

Reading to cats, walking dogs: 5 ways to help at a shelter

P

By Michelle A. Monroe The Associated Press

HOENIX—While your local pound works to find forever homes for many cats, dogs and other animals, volunteering is an easy way to improve their lives while they wait.

Becoming a volunteer generally starts with an application. You can choose the kinds of activities that interest you, whether that’s walking dogs, cleaning kennels, reading to cats or creating social-media posts, to name just some of the options. There might be a short informational session or, for specific skills, some hours of on-site training.

Many shelters ask volunteers to commit a certain number of hours per month, but say even the smallest act is appreciated.

“A successful volunteer is someone who loves animals and appreciates the fact that no matter what they do, how small their role might seem, it has a huge impact on the pets here at the shelter,” says Callista Pearson, marketing and development manager for Salt Lake County Animal Services, in Utah.

“Someone who is just really open to not being intimidated by a pet that doesn’t immediately warm up to them, but who is willing to give it time and a little bit of love,” she says. “And that kind of friendship and trust can roll over into that pet being adopted and having a better relationship with its new owners.”

Five ways to volunteer: ENRICHMENT. Shelters are boring for animals.

There’s lots of noise but little to do. Enrichment activities to keep them occupied include making and delivering food-puzzle toys, reading to them, sitting and petting them, or taking them on walks.

Volunteer dog walkers will probably be trained in leashing dogs, getting them in and out of their kennels, and managing them around other dogs.

Often, volunteers start with easy, smaller dogs and after some experience walk stronger dogs.

At Maricopa County Animal Care in Phoenix, volunteers with the Petite Pet Project simply sit in a room with dogs and give them small treats and toys,

letting the dogs socialize at their own pace.

“I love seeing them learn it’s OK to come out,” says volunteer Julie Jo Hughes. “The socialization of the dogs, getting them used to touch—it’s kind of like dog therapy. You’re committed to helping the dogs find their best self.”

Cats might need help getting acclimated to a shelter so they won’t be nervous when potential adopters come by. Just by checking in on and petting cats, volunteers can help them learn to be calm during interaction with humans.

“The more comfortable a cat is with a person approaching the cage and putting their hand in there, the more likely they are to get adopted,” says Katy Hansen with the Animal Care Centers (ACC) of New York City.

FOSTER. Fostering an animal can be great for someone who loves having a pet in the house but can’t guarantee a forever home. Fostering programs vary, but usually start with a conversation with a coordinator about what level of involvement and time commitment you’re willing to make. Fosters can take a dog for the afternoon, the weekend, or until they are adopted. Pearson says the Salt Lake City shelter houses around 9,000 animals a year, and the constant noise and activity can be stressful for dogs. Having a quiet home to escape to for the day or weekend can help dogs relax.

Hansen says ACC has a “BoroughBreak” program that lets people take a dog for the afternoon, and a “StrayCations” program that allows people to spend a holiday weekend with an animal. “If you aren’t going anywhere for the long weekend, why not have an animal with you?” she asks.

Shelters also use fosters to house animals recovering from surgery or illness. “They’ll recover faster in that home than in the kennel,” Pearson says.

She adds that fostering kittens or puppies, while time intensive, makes it more likely those animals will be adopted quickly “because they’ve been now handled by people,” and “socializing pets is a huge thing.”

CLEANING. An important part of making shelter

animals happy and healthy is keeping kennels clean.

“We all have to be willing to do some dirty work, because with over 700 dogs in our care on a daily basis, there is a lot of cleaning to do,” says Samantha Wessel, volunteer engagement coordinator at the Phoenix shelter.

A clean blanket for each animal means a lot of laundry. Terri Sharp, a retiree who has volunteered at the Phoenix shelter for more than two years, starts her day checking on all the linens in the kennels.

“We also mop and clean as we go. It helps them thrive,” she says. “We want to give them every opportunity in here to succeed.”

DONATIONS. Shelters always need donations, so consider setting up a collection box or fundraiser for much-needed goods. Consider bringing in a box to work or school and collecting toys, blankets and other items. “They can be new or used and washed,” says Hansen. “The only thing we can’t take is open or expired food or treats.”

Lots of shelters have online wish lists, too.

SOCIAL MEDIA. Another way to help from home is by joining a shelter’s social-media team, sharing or helping to run social-media pages.

“Answering questions people post, writing bios... that’s just so helpful,” says Hansen.

Volunteers can design flyers, create templates and share ideas. “Good flyers can get shelter pets adopted quickly,” says Karen Hirsch of LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta.

For insurance reasons, many shelters don’t allow kids to volunteer without a parent or guardian present, but there are often supervised opportunities.

“Children are always welcome to come and read to our cats via our Book Buddies program,” says Pearson.

“The cats absolutely love the attention they get during these reading sessions.”

The ACC of New York City has a similar program, “Books with Boroughbreds,” where children read to animals. “It’s really reassuring to the cats and dogs and it’s great for the kids,” Hansen says. “We also have a girl who comes in and she plays the cello to the cats.” n

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep an open mind. If you are angry or upset, a decision you make will lead to regret. Back up and rethink your strategy carefully before you proceed.

Concentrate on personal gains that will enhance your life. Romance is encouraged. HH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Think about the outcome before you make a move. It’s in your power to choose the right thing to do.

Live up to your promises, and you’ll avoid being called out by someone who is counting on you. HHHH

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Taking a serious step in a direction that encourages personal stability will give you a closer look at the path you should pursue. Improvements to the way you live will also lead to friendships that are beneficial.

HHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A positive change to the way you handle your money, health and relationships with others will give you a burst of energy and ease your stress. Don’t let anyone criticize or take away from what you’ve accomplished. HHH

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be careful while traveling or dealing with someone who tends to be argumentative. Stay focused on the changes you want to make and the people who have helped you in the past. Don’t share your personal secrets, or rumors will spread quickly.

HHH

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ve got more going for you than you realize. Call in favors and make plans that will encourage greater prosperity. Taking care of someone else’s affairs will be time-consuming but can serve as a reminder of how to conduct your own more efficiently. HHHH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t trust what others tell you. If you want the facts, go to the source. Changes based on an assumption will lead to regret. An unusual opportunity should be taken advantage of if you feel it’s in your best interest.

HH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There is money to be made. Go over your personal investments or check out an opportunity that interests you. Negotiations will lead to unexpected benefits if you handle matters on your own. HHHHH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take a broader look at what’s going on. Consider what’s true before getting involved in a joint venture. Stick to what you know and do best instead of partnering with someone you know little about.

HHHHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are charismatic, genuine and resourceful.

You are passionate and innovative.

‘foul ball’ BY YONI GLATT The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 ___ Punk (“Around the World” duo) 5 Maturation 11 Big name in talks 14 Rights org. cofounded by Helen Keller 15 Be unable to stomach 16 Partners’ possessive 17 1919 World Series runners-up, informally 19 Blessing-curse connector 20 Visual palindrome 21 Stained by a pen, say 22 Footwear company named for an antelope 24 “No ifs, ___ or buts!”

25 Get away 26 Freaks out 29 Drone registration org.

31 Poems of admiration 32 Guiding principle 33 Unpredictable way to go 35 Of ocean movements 36 Windows file extension 37 Tennis star Rafael 42 Lymph ___ (immune system parts)

4 Indian language 4 45 Actor McGregor 49 Enterprise letters 50 Biblical land 51 Batman voice Will 53 Go on a tirade 54 Glittery holiday strips 55 Very soft mineral 56 Word after “frat” or “tech” 59 “Let’s call ___ draw” 60 1988 film about 17-Across, and a hint to the starred clues 63 Vancouver Canucks’ org.

64 Discomfort 65 “Winning ___ everything” 66 Some appliances 67 School day division 68 Toy brick DOWN 1 Official order 2 Like muscles after doing CrossFit, perhaps 3 Leave in a hurry 4 Rubber ducky’s place 5 They secrete 6 Scotch on the ___

7 Like some scotch 8 Oz. and kg.

9 Walden writer Henry David 10 Puts a jinx on 11 “Oh well” 12 Latvia’s continent 13 Plants used in rituals 18 Tallest US president 23 Environmentalist’s prefix 24 Verdi princess 26 %: Abbr.

27 Italian fashion house 28 Name hidden in “online dating” 29 “Sly” animals 30 Oversees 33 Sends back, in court 34 Improve 38 65-Across, alternatively 39 Double-helix molecule 40 Plummer or Bynes 41 Architect Maya 43 Trace around 45 Issuing forth 46 Squirm 47 Historical records 48 Super ___ (classic console)

0 Soothed 5 52 Get ready for a drive, in golf 53 ___ Rizzo (Midnight Cowboy role) 55 Bangkok language 56 Speakers brand 57 Ladder step 58 Couch go-with 61 Neighbor of Belgium: Abbr.

62 Zero Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

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James Franco’s ex-students sue alleging sexual impropriety L

By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

OS ANGELES—Two actresses sued James Franco and the acting and film school he founded on Thursday, saying he intimidated his students into gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations far beyond those acceptable on Hollywood film sets.

Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, former students at the actor’s now-closed Studio 4, said in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court that Franco pushed his students into performing in increasingly explicit sex scenes on camera in an “orgy type setting.”

Franco “sought to create a pipeline of young women who were subjected to his personal and professional sexual exploitation in the name of education,” the suit alleges.

The women say students were led to believe roles in Franco’s films would be available to those who went along.

The situations described in the suit arose during a master class in sex scenes that Franco taught at the school, which he opened in 2014 and closed in 2017.

The lawsuit, which also names Franco’s production company Rabbit Bandini and his partners as defendants, includes allegations Tither-Kaplan made publicly last year after Franco won a Golden Globe Award for The Disaster Artist.

Gaal is speaking out for the first time.

In an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last year, Franco called the sexual-misconduct stories about him inaccurate, but said, “If I’ve done something wrong, I will fix it. I have to.”

The 41-year-old actor’s attorney Michael Plonsker said the claims in the lawsuit are “ill-informed” and have “already been debunked.”

“James will not only fully defend himself, but will also seek damages from the plaintiffs and their attorneys for filing this scurrilous publicity-seeking lawsuit,” Plonsker said in a statement.

The lawsuit alleges that to take Franco’s master class, students had to audition by simulating sex acts on film, which he watched to choose candidates.

It says the class began with “encouraging female student actors to appear topless, then perform in sex scenes, then orgies and gratuitous full nudity,” without the careful guidelines and closed sets that are the industry standard for shooting sex scenes.

The suit alleges that Gaal was kept out of the master class for questioning its exploitative nature.

Tither-Kaplan took the class and was subsequently cast in Rabbit Bandini films, “which she now recognizes was a direct result of her willingness to accept Franco’s exploitative behavior without complaint.”

The lawsuit seeks damages to be determined at trial, an apology from Franco and his partners, and the handover or destruction of video of the plaintiffs.

Attorneys for the women are looking for more plaintiffs to join, and for it to become a class action.

Tither-Kaplan previously recounted her experiences with Franco and the school as one of five women who talked to the Los Angeles Times about him early in 2018.

She was also among the women who spoke out

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

BLIND SPOT BRUCE C.

CHANGED BOY

SO the young celebrity is very popular right now with lots of endorsements. But on the family front, all is not well. As the boy comes from a broken home and he wants to be OK with both sides, he finds himself having to constantly toe the line. He loves both parents but his mom is really special, so he is now closer to her. This does not sit well with his dad and his dad’s new family. In their eyes, the young celebrity betrayed them by being close to his mom. They say fame has changed him and, yes, he has changed—but it is because he sees and observes things now that he is older and wiser. He still respects his dad as a parent but the young celebrity knows his heart belongs to his mother.

PENNY-PINCHER

IF this had happened to any other celebrity, that person would just pay “ransom” for a hacked socialmedia account. However, the actress is known as a penny-pincher, so she didn’t pay anything. There is a story going around that when she launched her own line of products, she obliged the people who work for the media company she is signed with to buy one each.

And since the products weren’t cheap, the “extortion” was quite painful for some. The product wasn’t a good one, too, so it was doubly painful for employees to have spent their hard-earned money on. The actress didn’t pay the ransom being asked by those who held her account hostage. The “hostage-takers” simply gave up. Imagine that.

HIS ATTITUDE

THIS young talent never learns. He has been dropped by a number of brands as endorser or brand ambassador, and by producers for roles on TV shows or movies but he never learns. He still has this attitude that he is better than everyone.

His recent display of attitude was for a project that involved a foreign talent. It’s not bad to assert your rights but you’re showing attitude when nothing has happened yet. The young actor is also always rude to people he works with, something which he shares with his significant other. They both are talented and very good-looking, and we don’t know what it is that makes them act that way.

PUSHY SOCIALITE

against Franco on Twitter when he won his Golden Globe in January 2018 at a time when the #MeToo movement was surging.

Tither-Kaplan later told the Los Angeles Times that the Time’s Up anti-sexual harassment lapel pin Franco wore to the ceremony felt like “a slap in my face.”

The organization behind the pin, Time’s Up Now, said in a statement Thursday that “if these allegations are true, we hope the survivors, and all impacted by this behavior, receive some measure of justice.”

Since the allegations first emerged, Franco has made few publicity appearances, but work has not seemed to slow down for him on the big or small screen. The HBO series The Deuce, which he executive produces and stars in, began its third and final season

on September 9.

Franco also appeared last year in the Coen brothers’ acclaimed Western anthology The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, which was nominated for three Oscars.

And this weekend he will have two films that he directed and stars in playing in theaters: Zeroville, an adaptation of Steve Erickson’s 2007 novel that was filmed in 2014 but faced delays in distribution, as well as Pretenders, with Brian Cox and Dennis Quaid.

Zeroville, which costars Seth Rogen, Megan Fox and Will Ferrell, is already a box-office bomb and critical dud. This past weekend it played on 80 screens and made an average of $111 per screen. And Pretenders, which opens in limited release on Friday, is not faring much better with critics.n

SOCIAL media is abuzz with a scandal that involves fake followers and influencer fraud, and at the center of all this is a lovely and young socialite who has baffled and annoyed netizens for around two years now because of bad online habits. She would follow and unfollow accounts just to gain more followers.

She would badmouth other influencers and make fun of them. She also tried to do PR and would steal the projects of other PR practitioners. Now that she has been sort of exposed, the socialite is reportedly depressed. We say, nobody deserves to be bullied but she brought this upon herself.

THE young stars of the popular weekend kiddie show.

Behind the scenes of ‘Insatiable’ Season 2 with Gloria Diaz AS viewers gear up for Season 2 of Insatiable on Netflix, the OG Queen and special guest star Gloria Diaz has a special behind-the-scenes treat.

In a special video, Gloria chats with her fellow cast members including star Debby Ryan, and talks about working with Netflix, her “elegant and demure” wardrobe, and how her director helped her prepare for her role. (“He told me, ‘Relax, act like a diva.’ I said, ‘That sounds like me.’”)

No doubt pageant fans will catch her funny nod to a famous quote from a fellow Filipina pageant queen.

Last Tuesday, Gloria and the stars of Insatiable, including Debby Ryan and Dallas Roberts, had the #InsatiablePhilippines fan event that brought together everything that’s fun, exciting and over-thetop about the show.

For those who have not yet seen Insatiable, Netflix is making it even easier to join the fandom.

Now, for a limited time, anyone in the Philippines (even non Netflix members) will be able to watch on their desktop screens the first episode of Insatiable Season 1 for free, exclusively at www.netflix. com/insatiable.

In Season 2, Insatiable finds Patty dealing with, well, a lot. Her past is haunting her, and her struggle to be “good” is becoming harder and harder

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DOUBLE THE FUN IN ‘TOPPSTAR TV’ SEASON 2

GLORIA DIAZ

each day as she battles her inner demons. And Bob—well, he’s helping her cover up Christian’s murder, but just how far will his loyalties go? Will he continue to allow his romantic relationships, his career ambitions, and his integrity to take a

beating, just to help Patty pursue her pageant dreams? And when beauty queens start going missing, who’s to blame? Patty’s rage? Or is there more at play?

Insatiable Season 2 launches October 11 on Netflix.

THE fun continues for viewers as GMA and Rebisco Topps Sarap bring back the Saturday morning musical-variety program, Toppstar TV, featuring the cute and talented Toppstar Kids.

Debuting on October 5, 9:15 am, the second season of the program promises twice the excitement, laughter and performances as the Toppstar Batch 1 kids welcome a new breed of kiddie stars on the show. Chosen from Rebisco’s on-ground talent search all over the Philippines, the kids come together to showcase their skills in singing, dancing and hosting to bring out the “topps” in every kid.

As part of the brand’s commitment to bring out the best in every child, every segment of the show is created to ensure just that: Toppstar Performance showcases the kids’ talent in singing and dancing; Toppstar Games allows the kids to play while learning new skills; and Toppstar Laughs lets kids have fun showing their comedic talents while learning wholesome jokes, and the on-cam conversations in between hone the kids’ talents in hosting and interview.

To complement the Saturday morning episodes, Topps Sarap will mount school tours across Metro Manila. Video snippets of these visits will be featured on the show.

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019

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Consider this SUI GENERIS CARLO ATIENZA

biblisko@gmail.com

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EING the oldest male in a brood of five taught me so many things about sharing and putting other people’s needs before mine.

And since I am the kuya, I resented having to share what I had to my siblings and would often find hiding places for my toys and even food. One time, my mother caught me hiding my food and she gave me a good lecture on why it is important for me to share what I had with my siblings. It was at that point I realized the importance of thinking of other people’s needs. I am not saying I became selfless; I just saw the importance of being considerate to others as a way of developing healthy relationships.

This also prepared me when I went to college and stayed in a dorm where I had to share a room with three other guys. I was used to not having my own room but having three roommates was a challenge because of the differences in temperaments and schedules. Nevertheless, the experience helped me appreciate their need for privacy and I became more attuned to their needs while making sure I do not forsake mine. Communal living does that to you— you know your place in the whole scheme of things and you adjust accordingly when and if needed. It is something I cannot say for some people nowadays.

As a nation known for its hospitality, we have become more and more inconsiderate. Take, for example, the driver who does not park to the side of the road so other motorists can pass. Or the careless pedestrian who crosses the street without even looking either way. Or the person who casually throws a piece of candy wrapper just about anywhere.

The Metro is replete with examples of people being inconsiderate. People have focused on the “I” and have started to stray from seeing themselves as part of an interconnected whole. Which is such a shame because rooted in the sense of community are values we extol, like bayanihan, pakikisama and kawang-gawa which are integral parts of the Filipino culture.

I think it is time for us to become a bit more considerate of others to not only renew a sense of Filipino culture but also become better members of society. In the end, we benefit from acts of consideration because we build new relationships and strengthen our existing connections in the community. It will stop you from overly reacting to what people say or do, and save you from stressing yourself with unnecessary concerns. I may not be the most considerate person in the world, but here are a few things I picked up on how to become more considerate of others.

The easiest way to be considerate of others is being tactful—putting yourself in the shoes of another. This means looking at the situation from the other person’s perspective and empathizing with them through our

actions. It is not enough that we feel bad for them; we have to take action to at least put them out of their unease or discomfort, or try to allay it somehow.

Sometimes we make a joke out of it and sometimes it helps. But a considerate person will help someone out of a social faux pas to help the person save face and hopefully recover their social bearing. It takes tact and an awareness of another person’s needs to be considerate.

A good chunk of being considerate is anticipating the needs of others. I used to be situated in a desk that was near the door and I get distracted often. I made the most of it by using earphones to drown out the noise and ignoring everybody who would pass by.

Until one time, a woman was asking the person from across my desk something about a car pass because it was her first day at work. Nobody seemed to know how to go about it, so I stood up and told her the requirements, who to look for and when the person would be around. I even assisted in photocopying her documents. She was grateful but I was only helping because I knew how taxing the process could be if you do not know how to go about it. Later on, it turned out she was a key player in one of my projects and because I had already helped her, it became easier for me to ask for her help and her support for my projects. Being considerate helps open new opportunities to know people and expand your sphere of influence.

Putting other people’s needs before your own does not mean that you become a people-pleaser or you do everything you can for others, because that will wear you out. As the famous saying goes, you cannot pour out of an empty cup. Being considerate does not mean doing whatever people ask from you, or because you discern a need. You have to be in a position to meet their needs and if you cannot, you just have to walk away or direct them to someone who can help.

Being considerate also entails being sensitive to other people’s predicament. I was in college when a group of friends invited some of us on a trip to

In a generation becoming increasingly defined by “what is in it for me?,” we have to go back to our culture of how I can become a better member of my community.

Being considerate means more than just putting other people’s needs. It means identifying yourself with a community, being an active part of that community, and ensuring you contribute to the overall welfare and success of individuals who belong to that community.

Baguio. Most of them were already working but there were a few of us who were still studying, so we did not have enough money to eat in the fancy restaurants our other friends enjoyed. So they chose restaurants we could afford and during our last day there, they treated us college kids to one of the best restaurants there. Even today, that experience helped me appreciate what I have and if I see an opportunity to pay it forward, I do so. It might have been a small gesture from my friends then, but to me, it became a lesson in giving people a treat once in a while, especially for people who cannot afford to spend so much.

Aside from these things, there are actually several things you can do to become more considerate even to people you don’t know. One thing you can do is to respect the personal space of other people by keeping an arm’s length from them. Another is keeping your voice down when talking to someone, especially when

inside an elevator or a shared ride. Last week, I shared a ride with someone who was talking so loudly on the phone and then after, engaged in small talk with the driver about how magnanimous he is. Instead of coming across as friendly, he came across as pompous.

Other things you can do include not taking up two parking slots, not texting while walking, or even putting away your phone when talking to someone.

These are some things you can do toward becoming a considerate person.

In a generation becoming increasingly defined by “what is in it for me?,” we have to go back to our culture of how I can become a better member of my community. Being considerate means more than just putting other people’s needs. It means identifying yourself with a community, being an active part of that community, and ensuring you contribute to the overall welfare and success of individuals who belong to that community. n

FROM left: Carolyn Arguillas, Nona Andaya-Castillo, Samira Gutoc, Floy Quintos, and Jeffrey Jeturian

Five UP Masscom alumni named 2019 Glory awardees FIVE highly accomplished communicators will receive the 2019 Glory Award, given to outstanding University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UPCMC) alumni. To be recognized at the college’s alumni homecoming are Carolyn Arguillas for journalism; Nona Andaya-Castillo and Samira Gutoc for social advocacy; Jeffrey Jeturian for film and visual communication; and Florencio “Floy” Quintos for the performing arts.

The award is named after Gloria D. Feliciano, the first dean of the UP mass communication program who served from 1965 to 1985. The “Glory” honors alumni who have not only achieved excellence in their communication disciplines but also made a significant impact on society through their body of work.

The Glory Awards will be held on November 9 at the Film Studio of the UP Film Institute (beside Plaridel Hall) in UP Diliman. The seven-member jury for this year’s awards

was composed of former UPCMC dean Luis Teodoro, acclaimed screenwriter and journalist Jose “Pete” Lacaba, advertising industry leader Venus Navalta, public relations expert Joy Buensalido, broadcaster and former Sen. Orly Mercado, UP Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Wendell Capili, and former CNN Philippines and ANC news chief Jing Magsaysay, who also represents the family of the late Dean Feliciano. n Carolyn Arguillas, a veteran journalist based in Davao City, is the cofounder and editor in chief of daily news site MindaNews dedicated to stories about Mindanao. She has won the Marshall McLuhan Fellowship Prize from the Canadian government, Investigative Reporter of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Manila, the Catholic Mass Media Award and Jaime V. Ongpin Investigative Journalism Award. Arguillas also organizes workshops and conferences for Mindanao journalists.

n Nona Andaya-Castillo has tirelessly championed breastfeeding and the welfare of Filipino mothers and children. Her national and international campaigns were featured by BBC, Time Magazine, Reuters and The Associated Press. She was awarded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges and Explorations international research grant, which seeds unorthodox ideas for addressing persistent public health and development problems. Her web site (www.nanaynona.com) teaches earth-friendly parenting and lifestyles, joyful childbirth, extended breastfeeding, and plant-based nutrition using evidencebased scientific information. n Samira Gutoc is a longtime advocate for peace in Mindanao. She has been a print journalist, a legislator in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and part of the 21-member commission that helped draft the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

n Jeffrey Jeturian has directed feature films that foreshadowed a vibrant Philippine independent cinema. He has explored relevant social themes and issues that appeal to wider audiences beyond arthouse aficionados. The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino included three of his films—Pila Balde (1999), Tuhog (2001) and Kubrador (2006)—on its list of 20 important Filipino movies produced in the past 20 years. n Floy Quintos is a well-known writer and director of plays and musicals. He has won nine times in the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, including three first prizes. Among his acclaimed theatrical works are the 2018 hit Kundiman Party, Saint Louis Loves Dem Filipinos, An Evening at the Opera, Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna, Fluid and Shock Value. For the past three decades, he has written memorable plays in English and Filipino that are strong sociopolitical commentaries spiked with his prickling wit.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 E1

Parkway rides on the business growth momentum

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HE Philippines was adjudged third best country in 2019 to invest or do business in, landing alongside other Top 10 placers as Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and China, according to CEOWORLD magazine.

Among the criteria, the business executives considered in ranking investment potentials were: freedom, work force, infrastructure, quality of life and technological readiness.

For global investors looking at the Philippines, Parkway Corporate Center—a well-planned and designed office condominium in Filinvest City, Alabang—offers a unique and appetizing opportunity to further boost the country as a business-friendly location with secured and strong financial future and high capital growth.

Situated in the high potential garden business district in the Metro South, Parkway Corporate Center automatically presents an enticing proposition for businessmen and investors venturing in the Philippines.

Increasing land values

IT is located in Filinvest City—a premier central business district which has cemented its position as the new frontier in Metro Manila, commanding land values up to P378,000 per square meter (sq m) net as of March 2019. It has also seen approximately 225-percent growth in land values over the last six years.

Moreover, its location is significant as it creates an overall refreshing environment with Filinvest City being one of the first to register for a LEED-ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Neighborhood Development) V4 certification granted by the US Green Building Council.

With the entry of global brands into the city, Parkway has been offering office spaces to accommodate investors, entrepreneurs and professionals looking expand their real-estate portfolio.

“The demand for office space in integrated business districts has been on an uptrend since the start of the decade. Offices here in Filinvest City enjoy the lowest vacancy rates compared to other central business districts. Demand is not only high for BPOs but also for traditional offices and headquarters,” according to Sherilynne Santos, senior project development manager for this office condominium development.

As the city takes a big leap toward becoming a dynamic business hub, Santos also says, “Parkway Corporate Center buyers realize

that their units will rise in value as more projects are put up in the city to address employees’ and residents’ needs for mobility and the desire to be in well-integrated live-work-play environment.”

Unique accessibility

THIS well-integrated live-work-play environment means business owners or investors are within proximity and have unique access to a wide range of quality establishments: Festival Mall, Westgate Center, and Palms Country Club for retail; Botanika Nature Residences, Bristol at Parkway Place, Studio City, West Parc, and The Levels for residential options; medical institution like Asian Hospital; several educational establishments like San Beda College Alabang, Far Eastern University, and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. The international airport is also just a 30-minute drive away from Filinvest City.

Located where traffic congestion is not commonplace unlike other CBDs, Parkway Corporate Center is easily accessible via Slex exit coming into Filinvest City’s Spectrum District, or Metro Skyway, Alabang Zapote Road, and Daang Hari Road.

Major thoroughfares also make Parkway Corporate Center a convenient workplace to a competitive and best-educated labor force from neighboring areas like Las Piñas, Parañaque, Laguna and Cavite.

Riding on the growth

PARKWAY Corporate Center is an ideal business office that creates a sense of community and lends credibility, stability, and professionalism to your corporate image. Designed by top architectural firm H1 Architecture and Design, it promises to further support Filinvest City’s sustainable efforts by pursuing LEED Certification V4 to make it an energy-efficient and future-ready investment for businesses.

Without a doubt, Parkway Corporate Center at Filinvest City continues to ride on the Philippines’s growth momentum for businesses and investments with its futureready, premium grade office tower with flexible and combinable office units now ready for occupancy. http://www.parkwaycorporate. com/.

Coworking, coliving and co-retailing to grow in 2019

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

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@brownindio

OWORKING, coliving and coretailing will continue to grow in the nation’s capital due to the various scenarios prevailing in the current environment, according to major integrated realestate service provider.

In their recent study, Santos Knight Frank (SKF) said more than 1.1 million square meters (sq m) of new office space is expected come online in Metro Manila during the second half of 2019. It added, coliving in Manila has become an alternative flexible accommodation option especially among millennial workers.

Co-living has become a viable solution for employees who need a place to stay with close proximity to work amid Manila’s transportation challenges. Among the primary players in the co-living space are SM’s MyTown and Ayala’s The Flats, which are set

JAN CUSTODIO (from left), senior director of Research and Consultancy; Kash Salvador, director of Investment and Capital Markets; Rick Santos, chairman and CEO; and Morgan Mcgilvray, senior director of Occupier Services and Commercial Agency at SKF

up either within CBDs or around the fringes of business hubs.

Flexible offices, defined as either coworking space or serviced offices, expanded over the last two years from both international and domestic brands. BGC alone has the big-

gest share at 33,800 sq m, while Makati has 19,600 sq m.

“Across Asia Pacific, the concept has thrived in Singapore, Beijing and Mumbai by providing a curated social environment that builds upon the community,”

SKF said in a recent press briefing held in Makati City.

SKF said the coworking industry has been thriving in the Philippines as more Filipinos pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. Aside from entrepreneurs, companies that are looking for flexibility and enhancing their efficiency are turning to coworking to manage their real-estate costs.

“Manila continues to attract talent coming from provincial areas—an opportunity for coliving operators to capitalize on,” SKF said.

Infrastructure challenges and congestion are the other factors that have encouraged the growth of coliving. As business districts grow, SKF said employees are seeking secondary homes to save on time and cost in transportation amid heavy traffic congestion.

The coliving, coworking and coretailing sectors continue to

grow in Manila, driven by rising rents and prices, technology, increased mobility, population growth and quality of life. Meanwhile, coliving has benefited from the growth of the office market in central business districts, primarily Bonifacio Global City and Makati.

This amounts to approximately 53,400 sq m and represents 70 percent of the market, according to Santos Knight Frank’s latest study that tracked the supply within Prime and Grade A office spaces as of the first half of 2019.

Co-retail spaces have added in number along with the growth of malls in the city. SKF notes that the concept has expanded to the food sector, where upscale food halls have been introduced—an evolution of the traditional “food court” business. A new trend has also emerged where country-specific merchants are gathered into

an area, such as the Filipino Village and K-town in Ayala Malls.

Meanwhile, SKF said the prime condominium market is enjoying a boom especially as more foreign buyers look into the Philippines for investment opportunities and with growth in the number of ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) locally.

According to Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2019, the number of UHNWIs in the Philippines will increase by 38 percent between 2018 and 2023—the world’s second-largest growth only after India. Over the last two years, selling prices of prime residential condominiums in Makati have increased by almost 25 percent, while in BGC, prices rose by 12 percent. Meanwhile, BGC experienced a higher growth in lease rates, rising more than 35 percent, compared to Makati’s 8-percent growth.

Business

E2 Wednesday, October 9, 2019

TECH UP REAL ESTATE:

The first real-estate Hackathon in Asia Pacific

Amor Maclang

FIRST DIBS IN REAL ESTATE

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MENTORS, including Jean de Castro, board member of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) share with participants insights related to tech and real estate

Part One

ATCHING them fresh from global learning initiatives, I had a quick chat with some of my favorite thought leaders in real estate and how they’re lifelong learners in this industry.

It has always been my long-standing dream to bring together real estate and livable cities and technology. It started with the coming together of the Futu/ RE summit that happened last April and shortly followed by what is the first-ever real-estate Hackathon in the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Fintech Philippine Universe. Our Chairman for Fintech Philippines Dr. Tito Ortiz and Fintech Business Group Head of UnionBank, Arvie de Vera very gamely supported the said initiative believing as we do that we can only tech up the country, one vertical at a time.

The presence of technology is the forefront of disruption of traditional industries, real estate included. However, spaces between developers and innovators have fostered ingenious solutions that prove collaborative efforts can lead to win-win scenarios for both. Such ideas are valuable in the current platform of innovation.

With this mindset, the ULI Philippines,

in partnership with UnionBank’s innovation arm UBX and the Fintech Philippines Association (FPH), hosted a hackathon focused on real estate and livable cities on the last weekend of September at Islas Pinas, DoubleDragon Plaza in Pasay City.

Over 400 plus programmers, software developers, business analysts and project managers joined in teams in an attempt to solve existing industry problems through the power technology. This counted as a historic moment; while UnionBank has hosted many Hackathons in the past, this was the very first to tackle the real estate’s problems in the Philippines, even in Asia Pacific.

More than 40 teams participated in this overnight challenge, coding for over 24 hours with the following categories: Properties, Cities and Communities. Members of the ULI served as both mentors and judges in this exciting competition, providing valuable insights that helped

JUDGES, including Delfin Angelo “Buds” Wenceslao, chairman of ULI Philippines, identify the top 10 teams through the prejudging selection

participants conceptualize their solutions to reality.

Jean de Castro, chief executive officer of Esca International and Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) board member, was one of the mentors during the Saturday sprint. De Castro was amazed by the enthusiasm of the competitors. “Even if their ideas were at varying stages of development, I really felt their passion for wanting to develop a product that can contribute to the industry,” she said. For her, the experience has confirmed the major role technology has in real estate, and she believes that this is long past its

due. “It highlights the importance of collaboration and synergy between those in the real-estate industry, and those in the tech industry.” Several other ULI members volunteered their time as mentors during the weekend, bridging the gap on the context of real estate to the participants.

A variety of concepts—ranging from coliving solutions, payment integration, blockchain, public security and safety crowdsourcing on a city-wide app, procurement digitalization, streamlining property management were presented the following day at the judging, in the format of web sites, mobile applications,

and other tech-supported solutions.

Raymond Rufino, previous chairman of ULI Philippines and chief executive officer of Neo Property Management Inc. praised the local talent displayed by the participants. “The industry remains a laggard in embracing technology,” he stated, citing one of the reasons for this is many current industry players remain content in the “business as usual” case instead of investing the necessary time, effort and resources to leverage technology to deliver more sustainable, efficient and effective projects. “I’m hoping that as more successful technology solutions are adopted, more and more industry players will do more in pursuing more sustainable solutions through technology.” Rufino, among other industry leaders, served as a judge for the final round of the competition.

T he judges were well-represented on both the technology and real-estate sphere. The full list of judges are as follows: Delfin Angelo “Buds” Wenceslao, chairman of ULI, Philippines, as well as the president and CEO of DM Wenceslao and Associates Inc.; Raymond Rufino, chief executive officer of Neo Property Management Inc.; Nichel Gaba, CEO of PDAX; Mark Vernon, vice chairman of Fintech Philippines Association; Cathy Casas FVP business development director for blockchain and fintech of UnionBank; John Januszcak, president and CEO of UBX Philippines Corp.; Dave Morales, FVP, business head for mortgage finance of UnionBank; Mars Veloso, president and CEO of Apptitude; Hannah Yulo, chief investment officer of DoubleDragon Properties Corp.; Maria Cristina Samson, WLI chairman of ULI Philippines; Jezreel Apelar, deputy executive director, National Park Development Committee, Department of Tourism; Beryl LiI, business owner of UBX Philippines Corp.; Jonathan Engalla, sales head of UBX Philippines Corp.; Leslee Tandoc, segment manager of UnionBank; and Nicolo Luccini, founder and managing director, Learntalk. The judges took part of the initial judging to trim down the teams to the top 10, which went on to pitch at the finals. Each team only had three minutes to share and demonstrate their concept in front of the audience and the panel of judges.

A unique eco-farming lifestyle at The Grove

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HE afternoon sun gleams through the flowers and plants while the gentle breeze rustles through the trees and fallen leaves. A bowl of freshly picked tomatoes and herbs sits along the porch as little children frolic on the lawn. One might think this as a scene from a daydream, but only very few know that this is everyday life at Plantation Hills.

For more than two decades, Tagaytay Highlands has been developing properties tailor-made for the affluent and the lifestyle they have always dreamed of. One

of its classic sought-after developments, Plantation Hills will open its gates once more to its unique eco-farming and modern living concept that stands out among Tagaytay Highlands’ extensive portfolio of themed developments.

The Grove at Plantation Hills is the latest phase that completes this already flourishing community. Here, future residents will experience life the way nature crafted. Forty percent of the property is dedicated solely to green space.

Future residents may choose to thrive in their own estate through

Orchard lot cuts that range from 750 to 1,300 square meters. This lot type gives way to farm to table living at your doorstep with 65 percent of the property dedicated to farming and refreshing mountainside views. Those who prefer to cultivate bed gardens or vertical farming can go for Garden lots, ranging from 450 to 600 sq m, which look out to the community’s pond and amenities.

The benefits of sustainable living at The Grove at Plantation Hills are evident in the development features designed around nature itself. Tree-lined walks provide air circulation, a land management system ensures the soil is suitable for crops and indigenous trees, while the community pond and permeable paving acts as a waterway system, and overhead LED lights are installed in common areas, as well as a 24-hour emergency power supply.

Communing with nature is best spent at the community’s thoughtfully crafted amenities that have been carved out from its natural landscape.

Village amenities, such as the grand lawn, log benches and pocket parks were designed to converge and commune. The active zone for leisure features a village farm, fishing deck and playground, while the passive zone allows for meditation at the therapeutic walk and wishing well.

The Grove at Plantation Hills is more than just your home. Each property purchase comes with exclusive access to a wide array of world-class facilities at the Country Club—from outdoor sports activities to relaxing indoor pursuits and specialty restaurants.

HOLCIM Philippines Vice President for Geocyle Frederic Vallat (from left); Barangay Poblacion, Iligan City, Chairman Anthony Pacaña; Lugait Municipal Agriculture Office Head Rosabella Ugmad; Municipal Administrator Emmanuel Pagalan; and Holcim Lugait Plant Manager Bobby Garza after the signing ceremony

Holcim to help Iligan City in waste management

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EADING cement maker Holcim Philippines Inc. and its waste management unit Geoycle will help Barangay Poblacion of Iligan City manage its municipal wastes in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner by using qualified materials to produce low-carbon fuels which will be used in cement manufacturing.

Under the partnership, the local government of Barangay Poblacion will send to Holcim’s plant in Lugait, Misamis Oriental, plant for pre- and co-processing non-hazardous and low-moisture residual wastes such as plastics, laminates, textiles and rubber. Geocycle will also extend technical assistance and training on proper waste segregation and packaging to employees of Barangay Poblacion’s materials recovery facilities.

Barangay Poblacion will become the second community after the municipality of Lugait that is provided waste management assistance by Holcim Philippines in Northern Mindanao. Last year, the Lugait plant pre and co-processed close to 1,500 tons of sorted municipal solid wastes. Geocycle has also been providing waste management assistance through Holcim’s plant in Norzagaray, Bulacan, to several municipalities and

cities in Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

“We believe that co-processing is an effective and sustainable tool in addressing the waste management challenges of the country. Holcim Philippines is committed to further developing partnerships with local governments and raising awareness about the advantages of co-processing to further raise our contribution to lessening wastes that go to landfills,” said Holcim Philippines Vice President for Geocycle Frederic Vallat.

Co-processing is a government-approved and globally recognized waste management technology that repurposes nonrecyclable qualified discarded materials from various industries into alternative low-carbon fuels and raw materials used in cement kiln. Among the environmental advantages of co-processing are the extremely high temperatures of kiln and longer treatment time materials that prevent formation of harmful gases.

There are also no residues to be landfilled.

Holcim Philippines is committed to increase its use of low-carbon fuels in cement manufacturing to reduce carbon emissions, cut use of virgin raw materials and contribute to managing wastes in the country in a sustainable manner.

sMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

E3

BIG BOSS CEMENT INTRODUCES NEW VARIANTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

By Roderick L. Abad

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@rodrik_28

IMELY to the ongoing massive infrastructure projects of the government and the booming real-estate industry in the country, Big Boss Cement Inc. (BBCI) has launched two bulk cement products that are of good quality yet produced ecologically sound.

These are the B40 “High Early Strength”, which caters to the ready mix concrete (RMC) market; and the B43, or the so-called Diamond, that is for precast applications.

While 80 percent of the cement consumption throughout the country are sold in hardware stores, the homegrown company has decided to tap the RMC segment for a more meaningful purpose.

Producing such a high-grade

kind of cement “is a challenging business,” according to BBCI President Engr. Gilbert S. Cruz.

“It is needed for infrastructural requirement,” he said. “So we also want to share our new technology to this industry.”

BBCI uses the so-called G-ASH (Grinded Activated Sand by Heating), a patent pending cement manufacturing process. It enables the production of a binding material for concrete that uses less clinker.

BIG Boss Cement, Inc. (BBCI) President Engr. Gilbert S. Cruz (middle) fields questions from the media during the recent official launch of their bulk cement products B40 and B43 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. With him were BBCI Vice President for Operations and Admin Dr. Ishmael Ordoñez (right) and host beauty queen Venus Raj (left)

The latter, per scientific studies, is a major contributor to air pollution globally. With G-ASH, the clinker is replaced with substitute materials that are locally available.

“So this is completely a green technology,” Cruz boasted, while adding that it adheres to the Phil-

ippine National Standards for cement manufacturing.

The newly introduced Big Boss products guarantee a strength of 40 megapascal and 43 MPa, thus, allowing for more sturdy and durable buildings, houses, bridges and roads.

This could be attributed to the

Celebrate milestones at Aruga by Rockwell

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AKE life’s most precious moments and occasions even more special by staying in the luxurious and exclusive suites at Aruga by Rockwell. For couples, families, and friends, an exceptional accommodation awaits, tailored-fit for the most intimate get-togethers and celebrations— weddings, bridal showers, and baby showers. Aruga by Rockwell now offers packages that will delight guests with its impressive attention to detail, designed suites, curated amenities and, overall, an unforgettable stay.

The Rockwell signature of sophisticated interior design and premium quality service is translated into its newest offerings, promising a unique, end-to-end experience for guests who choose to celebrate at Aruga; from check-in to check-out.

Weddings, Bridal Shower, and Baby Shower packages are now available for bookings year-round, ensuring that the suites are crafted to suit the needs of every occasion.

The Weddings package allows guests to settle in before the big day and enjoy private yet spacious Two Bedroom Suites that are also made photo-ready for the pre-wedding preparations of the couple and their entire entourage. Moreover, choose from a variety of accommodations at your convenience and take advantage of the strategic and premier location of Aruga, situated near key churches around the Makati and Taguig area and the Power Plant Mall. The newlyweds can also look forward to a romantic retreat in the Honeymoon

Suite, adorned with romantic Mr. and Mrs. trimmings, from matching pillow cases and bath robes to roses and petals, along with a wine and cheese platter.

For brides-to-be who want to gather their girls for one last memorable night as a single lady, the Bridal Shower package is the one to go for. Bond with your girlfriends in these thoughtfully designed suites accented by rose gold balloons and welcome amenities like a chocolate cake, Pink Moscato and a cheese platter for the party. The bride-tobe also receives a sash, and tiara to make her feel even more special on her send-off.

Welcome a new member of the family or add an element of surprise by exciting loved ones with a charming gender reveal party with the Baby Shower package. The decorated suite with matching colored balloons also comes with welcome amenities, such as a chocolate cake, white wine and a cheese platter that will certainly liven up the room while bonding over fun games.

“We’ve always been committed to providing our guests with unparalleled sincere service here at Aruga

by Rockwell. Life’s most important celebrations will surely be elevated with our themed suites and packages. Allow us to be a part of your special day and we’ll take care of turning these wonderful moments into lifelong memories,” said Angela Pagulayan, vice president of Aruga

by Rockwell. www.aruga.com.ph.

company’s investment in research and development, as well as in the reengineering of its plant operations and processes.

To achieve a pharmaceuticalgrade cement quality formulation that is devoid of any inconsistencies, B40 and B43 also rigorously undergo physical and chemical

tests every hour during production.

“We are proud to say that our cement can already manifest a strong strength on the first day,” the BBCI president said.

In fact, he noted that the toughness of these latest variants could reach a range of 5 MPa within 24 hours of production, 16 MPa to 25 MPa on the third day, and 30 MPa and above on the seventh day.

“We are trying to change the rules of the game and we are confident that our product is a game changer,” Cruz added.

At present, BBCI’s manufacturing plant in Pampanga has two working lines. To increase its production capacity further, the third and fourth lines are slated to be operational in February or March, and May or June of next year, respectively.

“We are at 1 million bags per month at present. But from now until June, we have [expansion] programs to steadily increase our output to 4 million bags,” bared Dr. Ishmael Ordoñez, vice president for operations and admin of BBCI.

HOME

Solane’s Oh My Gas promo is back

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ET a chance to take home a complete Solane LPG set for every purchase of the Midea Gas Range at any participating appliance stores nationwide.

Joining is easy! Every purchase of a Midea Gas Range at participating appliance stores nationwide entitles customers to receive a Solane Oh My Gas gift certificate.

Customers must write down the following details at the back of the gift certificate: dealer’s name or branch where Midea Gas Range was purchased, its sales invoice or collection receipt number and date of purchase.

To redeem the Solane gift certificate, simply present said Solane voucher together with one (1) valid ID, and a photocopy of the Midea Gas Range sales invoice at any Solane exclusive showroom nationwide. They may

also call the Solane Hatid Bahay Hotline at (+632) 887-5555, for Metro Manila or text (+63) 918 887-5555, outside of Metro Manila.

The Solane gift certificate includes a complete set of an 11 kilogram Solane cylinder with content, A/S regulator, hose and clamps.

Winners may opt to have their Solane LPG sets delivered, which comes with the company’s signature 7-Point Safety Check to guarantee you and your family are safe.

Solane hatid-bahay riders also perform a weight check in front of customers using calibrated portable weighing scales to ensure that they get their money’s worth.

Promo period will run until December 31, 2019.

To know more about the promo, follow Solane’s Facebook account https://www. facebook.com/solane.ph/.

A prestigious address to call home

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AJESTICALLY punctuating the Alabang skyline, Bristol at Parkway Place is now a beacon of success for the discriminating few who demand comfort and convenience in cosmopolitan living. Located at the corner of Corporate and Parkway avenues, more popularly known as the millionaires’ row, Bristol grants its residents a prestigious corner address.

Bristol provides unparalleled ease a nd convenience. Plush landscaped al-fresco retail strip, boutiques and shops located at the ground floor, and with its

proximity to Festival Supermall, Westgate Center, Palms Country Club and Alabang Town Center, numerous restaurant and retail, dining, entertainment and leisure options are also a short walk away.

Situated at the heart of Filinvest City, the powerhouse gateway to Metro South, Bristol is accessible via the South Luzon Expressway (Slex), Skyway, C5, Daang Hari Road, and AlabangZapote Road. With multipoint access, living at Bristol saves its residents valuable time, which is a luxury in itself.

Developed by luxury real-es-

tate brand Filigree, Bristol stands tall at 40 stories high as part of Parkway Place, an exclusive residential complex with its own private gate with an elegant circular driveway for that grand entrance.

With spacious living spaces characterized by openness and tranquility, top-of-the-line fixtures, superb craftsmanship and elegant finishes, and a balcony that provides splendid view of the Alabang skyline, gives living at Bristol a refined yet sophisticated edge.

To complete its impressive feat ures, Br istol comes w it h

top-notch amenities that include a swimming pool, kiddie pool, landscaped pool deck, tree courtyard, function room, fitness center, children’s play area, grand reception, meditative yoga deck, library and entertainment center.

Welcoming residents since 2018, Bristol at Parkway Place is definitely a great investment for those who want to enjoy the convenience of upscale living in Metro South—offering great value for money, not just for end users, but for those who are keen on investing in a truly prime property.

Entrepreneur BusinessMirror

E4 Wednesday, October 9, 2019 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

www.businessmirror.com.ph

UP Mindanao studes earn slot to Singapore business solutions competition in March

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By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—A University of the Philippines Mindanao team of computer science students earned a slot to a business start-up applications competition in Singapore in March next year after the team came out first in a similar competition here.

The Team 10Kers from UP Mindanao was the first placer in the Startup Weekend Davao Women Edition competition on the challenge of creating information-technology solutions to problems in the cacao industry.

The team was composed of Mark Anjelo Bolilan, Maria Joselle Luzon, Jelena Paronda, Mary Allen Latoza, Rhymno Orioque and Wyde Maxine Velasco. The students presented MoCapp, a mobile phone application for monitoring

cacao farms that uses a combination of hardware and software development with the application of Internet of Things.

For winning, they earned an invite to join Startup Weekend Apac Women in Singapore scheduled on March 2020, the UP Mindanao said.

Another UP group, Team CacaoJuan, placed third, for creating an offline data monitoring system for cacao growers.

The second placer, from another school, called Team iYuta, made a platform for optimizing fertilizer use by identifying the PH level of soil.

The September 22 to 24 competition capped three days of idea creation and development by teams of students and professionals at the Kadena Hub. The other competing student teams were mentored by their respective schools, which co-organized

the events. The co-organizers were the University of Mindanao UMasenso, University of Southeastern Philippines Agilab and UP Mindanao UPgrade technology business incubation units.

Also organizing the event were the Davao City Information Communication Technology, Techstars Startup Weekend Davao, and Ambidextr.

The judges were Kristine Dalis, founder of LoveBucket, Wit Holganza, founder of Wit’s Sweets and

Savouries, and Shiela Lao and Romeo Vasquez Jr. from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The UP sent four teams to the competition, and manager and assistant Prof. Miguel Carlo Guillermo said his office and the UP Mindanao Technology Transfer and Business Development Office would assist all the four UP Mindanao teams to develop their start-up projects into business enterprises.

The UP earlier announced it just established UPgrade, or the UP

The UP Mindanao technology business incubation unit would provide support to start-up companies from the product idea stage to the commercialization stage by providing workstations, common service facilities, mentorship, access to startup community events and trainings, and access to investor networks.”—Guillermo

Francorp PHL exec finds fulfillment in franchising as an advocacy

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RANCHISING is a proven and effective strategy to grow one’s business from one to many. Today’s successful brands serve as proof that franchising is the most flexible method for growth, and has been tried and tested over time with a 90-percent success rate.

Francorp Philippines Managing Director Noel Siggaoat is a passionate advocate of franchising. Early on, he saw how significant an impact franchising can make on the economy because it multiplies businesses and creates thousands of jobs.

From a financially fulfilling career to a self-fulfilling role

AFTER receiving his MBA from the Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, United States, Siggaoat worked in New York City as a financial systems consultant. His job entailed helping the treasury departments of client banks understand their exposure to different types of risks—interest rate, currency exchange, counterparty, etc.—and manage their portfolios accordingly. He was enjoying life in the most exciting city in the world and was doing well financially.

“In spite of the financial rewards,” Siggaoat narrated, “I didn’t feel a strong sense of fulfillment helping out US and European banks who were already rich, successful financial institutions become even richer. There was an

FRANCORP PHL Managing Director Noel Siggaoat (first row, second right) with Francorp executives and new clients

inner voice telling me that I should be using my skills to help out in my own country,” he said.

This prompted him to move back to the Philippines to find opportunities that would be beneficial to the country and be personally fulfilling at the same time.

“When the opportunity at Francorp came along, I immediately saw its connection to my personal mission. Helping small and medium businesses grow through franchising making entrepreneurs out of franchisees and employing lots of workers through franchising was an opportunity to contribute in my own small way to the Philippine economy,” he said.

Francorp Philippines starts the years FRANCORP Philippines is the Philippine Master Licensee Francorp International, the global leader in franchise development and consulting. Francorp has helped develop over 3,000 franchise businesses and assisted more than 10,000 companies worldwide in their franchise expansion. To date, Francorp Philippines has helped over 600 different companies which created about 20,000 entrepreneur-franchisees and generated employment for about 400,000 individuals.

As part of the technology transfer, Siggaoat and other members of the

Francorp Philippines office had to undergo months of training at Francorp headquarters in Chicago under Founder Don Boroian, a well-respected pioneer in the field of franchising in the US. Boroian is acknowledged as the head of the Francorp US team that helped Jollibee Philippines when it was still a start-up company in the ’80s. Noel and the Francorp Philippines team were involved in the project teams of Francorp US working on live client projects to learn firsthand about the company’s development philosophy and methodology.

Once the team returned to the Philippines, it took some time before the company’s services were accepted by the market. “Companies that ventured into franchising in the early days believed that developing a franchise was a simple endeavor that could be learned by reading an article or copying the franchise offering of another company,” Siggaoat shared. “Part of the challenge when Francorp Philippines began was educating the market that yes, franchising is a simple concept, but preparing a company for franchising requires a lot of planning, analysis and transformation. There are many layers involved in a franchise program that require expertise in different fields—strategy, finance, legal, operations, marketing and sales.”

7-ELEVEN OPENS THREE MORE BRANCHES IN REGION 2

Continuous expansion rolls up in Region 2 as 7-Eleven, the world’s leading convenience store chain, recently opened three new outlets in Isabela and Cagayan. The first store (7-Eleven in Xentro Mall), located in Centro Poblacion in Ilagan, Isabela, caters to customers from the nearby residential areas, schools and transit market. The second outlet (7-Eleven in Phoenix Diversion), located in Caritan, Tuguegarao, provides easy access to a wide assortment of quality products for the students and teachers of the University of Cagayan and other private and public schools nearby. The third store (7-Eleven near Tuguegarao City Hall) located in Cagayan, opens up 24/7 convenience for commuters, residents and customers from the nearby city hall and hospitals. These newly opened branches bring the 7-Eleven outlets in Region 2 alone to more than 20 stores to date. As of third quarter this year, 7-Eleven opened four new stores, three of which are franchise-owned. More than five outlets are expected to open before the year ends. Currently, 7-Eleven has more than 2,500 stores nationwide, 54 percent are franchise stores. For potential franchise partners, 7-Eleven offers flexible options: Regular New Store Franchise (open a new 7-Eleven store) or Property Conversion (convert an established business or properties into a 7-Eleven franchise). For more details on 7-Eleven’s franchise opportunity offerings, call (02) 7269968, 0920-9508651, 0917-8711686, e-mail franchising@7eleven.com.ph or visit www.7-eleven.com.ph.

Start-ups with female founders raise more venture cash–study

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TART-UPS with at least one female founder raised 21 percent more in venture capital (VC) funding than companies with all-male teams, according to a study released Thursday by the Kauffman Fellows Research Center, a twoyear training program for senior venture capitalists.

In earlier rounds, mixed-gender teams do just, as well as those without women, but the advantage grows in the later stages of fund-raising. In the third- and fourth-round raises, companies with at least one female founder get on average

$23 million in VC investment, compared with $18 million on average for all-male teams. The analysis used data provided by the market researcher Crunchbase of more than 90,000 US venture-backed companies from 2001 through 2018.

Women still face hurdles. Only around 22 percent of all start-ups are founded by at least one woman, the survey found. And teams made up of just women have the hardest time raising money—especially if they run what are considered “genderneutral” businesses. Research from PitchBook found that of the $130 billion in

venture funding invested in start-ups last year, only 2.2 percent went to those run by all-female teams.

“Very few women in the past have been given the opportunity to showcase the track record of success,” said Collin West, cofounding partner of the Kauffman Fellows Fund and one of the authors of the report. “Thus, those women continue to get passed over. So we’re in this vicious cycle.” The study adds to growing evidence that diversity at a company, in leadership, and in staffing, leads to better financial results, West said. A team

with more diverse members will consider a wider range of ideas and with the small size of most start-ups, even one woman has a significant ability to influence the company, he said.

“Boom, suddenly you go from zero to one voice in the room,” West said. “Hopefully when people start looking at this data, they start saying, ‘Well shoot, me and my two buddies from Stanford should maybe go and do some outreach, and make sure that we bring someone on that has a unique point of view, because we don’t.’”

Bloomberg News

Growing And Developing Enterprises, as a business incubation unit for business across Mindanao.

Guillermo said the facility would cater to aspiring entrepreneurs “with ICT applications or innovative business ideas focused on food products and food systems” and invited them to apply as “incubates.”

“The UP Mindanao technology business incubation unit would provide support to start-up companies from the product idea stage to the commercialization stage by providing workstations, common service facilities, mentorship, access to startup community events and trainings, and access to investor networks,” he said.

The UPgrade is funded by the Department of Science and Technology under the DOST’s Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship.

Pinoy techie launches doctors online app for medical consultation

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

@brownindio

Contributor

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HERE is no doubt the country’s health-care system is very costly, especially to the common Filipino.

In Southeast Asia, the Philippine ranks as the second most expensive country in terms of medical expenses next only to Vietnam.

Aside from impoverishing medical treatment costs, other common issues are poor medical record keeping, overcrowded public hospitals/clinics/centers and disproportionate ratio of number of doctors to patients.

For many countries, an effective way to address these challenges is the digitization of health-care services, such as the use telehealth.

In response to the burgeoning problem, Filipino techie Jerome Sebastian cofounded Kitika, the newest telehealth, or telemed, mobile app, which is widely used in North America, Mexico, Europe, Russia and Latin America.

Sebastian said Kitika was developed to help improve the health-care landscape in the Philippines. The telehealth app was designed especially for the tech-savvy, fast-paced, and multifaceted lifestyle of Filipino millennials, to assure them that they get access to convenient, quality and affordable health care.

Through Kitika, Medical Director Ferdinand Abella said Filipinos could experience utmost convenience. With its unlimited chat, call and video call features, Abella said a client would have the chance to talk to a doctor anytime, anywhere. This gives a client greater convenience from the hassle of having to travel for hours to go to a hospital or clinic, and then wait for another couple of hours just to be able to speak to a doctor. “With easier access, Filipinos can, likewise, avoid self-diagnosis and prevent illnesses more, once they get early and accurate medical advice,” Abella said.

Dr. Roza Clara Pineda, resident doctor of Kitika, said telemed will benefit a lot of patients, especially those who live in remote places and help them avoid congestion in crowded hospitals. “When I was an intern, I saw the huge challenge experienced by a lot of people in crowded hospitals while waiting for a doctor to serve them,” she said.

Sebastian assured Kitika would provide quality and comprehensive health care with their very own in-house general practitioners, readily available to give initial medical impression. From triage and assessment of health concerns, and direct doctor consultation and specialist referrals, and even up to issuance of e-prescription and medical certificates, Kitika is there to provide it.

Kitika, likewise, proves to be cost effective because of the time, money and effort saved. It also gives Filipinos greater control over selection of health-care providers and their pricing. Moreover, with Kitika, one can get health care for oneself and family members with just one subscription plan.

As an introductory price until December 2019, the basic plan starts at P959 per year for a primary holder and four dependents; while the premium plan is at P1,299 per year for a primary holder and six dependents; and the executive plan is at P1,599 per year for a primary holder and nine dependents.

Other exciting features of Kitika, which are now in the pipeline, are medicine delivery (available by November 2019) and consultations with specialists like dermatologists and pediatricians.

Moreover, Kitika formed partnerships with medical institutions like Lifeline, Hi-Precision Diagnostics, University of Perpetual Help Hospital, Health Cube, Specialists Clinic and Diagnostic Laboratory and Vita Lab Diagnostics Center, to guarantee that Filipinos get the health care that they need any time at an affordable rate.