BusinessMirror October 25, 2019

PERNIA: RICE SAFEGUARD DUTY MAY HAVE TO WAIT ‘1-2 YEARS’

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

F Motoring » E1

mitsubishi rolls out the new montero sport

@BNicolasBM

ARMERS may have to wait for at least one or two years before they can get protection from the influx of rice imports as a result of the rice trade liberalization law.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia admitted that the preliminary investigation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) was terminated because of

the opposition of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and the Department of Finance (DOF). The two agencies deemed it “too soon” to impose safeguard duty on rice imports.

“We actually terminated it because we expressed opposition.

DOF and Neda expressed opposition because it’s too early. It’s so soon. So my proposal was let it play out muna [for a while] for at least a year. Tignan natin [Let’s see] how it goes,” Pernia told the

BusinessMirror shortly after the Cabinet-level Economic Development Cluster (EDC) met on Wednesday.

While he said the process has been terminated so far “for now,” there is still a possibility they may consider imposing safeguard duty in the future.

Asked at what point will the government consider doing this, Pernia replied: “Ah siguro [maybe] if these [very low palay prices] Continued on A12

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PHL jumps in EODB, but more reforms eyed

ADB funding $11B of PHL projects from 2020-2022

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HE Philippines may secure nearly $11 billion in financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the last three years of the Duterte administration.

Based on the Country Operations Business Plan 2020-2022, ADB’s lending and nonlending program for the Philippines could reach $10.67 billion or P554.89 billion between 2020 and 2022.

The amount includes financing for firm and standby pipeline of projects to be funded by lending, as well as various forms of technical assistance to be extended in the next three years.

“The Philippine government needs demand-driven knowledge support in [i] preparing lending operations, [ii] drawing lessons for future investments from the monitoring and evaluation of operations, [iii] optimizing policy and capacity development, and [iv] obtaining inputs for the next Philippine Development Plan [20232028],” the plan said.

“In response to government’s knowledge needs, ADB and the government have established a knowledge partnership to develop an annual two-year rolling knowledge plan that supplements the country operations business plan,” it added.

On top of the projects solely intended for the Philippines, the ADB has also included the country in 16 See “ADB,” A2

T

By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

HE Philippines has surged 29 notches to 95th among 190 economies in the World Bank’s ease of doing business (EODB) report on stronger minority investor protection, but industry leaders said much work needs to be done especially in contract enforcement.

In the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020, the Philippines improved its score to 62.8, landing it in the 95th spot of the survey—the second time it got that ranking. Last year’s score was 57.68, a figure that plunged the country to 124th, from 113th in the 2018 edition.

This time, the Philippines posted a double-digit upswing in the protecting minority investors indicator, as well as upticks in starting a business, dealing with construction permits and paying taxes.

The country ranked 32nd in getting electricity; 65th in resolving

29

The number of notches by which the Philippines jumped, to land 95th among 190 economies in the World Bank’s ease of doing business report.

The Philippines improved its score to 62.8 from last year’s 57.68, which had plunged the country then to 124th. insolvency; 72nd in protecting investors; 85th in dealing with construction permits; and 95th in paying taxes. However, Manila is lagging in terms of trading across borders (113th); registering property

M

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n

7th in SEA

IN the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines retained its position at seventh to trail Singapore at second; Malaysia at 12th; Thailand at 21st; Brunei Darussalam at 66th; Vietnam at 70th; and Indonesia at 73rd. It was only ahead of regional laggards Cambodia (144th); Lao PDR (154th); and Myanmar (165th).

By Bianca Cuaresma

T

@BcuaresmaBM

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) again slashed the banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR), a move that could steer economic growth back to the 6-percent territory next year.

The BSP announced on Thursday that the Monetary Board approved another cut of 100 basis points (bps) in the RRR, one of the government’s monetary tools. It is a portion of depositors’ balances that banks are asked to keep idle in the BSP’s vaults as reserves.

“The reserve requirement reduction is in line with the BSP’s broad financial sector reform agenda to promote a more efficient financial system by lowering financial intermediation costs,” the BSP said.

The cut reduced the RRR of commercial banks and thr ift banks to 14 percent and 4 percent, respectively.

Continued on A2

See “RRR,” A2

INFLATION FOR POOREST SLOWS TO 0.9% IN SEPT

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

T

READY FOR ‘UNDAS’ Taking advantage of the pick-and-pay promo of a cut-flower farm in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, a young girl on a farm tour picks Chrysanthemums as a traditional offer for her deceased loved ones ahead of the country’s observance of All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day. The upland town is sometimes described as the Cut-flower Capital of the Cagayan Valley. CEASAR M. PERANTE

Manila, Beijing ink 6 accords on infra, trade-related projects ANILA and Beijing on T hursday sig ned si x accords covering infrastructure and trade-related projects, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement, DOF said the six agreements included four handover certificates for project and feasibility financing and two bilateral documents on infrastructure

(120th); getting credit (132nd); enforcing contracts (152nd); and starting a business (171st).

“The Philippines strengthened minority investor protections by requiring greater disclosure of transactions with interested parties and enhancing director liability for transactions with interested parties,” the World Bank report read.

BSP okays another cut in RRR

and trade.

Fi n a nce S e c ret a r y C a rlos Dominguez III and Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua led and witnessed the signing and exchange of the bilateral documents, following the high-level meeting between the two countries to discuss the progress of their financing cooperation and development initiatives.

“We welcome this high-level

engagement, as we underscore the importance of assessing where we stand, while providing added impetus in our efforts to achieve our objectives and deliverables,” Dominguez said at the start of the meeting at the Ayuntamiento de Manila headquarters of the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) in Intramuros, Manila.

The handover certificates that

were exchanged covered these cooperation agreements: 1. Feasibility study for the Davao City Expressway Project The project will be conducted

by CCCC Highway Consultants Co. Ltd., and funded by grant financing from the Chinese government.

The signing and exchange of documents were done by Public Works

HE poorest Filipinos saw a reprieve from high commodity prices as they experienced slower inflation in September, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Based on PSA data, inflation for the poorest was at 0.9 percent. This was the lowest since November 2015 when inflation for the bottom 30 percent was also at 0.9 percent.

Inflation for the poorest slowed from 2.3 percent in August 2019 and 9.5 percent in September 2018.

Year-to-date inflation for the bottom 30 percent is at 3.8 percent.

PSA traced the slowdown in inflation for the poorest Filipinos to the 0.4-percent deflation in the prices of fuel, light and water . Inflation for FLW was at 10 percent in September 2018.

Data also showed food, beverages and tobacco (FBT) as another major contributor to the slowdown in inflation—from 10.8 percent in September 2018, this slowed to 0.7 percent.

Food prices, PSA data showed, saw a 0.3-percent deflation in September 2019. This is the first time this year that food prices contracted.

Notably, inflation for all income households also experienced a

similar decline in food prices mainly due to the decline in rice prices in September.

Other factors included housing and repairs (H&R), 3.5 percent from 5.1 percent; services, 3 percent from 3.2 percent; and miscellaneous, 2.2 percent from 2.1 percent.

Meanwhile, the poorest in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR) saw a 0.6-percent deflation in commodity prices in September 2019.

Inflation for the poorest in the Philippines’s richest region was at 0.1 percent in August and 8.1 percent in September 2018.

Annual declines were observed in the indices of FBT at 0.4 percent; and FLW, 4.7 percent. Moreover, the annual rate of miscellaneous index slowed down to 1.7 percent.

Inflation for the bottom 30percent income households in Areas Outside NCR (AONCR) slowed down further to 0.9 percent in September 2019. Inflation was higher at 2.4 percent in August 2019, and 9.5 percent in September 2018.

The annual rate of the FLW index fell by 0.3 percent during the month. Moreover, slowdowns in the annual increments were observed in the indices of FBT at 0.7 percent; H&R, 3.5 percent; services, 3 percent; and miscellaneous, 2.2 percent.

See “Beijing,” A2

US 51.1800 n JAPAN 0.4709 n UK 66.1246 n HK 6.5275 n CHINA 7.2424 n SINGAPORE 37.5771 n AUSTRALIA 35.0737 n EU 56.9736 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.6458

Source: BSP (24 October 2019 )

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, October 25, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘PHL needs Cha-cha, Citira to be competitive’

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

F

@joveemarie

OLLOWING the improvement of the Philippines’s performance in the annual World Bank Ease of Doing Business report, a leader of the House of Representatives on Thursday said the government should prepare to accommodate the “influx” of new investment and business expansion by passing several measures, such as economic Charter change (Cha-cha) and the proposed Corporate Income Tax and Incentive Rationalization Act (Citira).

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said legislative and economic reforms could make the Philippines more competitive, as proven by the 29-notch leap from 124th to 95th

in the annual World Bank Ease of Doing Business report.

“Because this is no longer a question of if, but when, I am also elated by this improvement because this means that when Citira is passed,

the government is more ready to accommodate the influx of new investment and business expansion that we expect because of the superior incentives and lower corporate income tax rates,” Salceda said.

“The Philippines’s significant improvement in Ease of Doing Business rankings is the logical conclusion of the government’s efforts to create a business environment that truly encourages good business,” he said.

According to Salceda, the lower chamber will become a “House of Reforms” with the passage of the remaining measures under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Package (CTRP), amendments to the Foreign Investments Act (FIA), Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA) and amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA).

“Pifita [the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act] will harmonize the tax rates on banks and financial institutions. The triplets—FIA, RTLA,

and PSA amendments—will ease up medieval restrictions on investment. The Real Property Valuation Reform Act will harmonize the land market and bring clarity to real property investors. Once those reforms are implemented, the Filipino people can expect even bigger leaps in our rankings,” he said.

Ease Charter curbs

SALCEDA, an economist, said easing restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution will also boost the economy.

“The biggest source of rigidity remains constitutional restrictions, which compel many businesses desiring to do business in the Philippines to go through complex structurings to gain access to a fast-growing and robust domestic market with one of most demographically dynamic population base,” he said.

Three measures seeking to amend certain provisions of the

PHL JUMPS IN EODB, BUT MORE REFORMS EYED Continued from A1

As much as the jump is to be celebrated, business leaders said Manila has been in this same spot before—in the 2014 cycle when it placed 95th among 189 economies—only to slump in the following years marked by double-digit declines in the 2017 and 2018 editions.

“This is good news, but not as good as it could be. A few years ago, in 2014, the country also leaped even more ranks up this year, then it slipped back and experienced a mistaken evaluation by the World Bank last year,” argued John D. Forbes, senior advisor of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

“Now it has regained its position but that position should not

be so far below other large Asean competitors, who never sleep in trying to obtain higher ranks to make their economies stronger,” Forbes told the BusinessMirror.

Industr y leaders said the government must also expedite efforts to digitize its processes in applying for incorporation, paying taxes and securing permits. Guillermo M. Luz, former private sector cochairman of the now-defunct National Competitiveness Council, added that improvements in court procedures should be implemented as well.

“Trials for commercial cases still take too long. The median is 962 days. [That means] one half of the cases take less than 962 days while one half take

ADB. . .

Continued from A1

regional technical assistance projects which are expected to amount to $60.5 million in the next three years.

However, the ADB is only expected to shoulder around $39.5 million of the amount, while the rest will be sourced from various regional funds such as the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) that the ADB administers.

$4.37B in 2020

MEANWHILE, based on the Philippine pipeline, the largest ADB loan and grant assistance will be extended to the Philippines next year worth $4.37 billion.

This covers eight projects in the firm pipeline and three in the standby pipeline, as well as three transaction technical assistance projects.

ADB will extend $3.5 billion for the eight projects in the firm pipeline. This is only a portion of the $3.77 billion worth of projects to be financed next year, some to be financed through cofinancing with other institutions.

The largest loans to be extended by the ADB are the $1.2 billion for the South Commuter Railway Project (PFR1); the $500-million Integrated Flood Risk Management Sector Project; and the $500-million Expanded Social Assistance Project.

The standby pipeline for 2020 includes three projects, the $500-million Metro Rail Transit, Line 4 Project; $300-million Support to Universal Health Coverage Project (RBL); and $70-million Davao Public Transport Modernization Project.

The three technical assistance projects are the Poverty Reduction in Communities Affected by the South Commuter Railway Project; South Commuter R ai lway Project Implementation Suppor t; and Streng thening Inf rastr ucture Capacity and Innovation for Inclusive Growth (supplementar y).

ADB will only shoulder $1 million for the Strengthening Infrastructure Capacity and Innovation for Inclusive Growth project while the two other technical assistance projects worth $4 million will be financed through the JFPR. The pipeline of technical assistance projects for 2021 and 2022 has yet to be determined by the ADB and the Philippine government.

OCR lending

longer than that,” Luz said in a text message to the BusinessMirror.

DTI chief’s vow

IN a news briefing, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez vowed the government will carry out new reforms as a follow-up to the passage of the EODB law and the institutionalization of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta). Among the reforms to be submitted for the 2021 cycle is the launching of the Philippine Business Portal, the government’s one form, one number, end-to-end mobile registration for businesses.

Lopez committed to bring the Philippines within the 70th to 79th range by next year, hoping to have the country inch closer

MEANWHILE, for 2021, ADB will finance $3.7 billion in lending through its ordinary capital resources (OCR).

This is only a portion of the $3.77 billion worth of projects to be funded next year, some through cofinancing.

The largest projects to be financed through OCR lending are $1 billion for the Malolos–Clark Railway Project (PFR2) and $500 million each for the Metro Rail Transit, Line 4 Project, Laguna Lakeshore Road Transport Project and Bataan–Cavite Bridge Project.

On standby is the Mindanao Agro-Enterprise Development Project, where ADB will extend a $100-million loan.

For 2022, ADB will fund $2.6 billion worth of projects, including $2 billion in the firm pipeline and $600 million in the standby pipeline.

The largest projects in the firm pipeline are the $850 million South Commuter Railway Project (PFR2) and $450 million Malolos–Clark Railway Project (PFR3).

Projects in the standby pipeline are the $500 million Clark–New Clark City Railway Project and the $100-million Integrating Innovation System in Philippine Technical Vocational Education and Training Project.

For 2019, the ADB is providing $2.98-billion loans through its OCR. This forms the big chunk of the project cost for the year of $6.54 billion.

ADB said $2.18 billion of the total project cost will be financed through cofinancing and the remaining $1.38 billion, in government counterpart funding.

The largest project being financed this year is Phase 1 of the Malolos–Clark Railway Project worth $4.69 billion.

ADB will extend $1.3 billion for this project; $2 billion will come from cofinancing and $1.38 billion from the national government.

In terms of its nonlending operations, the ADB is extending a total of $11 million for 14 technical assistance projects.

This is only a portion of the $19.83 million worth of technical assistance the country will get in 2019 through the ADB. The other $8.83 million will come from other funds such as the JFPR and the Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund. The largest of these is the Strengthening Infrastructure Capacity and Innovation for Inclusive Growth, to be exclusively funded by the ADB at $4 million.Cai U. Ordinario

to its manufacturing rivals in the region.

“We celebrated the fact that the Philippines is now one of the top 100 competitive countries in the world, and we are on an upward trajectory. We need to further speed up and scale up the reforms to remain in this path,” the trade chief said.

New Zea l a nd, Singapore, Hong Kong, Denmark, South Korea, the United States, Georgia, the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden, in that sequence, topped the rankings globally. To rank high in the World Bank’s EODB survey is to improve profile to investors, as the yearly report measures how friendly a country’s regulatory environment is to businesses.

RRR. . .

1987 Constitution are pending.

T hese seek to amendment Articles VI (Legislative Department), X (Local Government), XII (National Patrimony), XIV (Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports) and XVI (General Provisions) of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

One resolution seeks to amend the provisions of the Constitution, particularly Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Section 7, Section 10, Section 11, of Article XII, or the National Patrimony and Economy, by inserting the words, “unless otherwise provided by law.” This, in a bid to relax the restrictive foreign ownership to attract more foreign direct investment.

However, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Cha-cha is not yet part of the chamber’s priority.

Oversight functions

TO make the economy more competitive with the enactment of the

ease of doing business law and the Anti-Red Tape Act, Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said the House will exercise its oversight function to ensure these reforms laws are implemented faithfully.

For her part, Deputy Minority Leader Stella Quimbo commended the administration for making this a priority concern, and Congress for passing Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

“Both of these initiatives have already resulted in a considerable improvement in our global rankings,” she said.

However, Quimbo said one area of improvement to work on is the transparency and expediency of the judicial system, where the country’s performance has not improved (ranked 152).

With the appointment of Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta, Quimbo expressed confidence that the country will continue to see improvements.

‘Greedy’ foreign outfits abuse local animators

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OCAL animators are now being drawn to poor working conditions by greedy big animation studios abroad, an industry group said.

The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) said many Filipino animators are doing outsourced jobs due to lack of government policy to protect their labor rights.

“It is lamentable that despite their skills and talents, not to mention the high cost of education that animators have to pay to learn their skills, Filipino animators are hardly treated humanely, let alone like ‘creatives.’ Instead, they are exposed to sweatshop-like working conditions,” BIEN National President Mylene Cabalona said in a statement.

She said the concerned animators tend to suffer from a “no work, no pay schemes” with no social insurance and no job security.

Cabalona said they also earn only around P5,400 per week or

even as low as P10,000 per month.

Worst, she said, some animators who have been assigned to finish a project are locked in studio premises to complete projects.

But even after such a long hard work, Cabalona said many of them do not get any credit for their work.

“How could we take pride in Filipino animators, extolled for being behind well-loved cartoons and critically-acclaimed animated films, if their names are not even seen in closing credits?” Cabalona said.

To give voice to the plight of local animators, BIEN recently helped in organizing them to form the Philippine Animation Workers Association (Pawa).

“BIEN commends and supports Pawa in their endeavor to advance the rights of Philippine animation workers for living wages and secured jobs. Organizing or building a collective voice of workers is the key,” Cabalona said. Samuel P. Medenilla

Continued from A1

The MB complemented the move with a reduction in the reserve requirement for nonbank financial institutions with quasibanking functions (NBQBs).

The reduction will be effective on the first day of the first reserve week of December.

Growth booster THE BSP said the adjustment in reserve requirement ratios is aimed at ensuring sufficient domestic liquidity to support economic activity.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) economist Jun Neri said the recent cut made by the BSP “increases the probability of the Philippine GDP growth getting back to the 6 percent to 7 percent range by next year.”

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) earlier attributed the “modest” 5.5-percent GDP growth in the first semester to the four-month delay in the approval of the budget. GDP expansion in the first quarter and second quarter reached 5.6 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

“I think the decision to cut RRR is a proactive and timely one that should help mitigate the impact of global headwinds and this year’s public sector underspending on our GDP performance,” said Neri.

“If inflation remains on target in 2020 and BSP refrains from overdoing the RRP [reverse repurchase] cuts, we could be on track for a single-digit RRR as early as end 2021,”Neri added.

He said the reduction would have been “less viable” had the BSP not gained a new Charter early this year. Neri credited this to the efforts of former BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla, who died in February.

Earlier, Moody’s Investors Service said cuts to the Philippine banks’ RRR are “credit positive” for the banking system as it will enable the cost-effective release of funds.

The Philippines still has one of the highest RRRs in the region. This means that a significant chunk of the banks’ funds are kept in BSP coffers instead of being lent out to fuel economic growth.

Beijing. . .

Continued from A1

Secretary Mark Villar and Chinese Vice Commerce Minister and Deputy China International Trade Representative Wang Shouwen.

2. Feasibility study for the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridge Project The feasibility study was conducted by CCCC Highway Consultants Co. Ltd., and funded by a grant from the Chinese government. Villar and Wang signed and exchanged the documents.

3. Philippine Radio Equipment Project C h ina donated broadcasting equipment to the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). The donation includes live broadcast room equipment, FM broadcast transmitter equipment, and medium wave transmitter equipment. The signing and exchange was done between PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar and Wang.

4. China-Aid Container Testing Equipment This covered the donation of four sets of Mobile Container/ Vehicle Inspection System and two sets of CT Scan Inspection System to the Bureau of Customs. The signing and exchange was done between BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero and Wang.

Two other bilateral documents were signed: 1. Implement at ion of t he Marawi Sports Complex and Central Market Project This will be part of the re-

construction for Maraw i. T he project, consisting of two components, has a total floor area of about 13,202 square meters.

The 6,504 sqm-Sports Complex, can hold up to 1,000 people; the 7,148-sqm.-Central Market will include a functional area and equipment rooms. There was an exchange of letters between Villar and Deng Boqing, the vice chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (Cidca).

2. Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Avocado from the Philippines to China The protocol was formulated after the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), in coordination with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), completed the risk assessment and on-site inspection for the Philippine market access of fresh has avocado for export to China. With China among the world’s largest consumer markets, the accord is expected to raise incomes and create more jobs in the farm sector. The agreement was signed and exchanged between Agriculture Secretary William Dar and Zou Zhiwu, the vice minister of GACC. The two sides exchanged views on how to enhance trade relations and speed up implementation of Philippine infrastructure projects with funding support from China.

They also discussed the Philippines’s participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the upcoming Chinese International Import Expo in Shanghai in November.Cai U. Ordinario

The Nation BusinessMirror

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Military destroys 1,561 loose guns

By Rene Acosta

T

@reneacostaBM

HE military destroyed on Thursday some 1,561 firearms and 55,730 magazine assemblies as part of its efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal and loose firearms in the country.

The firearms and magazines were either captured, confiscated, surrendered and recovered (CCSR) through legitimate military operations and community engagements from 2016.

“This program will significantly reduce the number of unserviceable CCSR firearms, and eventually dispose all unofficial and dilapidated weapons in the inventory of the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines],” said AFP Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr. in a news statement read by AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Erickson Gloria.

The ceremonial destruction was part of the 12th Founding Anniversary of the AFP Munitions Control Center (MCC), a unit primarily mandated for the accounting and destruction of CCSR firearms and magazines, which were determined as nonstandard, obsolete and beyond economical repair.

It also helps AFP units inspect and maintain their firearms and ensure the serviceability of their issued weapons.

“This translates to the 90 percent completion of the demilitarization program of the Philippine Army. Likewise, I would like to commend the AFP MCC for this successful demilitarization,” Collado said.

CCSR firearms and their various accessories go through a process of identification and verification. Those that will not be used as evidence in court and are not subjected to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program will not be destroyed and will be turned over to proper authorities.

Those with defaced serial numbers will undergo identification to determine its ownership, while all nonstandard items will be destroyed.

The AFP has an ongoing campaign to recover loose firearms as part of the effort to prevent and counter violent extremism in the country.

Last year, a total of 4,782 assorted unlicensed firearms were confiscated with the help of the local government executives, prominent political families and religious leaders in Mindanao.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, October 25, 2019 A3

Lawmaker decries ‘deportation’ of Badjaos seen on Iloilo streets

A

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HOUSE deputy speaker on Thursday questioned the reported “deportation” of Badjaos from Iloilo City, and called on the national government to provide long-term solutions to the mendicancy problem afflicting indigenous peoples (IP).

In a news statement, Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman reminded the Iloilo City government that the 1987 Constitution grants every Filipino citizen the liberty of movement within any part of the country.

“This is a basic human rights that knows no gender, ethnicity or even social standing,” he said.

“There have been reports that Iloilo City has been ‘deporting’ Badjaos to their home province of Sulu. Strictly speaking, you cannot deport Filipinos from one part of the country to another. Perhaps they mean to apply the long-standing ‘Balik-Probinsya’ program of the government,” Hataman added.

According to Hataman, deportation

is only for foreigners, usually those who have violated the country’s laws.

“The Balik Probinsya program is not mandatory, but voluntary on the part of those who are encouraged to return to their provinces,” he said.

Also, Hataman urged the Iloilo City government to act with caution and care when dealing with the Badjaos.

He said the city should ensure that the rights and welfare of our citizens are protected and preserve.

“Why send them back in a manner that strips them of their dignities? And simply sending mendicants away from its area of jurisdiction does not address the underlying problems that brought these Badjao people to Iloilo City—and other ur-

ban centers for that matter—in the first place,” he added.

“And it should be voluntary; the Badjaos should agree to go back to Sulu, or to relocate anywhere they are taken to. Proper coordination between Iloilo City, and the receiving local government should be maintained to ensure that they arrive safe and secure,” said the lawmaker.

Also called sea gypsies, many Badjaos were displaced by decades of conflict in Mindanao. As indigenous people whose lives are tied very closely to the seas on the Sulu coast, the Badjaos live on coastal areas and make their livelihoods from the Sulu sea.

Hataman said most of them don’t have access to health care, government social services or education, and this makes them extremely vulnerable to exploitation from syndicates seeking to make beggars of them in the cities.

“The saying goes that beggars can’t be choosers. These Badjao, like other IPs who are exploited into mendicancy, do not choose to beg. They are made into beggars by unscrupulous groups that prey on them. They need the protection of our laws through proper enforcement and dismantling the syndicates that prey on them,” he said.

“These Badjaos, and other indigenous peoples like the Aetas, have been

victimized by people who strip them of their dignity by forcing them onto the streets of our cities to beg. This has been reported in media for many years now, yet it is the IPs who are rounded up and sent back to their ancestral areas in rescue operations,” said Hataman.

Concerted effort

MEANWHILE, Hataman called on local government units, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, and other national government agencies to provide these IPs like the Badjaos with long-term solutions that protect their dignity and their rights as human beings who are citizens of the Republic of the Philippines.

Hataman said the government needs to act with compassion, understanding, efficiency and integrity to stop their exploitation.

“Our government often stops there but that’s a different issue that requires a concerted effort from everyone. These are problems that must be addressed in a way that protects these tribal people’s rights and delivers vital government services to them. To do less is not an option,” he said.

“Mendicancy is a national problem and we can always find a solution that does not violate human rights and reduces human dignity to almost nothing,” he added.

Economy BusinessMirror

A4 Friday, October 25, 2019 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Govt to tighten regulation on online marketing and distribution platforms

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

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AVAO CITY—The government’s intellectual-property office said online marketing and selling platforms would be asked to submit to wider government regulation to protect consumers from counterfeit items peddled and displayed as genuine items.

Teodoro C. Pascua, deputy director general of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said the move to require online platforms to submit to registration and accreditation came as he, likewise, urged wider public vigilance against counterfeit pharmaceutical and personal-care products sold through various modes, saying these items pose clear threats to health.

Pascua said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had already invited for discussion online sellers, including the leading platforms Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, Carousell (the former OLX), including Facebook.

“The IPOPHL has already asked them how government could be ensured that while they enhance their sales and promotion, the distribution of products would not include counterfeit goods,” he said.

Pascua said the online platforms were also asked to establish their

intellectual-property policies to ensure that the merchants selling their products on their platform would sell only genuine products.

“We have requested them, not only to remove from their site the counterfeit items, but to reject immediately all items that they know are not genuine,” he said. “It’s [not] only about the return and exchange policy, but [more so] on the consumer protection side.”

“Pretty soon, they are ready to submit to a registration, similar to what we require for business to have a business name. There would be a registration online, to be spearheaded by the DTI, then an accreditation from a government body, like what the Bagwis Awards is doing, where they award recognition to companies that are compliant with consumer rights,” Pascua said.

Under this scheme, the government would be able to determine the policies, the processes and the actions undertaken by a specific online company to weed out counterfeit items.

Pascua said the IPOPHL may adapt a similar recognition to online platforms which adhere to the protection of consumers.

“If these are already in place, the registration and accreditation, and yet consumers still buy from non-registered and nonaccredited sources, then we may likely tell

these buyers, that’s your problem,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pascua has urged wider awareness and vigilance to the proliferation of counterfeit food, medicines and personalcare goods, both sold online, or in business establishments.

He said pharmaceutical and personal-care products landed on the list of the most counterfeited items, along with cigarettes and alcohol, handbags and wallets, optical media and footwear.

“We don’t want to be alarmist here but to a certain degree, we are.

We don’t want you to be in a difficult situation, and to tell us later, why we were not warned. Don’t buy cosmetics products that have foreign labels that you cannot read,” Pascua said. “ The President has already warned that he would file cases of economic sabotage against those found counterfeiting the medicines,” he said.

“We know that the motivating factor is price. But do not fall into that trap, when you also endanger your health,” Pascua added.

Chester Arturo D. Cinco, chief of the Secretariat of the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights, also warned about the proliferation of faked food items and condiments.

“While they are of much lesser value compared to the cigarettes and

handbags and wallets, they are of serious concern because these threaten the health of persons,” he said.

This year, government confiscated counterfeit products valued at P1.8 billion, although the IPOPHL was still awaiting reports from the 12 government agencies and expects the figure to go up. Last year was the highest catch in confiscations, reaching P23.55 billion.

Cigarettes and alcohol, pharmaceutical and personal care, handbags and wallets, optical media and footwear were the most widely copied, the IPOPHL said.

Pascua added cigarettes and alcohol topped the list of confiscated items during raids.

Based on last year ‘s figures, the confiscated items were valued at P20.2 billion, or 85.77 percent of the total. Food was in the 10th spot at P3.3 billion.

Pascua said the Bureau of Customs contributed to the most number of seized items at the ports, although lawyer Ann N. Edillon of the Bureau of Patents said most counterfeit products did not pass through the regular ports.

“Some may enter through the regular ports but not as finished items, but as ingredients, where people make the finished products here. But many fake products enter our country though the different coastal areas,” she said.

DOF chief confident of hitting infra spending target in 2019

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ESPITE the headwinds this year brought about by the delay in the passage of the national budget and the election ban, the Cabinetlevel Economic Development Cluster (EDC) expressed confidence that it will be able to hit the overall spending target for 2019 at P3.769 trillion.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said the government’s main infrastructure agencies—Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr)—assured the EDC that they will be able to hit their respective disbursement targets for the year.

Infrastructure spending is a big growth driver in the overall spending of the national government.

“Based on the updates of our main infrastructure agencies, we are confident that we are going to hit our spending target this year,” Dominguez said.

For the government to be able to attain its spending target of P3.769 trillion, Dominguez said, the government needs to disburse P1.14 trillion or 30 percent this quarter.

For the January-to-September period, the DPWH has so far disbursed a total of P424.7 billion.

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar assured that the P300.3 billion target for the last quarter is attainable, Dominguez said.

“The DPWH is implementing reforms to effectively address rightof-way issues and ac-

HAPPY BREAD DAY!

Two women, fresh from completing their bread baking course administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in Santiago City, Isabela, shows off their “masterpieces,” fresh from the furnace. Like most people across the world, Filipinos love and enjoy eating bread anytime of the day and it is readily available practically in every corner. It is also the most nutritious food for the hungry stomach. CEASAR M. PERANTE

celerate implementation of big-ticket projects,” he said. “Among the main projects that the DPWH expects to inaugurate this year are the Central Luzon Link Expressway Project Phase I, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, the Ciudad de Victoria interchange overpass bridge and the bypass road in Bulacan.”

As of end-September, Dominguez said, the DOTr expects to fulfill 99 percent of its commitment for 2019.

“Henceforth, the economy is expected to expand at a higher clip over the remaining months of 2019 as inflation stays within the official target range of 2 percent to 4 percent, and the government accelerates imple-

mentation of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure and human capital development projects to make up for the underspending earlier this year due to the delay in the reenactment of the budget,” he said. “We will intensify our efforts to restore last year’s upward momentum in our growth rate.” Bernadette D. Nicolas

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DENR to verify reported land-reclamation activities in Bacoor and Sangley Point

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will look into the reported land-reclamation activities in Bacoor City and Sangley Point, a Naval Base, in Cavite City.

“We will have to verify first if the reports are true. If it is true, we will then investigate and have to look into documentary evidences like ECC [environment clearance certificate], permit,” DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units (LGUs) Benny D. Antiporda said.

A nt ipord a, a lso deput y s p o k e s m a n o f E nv i r o n m e nt Secretary Roy A. Cimatu urged the public to report suspicious activities like land reclamation, also called dump-and-fill, in Manila Bay which is the subject of ongoing rehabilitation effort by the Manila Bay Task Force.

“If they have proof or evidence, I encourage them to file a complaint before the DENR and we will look into it,” Antiporda assured.

He said complainants should identify the area and dates the alleged land-reclamation activity took place or is taking place.

“We will immediately send a team to that area to investigate,” the DENR official said.

To recall, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) reported early this week the landreclamation activity in a privatelyowned land near the Bacoor public cemetery despite the supposed ban on land-reclamation imposed by the DENR. DENR officials earlier vowed not to issue a permit to proponents of a 420-hectare development project being pursued by the Bacoor local government to develop the city’s would-be commercial and central business district.

The project will involve the massive land reclamation in the coastal barangay of Maliksi III in Bacoor City leading to the economic dislocation of hundreds of small fishermen and mussel growers living in the area.

On Wednesday, Pamalakaya issued a statement condemning another land-reclamation activity happening near the former Naval Station Point of the United States Navy in Cavite City. It is now operating as a military base of the Philippine Air Force.

Pamalakaya took photos of the ongoing land reclamation activities in Bacoor and Cavite City.

In the photos that were taken by local members on Wednesday near Sangley Point, a backhoe was caught dumping and filling soils in the coastal waters adjacent to the military base.

There is a long-standing plan to reclaim at least 2,700 hectares of south Manila Bay for the construction of an international airport, costing around P500 billion.

The airport project is proposed

by the Cavite provincial government under a joint venture with China’s state-owned Chinese Communications Construction Co. (CCCC) and a local business group led by Luis “Buboy” Virata.

However, Pamalakaya said the project is still pending approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

The group chided the DENR for allegedly doing nothing to stop such destructive activity with irreversible environmental impact to Manila Bay, when, in fact, it is tasked to lead the Manila Bay Task Force to restore the historic bay’s water to its pristine state.

Under a decade-old Supreme Court continuing mandamus, the DENR is one of the 13 government agencies ordered to rehabilitate Manila Bay. Specifically, the DENR is mandated to monitor the activities in Manila Bay. Moreover, the group said the DENR is empowered to disapprove any project that is detrimental to the environment by simply rejecting applications for an ECC for environmentally critical projects or projects within or near an environmentally critical area.

Pama la k aya a lso cited the DENR’s Ecosystems Research a n d D e v e l o p m e n t B u r e a u ’s (ER DB) report and discover y of live coral covers as one good reason why it should protect the coastal and marine resources in Manila Bay. The agency claimed that 72 percent of estimated reef area in Manila Bay is found in Cavite.

“Despite apparent nond isclosure of project details and other pertinent documents, the reclamation has already been taking place at the coastal area which used to be a traditional fishing ground for small fisherfolks. Moreover, why is the DENR seemed to be mum on this apparent environmental destruction?

Unless they have dubiously issued an ECC to the questionable project, we demand them to transparently probe the project and publish the environmental impact statement [EIS], if such one even exists,” Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya national chairman, said in a statement.

“While study shows that the majority of coral reefs lie across the coastal waters of Cav ite, thousands of hectares of reclamation projects, on the other hand, are also pending and already operating in the province,” added Hicap.

“Scientists and experts have long proven that there is no science in the world that tells us that reclamation is good for the mar ine and aquatic env ironment,” added Hicap.

Pamalakaya said that on top of the environmental catastrophe of the Sangley Point reclamation, it would adversely affect at least 26,000 fishing and coastal families in 7 towns in Cavite; namely, Cavite City, Noveleta, Tanza, Naic, Rosario, Kawit and Bacoor City.

Imee eyes Senate investigation into Metro Manila’s looming water-supply shortage

By Butch Fernandez

S

@butchfBM

EN. Imee Marcos signaled on Thursday she is set to ask the Senate to look into the impending series of water-supply interruptions expected to hit over 15 million customers of Maynilad and Manila Water in Metropolitan Manila and nearby provinces this week.

In a news statement, Marcos affirmed her determination to make both water-supply firms answerable for any consumer inconvenience to be caused by the announced “daily rotational service interruptions” set

to start on October 24.

The senator stressed that the two water concessionaires should have adequately prepared for the anticipated water-supply crisis affecting their customers, as well as big and small businesses in affected areas.

“Kawawa naman ang mga mahihirap na pamilya at ang mga maliliit na negosyo, gaya ng karinderya, car wash at laundry shops na gumagamit ng tubig sa arawaraw,” said Marcos.

She noted this will be the second time that consumers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces will be made to suffer a water-supply crisis since

the dry season.

“Ito na ang pangalawang pagkakataon na mararanasan ang krisis sa tubig sa Metro Manila at karatig probinsya na tumama nitong nakaraang panahon ng tag-init,” she said.

Marcos recalled that President Duterte had already castigated the private water concessionaires earlier, warning that the government could opt to terminate their supply contract. “Di ba nasabon at binalaan na sila ni Pangulong Duterte na ite-terminate ang concession agreements noong Marso dahil sa kapalpakan nila, pero ngayon wala pa rin silang solusyon sa problema sa tubig.”

An irate Marcos stressed that consumers should not be made to sacrifice for the failure of water suppliers to fulfill their service contracts. “Alam naman nila na may kakulangan sa supply nito. Bakit ang mga tao ang babalikat ng sakripisyo?” she protested.

The first-term lawmaker indicated that the Senate can review the concession agreements of the two water companies that were given exclusive rights by the government to operate and maintain water utilities, and recover their investments.

She noted that directly affected by the water supply crisis are over 15

million customers of Maynilad and Manila Water in Metro Manila, as well as the nearby provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan.

The senator noted that Maynilad, in announcing an 18-hour rotational service daily interruptions starting October 24, cited low water levels in Angat and Ipo Dams blamed on lack of rainfall. She, however, cited a recent report from the weather bureau that Angat Dam’s water level rose to 187.53 meters, slightly higher than its 180 meters normal level, while Ipo Dam was at low level of 100.76 meters from its 101-meter maintaining level.

Agriculture/Commodities BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Friday, October 25, 2019 A5

Group bats for targeted use of 4Ps rice subsidy

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE government should prioritize the implementation of interventions in areas where the farm-gate price of unhusked rice have fallen below P17 per kilogram, nongovernment organization Action for Economic Reforms (AER) said on Thursday.

AER made the pronouncement after the House Committee on Agriculture and Food on Wednesday approved a substitute joint resolution urging Congress to authorize the use of the rice subsidies of government agencies for the procurement of palay from Filipino farmers.

The group said “targeting” pilot areas where the rice subsidy of 4Ps beneficiaries could be channeled would make the government’s intervention for rice farmers “more practicable” and easier to implement.

“I understand that some P6 billion of the DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development]

money will be transferred to the NFA [National Food Authority] to pilot the purchase of palay from local farmers in Regions 1 to 6,” AER President Jessica Reyes-Cantos said in a statement.

“The AER suggests that picking and choosing the pilot areas for support should follow a set of criteria.

In particular, the DA [Department of Agriculture] can focus on areas where the cost of palay has gone down below P17 per kilo,” Cantos added.

In a position paper submitted to the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, the AER said the proposal to convert part of the Conditional

Cash Transfer subsidy for rice into actual rice is “inefficient and costly.”

“The administrative cost is large, and the money from such could be better spent to directly help farmers.

The poor anyhow will still be buying rice, rice being the main content of the food basket. The better way is to make the government-procured rice accessible [physically and financially] in the markets of the poor communities,” the paper read.

The AER also urged the panel to include in the joint resolution the use of rice tariff collections in excess of P18 billion for cash transfers for 2019 and 2020.

“The amount that is needed to effectively address the fall in palay prices is between P4.9 billion and P7.7 billion assuming a cash transfer of P5,000 or P7,000 each,” she said.

Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, the panel chairman, said the unnumbered joint resolution will be transmitted to the plenary when session resumes on November 4.

Enverga also said his committee will ask President Duterte to certify the joint resolution as urgent to fast-track its approval.

The unnumbered joint resolution substituted House Joint Resolution 16 and House Resolution

A FARMER starts plowing his rice field in Pampanga after a brief rainfall in this file photo.

322 filed by Deputy Speaker for Finance Luis Raymund Villafuerte, and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez and Tingog Sinarangan Party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez, respectively.

The joint resolution asked the DSWD and the Departments of the Interior and Local Government, National Defense, Transportation, and Environment and Natural Resources in coordination with the NFA and the DA to directly buy the palay of local planters for the Rice Subsidy Program instead of cash.

The resolution said the NFA had reported having 209,525.15 metric tons of imported rice in its custody

as of August 22. It procured locally 5,864,007 bags of palay at 50 kg per bag or 293,200.35 MT. Currently, the resolution said the warehouse of NFA is already full, noting that the problem of oversupply is expected to worsen in September and October, the peak palay harvest season.

Under the 2019 budget, the total allocation for rice subsidies amounts to P33.9 billion.

EDC discusses cash aid

MEANWHILE, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said that although the Economic Development Cluster did not discuss the

imposition of safeguard duty to protect local rice farmers from a surge in imports, the EDC talked about issues of cash assistance to affected farmers; and agreed that a part of the cash transfer under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program would be given as rice instead to the 4Ps beneficiaries.

The government is eyeing a total of P3-billion direct cash assistance to farmers.

“We’re doing two things, okay?

Number one, to implement the idea that the part of the cash transfer will be given in rice. That is a logistics problem. So they are working it out with DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] and the NFA [National Food Authority],” Dominguez said. “The other issue is the unconditional cash transfer to the most affected farmers. They are still determining who are the most affected farmers and determining how much they will provide—the assistance to them,” he added.

Nonetheless, Dominguez said they are committed to help the most affected farmers and the government “will have a budget for it because we are going to be collecting quite a bit more than the P10 billion that we did from the tariffs.” With a report by Bernadette D. Nicolas

Govt eyes tougher food safety rules for local, imported grains

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HE Philippines is inching closer to implementing more stringent food safety measures for rice which will ensure that the staple, whether locally produced or imported, does not contain heavy metals and high levels of pesticides.

The proposed rules are also seen by high-ranking government officials as a way of limiting rice imports that have skyrocketed in recent months, according to sources privy to the matter.

A draft Department of Agriculture (DA) memorandum circular (MC) seeks to impose more stringent requirements for trading rice.

The rules will cover heavy metal content, pesticide residue level, extraneous and filth contaminants, as well as microbiological parameters.

The draft MC, a copy of which was obtained by the BusinessMirror, will put in place “food safety control measures for milled rice that can be used to prevent or eliminate food safety hazard or to reduce it to an acceptable level,” according to a DA presentation.

The MC also wants to protect the public from “unsanitary, unwholesome, misbranded or adulterated food” and “enhance industry and consumer confidence in the food safety regulatory system.”

“This is being done to ensure food safety, especially since a lot of imported rice has entered the [domestic] market,” the source told the BusinessMirror.

Once the draft MC is approved and signed by the DA it shall be applied to both local and imported milled rice.

All rice stakeholders and food business operators, including importers and exporters, are required to comply with the guidelines under the draft MC once it is enforced.

Heavy metals

UNDER the draft MC, the government would require rice sold in the market, be it locally produced or imported, to comply with maximum level (ML) of heavy metals.

These metals include arsenic (for husked rice and polished rice), cadmium (polished rice), and lead (cereal grains).

The draft MC would also enforce the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides in milled rice “for the first time,” another source told the BusinessMirror.

The draft circular outlines rules on extraneous material and filth contaminants, such as bukbok, thumbtacks and wire staples in rice.

FILE PHOTO

“To the extent possible in good manufacturing practice, the product shall be free from objectionable matter,” the draft MC read. “[It should not contain] a hard or sharp foreign object that measures greater than or equal to 7 millimeters in length.”

Rice sold in the Philippines would also be subjected to microbiological parameters to ensure that it is free from microorganism “which may represent a hazard to health,” according to the draft MC. The draft MC was presented earlier this month to the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries. However, PCAF stakeholders convinced the DA to defer the approval of the draft MC so it could be subjected to further scrutiny.

The DA, according to sources, initially wanted to approve it right away to limit the entry of rice imports especially since farmers are now harvesting rice.

BPI requirement

THE four food safety measures in the draft MC shall be part of the requirements for rice importers who will apply for sanitary and phytosanitary import-clearance (SPS-IC) from the Bureau of Plant Industry.

Interested importers shall secure a Certificate of Analysis (COA) containing compliance with the four requirements from a “competent” authority or accredited laboratory from the country of origin of the rice.

“The COA is in addition to the existing quarantine pre-shipment and post-shipment SPS requirements for milled rice,” the draft circular read.

“Importers shall ensure that the pesticides found in the shipment are

contained in the list of registered pesticides for rice in the Philippines,” it added.

Further, the draft MC would require a mandatory audit of the food control measures undertaken by existing countries exporting rice to the Philippines.

“For existing country sources for milled rice identified in Annex 1, the BPI will conduct an audit of the food control measures in the country of origin to evaluate food safety from the stage of production until the export of the commodity and/or into Philippine port of entry,” it read.

The draft MC would also empower the BPI to inspect “at any time” rice conveyances, storage, transport and other handling facilities. This, according to the document, will be done to “ensure that food hygiene and food safety measures are sufficient to prevent the contamination of milled rice.”

As early as last month, DA officials including Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar announced that the government is looking at imposing more stringent food safety measures to limit the entry of imports.

In a news briefing last Tuesday, Dar disclosed that the BPI will inspect rice shipments bound to the Philippines prior to loading to ensure that pertinent food safety guidelines are followed before local importers are given SPS-ICs. “The issuing institution or agency would like to require that before they issue clearance, they want to see the imported items from the port of origin. They can do that, which one of the measures the BPI will do,” he said. “So that the rice entering the country are really clean and free from foreign materials.”

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

The W

Business

A6 Friday, October 25, 2019

US currency manipulation report keeps Asian countries on watch list

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SIA is bracing for the latest US Treasury report on foreign currency manipulators, coming in the middle of a trade war that shows no sign of ending.

The twice-yearly report is due in coming weeks and will likely see the return of Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam on the watch list. The three Southeast Asian nations were cited in the May report for the first time, and the Treasury says it keeps newcomers on the list for at least two straight reports.

China—which was formally labeled a currency manipulator in August—Japan and South Korea were the other Asian economies cited at the time.

A country makes it on the watch list if it’s met two of three criteria: a trade surplus with the US of at least $20 billion; a currentaccount surplus of a minimum of 2 percent of gross domestic product; and persistent, one-sided intervention in the currency equivalent to 2 percent of GDP in six months of a year.

For China, dynamics around trade negotiations with the US may influence whether the nation

retains its “currency manipulator” label. Both countries appear to have agreed on a “phase one” deal for now, though Chinese officials have yet to confirm any agreement.

Here’s a look at how some of the countries stack up against the Treasury’s criteria:

Singapore

THE city-state found its place on the watchlist in May for its massive current account surplus of almost 18 percent of GDP and intervention in the foreign exchange market.

On the intervention front, Singapore may have less to worry about. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the nation’s central bank, uses the exchange rate as its main tool and says its activity in the currency market is for monetary policy purposes, not to gain an export advantage.

MAS Managing Director Ravi Menon says being cited on the currency watch list doesn’t mean

the city-state would be a tradewar target.

“Being named in the report is one thing, but whether it will lead to adverse consequences is quite another thing, which I don’t think is likely,” Menon said in an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Haslinda Amin. Officials have had “good conversations” with the US Treasury and are in close touch with them, he said.

“We know where they’re coming from, we understand what their concerns are,” he said. They, in turn, understand how the MAS operates, he said.

The MAS will start releasing intervention data in July for the previous six months to help improve transparency about its operations. The central bank can’t provide such figures in real time for tactical reasons, Menon said.

Malaysia

MALAYSIA was cited for its $27 billion goods surplus with the US and a current account balance that squeaked just above the 2-percent mark. Frances Cheung, head of Asia macro strategy at Westpac Banking Corp., sees both still meeting the US report’s criteria.

The trade surplus with the US doesn’t appear to have shown much improvement, given that its yearto-date tally earlier this month is

about unchanged from the same period in 2018.

On the current account, the surplus has actually widened since the Treasury’s May report, reaching 3.06 percent of GDP in the second quarter.

Vietnam

WHAT saved Vietnam from violations in all three categories in May was the Treasury’s interpretation that foreign exchange inter vention was made in both directions in order to better link the Vietnamese dong to the greenback, and that there was “reasonable rationale” for rebuilding inadequate reserves.

Analysts at ING Groep NV see that patience running out for the next report—especially with Vietnam exceeding both of the other two thresholds.

“President Trump has often found a different basis [for instance, national security] to impose tariffs on a country,” Francesco Pe s ole, I NG ’s L ondon based FX strategist, said in an October 14 research note. “Vietnam seems particularly at risk of being hit by US tariffs and the Trump administration may consider using the FX manipulator label to threaten tariffs.”

Can van Luc, chief economist at Hanoi-based Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, said the central bank has been more flexible in managing the currency. The government has also been doing much to improve the trade situation, including “conducting a master plan on anti-trade fraud, while trying to buy more from America,” he said. “However, it takes time to balance trade with the US.”

Rest of Asia

TH A IL A ND, which successfully dodged the watch list in May’s report, could find itself in the crosshairs this time as its trade surplus with the US in the 12 months through August nears $20 billion and its current account surplus remains above the 2 percent threshold.

“Thailand strikes us as being uncomfortably close to being placed on the monitoring list,” said Chang Wei Liang, a macro strategist at DBS Group Holdings Ltd. in Singapore.

Japan is likely to be f lagged on two of three violations again—a goods trade surplus with the US that’s already climbed to more than $48 billion so far this year, and a large current account balance. In its latest monthly report on the issue, Japan maintains that it’s still not intervening in the foreign exchange market.

Westpac’s Cheung sees South Korea remaining on the watch list despite earlier signals from the US to the contrar y—ow ing to its trade surplus with the US in the 12 months through August widening back to above $20 billion in addition to its bloated current account surplus.

Bloomberg News

Euro-area economy remains close to stagnation in October

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HE euro-area economy stayed at the brink of contraction as manufacturing shrank for a ninth month.

IHS Markit’s Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 50. 2 i n Oc tober, m issi ng economist estimates of 50.3.

The reading above 50—a level that d iv ides ex pansion f rom contraction—signals that the private sector in the euro area is barely growing at the start of the fourth quarter.

The outlook is gloomy, with future expectations sinking to its worst since 2013, according to Markit. A rebound in French services provided a boost while the pace of German decline slowed, and the rest of the region showed weakness.

A key d ivergence bet ween France and Germany remained

trade, with the former seeing modest growth in new business from abroad, while Germany’s exports remained in steep decline.

European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi is presiding over his last policy meeting on Thursday, and is expected to give a further rallying cry for governments to turn on the spending taps to bolster growth.

He hands over the top job to Christine Lagarde next month.

“Mario Draghi ’s tenure at the helm of the ECB ends on a note of near-stalled GDP, slower jobs growth, near-stagnant prices and growing pessimism,” said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit. That is “piling pressure on Christine Lagarde to drive new solutions to the euro zone’s renewed malaise.” Bloomberg News

China leapfrogs France in WB’s ease of doing business rankings

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HINA leapfrogged France in the World Bank’s annual rankings for ease of doing business, a shift that underscores the broader trend of developing economies catching up with their more advanced peers.

T he world ’s second-largest economy catapulted from 46 last year to 31, just ahead of France, which was unchanged at 32, according to the report released on Wednesday in Washington. The Middle East showed new strength with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait among the top 10 gainers. That most-improved group also included India, Pakistan and Nigeria, three of the most populous nations.

Doing business more easily is associated with higher levels of entrepreneurship, which supports better employment opportunities, higher government tax revenues and personal income gains, according to the report.

Such outcomes could help lend needed support to the flagging global economy, which the International Monetary Fund projects will slow this year to 3 percent, the weakest since the financial crisis.

Removing obstacles to businesses can be a positive force for fostering economic expansion, though they’re among many of the factors that can affect outcomes, according to Rita Ramalho, a senior manager in the World Bank’s global indicators group and one of the main authors of the “Doing Business 2020” report.

“Improving in this can have positive impacts on growth,” she said in an interview. “We’ve done research on that and it does show that there are positive patterns and associations between having simpler, better business regulations and having higher growth rates, but it’s not a silver bullet.”

Some 115 of 190 economies made it easier to do business, though progress has been uneven: The top 50 include no Latin American economies and just two African nations. It takes entrepreneurs nearly six times longer on average to start a business in the bottom 50 economies than in the top 20.

Leader board

NEW Zealand kept the top spot and Singapore held No. 2. Hong Kong moved up a notch to third, trading places with Denmark, while South Korea stayed in fifth.

The US moved up two spots to No. 6, knocking Georgia back to seventh, while the UK, Norway and Sweden rounded out the top 10.

The best performers generally have “sound business regulation with a high degree of transparency,” and a common theme across the highest-scoring economies was widespread use of electronic

systems, according to the report.

All of the top 20 offer online business incorporation, electronic tax filing and online property transfers.

The study evaluates how regulations enhance or constrain activity for smaller firms by measuring 10 variables, including the ease of starting a business, obtaining construction permits, getting electricity connections, access to credit, paying taxes, cross-border trade and enforcing contracts.

The report said a considerable disparity persists between low- and high-income economies for starting a business: Entrepreneurs in low-income economies typically spend the equivalent of 50 percent of income per capita to start a company, compared with just 4.2 percent for their counterparts in high-income economies.

‘Ample room’

“THERE’S ample room for developing economies to catch up with developed countries on most of the doing business indicators,” World Bank President David Malpass wrote in the report. “Performance in the area of legal rights, for example, remains weakest among lowand middle-income economies.”

The development lender credited leaders in both China and India for adopting the indicators outlined in the annual report as a core part of their reforms, according to the report.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s years-long push to make life easier for companies showed more progress as the country’s ranking rose to 63 from 130 in 2016. The report cited a “remarkable reform effort” and said the changes are particularly commendable given the size of the economy.

China has made it easier to obtain constr uction per mits, getting electricity, and resolve insolvency, ref lecting government efforts to created working groups focused on each of the report’s indicators. “The use of ‘Doing Business’ as a benchmark aligns with the central government’s ambition to improve the competitiveness of the Chinese economy,” according to the report.

The improvement in the US was based on changes in New York City and Los Angeles, the two largest cities. Both cut corporate taxes, while Los Angeles made starting a business easier by introducing more online filing and rolled out electronic filing that made enforcing contracts easier.

The six nations rounding out the bottom of the list remained in the same spots as last year: South Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Venezuela, Eritrea and, in last place, Somalia.

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A7

China’s biggest meeting in 2019 gives leaders chance to take up HK protests

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HINA’S ruling Communist Party will hold its most important gathering of the year from October 28 to 31, state-run Xinhua News Agency said, giving its leadership an opportunity to discuss issues such the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

The plenum—a full meeting of the Communist Party’s Central Committee—is a venue to pass decisions on major topics and involves more than 200 party leaders from the government, military and state-owned enterprises. The committee will discuss key issues related to maintaining and improving China’s socialist system and national governance, Xinhua reported in August.

While the meeting comes at a point in the party’s five-year political cycle that’s usually reserved for setting economic policies, the earlier Xinhua report suggested an agenda that

was more political. On Tuesday, a front page commentary on the People’s Daily, the party’s mouthpiece, reviewed the progress in judicial reform and the law-based governance since the last Fourth Plenum of The Central Committee in 2014 during Xi Jinping’s first term. Such long format commentary is usually seen ahead of the the party’s major political events.

The plenum will be the fourth Central Committee conclave since Xi secured a second term as the party’s general secretary in October 2017. The committee hasn’t convened since recommending an end to the consti-

tutional limits on Xi’s tenure in February 2018. The party hasn’t gone so long without such a meeting since late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping launched his “Reform and Opening Up” campaign more than 40 years ago.

Policy-makers are also grappling with a trade war with the United States, which has exacerbated an economic slowdown as both sides levy tariffs on each other’s goods. Data released last week showed an economy expanding at just 6 percent, the slowest in almost three decades, though there were also signs things could be stabilizing, including corporate demand for long-term credit picking up and growth in auto sales contracting less. The two sides are also moving closer toward a partial deal that could alleviate tensions.

The early hints of stabilization give the authorities a chance to debate some long-term issues at the meeting, such as a graying population and the merits of freer internal migration of labor.

These reforms could be more important than imminent policy loosening in ensuring a steady performance of the economy in the longer term. Bloomberg News

Japan, South Korea to mend ties after ice-breaking talks J APANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean Premier Lee Nak-yon agreed they must work to ease the feud between the two neighbors that has spilled over into trade and security after their highest-level meeting in more than a year.

Both sides issued statements expressing a desire to repair ties after a roughly 20-minute meeting between the two leaders. Lee delivered a letter to Abe from South Korean President Moon Jae-in that, according to the Yonhap News Agency, described Japan as a valuable partner in securing a lasting peace with North Korea and urged efforts to resolve their disputes.

“It’s important that relations must not be left in their current state,” Abe told Lee, describing them as “very severe,” according to a statement

from Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lee urged Abe to continue communications and exchanges, South Korea’s foreign ministry said separately.

The meeting is the most positive signal since South Korean courts issued a series of rulings last year backing the claims of people forced to work for Japanese companies during the country’s 1910 to 1945 occupation of the Korean Peninsula. Japan argues all compensation claims were settled by a 1965 treaty that established ties between the two countries. Moon has said the USbrokered agreement didn’t take into account the emotional suffering of the victims of Japan’s occupation.

The meeting helped set communications back to a more normal channel, but far more action was needed, said Kim Tai-ki, an econom-

ics professor at Dankook University, near Seoul. “With the key issue being trust, it will take much longer than top-level photo opportunities for it to actually rebuild,” he said.

There was muted market reaction in both countries. Japan’s benchmark Topix Index maintained a gain of 0.4 percent, while South Korea’s Kospi Index remained little-changed with shares of Samsung Electronics Co. down 0.8 percent.

Abe last met Moon in September 2018 and passed up a chance to meet him for formal talks during Group of 20 events in Osaka in June.

They are both expected to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Bangkok at the start of November, which could afford them a chance for direct talks.

Economic worries in Japan and South Korea have mounted as they

SOUTH Korea’s Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon (left) poses with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a photo prior to their meeting at Abe’s official residence in Tokyo on Thursday, October 24, 2019. Abe held talks with Lee in a first high-level meeting amid tension between the two neighbors over trade and wartime history. Lee, known as Japan expert, attended Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony on Tuesday and was expected to propose improving ties. AP PHOTO/KOJI SASAHARA

have both been in the fallout from the trade war between their major partners—the US and China. Consumer spending in Japan is set to cool after Abe hiked the sales tax on October 1 from 8 percent to 10 percent while South Korea’s economy is on track for the smallest expansion since the global financial crisis as trade uncertainties weighed on investment.

Tensions have rapidly escalated, with Japan striking South Korea from a list of trusted export destinations and imposing restrictions on the sale of specialized materials essential to the country’s semiconductor- and display-manufacturing industries. South Korea responded by announcing its withdrawal from an intelligence-sharing pact, as its citizens boycotted Japanese goods and travel.

After largely sitting on the sidelines as tensions reemerged, the Trump administration has recently pushed the two sides to try to work out their differences. The United States has been particularly critical of South Korea’s exit from the intelligence pact, since it’s relying on cooperation between its two closest Asian allies to help counter China and North Korea.

As the meeting started in Tokyo, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha sent mixed signals by offering support for the discussions and cautioning Japan that it needs to withdraw its export curbs for ties to improve.

The pretext for Lee’s visit was his attendance at Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony on Tuesday.

Each country is the other’s thirdlargest trading partner and neither can afford a damaging economic fight as global growth cools. South Korean exports are poised for an 11th monthly decline and semiconductor sales, which account for the largest share of exports, fell 29 percent in the first 20 days of October, according to the Korea Customs Service.

Bloomberg News

INDIA’S TOP COURT ORDERS WIRELESS CARRIERS TO PAY $13 BILLION IN DUES

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NDIA’S top court ordered eight telecom carriers, including Bharti Airtel Ltd. and Vodafone Idea Ltd., to pay the government as much as 920 billion rupees ($13 billion) in past dues, dealing a blow to the businesses already struggling to make profits and pare debt.

The Supreme Court, in a ruling read out by a two-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said it will decide on the timeline for payments. Thursday’s decision possibly puts an end to the twodecades-old legal dispute over airwaves fees owed to the government.

The operators have disputed for years over how authorities calculate their annual adjusted gross revenue, a share of which is paid as license and spectrum fees. With the ruling, the court upheld the government’s method, while rejecting the companies’ plea to exclude revenue from nontelecommunications businesses.

The court order is the latest shock to an industry that has piled on billions of dollars in debt to roll out 3G and 4G networks in the past decade, even as intense competition for users led to a brutal tariff war, weighing on earnings. Bharti, controlled by tycoon Sunil Mittal, and billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla’s venture with Vodafone Group Plc have a combined net debt of almost $28 billion.

The worst hit are the operators who have been in the business for more than 10 years, while it is far less consequential for Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd., which entered in 2016 and owes the least among all—130 million rupees.

Shares of Vodafone Idea plunged as much as 23 percent to a record low, while Airtel tumbled as much as 9.7 percent, the biggest intraday loss since October 2012.

Reliance Industries Ltd., the parent of Jio, rose 1.5 percent.

Stay afloat

SINCE Jio disrupted the market with free calls and cheap data, the incumbents

have struggled to stay afloat. Two have entered insolvency in the past two years, while some have merged to combine forces, like Vodafone’s local unit with Idea Cellular Ltd. For the government that runs perennial budget deficits, the court ruling comes as a fiscal bonanza. On Wednesday, Telecommunications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad revealed a $6 billion spending plan to revive two money-losing state-run carriers.

The government had raised a total demands of around 920 billion rupees against all telecom operators, including defunct ones, according to filings in the court.

In the past two years, two of India’s biggest telecom operators—Malaysian tycoon T. Ananda Krishnan’s Aircel Ltd., and Anil Ambani’s Reliance Communications Ltd.—went into bankruptcy. The huge demands can also disrupt their resolution process scaring away potential buyers.

High capital spending, dividends and spectrum costs have resulted in neutral or negative free cash flow for telecom companies in South and Southeast Asian countries including India, according to a Moody’s Investors Service note on October 23. Moody’s expects these trends to continue through at least 2021, and doesn’t expect telcos will generate enough cash to pay down debt.

The leading telcos in India pay the largest share of their aggregate revenue for spectrum at 7.6 percent, followed by Thailand at 7.3 percent and Bangladesh at 7 percent, Moody’s said.

The legal dispute dates back to the 1999 telecom policy that mandated license and spectrum fee to be paid by operators as a share of their revenue. Telecom companies have argued that only core income accrued from use of spectrum should be considered for calculation of adjusted gross revenue, while the government has argued that revenue from all operations must be included. Bloomberg News

A8 Friday, October 25, 2019

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Editor: Angel R. Calso

Google claims breakthrough in blazingly fast computing

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AN FRANCISCO—Google announced on Wednesday it has achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing, saying it has developed an experimental processor that took just minutes to complete a calculation that would take the world’s best supercomputer thousands of years.

THIS June 16, 2017, file photo shows the Google logo at a gadgets show in Paris. Google said it has achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing research, saying its quantum processor has completed a calculation in just a few minutes that would take a traditional supercomputer thousands of years to finish.

AP PHOTO/THIBAULT CAMUS

The feat could open the door someday to machines so blazingly fast that they could revolutionize such tasks as, finding new medicines, developing vastly smarter artificial-intelligence systems and, most ominously, cracking the encryption that protects some of the world’s most closely guarded secrets.

Such practical uses are still probably decades away, scientists said. But the latest findings, published in the scientific journal Nature, show that “quantum speedup is achievable in a real-world system and is not precluded by any hidden physical laws,” the researchers wrote.

Big tech companies, including Microsoft, IBM and Intel, are avidly pursuing quantum computing, a new and somewhat bewildering technology for vastly sped up information processing.

While conventional computing relies on bits, or pieces of data that bear either a one or zero, quantum computing employs quantum bits, or qubits, that contain values of one and zero simultaneously.

But quantum computing requires placing the fragile and volatile qubits in colderthan-outer-space-refrigerators to control them.

Google’s quantum processor looks like an upsidedown garbage can, out of which comes a series of tubes used to conduct signals to a chip. The whole thing is stored in a cool chamber to protect the chip.

Google said that its quantum processor, called Sycamore, finished a calculation in three minutes, 20 seconds—and that it would take the world’s fastest supercomputer 10,000 years to do the same thing.

The calculation was a random sampling problem, similar to looking at the various combinations that could come from dice or a gambling machine. It has little practical value, other than to test how well the processor works.

“The more interesting milestone will be a useful application,” said Chris Monroe, a University of Maryland physicist who is also the founder of quantum startup IonQ. Google’s findings, however, faced pushback from other industry researchers.

IBM took issue w ith Google’s claim that it had achieved “quantum supremacy,” or the point when a quantum computer can perform a calculation that a traditional computer can’t complete within its lifetime.

IBM researchers said that its IBM-developed supercomputer, called Summit, could actually do the calculation in 2.5 days.

Google disputed IBM’s claims.

Whether or not Google achieved quantum supremacy, the research suggests the field is maturing.

“The quantum supremacy milestone allegedly achieved

by Google is a pivotal step in the quest for practical quantum computers,” John Preskill, the Caltech professor who coined the term quantum supremacy, wrote in a column after the paper was leaked.

It means quantum computing research can enter a new stage, he wrote, though a significant effect on society “may still be decades away.”

One feared outcome— though experts said it is a long way off—is a computer powerful enough to break today’s best cryptography.

Qu a nt u m computers might also one day lead to the development of better artificial intelligence systems to guide financial portfolios, crop yields or transportation routes.

The promise of such applications has attracted interest from the United States, China and other governments.

President Donald J. Trump last year signed a measure to spend more than $1.2 billion over five years for quantum research across the federal government. AP

GHOSN PLEADS NOT GUILTY, SAYS HE IS VICTIM OF CONSPIRACY

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AWYERS for Carlos Ghosn entered pleas of not guilty on all charges against him, saying Nissan Motor Co.’s former chairman is the victim of a conspiracy between prosecutors, the government and the automaker to bring about his downfall.

All charges against Ghosn, who was arrested almost a year ago in November for alleged financial misconduct, should be dropped, his attorneys argued in documents submitted to the Tokyo District Court. Pretrial hearings are being held Thursday in the case against Ghosn and former Nissan Executive Greg Kelly, who are free on bail in Japan ahead of a trial next year.

Ghosn served as chairman and chief executive officer of the world’s biggest auto alliance, one between Nissan, Renault SA and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. His arrest destabilized the partnership and triggered a series of events that led to the ouster of the CEOs of Nissan and Renault.

While the automakers struggle to restore profitability in an industry being disrupted by electrification and self-driving vehicles, Ghosn is fighting to prove his innocence and restore his reputation.

“The court filings demonstrate that the prosecutors’ case, which was politically motivated and poisoned from the start, is fundamentally flawed and contradicted by the evidentiary record,” Ghosn’s lawyer’s said in a statement. “This case should

never have been brought.”

Ghosn is facing a total of four charges: n Violation of financial instruments and exchange law related to under-reporting of compensation and income during the fiscal years of 2010 to 2014. n Breach of trust related to under-reporting of foreign-exchange transactions. n Breach of trust for allegedly transferring ¥1.85 billion ($16.7 million) of Ghosn’s own personal investment losses to Nissan, and for transactions in Saudi Arabia totaling $14.7 million that were made from a Nissan unit to another account between June 2009 and March 2012, which allegedly inflicted damage on Nissan. n Breach of trust related to transactions made in Oman, for allegedly moving $5 million from Nissan to a dealership and then into a company he controlled in Lebanon, with the money flowing into companies headed by Ghosn’s wife and son.

Ghosn’s lawyers denied each charge in their submissions, which were formally filed earlier this month.

They made the documents, as well as a statement, public today for the hearing. The filings will let “judges understand what opinions the defense side has and will be useful for our offense,” lawyer Junichiro Hironaka told the judicial press club in Tokyo.

Bloomberg News

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, October 25, 2019 A9

PCCI affirms support to PHL’s shift to low-carbon economy

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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HE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has vowed to mobilize its members composed of 35,000-strong small, medium and large enterprises from its 124 local chapters nationwide and about a hundred industry associations to do their share in support of the country’s transformation to a low carbon economy.

Speaking during the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Climate Change Act, the law that also created the Climate Change Commission (CCC), and its launching of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Climate Change and Land, Jose P. Leviste Jr., PCCI director in charge of environment, climate change and urban development acknowledged that

climate change is happening as evidenced by the increased temperature brought about by global warming with a average of 20 typhoons that visit the country every year.

“The Special Report you launch today is very alarming and calls for concerted action not just by governments but by all of us. We, in the private sector, recognize that and are eager to cooperate and support the government to implement these actions,” Leviste stated.

He cited as an example of how the private sector can help. For one, he said, the food industry can contribute in reducing greenhouse-gas emission (GHG) from food systems by creating products mostly sourced from low-carbon intensity raw materials and using production technology and processes that minimize carbon emissions, he said.

According to Leviste, the pri-

vate sector supports the count r y ’s Nat ion a l ly Deter m i ned Contributions (NDCs), a promise made by governments in signing the Paris Agreement.

He said the private sector is awaiting the finalization of the country’s NDC submission and is currently looking at its role in the implementation of these actions.

“Green investments is starting to take off and we see these in initiatives like the Green Hospitals, Green Buildings and Green Banking and more important, in the Green Jobs Act. As long as there is an enabling environment for private-sector participation, the sector will always be willing to cooperate,” he said.

PCCI met with CCC Commissioner Emmanuel de Guzman Tuesday to discuss how the private sector can participate and access available funds from various international

financing institutions including the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The PCCI has been in partnership with the government through the CCC. Annually, the PCCI brings the private sector together in a Business Summit which we now call Annual Business Climate Action Summit during which the privatesector initiatives to help combat climate change are showcased.

Leviste said this time around, sustainable low carbon pathways that the private sector is pursuing will be the focus of the event to be held next month to learn more about what the private sector is doing to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

De Guzman, in his welcome remarks and message said since the CCC was established, the commission has worked to bring life to the law that created it. These include the crafting of the National Frame-

work Strategy on Climate Change and the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) which is now currently being reviewed to make it more responsive to the needs of the communities.

De Guzman said one of the requirements in updating the NCCAP is the recommendation in the IPCC Special Report.

While most of the discussions on climate action happening now are focused on energy, industry and transport, the new IPCC report unequivocally states that land is critically important as well, both as a source of greenhouse-gas emissions and as a climate-change solution.

The report, de Guzman said, should guide the Philippines in its pursuit of low-carbon and climateresilient development path. He said the CCC is likely to employ robust public information drive, education, and communication strategies

to communicate the IPCC report and ensure risk-based planning and implementation of plans, programs and activities.

Launched in August this year, the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land states that land is already under growing human pressure and climate change is adding to these pressures.

It also warned that keeping global warming to well below 2 degrees Celcius can be achieved only by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions from all sectors including land and food.

The IPCC, the world body for assessing the state of scientific knowledge related to climate change, its impacts, and potential future risks, and possible response options, saw the Summary for Policymakers of the Special Report on Climate Change and Land approved by the world’s governments in Geneva, Switzerland.

Palace: Duterte Manila Bay fish kill, shellfish mortality due to natural causes–DENR not inclined to go under surgeon’s knife

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By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

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VEN after experiencing “unbearable pain” at the pelvic and spinal areas following a motorcycle accident, President Duterte is not inclined to undergo any surgical procedure.

Malacañang said on Thursday the President is in a “much better” condition although he was advised by his doctor to “rest for a couple of days” and “limit his physical activity” after he was diagnosed to be having muscle spasms.

Duterte underwent a magnetic resonance imaging and medical evaluation on Wednesday, a day after cutting short his trip to Japan after complaining of “excruciating pain.”

“The President was advised by his doctor to rest, as well as to take medicines that will relieve him of the pain caused by the muscular spasms. His doctor ruled out any surgical procedure for the President,” said Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo in a news statement.

According to the attending doctor, there is a “strong likelihood” that the President’s motorcycle accident several years ago and the one he figured out last week “may have caused, or possibly aggravated,” the current pain he is suffering from in his lower back.

Despite this, the Palace spokesman once again allayed fears about the President’s health.

“The Chief Executive has been advised by his doctor to rest for a couple of days and limit his physical activity, particularly avoiding standing or walking for long duration. The President is presently feeling much better,” he said.

The President was also even scheduled to meet Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua also on Thursday to discuss certain infrastructure projects in the country which are financed by China.

“Despite the President’s somewhat impaired physical profile, he will continue to perform his presidential duties which include attending to local and foreign engagements in the following days, with the same passion and dedication, in obedience to the constitutional command to serve and protect the Filipino people,” Panelo said.

HERE’S nothing to worry about the massive fish kill and shellfish mortality in Las Piñas, Parañaque, Bacoor, Cavite since the incidents were due to “natural causes,” officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) assured on Thursday.

This, even as the Department of Agriculture, through its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), earlier declared that the fish kill could have been caused by the high levels of ammonia and phosphate in the waters of Manila Bay, on top of the low concentrations of dissolved oxygen, particularly in Las Piñas and Parañaque City.

DENR officials also said that the water quality in Las Piñas and Parañaque where the fish kill was observed have improved, while shellfish gathering in mussel farms in Bacoor and Sangley Point is “back to normal.”

Initial water quality test results conducted by the DENR confirmed

the low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water.

“Fish, like all other complex life forms, need oxygen to survive. They get theirs in the form of oxygen gas dissolved in the water,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said in a news statement.

Citing results of the laboratory tests conducted by the DENR, Cimatu said the DO for 3 out of 4 stations in the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park did not conform to the water quality guidelines (WQG) for Class “SB” waters, which is 6 milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Dissolved oxygen is the volume of oxygen that is contained in the water and is vital in supporting aquatic life, while Class SB water classification means that the water is “suitable for commercial propagation of shellfish and intended as spawning areas for milkfish.”

According to Environmental Management Bureau-National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) Director Domingo Clemente, low levels

of DO “may have resulted from the recent heavy rains that caused the flushing of decomposed organic matter from the surface run-offs and inland water tributaries eventually polluting the open seas.”

Based on the results, the DO for Station 1 (Long Island, approximately 30 meters from shoreline) was 3.3 mg/L; Station 2 (Long Island, approx. 20 meters from shoreline in front of Pier Area), 3.4 mg/L; Station 3 (the boundary of Long Island and Freedom Island, approx.

30 meters from the shoreline), 5.9 mg/L; and Station 4 (Freedom Island, approx. 30 meters from shoreline), 9.8 mg/L. All four stations also exceeded the WQG for fecal coliform, which is 100 most probable number per 100 milliliters. Station 2 recorded the highest concentration of fecal coliform at 350,000 MPN/100 ml, while the levels in the three other stations ranged from 23,000 to 24,000 MPN/100 ml.

The DENR report did not say

whether it conducted similar tests for ammonia and phosphate which the DA-BFAR had found and identified as the cause of death of the assorted fish species that could reach up to 5,000 kilos.

Nevertheless, the DENR official said traces of cyanide—a chemical that is lethal to most fish species and invertebrates as it blocks the absorption of oxygen by cells and causes the species to suffocate and die—were also found in all four stations, exceeding the WQG of 0.02 mg/L for Class SB waters.

Cimatu, however, said the water pollution measures days after the fish kill on November 8, 2019, showed improvement during the follow-up tests conducted on October 14, or just four days after the fish kill occurred.

He said the DO concentrations increased and the fecal coliform levels went down significantly.

“Based on the results of the follow-up tests, a significant increase in the DO was observed in Stations

1, 2 and 3, and all stations passed the WQG,” Cimatu said.

“Also, the results of the fecal coliform count decreased, which now range from 540 to 1,600 MPN/100ml from a high of 350,000 MPN/100ml on October 10,” he said.

The EMB-NCR and the LPPWP management inspected the area and interviewed some fishermen who claimed the shellfish mortality was brought about by the phenomenon they call alig.

“The fisherfolk said that it was due to alig, a natural phenomenon characterized by the mixing of freshwater and saltwater, in addition to continuous rains and rising water temperature,” Clemente said.

“Also, the concentration of the death of mussels was only in the outskirts of Barangay Longos and Barangay Sineguelasan,” he added.

During the inspection, Clemente said, they observed the ongoing harvesting of mussels in the area, which indicates that fishing business there “is back to normal.” Jonathan L. Mayuga

DPWH completes MSR Diversion Tollways operator gears up for ‘Undas’ holiday traffic As such, his group is implediscipline and road safety.

Road underpass in Lucena City menting its annual Safe Trip Mo The company is also opening

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

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HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed construction of a P245-million underpass located along Manila South Road (MSR) Diversion Road in Lucena City, Quezon.

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar, on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, officially opened the project to vehicular traffic with a ceremonial drive-through and unveiling of project marker.

Villar said that the project is expected to ease traffic congestion along Daang Maharlika Route, delivering faster and safer travel for motorists.

“At least 70 percent of motorists that will traverse the intersection will benefit from the completion of this project. The remaining 30 percent, on the other hand, is expected to pass through the service road,” he added.

Construction works on the project, which were divided into two phases, involved concrete paving of a four-lane, 472 lineal-meter road with a 16 lineal-meter concrete bridge along Lucena-TayabasMauban Port Road.

Funding of the project was covered by 2017 and 2018 General Appropriations Act , amounting to P100 million and P145 million.

Ready for ‘Undas’ onrush

IN a related development, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) and the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) are set to implement “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2019” with the forthcoming observance and All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day. The scheme would be implemented from October 25 to November 4, in

anticipation to passenger increase in commercial airports in major cities and provinces around the country.

It has been the tradition for Filipinos abroad to fly home to commemorate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day with family members.

The aviation agencies have regularly prepared for the increase in passenger arrival during the holiday season.

Last November 2018, Caap-operated airports welcomed exactly 2,085,148 domestic and international passengers, based on their record.

Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2019” has added security measures to ensure safe, reliable and convenient operations at all 42 commercial airports in the country.

All 12 managers of the Caap Area Centers across the country managing the 42 commercial airports have been advised that maximum deployment of service and security personnel will be observed. A “no leave and day off” policy will be implemented during the entire duration of the said operational plan.

The Caap has also coordinated with the Office for Transport Security (OTS) in charge of baggage screenings and with the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNPAvsegroup) for perimeter security and surveillance.

Coordination has also been made with airlines regarding the efficient processing of their passengers, especially at the check-in counters. Travelers are also reminded not to bring prohibited items to the airport and to stow all belongings in one’s carry-on baggage for faster processing at the screening checkpoints. With Recto Mercene

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ETRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said on Thursday that the expressways under its portfolio are ready to take on the expected increase in traffic volume during the days leading to the All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days, as it continues to expand and enhance the thoroughfares that it operates.

Romulo S. Quimbo Jr., who heads the company’s communication division, said his group expects traffic along the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), and the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex) to increase by a tenth from October 24 to November 4.

Sagot Ko (SMSK) Program to enhance traffic management and toll collection services.

“The surge will happen on Friday, November 1 or as early as October 31,” he said in a news conference on Thursday morning.

Under the traffic management program, additional traffic operations personnel will be deployed to closely monitor and manage the anticipated surge of motorists at the toll plazas of the three expressways.

It will also position additional patrol and incident response teams in strategic areas to assist motorist, while speed and lane management teams will be tasked to be on “heightened alert” to enforce traffic

THANK YOU, PRESIDENT DUTERTE

additional ambulant toll collection booths to hasten the movement of cars at the toll plazas.

Likewise, the company will suspend construction works along the mainline road from October 24 to November 4—the peak of the traffic surge—to allow for smoother traffic flows.

Quimbo highlighted the company’s push for cashless transactions for toll in all three expressways, as this, he said, could help lessen the waiting time at toll plazas.

“We are pushing our customers to use RFID lanes,” he said. “Using the electronic system is by far the most convenient way of traversing the expressway.”

Secretary Raul L. Lambino (fourth from right), administrator and chief executive officer of Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and Brig. Gen. Larry Mojica (fourth from left) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, strike a pose with a clenched fist as a gesture of gratitude to President Duterte who earlier approved the donation of some 50 Ceza vehicles to the Philippine National Regional Office 2, Armed Forces of the Philippines and to the local government of Santa Ana, during the turnover ceremony at Port Irene in Barangay Casambalangan, Cagayan, on October 21, 2019. JOSEPH MUEGO

A10 Friday, October 25, 2019 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

Should being ‘fat’ be acceptable?

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T is always unpleasant to talk about personal habits and that’s not beneficial. Yet, as a global society we have no problem discouraging and even forcing through legal means the use of tobacco, alcohol and even prescription drugs.

However, when it comes to obesity, society is supposed to be more tolerant and accepting to the point of not bringing up the topic at all. No one should ever be accused of “fat-shaming” and, anyway, obesity is all personal and has nothing to do with society in general.

This is the situation. From studies in 2015, researchers estimate high body weight contributed to 4 million deaths globally. That is more than 10 times as many people who were murdered worldwide in 2015. An astounding 73 percent of Americans are overweight, to the extent that 40 percent of adult Americans are obese.

Traditionally, a person that is more than 20 percent over the ideal weight is considered obese. In realistic terms, that’s 100 million Americans who are lowering the entire nation’s life expectancy.

The US National Institutes of Health estimate that extreme obesity—defined as being more than 100 pounds overweight, a condition that affects 1 in every 16 Americans—can shorten life expectancy by 14 years. A recent study from Columbia University found that obesity accounts for nearly 1 out of every 5 deaths in the United States. That is more than 500,000 deaths every year.

More than 5 million American children are already obese and will probably be so for their entire shortened lifespan.

And, ultimately, people who are too fat are driving health-care costs higher.

The Milken Institute is an independent economic think tank based in Santa Monica, California. An article in Science Daily based on a 2018 Milken study said this. “The impact of obesity and overweight on the US economy has eclipsed $1.7 trillion, an amount equivalent to 9.3 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. The estimate includes $480.7 billion in direct health-care costs and $1.24 trillion in lost productivity.”

This is not a developed country problem. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, over 10 percent of the entire world’s population is now obese, not just overweight but obese. That is more than 700,000 million people. In fact, the United States and the United Kingdom are two of the most economically rich and developed countries in the world. However, they are only ranked 12th and 36th, respectively, when compared to other nations.

The World Health Organization reports: “Today, for the first time in history, more people are dying from too much unhealthy food than they are from too little healthy food. This is a global epidemic.”

The obesity rate in the Philippines is comparable to China and Singapore at a low 6.4 percent and ranks far down the list at 186.

However, when you consider that an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise are the primary drivers of obesity, these are problems for the upper economic classes even in the Philippines.

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Sonny M. Angara

BETTER DAYS Part Two

L

AST week, we talked about how younger Filipinos prefer to find work abroad, based on the findings of the recent 2019 Asean Youth Survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Aside from higher salaries, the new aspects of the brain drain seem to be rooted in our youth wanting to expand their existing skill sets and receive more training. In other words, they train their sights abroad because there appears to be more personal growth—not only career-wise—elsewhere.

The 2019 Asean Youth Survey also pointed to a disconnect between what jobs are available in the Philippines, what jobs are hard-to-fill and what our youth are looking for. Specifically, Asean Youth said that on average they wish to be involved more in the tech sector, aspire to become entrepreneurs, and tend to have low interest in traditional industries like manufacturing or construction.

The survey’s findings only underscore the need to attract or develop those high-tech, career-advancing jobs here in the Philippines—if we are to keep the best and brightest among our young at home.

Locally, the online freelance

economy—driven by so-called digital migrants—seems to partially answer this need. Here, some of our young professionals get to earn their keep by being “virtual employees” of companies abroad, at times from the comfort of their own homes or in the convenience of a co-working space.

Some have called this our growing “gig economy,” which, according to Payoneer’s Global Gig-Economy Index for Q2 2019, was rated sixth in the world in terms of year-onyear revenue growth, coming in at 35 percent.

While such virtual employment may be lucrative, what we should be focusing on is the development of

Safe spaces for all

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Senior Editors

Creative Director Chief Photographer

Keeping our people home

Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual

SERVANT LEADER

B

ROTHERS and sisters, the issue of sexual harassment has once again risen after a protest of a few students of a renowned university regarding the cases of sexual harassment that allegedly occured in the aforementioned school. According to these students, the actions the university is taking is not enough to protect the students from this kind of abuse and to make the school a safe space for the youth.

These incidents gave attention to a new law nicknamed “AntiBastos Law.” Republic Act 11313, which is appropriately named the “Safe Spaces Act,” listed the actions and behavior that can be considered sexual harassment in streets, public places, schools and even online.

The law also imposes different punishments for sexual harassment. The scope of this law is wide, as it aims to make many places,

including streets, restaurants, theaters, public vehicles, malls, resorts, bars, parks, schools, workplaces, and even churches or any place used by the public to be safe.

There are many acts that can be considered sexual harassment.

In the first survey conducted in the country in 2016 about sexual harassment among women, it was discovered that 3 out of 5 women have experienced sexual harassment in their entire lives. Over

The big question we’re trying to answer right now is what should be done so that this is replicated many times over across the country in a bid to create more well-paying, value-adding and high-skilled jobs across the country. We have some initial thoughts that we will discuss in a future column. our own industries. And to do that, we need to address some very basic issues about our own country’s global competitiveness.

We may have made huge improvements in recent years, but we still aren’t able to attract as much foreign direct investments (FDI) as our neighbors. The 2019 WEF Global Competitiveness Index shows that we are 64th out of 141 countries, and our major strengths are in our market size (31st), our labor market (39th), and our financial system (43rd). However, our lowest marks are in health (102nd), infrastructure (96th), and the adoption of information and communication technologies, or ICTs (88th). Clearly, much work has to be done in these areas.

The good news is that, even with these challenges, we have attracted many key foreign investors. For instance, Rockwell Collins, formerly

80 percent fall within the ages of 18 to 24 years old; and 70 percent of these incidents experienced by women come from strangers, occurred in streets and alleyways, within the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Because of this law, institutions like schools will have a much stronger basis and detailed guides to review and strengthen their rules and policies in resolving sexual harassment cases, the accountability of the management and the imposition of punishments to those who violate the rules. For example, during the consultations regarding implementing rules and regulations of the Safe Spaces Act, a university representative wanted the IRR to specify the responsibilities of schools in resolving sexual harassment cases, and that it must include the detailed guides about administrative due process and define the solution in resolving these kinds of cases.

It helps that our youth’s awareness is raised and they have become vigilant in protecting each other from sexual abuse. From the teachings of our Church, sexual

known as B/E Aerospace and now Collins Aerospace, is a company based in Tanauan City, Batangas City, that manufactures the internals of airplanes, including those for the kitchen, cabin interior, and internal lighting. They employ 3,000 people, with 162 of them being engineers and designers. What’s interesting is that they initially set up in the Philippines just to do rudimentary assembly, but soon they started to do design work because of the talent pool available.

Some Filipino engineers were even flown back in from Singapore, in a “reverse brain drain” of sorts.

There is also Dyson Inc., locally known as Dyson Philippines—the renowned British company that produces vacuum cleaners, hair dryers and other hair-care accessories, and lighting and air treatment equipment. In the past, they had production facilities in Singapore, but since 60 percent of their engineers were from the Philippines, the company decided to move here.

Another is Knowles Electronics, which specializes in acoustics, software, signal processing, and the production of audio devices that are used in mobile phones and similar devices, such as earphones, and Amazon’s Echo and Alexa. The company set up some research and development facilities aside from those for manufacturing in Cebu and in 2016, they helped develop an Acoustic See “Angara,” A11

harassment is a clear violation of dignity of man because it objectifies a person to be used only for desire and to abuse. This usually occurs even in workplaces, wherein sexual harassment is seen as a way to humiliate women. It is good that there are laws that give equal responsibility among the people and those who lead institutions, to protect women against sexual harassment.

Brothers and sisters, if everyone complies with the apostle Saint Paul’s reminders to bestow upon everyone their just respect for their being, we would not need any laws. Saint Paul advises in his letter to Timothy, “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”

Make it a habit to listen to Radio Veritas 846 Ang Radyo ng Simbahan in the AM band, or through live streaming at www.veritas846.ph and follow its Twitter and Instagram accounts @veritasph and YouTube at veritas846.ph. For your comments, e-mail veritas846pr@gmail.com.

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The moon king of the universe

Friday, October 25, 2019 A11

Listening to enchantment Tito Genova Valiente

ANNOTATIONS

Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

T

HE recent action of the Supreme Court relative to the election protest filed by former Sen. Bongbong Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo deferring its much awaited decision on the case reminds us of the Bush v. Gore case that decided the outcome of the US 2000 presidential election between Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Albert Gore Jr. Bush brought the case before the US SC alleging that the Florida SC had changed the date for the state’s certification of state’s election winner in order to permit a manual recount of votes in several disputed areas. Bush’s lawyers claimed that this violated both federal laws and the Constitution.

The Federal SC could have just simply declined the case since the lawsuit seemingly involved state election laws which interpretation should rightfully fall to the Florida state courts, not the federal court.

Despite the high stakes and the grave political consequence of the case, the US SC under Chief Justice William Rehnquist did not shirk from its responsibility and resolved quickly the controversy that involved two cases—the initial case involving the canvassing of votes in Beach County and the second, when the Florida state court decided by a vote of 4-3 to stay its course and ordered the manual counting to continue after the first was remanded to the Florida SC for clarification. Bush, again, sought relief from the Federal SC to challenge the decision of the state court. After a marathon hearing, which kept Americans glued to their TV sets to await the decision, the Rehnquist Court held that the recount procedures ordered by the Florida SC did not guarantee equal treatment of all affected voters. For instance, the Court cited that: “[A] monitor in Miami-Dade County testified at trial that he observed that three members of the canvassing board applied different standards in defining a legal vote. Another testimony also revealed that at least one county changed its evaluative standard during the counting process….

This is not a process with sufficient guarantees of equal treatment.”

Thus, the US SC ordered the Florida SC to cease and desist from doing any further recounting and Bush became the second son of a former President to become a President of the United States of America, after John Quincy Adams, the sixth US President, who followed his father, John Adams, the 2nd US President, to the White House. What was remarkable was that instead of exercising judicial restraint, not one justice of the Rehnquist Court took the position that the Federal SC should stand aside and let the recounting process continue in Florida as ruled by the Florida SC. In effect, the Rehnquist Court decided that it should assume the crucial role of recognizing the case and ruled who was the duly elected president of the US. Its significance is that the Federal SC had overruled the Florida SC whose judges held that only they, to the exclusion of anyone, should be the final interpreters of their state’s

Angara. . .

continued from A10

Engineering course with the University of San Juan-Recoletos, so they could develop a local pool of talented acoustic engineers.

A common thread among these instances appears to be our people— their talent, industriousness, creativity and intellect being key factors to attracting foreign direct investment. These examples were among the prime reasons we filed Proposed Senate Resolution 4, calling on the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an investigation on the formulation and sustained implementation of a “Tatak Pinoy [Made in

Astronomers connected to the Carnegie Institution for Science based in Hawaii have discovered 20 new moons in planet Saturn, making it the moon king of the universe.

However, these new moons are small, with most of them barely 5 kilometers in diameter. Astronomers estimate that Saturn may have about another 100 tinier moons orbiting the planet still waiting to be found. election laws. It, likewise, brushed aside Justice Stephen Breyer’s strong dissent that the Court should stay away from the political arena presented by the Bush v. Gore. Nonetheless, the majority briefly tackled this criticism from one of their own when it stated: “[N]one are more conscious of their vital limits on judicial authority than are the members of this Court, and none stand more in admiration of the Constitution’s design to leave the selection of the president to the people, through their legislatures, and the political sphere.

When contending parties invoke the process of the courts, however, it becomes our unsought responsibility to resolve the federal and constitutional issues the judicial system has been forced to confront.” An independent judiciary is a powerful branch of any government and when it exercises its authority judiciously without fear or favor, it is truly the people’s bastion of freedom and bulwark of democracy.

That’s true of any court, anywhere— even here in the Philippines.

T

HEORIES do not begin with dreams or nightmares. And yet, I have theorized about vanishing houses and enchantment because a dream, which I had many years ago, confirmed that the field site I have chosen was the right one.

The night before I was to travel to a village in Camarines Sur, I dreamt about seeing a dead person being waked in a house with no walls. The body was not in a coffin. I could see the feet in white socks from the street where I was standing.

The next day, I was at the corner of that village in Quipayo, in Calabanga. The moment I got off from the jeep, I saw that a vigil for the dead was happening in a hut (or was it a multipurpose center?).

This was in my dream, I told myself.

I was in that place following the tip of an informant that a powerful healer lived somewhere there.

There was no definite address. Just ask from anyone, my key informant who was also a healer assured me.

I did meet the male healer. I completed my interview. Many things happened in that house. My sister, who was very young then, could vouch for the strange and unexplainable events that took place in that old wooden house where I did my academic investigation.

To make things simple, let me just say that the report on healing ritual focusing on the appeasement was submitted. I left the place and left the topic. As any researcher with very strong link to field work and field sites would share with you, I proceeded to other topics.

But, as I would realize much, much later, everything had just begun. Whatever theory I was applying as lens to view the phenomenon of unseen beings attracted to humans and the same beings bringing the mind and soul of the humans to the world of the unseen would remain

the Philippines]” Industrialization Campaign and Policy.

The big question we’re trying to answer right now is what should be done so that this is replicated many times over across the country in a bid to create more well-paying, valueadding and high-skilled jobs across the country. We have some initial thoughts that we will discuss in a future column. We welcome it if others share with us their ideas.

Sen. Sonny Angara has been in public service

for 15 years—nine years as representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and six as senator. He has authored and sponsored more than 200 laws. He recently won another term in the Senate.

E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @sonnyangara.

brought back from a past.

I was not the mere narrator in the book; I was there amid the acts, in the chill of that morning as my grandmothers navigated the old, winding streets of the town as they followed the procession elaborately staged by the devils. I was there in the universe of Erlina and Maria as they fought life because true love happened only in the world of the sometimes unseen and enthralling.

The book, which started as a series of notes on fieldworks, would embarrass a traditional anthropologist.

Where is the critical stance?

Where is the third moment when the participant-observer has already elaborated on the acts and appearances and after the constructs about life, death and life in the sense of societies, cultures, economics and politics have already been laid out?

Where is the analyst and the analysand? Where is the analysis?

Enchantment is the lesson I learned about the book and the writing of the book.

Theories do not begin in dreams; they begin in enchantment. And this sense of being captivated by another world or other worlds can only work when the observer drops all the notions that he had in the first place.

But not totally. One does not even have to drop the theorizing that is the strong enterprise of the anthropologist in the field. But one must view theorizing altogether in a new light.

I have only to go back to James Clifford’s call for “plural poesis,” because ethnographic truths—the truths or

data we get from the field—are “inherently partial—committed and incomplete.”

That dead person at the juncture of the road, which brought me to the house of the healer, is part of the life of my field report. In that house, my sister was interviewed by the old man even as I could not remember any of that act happening.

When I visited the village again and I looked for the old man, the person I asked happened to be his daughter. In ellipses, she told me his father went to the “other side,” the dark side. When I looked for the house, the daughter said the house vanished.

The report on enchantment should bear all these: the dead man in my dreams, the house that vanished, the feather of the kataw still in my possession, the “Onglo”—the halfman and half-horse fantastic being, alive always when I look at women battered, in love and out of love.

Enchantment breaks all boundaries and we must simply form a devotion to the freedom that enchantment truly allows all humans. Enchantment has sounds and we have the ears and the souls to listen to them. In my case, enchantment has silence and I needed to put my ears against the ground, close to the Earth of my childhood, to catch the gaps, the loss, the unheard and unseen.

Theories, now I know, begin with enchantment. And I should be in enchantment the believer.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Drivers of upward mobility in the Philippines

nnn

ASTRONOMERS connected to the Carnegie Institution for Science based in Hawaii have discovered 20 new moons in planet Saturn, making it the moon king of the universe.

However, these new moons are small, with most of them barely 5 kilometers in diameter. Astronomers estimate that Saturn may have about another 100 tinier moons orbiting the planet still waiting to be found.

Last year, Carnegie Institution found 12 new moons orbiting Jupiter. The institution has even launched a moon-naming contest to spur public interest in these new cosmic discoveries. And to the avowed romantics, they can now promise a moon to the object of their affection, plus a couple of comets to go with it. Or you can fly to the moon of your choice and play among the stars.

incomplete, depressingly unable to explain the world around me.

I was studying enchantment but the anthropologist in me, the social-scientific in my attitude, told me I should bracket the experience.

I should—with theories and guides from research methodologies—step back and work on the material elements, and write them down.

I was dealing with enchantment, but I should not be enchanted.

As I write this, I am thinking of what I will tell my readers—and some students—in Savage Mind, a bookstore and culture hub in Naga City, about enchantment.

The talk is part of a series of conversation organized by Kristian Sendon Cordero, the multi-awarded writer and poet (He does not want to be called a cultural worker and he cringes at any label marking him as “international,” although he aptly deserves the modifiers) to announce the books nominated for various awards in this year’s National Book Awards from the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle.

The book I wrote, The Last Sacristan Mayor and the Most Expensive Mass of the Dead: Tales from Ticao, has taken a life of its own. True, I supported the immediate appraisal of readers about the intensely personal account I have made when the book was released. I, in fact, added to the immediacy of the fascinating that I carefully wrought in the book by, with all candor and naïve wit, talking about them as if I was present in all the narratives.

Still, I was not ready to confront a shadow universe I unconsciously

Melcah Pascua-Monsura and Randy Tuaño

O

EAGLE WATCH

N October 5 and 6, more than 11,000 applicants took the entrance exams at the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines; this is just a fraction of more than 80,000 high-school students who are expected to take the exams this year. Last year, it was reported that more than 160,000 students took the college admission tests.

The large number of students who took the exams is an indication of the value that Filipinos hold for tertiary education and a desire for many families, especially from the poor and lower income classes, for greater upward mobility in the country.

Experience and many studies have confirmed the fact that completion of tertiary-level education is one of the main indicators of upward movement in welfare in the country.

During the past decade, many studies on upward and downward movements in welfare have been undertaken. Income mobility in the Philippines has been characterized by offsetting forces of upward and downward mobility. Although some households experienced upward mobility due to high economic growth, a large number of households were pushed into poverty because of many man-made and natural crises. This means that the income gains experienced by a significant number of Filipinos during this period of economic growth has been neutralized by the income reductions experienced by others (Martinez et al. 2014). Policy targeting for this kind of findings can

be done by examining the main drivers of their income mobility.

In a study that had been undertaken by the authors of this article, socioeconomic characteristics of households, such as geographical location, number of dependents and household head’s marital status significantly affected income mobility, using total family income as the basis for categorization. Living in rural areas and Mindanao exert a downward influence in mobility because there has been lack of sustainable income opportunities in these areas. In addition, the number of dependents in a household negatively affect income mobility, as well. An increase in the number of dependent members means that as the family size increases, the probability of experiencing a movement to a lower category increases.

Meanwhile, being single is associated with an initial increase in absolute income because non-married individuals are more flexible in searching for greater opportunities to earn higher incomes compared to household heads with spouses and

In a study that had been undertaken by the authors of this article, socioeconomic characteristics of households, such as geographical location, number of dependents and household head’s marital status significantly affected income mobility, using total family income as the basis for categorization.

children. On the other hand, married or separated household heads are more likely to experience upward mobility over time because of the association with longer employment experience.

The research study also indicates that occupations with high skills requirements like professionals and officials are insignificant factors of absolute income mobility due to weak demand for these types of employment occupations. In the study, it is shown that household heads with higher education are engaged in low-skilled jobs. These low-skilled jobs have negative significant effect on income mobility of sliders because these jobs offer poorer income prospects.

Since educational attainment of the household head has significant effect on absolute (movement of households in terms of nominal income) and relative income mobility (movement of households across categories), government investment in basic schooling gives opportunity to low-income households to obtain primary and secondary education needed to gain employment in the future. However, schooling alone is not enough because other related issues persist, such as school accessibility, children’s lack of interest in going

to school and classroom congestion.

Investments in health and education are complements. For the sick and unhealthy child, poor health translates to a lower educational attainment that may affect both future income and market productivity. To prevent household members from illnesses and diseases due to sanitation problems resulting in low productivity and low income, household investment in toilet facilities and safe water sources have significant effects on income mobility. On the other hand, public spending on health facilities, like barangay health stations and public hospitals, to enhance human capital but surprisingly found to be an insignificant factor of income mobility due to the challenges like insufficient government investment, inappropriate incentives for health service providers, weak social protection and high inequity.

Although there are challenges in improving human development among Filipino families, it is important to note that government programs in basic education and health have influenced income mobility as shown by the increase (albeit slow) in the proportion of families in the middle class in the past 30 years. These investments in primary schooling and well-being programs are clearly important; whether universal subsidies to tertiary-level programs which are accessed more by those who are already in the top categories of the income ladder is another question and matter for further discussion.

Melcah Pascua-Monsura is a doctoral student at the Economics Department of the Ateneo de Manila University, and is a faculty member of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Randy Tuaño is chairman and assistant professor of the Economics Department at the Ateneo.

A12 Friday, October 25, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DA eyes recall of CL-based meat products T

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said it would recommend the recall of processed meat products manufactured by a “medium-scale” Central Luzon-based processor after some of its items, like tocino and longganisa, tested positive for African swine fever (ASF) virus.

In an interview with reporters, the DA said it would write to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to order the recall of the items. The ASF-positive products were intercepted in Calapan, Mindoro.

The items were confiscated by the Bureau of Animal Industry

(BAI), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and local government units (LGUs) from a passenger in-bound to Mindoro.

The hand-carried items came from Central Luzon, and the raw pork materials for the products were locally produced hogs

from A SF-infected areas, according to the DA-NMIS initial investigation.

Furthermore, the DA said the A SF-posit ive processed meat products did not undergo the internationally accepted standard for inactivation of the virus— cooking in 70 degrees celsius for 30 minutes.

Aside from the “branded” processed meat products, the DA said home-made processed meat products that were confiscated in the same port of entry tested positive for ASF. In a statement to reporters, FDA OIC-Director General Eric Domingo said they are still waiting for the DA’s report but assured the public that consumption of such products poses no threat to human health.

NTC breaches collection goal, draws P6.15B as of mid-Oct

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

T

@lorenzmarasigan

HE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has collected P6.15 billion as of October this year, exceeding its target annual collections by almost a third, its chief reported late Wednesday.

In absolute terms, the regulator exceeded its P4.79-billion target collections for 2019 by P1.36 billion

as of October 14, with the central office accounting for the bulk of the collections at P4.21 billion.

Gamaliel A. Cordoba, the regulator’s commissioner, said his group aims to further exceed its target by year-end.

“While there is much to be thankful for in exceeding our collection target this early, the agency will continue to work to exceed its collection target by as much as P2 billion by year-end,” he said.

NORTHEASTERLY SURFACE WINDFLOW PREVAILING OVER LUZON as of 4:00 am - October 24, 2019

In 2018, the NTC exceeded its target by P1.8 billion. Including this year, the regulator has exceeded its target for the fourth straight year under the current administration.

The NTC generates revenues from spectrum user fees, supervision, and regulation fees and penalties from cable and commercial television operators, broadcast radio stations, telecommunications companies and commercial and portable radio operators.

Comingled

ON Thursday, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (Pampi) met with BAI OIC-Director Ronnie D. Domingo to discuss the products that were positive for ASF virus.

Citing Domingo, Pampi Spokesman Rex Agarrado said the government did not name the brand of the processed meat products, as initial investigation showed there was comingling and possible cross contamination of items in the process.

Agarrado explained that the government had confiscated two different sets of processed meat products in Calapan, Mindoro, last October 6, with one being the branded items and the other as the home-made ones. The items were

This is why they cannot name the brand. We think it’s fair reason for them not to put blame on that specific brand because it was comingled with home-made brands.”—Agarrado tested for ASF virus last October 15.

The authorities took the samples of processed meat items and put all of them in one styro-box resulting in the comingling, and possible cross contamination of goods, Agarrado added.

“This is why they cannot name the brand. We think it’s fair rea-

son for them not to put blame on that specific brand because it was comingled with home-made brands,” he told reporters in an interview after his meeting with Domingo.

“They don’t want to officially mention the brands because of the fear that it could be [a case of] cross contamination,” he added.

D.E.N.R. GIVES KALIWA DAM PROJECT ECC, VOWS STRICT MONITORING

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

T

@jonlmayuga

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) vowed to place the implementation of the multibillion-peso Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project under strict monitoring to ensure the project proponents’ compliance with the conditions under the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) the agency granted.

The DENR had given the green light for the project despite strong opposition from wouldbe affected communities in Rizal and Quezon provinces.

The issuance of an ECC for the P12.5-billion, China-funded large dam project means the proponents may now proceed with the planned construction along the Kaliwa River in Teresa and Tanay, in Rizal and the towns of General Nakar and Infanta, Quezon.

However, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu reminded

the project proponent Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to ensure that appropriate environmental and social safeguards are met in the implementation.

The project is being strongly opposed by various groups under the banner of the Save Sierra Madre Movement. The groups said the project will cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and endanger hundreds of people in low-lying areas along the path of the Kaliwa River.

In a statement, Cimatu said DENR through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) will strictly monitor MWSS’s compliance with the conditions in the ECC. “Any serious violation or noncompliance with the conditions will result in the cancellation of the ECC,” the DENR chief warned.

The ECC granted to MWSS covers the construction and operation of a gravity dam.

The dam will be 60 meters tall with a riverbed elevation of 100 meters. Its reservoir surface area will cover 291 hectares at full supply level volume of 57 million cubic meters.

K aliwa Dam, one of the Duterte administration’s bigticket projects under the “Build, Build, Build” project, will provide an additional water source for the estimated 20 million people in the National Capital Region and nearby towns in the outskirts of Metro Manila.

This is expected to ease pressure on the Angat Dam, the main source of raw water for Metro Manila for over 60 years.

The EMB said it issued an ECC for the Kaliwa Dam project because it satisfied the requirements of the Environmental Impact Statement System under Presidential Decree 1586, and its implementing rules and regulations. “Environmental considerations shall be incorporated in all phases and aspects of the project,” Cimatu added.

Pernia: Rice safeguard duty may have to wait ‘1-2 years’ Continued from A1

persist for one or two years, then that’s the time siguro.”

Aside from this, he said the government can also consider limiting rice imports during the harvest season “so as not to compete with local palay.” However, he said this may not happen so soon.

If, for example, palay prices plunge during the harvest season, he explained, “you should refrain from importing.”

‘Not confident’

HOWEVER, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said in a separate briefing that DA did not bring up the issue on safeguard duty on rice imports at the EDC meeting late Wednesday, as the agency was “not confident” to push for this move.

“They are not confident in pushing this idea. Maybe they don’t have all the numbers to their satisfaction, so we didn’t discuss it today,” Dominguez said.

“You have to understand that this decision-making has to be data-driven. And I’m sure that DA is looking at the data, so we’ll certainly listen to them if and when they bring it up,” he added.

The farm-gate price of palay is expected to further slide in the coming weeks as rice harvest peaks, coupled

with the unhindered influx of imported staple in the domestic market.

The average farm-gate price of dry palay fell to a fresh eight-year low in the first week of October, just as the country enters the main harvest season for the crop.

Preliminary figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the average farm-gate prices of dry palay declined by 28.82 percent to P15.56 per kilogram from P21.86 per kilogram last year.

It is now the lowest since the P15.48 per kilogram recorded in the second week of November 2011.

Wiped out in 2 years

SOUGHT for comment on Pernia’s estimates that safeguard duties may be considered only after one or two years, former Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo R. Serrano said the duties may be useless after two years if current market situation—farm-gate prices are plunging amid the unabated entry of imports—continues. This could “obliterate” local farmers, he said.

“The way things are now, the industry’s primary sector would have been obliterated by the heavily subsidized foreign competition. So of what use is safeguard action if there is no more sector to

safeguard?” Serrano told the BusinessMirror on Thursday.

Serrano advised Pernia to read the relevant laws on safeguard duties as no law or implementing rules and regulations put a moratorium on the utilization of such trade remedy.

“Stakeholders can petition anytime they feel threatened and there is a proper process and procedure for this, in addition to motu proprio action by government,” he explained.

“And by the way, did the laws and their IRRs specifically declare a two-year moratorium? If a safeguard petition has merit and warrants safeguard action, government should implement the provisions of law and not be selective or discriminatory in application,” he added.

Serrano questioned why the economic managers did not implement such moratorium on industrial safeguard actions invoked and imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry.

“So, where did this idea come from? What is the legal and even logical basis?” he said.

Rice Watch and Action Network (R1) Executive Director Hazel Tanchuling criticized Pernia for his statement and said his statement shows that economic planners “clearly lack foresight.” With Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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In the ad material of Notice of filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on October 23, 2019, the Company name of Mr. Liu, Youjun under XIDIAN HOLDINGS PHILIPPINES CORP. should have been read as XIDIAN ENERGY CONSTRUCTION CORP. and not as published. While in the ad material published on September 14, 2019, the Company name and address of Mr. Chun, Kyoungman under BOSUNG GREENPOWER CO. should have been read as BOSUNG E&C INC. located at 41 Naga Rd., Pulanglupa Dos , Las Piñas, Metro Manila and not as published. In addition, in the ad material published on September 20, 2019, the Name of Mr. Park, Chanhoo under HYUNDAI MERCHANT MARINE (PHILIPPINES) CO., INC. should have been read as Mr. Park, Chanwoo 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 October 25, 2019

28

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XINJUN ZANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

29

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. GUANGHUI WEI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

30

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YANG TAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

31

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIAN ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

32

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHUANQIN LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

33

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. KEHUI LAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

34

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. NING WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

35

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHAOFENG GUAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

36

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHAOQUN WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

37

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIPENG CHEN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

38

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. RONG QIN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

39

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FAN WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

40

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. SHULI LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

41

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. HUA GUO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

42

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FUPING ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

43

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. DONGDONG XI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

44

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHUNCHAO HAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

45

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YAWEI MENG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

46

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HUIFU NAN/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

47

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. SHA SHI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

48

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YANG ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

49

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. FUHUA YE/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JINGYAN SU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. JUNMEI ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. SIJIE LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. GUISONG TANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

MR. YONGTIAN ZHAO/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

Friday, October 25, 2019 A25

KJ SPRINGS & PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY INC. CPIP, Brgy. Batino, Calamba City, Laguna

MR. DEOKJOO AHN / Korean

2

MCC LABELS PHILIPPINES INC. Laguna Technopark, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHENG MAU CHAI / Malaysian

3

BANDAI NAMCO PHILIPPINES INC. Lima Technology Center, Lipa City, Batangas

MR. ZENZO WATANABE / Japanese

4

DONG WU PLASTIC INC. PEZA-CEZ, Rosario, Cavite

MR. HYUNKI LIM / Korean

5

DREAM DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY OPC A. Bonifacio St., Sabang, Lipa City, Batangas

MR. WARREN HILL / British

6

LMTP CORPORATION CPIP, Brgy. Batino, Calamba City, Laguna

MR. TAKUMASA ADACHI / Japanese

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CAL-COMP PRECISION (PHILIPPINES), INC. FPIP II-SEZ, Sta. Anastacia, Santo Tomas, Batangas

MR. HAIBO ZENG / Chinese

CAL-COMP PRECISION (PHILIPPINES), INC. FPIP II-SEZ, Sta. Anastacia, Santo Tomas, Batangas

MR. PEIMIN ZHENG / Chinese

9

JET TECH ENERGY AND CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC. J. Luna St., Alaminos, Laguna

MR. UMASHANKAR BALASUBRAMANIAN / Indian

10

CAL-COMP TECHNOLOGY (PHILIPPINES), INC. Lima Technology Center-SEZ, Lipa City, Batangas

MR. EGKACHAI YOOYEN / Thai

11

ATLANTIC GULF & PACIFIC COMPANY OF MANILA, INCORPORATED AG&P-SEZ, Brgy. San Roque, Bauan, Batangas

MR. ASHISH KUMAR SRIVASTAVA / Indian

Senior Contracts Supervisor

12

ATLANTIC GULF & PACIFIC COMPANY OF MANILA, INCORPORATED AG&P-SEZ, Brgy. San Roque, Bauan, Batangas

MR. TOM SHANLEY / Irish

E&I Construction Manager

13

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANGLONG LIU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

14

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SAM LIN CHIN SENG/ Mayasian

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZAITAO LONG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YONG LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FAWANG XU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WENLONG ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. NA ZHANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YIXIANG WANG/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAODONG GONG / Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

22

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHUMIN SU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

23

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HONGCHANG LI/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

24

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LIANG CHEN / Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

25

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHANYONG YU/ Chinese

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

55

SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC. 4-12F Southwoods Tower 2, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANG LI/ Chinese

Mandarin Customer Service Representative

MR. PENGHUI HOU/ Chinese

56

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC. 4-12F Southwoods Tower 2, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HAISHAN DENG/ Chinese

Mandarin Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

57

MR. JIAYOU LIAO/ Chinese

Mandarin Customer Service Representative

MR. YONGFENG ZHAO/ Chinese

SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC. 4-12F Southwoods Tower 2, Biñan City, Laguna

58

SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC. 4-12F Southwoods Tower 2, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YUFA LI/ Chinese

Mandarin Customer Service Representative

1

8

27

Operation Manager

General Manager

Import Export Manager Sales and Marketing Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

General Manager

Injection Molding Maintenance Supervisor

Tooling Specialist

Sr. Project Manager

Assembly Deputy Manager

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

Customer Service Representative (Chinese)

A26 Friday, October 25, 2019

Four Christmas gift ideas at the luxe series by BPI

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HIS Christmas, check out one of the biggest sales at the upcoming The Luxe Series by BPI, which will be held on select weekends starting October 11 until November 24 at The Preferred Center, BPI Shangri-La Shaw branch, Level 1

Main Wing, Shangri-La Plaza.

Exclusive access will be given to BPI Preferred Cardholders on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and for all BPI Cardholders from Saturdays to Sundays.

Here’s a peek of what awaits BPI cardholders: 1. Watches – From October 11 to 14, BPI cardholders get special discounts and Real 0% installment up to 24 months on Breitling, Longines, Pandora and more. 2. Jewelry – Coose from classic pieces from Jewelmer and Sunjewel to be showcased from October 25 to 27. 3. Fashion – Take your loved ones’ ensemble to a whole new level with one-of-a-kind fashion finds from top luxury brands when you shop from November 15 to 17. 4.

Travel – Surprise them with the gift of luxury stays and travel essentials made more affordable only from November 22 to 24 with BPI cards.

For promos and updates, like BPI on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/bpi/.

Hotel Céleste turns 11!

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NJOY exclusive discounts and perks with Hotel Céleste Anniversary promo for only Php5950 net!

Here are the inclusions: Overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Room; Signature welcome drink; Breakfast; Welcome foot & leg massage; Php1,000 F&B Credits; Priority checkin at 10am or 3pm check-out; Anniversary token from the hotel; and Wi-Fi Access.

Customers can upgrade for a Suite Room for an additional of Php1800 only.

Booking period is until October 31, 2019 and thesStay period is until November 1-31, 2019. For inquiries and reservations please call +63 2 8887-8080 or Email info@hotelceleste. ph. Visit our website www.hotelceleste.ph for more details!

Companies BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, October 25, 2019

B1

PSE approves Fruitas, Cal-Comp IPO

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By VG Cabuag

@villygc

HE Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. approved on Thursday the initial public offerings of food and beverage kiosk operator Fruitas Holdings Inc., which will list by end of November, and Taiwanese firm CalComp Technology (Philippines) Inc. Fruitas Holdings Inc. will offer up to 533.66 million firm shares with an overallotment option of up to 68.34 million at a maximum price of P1.99

each, or up to P1.2 billion in total.

Pricing of its shares will be made on November 14, while the offer period will run from November 18

to 22. It will use the ticker FRUIT. It intends to use the proceeds to fund its store network expansion and improvement, acquisitions, new concept introductions and debt repayment.

First Metro Investment Corp.

(FMIC) and BDO Capital and Investment Corp. have been appointed as joint issue managers, joint book runners and joint lead underwriters for the offering.

The company has expanded from more than 400 stores at the end of 2016 to 949 stores as of June 30. In 2018, Fruitas reported P1.58 billion in consolidated revenue, a 37-percent increase from its P1.15-billion revenue in 2017, driven by strong

performance of its stores.

Fruitas currently has over 20 brands in its portfolio.

Cal-Comp

CAL-COMP will offer 371.42 million common shares, with an overallotment option comprising 55.71 million common shares currently held

by Kinpo International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., at a maximum price of P25 per share.

After the maiden offering, CalComp will have a public float of 28.87 percent, if the overallotment option is exercised.

Cal-Comp mandated BDO Capital and Investment Corp. and Maybank Kim Eng Securities Pte. Ltd. as joint

global coordinators and bookrunners. Maybank Kim Eng Securities will act as international lead underwriter, while Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners Inc. will join BDO Capital as domestic lead underwriter.

It expects to net P8.83 billion— earmarked for facilities expansion, capital expenditure, debt repayment, research and development, and working capital. It will list its shares on November 25 and will use the ticker CCPH. The company is primarily engaged in the design, development and manufacture of consumer electronic products, such as data storage products, calculators, pachinko displays, smart home appliances

and smart beauty products. It forms part of the Taiwan-based New Kinpo Group, which manufactures a broad range of key electronic product lines, including storage, printers, network-attached storage, wireless and broadband, digital home appliances, consumer electronics, wearables, 3D printing, robotics, power management and smart grid, industrial, automotive, security, medical/health care and emerging technologies.

Cal-Comp’s expansion program will entail, among others, the construction and development of the third phase of its Lima manufacturing complex in Lipa, Batangas for an additional 25,000 square meters of manufacturing space.

Ayala says $400-M perpetual C.L.I. ON TRACK TO MEET bond 4 times oversubscribed SALES TARGET THIS YEAR A

YALA Corp., Asia’s oldest conglomerate, has launched its $400-million perpetual bonds, which the company said was four times oversubscribed.

The US dollar-denominated (non-deferrable) senior perpetual debt will have a fixed coupon of 4.85 percent for life with no step-up and no reset, payable semiannually, the company said.

The bonds will be issued by AYC Finance Ltd., a subsidiary whose shares are 100 percent held by Ayala, which also guarantees the debt.

The bonds were priced on a par with a reoffer yield of 4.85 percent, reflecting a 27.5-basis-point reduction from the initial price guidance.

The order book was allocated predominantly to Asia, with the rest to Europe, reflecting the strong investors’ confidence in the Ayala name, it said.

By investor type, more than half of the offering was allocated to fund managers, insurance companies and pension funds, around a quarter to banks and financial institutions, and the remainder to private banks, the company said.

The transaction is expected to be settled on October 30.

The said bond issuance marks Ayala’s return to the international bond market after its debut perpetual issue in 2017. It was also the lowest-yielding perpetual bond ever out of Southeast Asia so far this year.

“The successful fixed-for-life issuance will further support our thrust for sustainable growth, and enable Ayala Corp. to diversify our liquidity sources and strengthen our balance sheet. We are very pleased with the strong investor receptivity and continued support,” the company’s Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said in a statement.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support from the investors despite volatile market conditions. This issuance will provide us with additional flexibility to lengthen our maturity profile and support our strategic initiatives,” Ayala CFO Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco said.

Net proceeds from the bonds will be used to refinance the company’s maturing US dollar-denominated obligations and to fund investments of the company or its offshore subsidiaries.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Ltd. is the sole global coordinator for the transaction, while BPI Capital Corp., Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Ltd., HSBC (B&D), JP Morgan Securities Plc. and UBS AG Singapore Branch are the joint lead manager and joint book runner for the transaction. China Bank Capital Corp. and BDO Capital and Investment Corp. were the domestic lead managers. VG Cabuag

With new $250-M Google accused of creating spy Port of Umm Qasr, tool to squelch worker dissent ICTSI affirms vow G to help boost Iraq

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ORT operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has inaugurated the $250-million Port of Umm Qasr in Iraq, further beefing up its portfolio of active terminals outside the Philippines.

Enrique K. Razon, who chairs the global port operator, said the completion of the multimillion-dollar investment program for the port reflects the company’s level of commitment for the development of Iraq’s trade.

“We are pleased to lead the way for Umm Qasr to serve higher-capacity container vessels, up to and including the so-called New Panamax class, and, as a result, to open the door for cargo importers and exporters to benefit from substantial scale economies,” he said. Umm Qasr has two berths with a total capacity of 14,000 20 foot equivalent units that can handle general cargo, roll-on, roll-off, dry bulk and oil tankers.

Razon explained that the two berths are “extensively fitted out with state-ofthe-art” container handling machines and tech systems.

On the quayside, the company has installed three gantry cranes that have an outreach of 56 meters or about 21 rows of containers on the deck of a vessel. It has also deployed seven new six-high stacking rubber-tired gantries, bringing the total units to 10 gantries.

“ICTSI’s completion of our multiphase $250-million investment program highlights our commitment to Iraq and our readiness to meet the challenge of providing much-needed, brand-new, port infrastructure and handling technology,” Razon said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

OOGLE employees are accusing the company’s leadership of developing an internal surveillance tool that they believe will be used to monitor workers’ attempts to organize protests and discuss labor rights.

Earlier this month, employees said they discovered that a team within the company was creating the new tool for the custom Google Chrome browser installed on all workers’ computers and used to search internal systems. The concerns were outlined in a memo written by a Google employee and reviewed by Bloomberg News and by three Google employees who requested anonymity because they aren’t authorized to talk to the press.

The tool would automatically report staffers who create a calendar event with more than 10 rooms or 100 participants, according to the employee memo. The most likely explanation, the memo alleged, “is that this is an attempt of leadership to immediately learn about any workers organization attempts.”

A representative for Alphabet Inc.’s Google said, “These claims about the operation and purpose of this extension are categorically false. This is a pop-up reminder that asks people to be mindful before auto-adding a meeting to the calendars of large numbers of employees.”

The extension was prompted by an increase in spam around calendars and events, according to Google. It doesn’t collect personally identifiable information, nor does it stop the use of calendars but rather adds a speed bump when employees are reaching out to a large group, the company said.

Growing tensions

THE conflicting views of the tool underscore growing tension between Google’s

leadership and rank-and-file employees.

On October 21, several dozen workers at Google’s office in Zurich held an event about workers’ rights and unionization despite their managers’ attempts to cancel it, and last month, contract workers for Google in Pittsburgh voted to join the United Steelworkers.

In the last 18 months or so, employees have protested leadership’s handling of sexual harassment complaints and launched internal campaigns against some Google projects, including a censored search engine in China and a contract with the Pentagon to analyze drone footage.

The employee’s memo suggests that the new Chrome extension is intended to help Google employees apply newly unveiled “community guidelines,” which discourage employees from debating politics, a shift away from its famously open culture.

A Google spokesman said in August that the company was also building a tool to let employees flag problematic internal posts and creating a team of moderators to monitor conversations on company chat boards.

It’s not known if that tool is same as the Chrome extension related to employee calendars and meetings. Google didn’t immediately respond to a question seeking to clarify.

The Chrome tool is expected to be rolled out in late October, according to the employee’s memo, which was posted on an internal message board earlier this week, according to one of the employees. Two other Google staffers in California said the tool was added to their work computers this week. And another employee said the issue was the most requested topic to discuss at the weekly all-staff meetings, typically held on Thursdays. Bloomberg News

C

EBU Landmasters Inc. (CLI) on Thursday said it has sold more than 80 percent of its P5.3-billion project in Metro Cebu in just three weeks of selling, as the company is on track to meet its reservation sales for the year.

The company said the four-tower Mivela Garden Residences condominium in Cebu costs about P2 billion to construct. It is the third of CLI’s garden series residential projects in Cebu and its sixth in the VisMin area.

With the sales, the company said it is on track to meet its target P12.5-billion worth of reservations sales for this year.

“This is a very strong indicator that our products are right-sized and right-priced,” company President and CEO Jose Soberano III said.

The development features a total of 1,536 units, catering to mostly individuals and starter families with its mix of studio and one-bedroom units. The project sits on a 1.26-hectare area in Banilad area in Cebu

City, where most of the hotels and large shopping malls are located.

“Even as Cebu Landmasters expands in VisMin, we will continue to keep our strong presence in Cebu which sets the trends for this region,” Soberano said.

CLI’s Garden Series residential projects for the mid-market category serve as the primary driver for the company’s firstsemester consolidated revenues this year, accounting for a 35 percent contribution to the total, it said.

Developments for the premier and economic markets turned in 33 percent and 29 percent of total earnings, respectively, for the first half.

The company is also on track to hit its 2019 year-end guidance of P2.6 billion in consolidated net income and P2 billion in parent net income. CLI projects in Cebu represent 61 percent of the company’s total revenues as of the first half of 2019. VG Cabuag

Phoenix Petroleum fuels PAL in Davao

A PHOENIX Petroleum truck refuels a Philippine Airlines aircraft at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.

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HOENIX Petroleum, the fastest-growing leading independent oil company in the country, recently sealed a supply bid with Asia’s oldest airline and the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines. The homegrown oil company now supplies PAL its Jet A-1 requirements at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.

“We are glad to be fueling the flights of one of Asia’s premier airlines, starting with its operations in Davao, which is where Phoenix Petroleum originated. Not only does this mile-

stone speak volumes of the high quality of our fuel, but also allows us the opportunity to serve more Filipinos, becoming part of their journeys even off-ground,” said Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry Albert F. Fadullon.

PAL is one of Phoenix’s aviation clients to benefit from its recently established airside facility at Davao airport. The facility includes a storage tank with a capacity of 160,000 liters of Jet A-1 fuel, a laboratory testing room for supply quality control, a staging area for trucks and aviation refuellers, and an office space.

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, October 25, 2019

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

October 24, 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 PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

54.5 147.3 97.15 24.9 12.16 71 12.7 44.55 58.15 116.8 26.1 200 59.1 18.52 4.7 0.405 750.5 0.88 175.1 1.09

56.4 149.3 97.2 25 12.2 71.1 12.8 44.8 58.85 130.9 26.8 201 59.15 18.54 4.8 0.41 765 0.89 177 1.14

54.05 146.8 96.8 24.95 12.2 71.6 12.8 44.5 58.2 116.7 26.8 200 59.15 18.56 4.89 0.4 765 0.91 177.5 1.09

56.9 149.3 97.6 25 12.28 71.65 12.8 44.6 58.2 116.7 26.8 201 59.2 18.56 4.89 0.41 765 0.91 177.5 1.09

54.05 146.2 96.2 24.9 12.18 71 12.8 44.4 58.15 116.7 26.1 198.6 59.1 18.52 4.68 0.4 740 0.88 175 1.09

54.5 149.3 97.15 24.9 12.2 71 12.8 44.55 58.15 116.7 26.2 201 59.1 18.52 4.83 0.41 740 0.89 175 1.09

33000 1187890 854430 379400 241800 1511990 800 17200 2730 10 17900 527070 2060 200 213000 60000 390 317000 1150 16000

1819405 176372988 83019877.5 9466940 2948660 107687996.5 10240 765100 158864.5 1167 468420 105346597 121777.5 3708 1002020 24200 294850 281170 202021 17440

INDUSTRIAL

284450 37998145 42596548.5 -8490755 -179636 -31062341 -303920 -14324055 -109359.5 -147350 -24850 -

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

2.78 1.31 38.8 0.25 24.8 79.5 360.4 20 5.1 4.1 10.82 33.7 7.3 14.5 4.24 17.42 15.34 5.54 8.69 6.99 92.65 0.68 47.4 227.2 47.1 9.27 13.18 1.71 11.2 1.91 5.12 0.126 151 1.28 2.44 66.05 72.1 2.58 15.3 10.38 14.76 17.32 9.2 1.1 1.11 2.1 1.65 5.13 3.4 5.4 30.2 2.46 8.02 1.5 5.11 1 8.23

2.79 1.33 39 0.255 25.25 79.95 362 20.25 5.11 4.34 10.98 33.75 7.36 14.8 4.25 17.5 15.5 5.55 8.7 7.01 93.95 0.69 48.35 227.6 53.95 9.49 13.3 1.72 11.22 1.92 5.13 0.13 151.1 1.29 2.59 69.4 76.7 2.59 15.4 10.4 14.82 17.46 9.4 1.12 1.12 2.12 1.72 5.24 3.51 5.41 31.75 2.49 8.03 1.52 5.42 1.03 8.31

2.82 1.31 39.1 0.265 24.65 79 361.6 20 5.05 4.11 11 33.9 7.36 15.76 4.34 17.8 15.3 5.55 8.85 7 93 0.69 49 226 58 9.8 13.3 1.75 11.66 1.9 5.12 0.121 157.1 1.28 2.63 69.5 76.7 2.66 15.3 10.3 14.88 17.6 9.5 1.08 1.16 2.11 1.72 5.15 3.51 5.38 30.6 2.5 8.14 1.51 5.12 1 8.59

2.83 1.31 39.2 0.265 25.25 79.95 364.4 20.25 5.12 4.11 11 33.9 7.36 15.8 4.34 17.8 15.5 5.66 8.85 7 93.95 0.7 49 230 58 9.8 13.3 1.76 11.66 1.98 5.13 0.131 159 1.31 2.63 69.5 76.7 2.66 15.3 10.38 14.88 17.6 9.5 1.13 1.16 2.12 1.72 5.15 3.51 5.4 31.75 2.52 8.14 1.53 5.12 1.02 8.64

2.77 1.31 38.6 0.25 24.6 78.95 360.4 19.94 5.04 4.09 10.84 33.65 7.28 14.32 4.25 17.5 15.3 5.55 8.65 6.99 92.15 0.69 47.35 226 46 9.04 13.18 1.71 11.16 1.87 5.12 0.121 149 1.27 2.42 69.4 76.6 2.58 15.2 10.26 14.76 17.28 9.2 1.08 1.1 2.1 1.72 5.13 3.51 5.32 30.3 2.43 8.03 1.46 5.1 0.99 8.23

2.78 1.31 39 0.25 25.25 79.95 360.4 20.25 5.1 4.1 10.98 33.7 7.36 14.8 4.25 17.5 15.5 5.55 8.7 7 93.95 0.69 48.35 227.6 46.35 9.49 13.3 1.72 11.22 1.92 5.13 0.13 151 1.29 2.42 69.4 76.7 2.58 15.3 10.38 14.76 17.32 9.2 1.12 1.12 2.12 1.72 5.13 3.51 5.4 31.75 2.49 8.03 1.52 5.1 1.01 8.23

14031000 33000 702100 2130000 543900 59740 175400 1149000 1767200 17000 72500 281100 44000 692500 5037000 6000 134100 7300 2359800 623700 25890 968000 17800 710950 1060 69100 82600 2878000 310600 2139000 6400 8330000 2614100 19534000 18000 90 440 997000 72600 693600 89200 1668100 2800 74000 2923000 272000 7000 25000 3000 88600 9300 6297000 126000 432000 9400 184000 719400

39082940 43230 27341160 542600 13562595 4728572.5 63413704 22993500 8999788 69700 792620 9475725 323511 10152034 21551890 105620 2060178 40526 20525664 4364642 2412606.5 671160 856220 162172644 52204.5 652527 1097900 4985660 3477352 4130930 32827 1069750 402498185 25237430 45700 6250 33718 2593300 1109956 7160188 1326154 28889306 26470 81330 3301570 574630 12040 128542 10530 474465 284865 15565340 1014096 654930 48000 183370 6043851

-5319090 -550220 6189255 -253462.5 -8996096 -452345 108332.0003 300550 -1618304 183590 -272792 -467855 -954374 -668867.5 -25925 10647030 311070 -157830 -200532 -7550 -42696179 1772540 41060 -33550 -2537236 -20784 -21326764 -28540 -25420 -263410 1371809.9999 -129216.0001 -129050 -556425

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

0.9 12.6 863.5 54.95 11.82 3.66 6.61 0.7 1.13 6.7 8.65 13.08 3.01 0.214 865 5.63 72.8 5.04 0.485 4.31 13.22 0.58 4.93 0.038 1.41 2.81 1.26 1015 165.7 0.85 0.22

0.91 12.8 865 55 11.9 3.68 6.89 0.72 1.14 6.73 8.66 13.38 4.4 0.224 870 5.65 73 5.54 0.5 4.35 13.76 0.6 4.95 0.039 1.45 2.95 1.3 1030 165.8 0.88 0.225

0.9 12.78 865 54.5 11.72 3.69 6.89 0.7 1.14 6.65 8.9 13.08 3.01 0.216 869 5.63 73.95 5.22 0.5 4.31 13.52 0.61 4.9 0.038 1.48 2.95 1.26 1014 165 0.86 0.22

0.91 12.98 868.5 55 11.9 3.69 6.89 0.73 1.15 6.73 8.99 13.4 3.01 0.22 875 5.63 74.8 5.22 0.51 4.31 13.76 0.61 4.95 0.038 1.48 2.95 1.26 1030 166.1 0.88 0.22

0.89 12.5 863.5 54.5 11.7 3.65 6.89 0.69 1.12 6.58 8.63 13.08 3.01 0.213 865.5 5.63 72.55 5.19 0.495 4.3 13.22 0.6 4.89 0.038 1.39 2.81 1.26 1006 165 0.85 0.22

0.9 12.8 865 54.95 11.9 3.68 6.89 0.72 1.14 6.73 8.66 13.4 3.01 0.22 870 5.63 73 5.19 0.5 4.31 13.22 0.6 4.95 0.038 1.45 2.94 1.26 1030 165.7 0.85 0.22

5419000 181300 260130 836280 2778900 934000 300 561000 154000 682300 11970300 14100 100000 600000 38850 44700 2442960 2900 44000 45000 828100 56000 19441000 1000000 315000 3000 50000 750560 69520 372000 210000

4865800 2268322 225011520 45879423 32915684 3429190 2067 400600 174740 4562578 104833636 188110 301000 128640 33811840 251661 179754398.5 15109 21890 193870 10980282 33610 95903570 38000 447180 8700 63000 762674610 11519654 321310 46200

-800990 -3834 -76948780 10643967.5 10732406 -172610 2300199 -20852164 -33008 15060490 -158766 63511093 -64570 -6862500 39170280 659122485 4833860 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.86 0.87 0.88 0.89 0.86 0.87 1080000 951720 -4390 ANCHOR LAND 9.43 10.14 9.37 10.14 9.37 10.14 2200 20768 AYALA LAND 48.95 49 48.65 49.05 48.65 48.95 6667200 326312090 23197875 BELLE CORP 2.01 2.02 2.01 2.02 2.01 2.02 43000 86470 -42209.9998 A BROWN 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.85 0.83 0.84 287000 240090 33600 CITYLAND DEVT 0.86 0.87 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.86 40000 34400 CROWN EQUITIES 0.201 0.203 0.203 0.203 0.202 0.203 790000 159990 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.54 4.55 4.58 4.59 4.52 4.55 76000 345730 9060 CENTURY PROP 0.58 0.59 0.58 0.59 0.58 0.59 6846000 4033330 CYBER BAY 0.465 0.475 0.475 0.475 0.465 0.465 3780000 1768900 292950 DOUBLEDRAGON 20.7 20.8 20.7 20.7 20.6 20.7 58100 1200680 641570 DM WENCESLAO 10 10.02 9.99 10 9.57 10 246100 2457762 2141286 EMPIRE EAST 0.465 0.47 0.44 0.52 0.44 0.465 66670000 32351750 -5421800 EVER GOTESCO 0.121 0.132 0.121 0.121 0.121 0.121 10000 1210 FILINVEST LAND 1.6 1.61 1.6 1.62 1.6 1.61 11461000 18411920 -913450 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.23 1.25 1.22 1.27 1.2 1.25 3237000 3996370 8990 HLDG 14.7 14.74 14.8 14.8 14.7 14.7 581700 8592296 -794060 PHIL INFRADEV 1.41 1.43 1.43 1.45 1.38 1.43 2040000 2865750 KEPPEL PROP 4.46 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 20000 90000 CITY AND LAND 0.73 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.73 0.75 23000 17210 MEGAWORLD 4.89 4.9 4.89 4.9 4.82 4.9 16548000 80631260 13820740 MRC ALLIED 0.295 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.295 0.3 2850000 848000 -29500 PRIMEX CORP 2.03 2.05 2.06 2.06 2.02 2.05 420000 850240 ROBINSONS LAND 25.55 25.8 25.7 25.85 25.5 25.8 1223500 31409265 17212195 PHIL REALTY 0.385 0.39 0.385 0.39 0.37 0.39 1070000 412200 ROCKWELL 2.28 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 19000 43700 SHANG PROP 3.21 3.31 3.3 3.3 3.21 3.21 17000 54810 -48210 STA LUCIA LAND 2.69 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.67 2.69 185000 496620 SM PRIME HLDG 38.75 39 38.75 39 38.05 39 8098100 314819575 84052530 VISTAMALLS 5.61 5.69 5.62 5.69 5.6 5.68 38500 216482 SUNTRUST HOME 1.19 1.23 0.95 1.36 0.95 1.19 181636000 234182380 8086670 PTFC REDEV CORP 45.15 52 52 52 52 52 20 1040 VISTA LAND 7.69 7.72 7.72 7.73 7.67 7.72 1036000 7984626 975890

SERVICES ABS CBN 18.48 18.5 18.8 18.8 18.5 18.5 79000 1470496 GMA NETWORK 5.2 5.25 5.22 5.27 5.17 5.27 17900 93258 MANILA BULLETIN 0.42 0.43 0.42 0.42 0.415 0.42 140000 58700 MLA BRDCASTING 12.52 14.96 12.52 12.52 12.52 12.52 100 1252 GLOBE TELECOM 1908 1920 1918 1920 1901 1920 39330 75325840 2435620 PLDT 1109 1110 1114 1120 1102 1110 126605 140578940 -38414680 IMPERIAL 1.75 1.94 1.78 1.78 1.75 1.75 54000 94680 80500 ISLAND INFO 0.11 0.112 0.108 0.108 0.108 0.108 100000 10800 ISM COMM 5.02 5.03 4.95 5.06 4.93 5.03 3385000 16978950 -2075370 JACKSTONES 2.47 2.55 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.49 15000 37350 NOW CORP 3.25 3.26 3.36 3.38 3.22 3.25 4625000 15200260 316080 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.33 0.335 0.33 0.335 0.32 0.33 8910000 2918150 PHILWEB 3.06 3.07 3.05 3.09 3.01 3.07 459000 1399230 -170040 2GO GROUP 10.34 10.4 10.3 10.5 10.3 10.34 5700 59536 CHELSEA 6.83 6.85 6.79 6.92 6.78 6.83 414400 2834838 245475 CEBU AIR 93.5 94.9 94.1 95.7 93.5 93.5 112650 10597357 -2605729.5 INTL CONTAINER 122.5 122.9 122.3 123.5 121.5 122.9 1088010 133733889 -31380784 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.91 0.94 0.93 1.02 0.91 0.91 4730000 4563860 MACROASIA 18.64 18.66 18.62 18.78 18.62 18.66 60100 1123520 -667848 METROALLIANCE A 1.08 1.14 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 3000 3300 PAL HLDG 8.1 8.25 8.29 8.29 8.25 8.25 1400 11594 HARBOR STAR 1.57 1.59 1.63 1.64 1.57 1.57 655000 1042260 ACESITE HOTEL 1.55 1.58 1.54 1.55 1.54 1.55 145000 224720 GRAND PLAZA 10.1 11.46 11.46 12 11.46 12 2700 31436 WATERFRONT 0.67 0.68 0.67 0.68 0.66 0.68 243000 163050 CENTRO ESCOLAR 7 7.15 7 7.15 7 7.15 4700 33095 IPEOPLE 7.9 8 8 8 7.9 7.9 20300 160422 STI HLDG 0.68 0.69 0.68 0.69 0.68 0.68 1396000 951180 -757970 BERJAYA 2.32 2.38 2.38 2.38 2.33 2.33 382000 894840 -710420 BLOOMBERRY 10.3 10.36 10.3 10.48 10.28 10.3 1564200 16204800 -2961326 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.8 2.83 2.83 2.85 2.8 2.8 74000 208590 LEISURE AND RES 3.01 3.05 3.04 3.05 3.01 3.01 131000 395810 3010 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.68 0.69 0.68 0.69 0.68 0.68 235000 159830 -6120 ALLHOME 11.48 11.5 11.54 11.58 11.5 11.5 16569900 190,800,734( 98,472,383.9996) METRO RETAIL 2.43 2.45 2.41 2.47 2.4 2.47 154000 371220 PUREGOLD 39.15 40.1 40.3 40.45 39.1 40 2183600 87,241,925( 7,450,719.9996) ROBINSONS RTL 76.15 77.5 77.8 77.8 76.05 77.5 27240 2103829 139377 PHIL SEVEN CORP 138.9 143.9 139.9 140 139 139 570 79566 69800 SSI GROUP 2.59 2.6 2.57 2.63 2.53 2.6 1545000 3995000 363019.9997 WILCON DEPOT 16.42 16.5 16.4 16.58 16.4 16.42 310900 5111242 -1263666 APC GROUP 0.53 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.53 0.54 9977000 5343370 28700 EASYCALL 9.16 9.2 9.78 9.8 9.08 9.2 169400 1569593 GOLDEN BRIA 430.2 439.8 430.2 430.2 430.2 430.2 50 21510 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.5 0.52 17335000 8864190 -2040 SBS PHIL CORP 8.7 9.19 8.61 8.61 8.61 8.61 1200 10332

MINING & OIL ATOK 11.82 11.9 12.24 12.24 11.9 11.9 5100 60884 APEX MINING 1.14 1.15 1.14 1.17 1.13 1.15 2901000 3,336,840( 1,223,429.9997) ABRA MINING 0.0016 0.0017 0.0016 0.0016 0.0016 0.0016 55000000 88000 -0 ATLAS MINING 2.51 2.54 2.58 2.6 2.52 2.52 200000 519740 -228740 CENTURY PEAK 2.59 2.61 2.59 2.6 2.59 2.6 365000 946350 DIZON MINES 7.54 7.71 7.81 7.82 7.46 7.71 800 6154 FERRONICKEL 1.68 1.71 1.67 1.7 1.66 1.7 12228000 20470090 234100 GEOGRACE 0.215 0.216 0.209 0.222 0.202 0.215 2170000 464270 LEPANTO A 0.106 0.108 0.107 0.109 0.107 0.107 1990000 212960 LEPANTO B 0.109 0.11 0.109 0.11 0.109 0.11 50000 5470 MANILA MINING A 0.0092 0.0098 0.0092 0.0092 0.0092 0.0092 2000000 18400 MARCVENTURES 1.14 1.16 1.13 1.16 1.13 1.16 21000 23760 NIHAO 1.02 1.05 1.06 1.06 1.02 1.06 122000 124590 NICKEL ASIA 3.89 3.9 3.9 3.95 3.84 3.9 3533000 13794470 -2743090 OMICO CORP 0.475 0.5 0.48 0.5 0.475 0.475 123000 58500 PX MINING 3.65 3.7 3.6 3.7 3.6 3.65 269000 985910 523610 SEMIRARA MINING 23.2 23.5 23.4 23.75 23.15 23.5 741200 17363810 10073110 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 4000000 48000 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 1000000 11000 PHILODRILL 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 13500000 148500 PHINMA PETRO 10.34 10.36 10.76 10.86 10.18 10.34 1150500 11968610 -140986 PXP ENERGY 12.72 12.74 12.34 12.82 12.34 12.74 2624200 33335552 1000538

PREFFERED

HOUSE PREF A 98.15 99.05 98.15 98.15 98.15 98.15 330 32389.5 AC PREF B1 499 500 499 499 499 499 220 109780 DD PREF 100.5 101.4 100.5 100.5 100.5 100.5 140 14070 SMC FB PREF 2 991 996 990 990 990 990 50 49500 GLO PREF P 501 505 501 501 501 501 130 65130 GTCAP PREF A 940 965 970 970 911 965 5510 5120860 MWIDE PREF 100.9 101 101 101 101 101 340 34340 PNX PREF 3A 100.5 102 102 102 102 102 480 48960 PNX PREF 3B 107 108 108 108 108 108 1200 129600 108000 PCOR PREF 3A 1025 1050 1050 1050 1050 1050 100 105000 PCOR PREF 3B 1055 1060 1055 1055 1055 1055 535 564425 SMC PREF 2C 77.95 78.25 77.9 77.9 77.9 77.9 700 54530 SMC PREF 2D 75 75.75 75 75 75 75 5300 397500 SMC PREF 2E 75 75.8 75 75 75 75 8600 645000 4500 SMC PREF 2F 76.5 76.6 76.6 76.6 76.5 76.5 16770 1283785 SMC PREF 2G 75.25 75.5 75.4 75.5 75.25 75.5 15050 1133342 SMC PREF 2H 75.4 76 75.4 75.5 75.4 75.5 5500 415200 SMC PREF 2I 75.6 75.7 75.6 75.6 75.5 75.6 189000 14287630 -

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

17.72 5.05

18.76 5.15

17.8 5.05

17.8 5.1

17.72 5.05

17.72 5.1

20900 25900

371988 131795

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.52

-371988 -

1.55

1.53

1.53

1.52

1.52

8000

12220

-

ITALPINAS 6.44 KEPWEALTH 11.48 XURPAS 0.92

6.45 11.52 0.93

6.75 11.84 0.9

6.75 11.92 0.94

6.45 11.46 0.9

6.45 11.52 0.92

522700 452500 1875000

3421405 5268126 1726700

146130 -

FIRST METRO ETF

118.9

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS 118.5

118.7

119

118.2

118.9

3070

364690

-

www.businessmirror.com.ph

₧12-B luxury mountain resort to rise soon at New Clark City

C

By Ashley Manabat | Correspondent

LARK FREEPORT—A P12-billion luxury mountain resort will soon rise at the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac.

This developed as the Widus Group, owner and developer of Widus Hotel and Casino and the Clark Marriott Hotel here, is set to sign an agreement today (Friday) with the Bases Conversion and Develop-

ment Authority (BCDA) to lease and develop a 450-hectare property at the NCC for the high-end project.

The signing of the agreement, set at the Clark Marriott Hotel here, will be led by Dae Sik Han, president

and CEO of Hann Development Corp., a member of the Widus Consortium, and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon.

Terms of the agreement and development plan for the multibillionpeso project will also be discussed after the signing ceremony.

Meanwhile, another hotel will soon be completed beside the Clark Marriott Hotel which sits on a 130,000-square-meter property here. In April last year, groundbreaking was held for Widus Tower Four, with a total floor area of

20,000 sq m, in the $500-million luxury integrated resort.

“We are not only building a new hotel, we are creating a new experience of luxury hospitality in the Widus Tower Four,” said Han during the ceremonies at the Widus Complex.

A total of $1 billion would have been invested into the luxury integrated resort upon completion of Widus Tower Four, including another $500-million investment slated for the development of a mixed-use commercial area at the newly acquired property located at the former dutyfree complex here.

Multimedia developer Magistan mounts themed pay TV platform

W

I T H t he te le v i sion market in the Philippines expected to persist on a steady upward trajectory through 2024, multimedia developer Magistan Media teamed up with satellite operations partner SES to launch a thematically focused pay TV platform in the country.

Expressing confidence in the prospects of the Philippine market, Magistan CEO Ralph Siebenaler said his group will be commercially introducing Club TV, which will host six channels on satellite TV, on December 1.

Each channel specifically caters to a niche market, such as health and wellness, pet care, luxury, eSports, motorcycling, and European movies. The new channels will be aired on SESenabled satellite cable providers such as Cignal and GSAT. “If the demand is much bigger.

We have the plan to double the of-

fer of six channels to reach 12 or 13 channels in one year,” he said.

Siebenaler cited the growth potential of the Philippine television market as the primary reason behind the local foray.

For i n st a nce, P r iceWater houseCoopers projected t hat Philippine Video Advertising will grow by almost four times in 2023 from this year to almost $2.5 billion annually, while Dataxis forecasts that the Philippines will end 2024 with around 20.7 million households.

“That’s what leaves us very confident that we do something meaningful here,” Siebenaler said.

SES Vice President Soo Yew Weng said his group is confident that Club TV will be successful in the Philippine market.

“This project has been two years in the making. We decided that basically the Philippines is a vibrant market for advertising reach,” he said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

PLDT Home Fibr powers Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales

C

LARK FREEPORT—Leading digital services provider PLDT launched an exclusive broadband plan in Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales at the Park Inn Hotel by Radisson Clark here on Wednesday.

John Palanca, vice president and regional head of PLDT and Smart, said residents in these three provinces can now experience and enjoy “the Philippines’s fastest fixed Internet at home with the all-new PLDT Home Fibr Plan at P1,599.”

The plan comes with a bigger package and savings with “unlimited Fibr Internet of up to 25 Mbps, unlimited calls to Smart, Sun and TNT, free landline, modem and installation.”

Palanca said, “with the constantly evolving lifestyle and increasing Internet usage of our subscribers, PLDT Home continues to innovate and answer the demand for a strong and affordable Internet connection for every Filipino household.”

Butch Jimenez, senior vice president a nd head of PLDT Home, said in a statement that “residents in Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales can now have more ways to enjoy the Philippines’s fastest broadband connection for the home.”

PLDT continues to expand its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) ser-

vices in the country’s key areas.

In Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales, PLDT’s fiber network has now reached over 125,000 fiber ports and over 310,000 homes passed.

The fiber network has enabled PLDT to strengthen its fixed and wireless networks to deliver the fastest Internet services that have won awards from top-notch organizations, such as Ookla, P3 and Tutela.

“We are committed to deliver world-class services to our subscribers by continuously expanding and modernizing our network across the country. This is to ensure that our customers enjoy the fastest Internet connection and innovative solutions for their digital needs at home,” Jimenez said.

Subscribers from Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales can now enjoy watching movies, streaming music, and playing online games through the fast and award-winning speeds of PLDT Home Fibr, he added.

On top of the abovementioned Fibr Plan, PLDT Home also offers Whole Home Fibr P1,899 Plan that provides unlimited Fibr Internet of up to 30 Mbps which comes with three TP Link WiFi points for wider Internet coverage of the entire home, said Palanca.

Subscribers were also given this pitch, an exclusive Cignal offer: Add P250 on top of the plan and get 50 Cignal channels and free setup box, he added. Ashley Manabat

MUTUAL FUNDS

October 24, 2019

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

PER SHARE RETURN* RETURN STOCK FUNDS ALFM GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 255.14 4.08% -1.37% -0.27% 1.17% ATRAM ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 1.4949 7.68% 2.06% 0.18% 3.75% ATRAM PHILIPPINE EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 3.8812 1.94% -3.14% -1.98% -0.56% CLIMBS SHARE CAPITAL EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND CORP. -A 0.9509 9.16% N.A. N.A. 5.54% FIRST METRO CONSUMER FUND ON MSCI PHILS. IMI, INC. -A 0.8653 7.16% N.A. N.A. 5.43% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN EQUITY FUND,INC. -A 5.4218 7.1% 0.36% 0.25% 2.82% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,6 0.87 6.97% -3.61% N.A. 3.98% MBG EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND, INC. -A 114.13 3.98% N.A. N.A. -1.75% PAMI EQUITY INDEX FUND, INC. -A 52.1452 9.6% 0.7% N.A. 5.94% PHILAM STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 541.71 9.31% -0.29% 0.21% 5.24% PHILEQUITY DIVIDEND YIELD FUND, INC. -A 1.3111 7.26% 0.75% 1.37% 4.55% PHILEQUITY FUND, INC. -A 38.5955 8.35% 1.61% 1.32% 5.36% PHILEQUITY MSCI PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,1 1.0369 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILEQUITY PSE INDEX FUND INC. -A 5.3014 10.76% 1.49% 2.2% 6.91% PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND CORP. -A 885.16 10.79% 1.39% 2.14% 6.85% SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 0.8935 7.59% -0.44% N.A. 3.9% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE EQUITY FUND, INC. -A 4.284 8.89% 1.01% 1.34% 5.55% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND, INC. -A 1.0167 10.34% 1.31% N.A. 6.54% UNITED FUND, INC. -A 3.72 9.61% 2.83% 2.8% 6.26% EXCHANGE TRADED FUND FIRST METRO PHIL. EQUITY EXCHANGE TRADED FUND, INC. -A,C 118.6756 11.11% 2.14% 3.17% 7.16% ATRAM ASIAPLUS EQUITY FUND, INC. -B

$0.9713 2.9% 2.46% -0.44% 4.54% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY WORLD VOYAGER FUND, INC. -A $1.2953 6.42% 7.65% N.A. 17.2% BALANCED FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ATRAM DYNAMIC ALLOCATION FUND, INC. -A 1.5936 -1.2% -3.69% -3.47% -3.49% ATRAM PHILIPPINE BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 2.258 4.58% -1.27% -0.39% 2.21% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN BALANCED FUND INC. -A 2.6545 7.04% 0.88% -1.07% 4.38% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN F.O.C.C.U.S. DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A,5 0.0236 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. GREPALIFE BALANCED FUND CORPORATION -A 1.3478 5.21% N.A. N.A. 3.34% NCM MUTUAL FUND OF THE PHILS., INC. -A 1.966 9.3% 1.32% 1.31% 6.67% PAMI HORIZON FUND, INC. -A 3.8024 11.63% 0.29% 0.57% 7.74% PHILAM FUND, INC. -A 17.0247 11.09% 0.24% 0.47% 7.02% SOLIDARITAS FUND, INC. -A 2.1507 6.32% 0.69% 1.33% 3.94% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 3.8929 9.07% 1.12% 1.03% 6.62% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2028, INC. -A,D,2 1.0218 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2038, INC. -A,D,2 1.0107 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2048, INC. -A,D,2 1.0076 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A 0.9869 8.99% 0.61% 0.55% 7.07% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES COCOLIFE DOLLAR FUND BUILDER, INC. -A $0.03828 10.64% 2.26% 2.15% 8.44% PAMI ASIA BALANCED FUND, INC. -A $0.9949 5.89% 2.18% 0.19% 8.89% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ADVANTAGE FUND, INC. -A $3.7654 6.89% 5.65% 3.62% 13.81% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR WELLSPRING FUND, INC. -A,7 $1.1075 6.43% 3.32% N.A. 10.2% BOND FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 355.32 4.1% 2.53% 2.29% 3.45% ATRAM CORPORATE BOND FUND, INC. -A 1.9213 3.43% 0.22% -0.01% 3.34% COCOLIFE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 3.0924 4.98% 5.26% 5.22% 3.91% EKKLESIA MUTUAL FUND INC. -A 2.2131 4.72% 1.78% 2.02% 3.94% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN FIXED INCOME FUND,INC. -A 2.3393 5.77% 1.62% 1.5% 6.09% GREPALIFE FIXED INCOME FUND CORP. -A P 1.6087 2.37% -0.28% -0.03% 2.83% PHILAM BOND FUND, INC. -A 4.3169 14.76% 1.4% 1.66% 10.13% PHILEQUITY PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.7505 8.63% 2.14% 1.57% 6.64% SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC. -A 0.9527 9.56% 0.34% N.A. 6.9% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.04 10.62% 3.22% 2.44% 9.91% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY GS FUND, INC. -A 1.6817 9.95% 2.7% 2.02% 9.21% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ALFM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $466.02 4.51% 2.04% 2.81% 3.93% ALFM EURO BOND FUND, INC. -A Є219.94 3.15% 1.24% 1.46% 3.42% ATRAM TOTAL RETURN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -B $1.2022 7.18% 2.31% 2.51% 6.8% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $0.0258 4.03% 1.06% 1.37% 4.03% GREPALIFE DOLLAR BOND FUND CORP. -A $1.712 1.26% -1.45% 0.27% 1.29% PAMI GLOBAL BOND FUND, INC -A $1.0961 7.26% -0.06% -1.25% 5.77% PHILAM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $2.4016 12.83% 2.08% 3.18% 10.63% PHILEQUITY DOLLAR INCOME FUND INC. -A $0.0602571 5.92% 2.05% 2.05% 5.71% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ABUNDANCE FUND, INC. -A $3.1682 10.04% 1.57% 2.69% 10.31% MONEY MARKET FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 125.03 4.23% 2.7% 2.11% 3.43% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A,3 1.0256 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILAM MANAGED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 1.244 6.13% 2.42% 1.53% 5.25% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 1.2577 3.86% 2.82% 2.23% 3.16% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR STARTER FUND, INC. -A $1.0341 2.15% N.A. N.A. 1.79% 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 - LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 3, 2019. 2 - LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 28, 2019. 3 - LAUNCH DATE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2019. 4 - LAUNCH DATE IS AUGUST 1, 2019.

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

7 - ADJUSTED DUE TO STOCK DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST OCTOBER 9, 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."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

BOC creates legal team to coordinate with Ceza

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HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has created a legal team to coordinate with the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza) on duties on imported luxury vehicles.

The move comes after the Ceza, which supervises the development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport, turned over at least 50 seized luxury vehicles to authorities. The latter includes the Santa Ana, Cagayan, local government, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The luxury vehicles have been confiscated for not being able to pay proper taxes prior to its withdrawal from Ceza.

Under Section 4 of Republic Act 7916, or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, the movement of imported goods from the free-trade to a non-free-trade area in the country shall be subject to import duties.

The BOC reminded importers that under the Customs Administrative Order 11-2019, or the Customs

Modernization and Tariff Act, all applicable duties, taxes and other charges on goods introduced into the Customs territory from the Free Zones shall be paid to the Bureau before release from custody, subject to the prior requirement of Authority to Release Imported Goods for certain goods.

The creation of a BOC legal team was announced by Deputy Commissioner Edward James Dy Buco. Buco, likewise, said appropriate recommendations will be submitted to the Secretary of Finance.

One recommendation is that the duties and taxes for the donated vehicles be paid by the recipient through a deferred payment scheme pursuant to Customs Administrative Order 10-2008 and Joint Circular 2-91.

Out of the 50 cars the BOC turned over, 18 have been donated to the PNP, seven to the AFP, another seven to the Santa Ana local government and 18 to particular villages in the second-class municipality of Santa Ana. Jove Moya

Bangko Sentral seeks feedback on licensing of Islamic banks

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HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is now in the process of requesting feedback for the draft of the Shari’ah Governance Framework and the licensing of Islamic banks.

Months after President Duterte signed the law to regulate Islamic banks in the country, the Central Bank has drafted the policy framework for both Shari’ah Governance and Islamic Bank Licensing in the Philippines. The drafts of these are now undergoing policy exposure, including being posted on their web site for feedback and suggestions.

The essential components of the Shari’ah Governance Framework include requiring Islamic banks to have and effective board of directors (BOD) and management oversight over their Shari’ah compliance.

“The BOD shall be ultimately responsible and accountable for ensuring full conformity of the Islamic bank or Islamic banking unit with the Shari’ah principles. The BOD needs to be fully cognizant of the risk of Shari’ah noncompliance and its potential implications on the reputation and business of the Islamic bank or Islamic banking unit,” the BSP said.

Islamic banks are also required

to have a Shari’ah Advisory Council.

The banks are also compelled to have independent and effective compliance and internal audit functions.

For Islamic bank licensing, the BSP’s drafted measures allows Islamic banks to perform the standard banking services, as well as to carry out Shari’ah compliant services, such as financing and joint investment operations by way of mudarabah partnership, musharakah joint venture or by decreasing participation, murabahah purchasing on a costplus financing arrangement, lease (ijara) arrangements, construction and manufacture (istisna’a) arrangements, and other Shari’ah compliant contracts and structures.

They are also allowed to undertake various investments in all transactions allowed by Shari’ah principles and invest in equities of Shari’ah compliant undertakings that support the delivery of Islamic banking and financing services.

On top of that, with prior monetary board approval, Islamic banks may investment participation certificates, sukuk, and other Shari’ah compliant funding instruments to be used by the bank in its operations or capital needs. Bianca Cuaresma

PHL ranking in EODB seen improving with pending law

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By Jove Moya

@BMJoveMoya

HE Department of Finance (DOF) believes a new law expanding the access of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to lending facilities may improve the country’s current ranking in the latest World Bank’s Doing Business Report.

Ranked 95th in the “Doing Business 2020 Report,” the Philippines jumped 29 notches from its previous 2019 ranking of 124 out of the 190 economies the World Bank included in its study. The Philippines received an ease of doing business, or EODB, score of 62.8 in the 2020 report, an improvement over its grade in the previous year of 57.68.

DOF officials pointed to Republic Act (RA) 11057, or the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA) as having helped propel the Philippines to a

higher ranking in the Doing Business 2021 report.

“With the PPSA in place, MSMEs can register their movable assets, such as inventory with the LRA [Land Registration Authority] and use those assets as collateral in accessing formal sources of financing,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said.

Dominguez’s tone is markedly different with last year’s EODB report whose results the government “strongly” objected to.

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Association World Octavio Peralta down the following implications of a fully connected world and the advantages that IoT offer associations to innovate and thrive: The power of connection. If you are an association focused on a manufacturing or agricultural segment, new technologies are leading to the era of machines and humans interacting; and the data produced is not just insightful, it’s a revenue stream and a new career. This power of connection is also changing the way associations connect. Not only are machines becoming connected, but we as human beings are becoming more intradependent and connected through technology each and every day. Associations are partnering with industry, with schools, and local governments to break down geographical and stereotypical barriers.

Connectivity yields results. “The American Academy of Pediatrics has a worldwide mission to improve the

In a joint statement, the DOF and the Department of Trade and Industry expressed their “strong objections” to the WB’s Doing Business 2019 report, which saw Manila drop to 124th from 113th. In a strongly worded letter, they demanded that the Washington-based lender review the country’s rating and to make corrections immediately.

This year’s result saw the Philippines being included in the list of 42 economies that improved its EODB score the most. The 2020 report said the Philippines was able to implement regulatory reforms in three or more of the ten indicators included in this year’s aggregate EODB score.

Finance Undersecretary Gil S. Beltran said it is easier to start a business in the Philippines after the minimum capital requirement for domestic companies was abolished.

He added it is now also easier to secure construction permits after the state issued policies improving coordination and streamlining the process for obtaining an occupancy certificate. Theses policies also strengthened protection to minority

investors by requiring greater disclosure of transactions with interested parties and enhancing director’s liability for transactions with interested parties.

The reforms cited in the EODB 2020 report were implemented from May 2018 to May 2019.

Dominguez said the PPSA was included among the reforms presented to the World Bank’s EODB team for the 2020 report. However, the law’s IRR have yet to be completed at the time of submission.

The government deferred the implementation of the law until the establishment and operation of an electronic registry where notices of security interest and a lien in personal property may be registered.

The World Bank’s Doing Business assessment measures the processes for business incorporation, getting a building permit, obtaining an electricity connection, transferring property, getting access to credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, engaging in international trade, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency.

Pag-IBIG Fund gets approval to hike monthly savings rate

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FTER several months of public consultation, Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), more popularly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund, has secured the support of labor and employer groups to raise the three decades old P100 monthly savings rate of its members, top executives said last Friday.

“The low interest rates of our home loans make homeownership within reach of our members, so much so that the availment of our home loans has grown tremendously,” Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees, was quoted in a statement as saying. “And for us to continue financing the growth in home loans of our members under such low rates, there is a need to increase our members’ P100 monthly savings.”

Del Rosario added housing officials spent the last six months consulting with labor unions, nongovernment organizations of overseas Filipino workers, employer groups, and other stakeholders to seek their views on our plan to increase the membership savings rate.”

He said that from April to September, Pag-IBIG Fund executives have been in talks with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Philippine Government Employees Association, Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa GOCCs at GFIs, Federation of Free Workers, the Filipino Migrant Workers Group, the National Anti-Poverty Commission, and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

Associations and ‘the Internet of Things’ N 1999, technology expert Kevin Ashton coined the phrase “the Internet of Things,” or IoT, to describe the network of objects and devices connected to the Internet.

Twenty years later, the IoT network has expanded exponentially. From the GPS (global positioning system) in our watches to the thermostats in our homes, nearly everything we interact with in our daily lives is connected to the Internet, providing instant access to new opportunities and adding to the ease of our daily lives.

It can be easy to forget how far we’ve come in comparison to where we were only a few years ago.

“Think about the printer in your office,” says JP Guilbault, president and CEO of Community Brands Inc. “Not too long ago, someone would try to print something and realize that the toner was out. They would tell the facilities manager, and then the facilities manager would replace the cartridge and order a new one via key strokes and a Web browser.

Today, your connected printer calculates when it will run out of toner and orders a replacement cartridge for you in advance.”

Guilbault, a thought leader on the future of work and technology, breaks

Friday, October 25, 2019 B3

health and lives of children,” Guilbault explained. “Doctors and researchers now have the ability to quickly and effectively transfer medical knowledge and education to those doing work in Third World countries. They can teach and observe as though they’re right there on the ground and as a result of this connection, infant mortality rates have declined.”

Speed and personalization are true differentiators. “For associations, speed is a differentiator for members.

Information is everywhere; it is ubiquitous. But only those that can get information to their members and adapt the experience the fastest, and in the simplest way possible will gain a competitive edge.”

The future of connectivity. “CRMs [customer relationship management] and AMS [association management system] platforms are going to be infused with artificial intelligence, which will have a direct impact on not just the speed but the focus of the information associations deliver to their members,” Guilbault said. “That data from social networks, news feeds and legislation will come together to allow associations to personalize

THIS file photo shows Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees, delivering his 2018 accomplishment report at PICC, Pasay City. Del Rosario said last Friday there is a need to increase the monthly savings rate of members from P100, which has been at that level for more than three decades. ROY DOMINGO

Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti was quoted in the statement as saying that the consultations revolved around the agency’s proposal to adjust the monthly savings of Pag-IBIG Fund members, which has remained at P100 for more than three decades.

According to Moti, the demand for HDMF home loans has grown annually at an average of 17.5 percent in the past five years.

“We have been able to sustain this double-digit growth in 2019, with the release of P58.73 billion in home loans in the last nine months,” he said

every message to every member about every kind of offering—and it will all be done by machines while association workers continue to create new programs and benefits. That is what the future will bring, and it is amazing.”

The column contributor, Octavio “Bobby” Peralta, is concurrently the secretary-general of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (Adfiap), and the CEO and founder of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives. The PCAAE is holding the Associations Summit 7 on November 27 and 28, 2019, at the Philippine International Convention Center, which is expected to draw over 200 association professionals here and abroad. The two-day event is supported by Adfiap, the Tourism Promotions Board, and the PICC. E-mail inquiries@adfiap.org for more details on AS7.

adding that this is the highest-ever amount released for any January-to-September period, and is a 13.5-percent increase from the P51.76 billion released in the same period last year.

“At the current membership savings rate, in addition to our housing and short-term loan collections, we have more than enough funds to support up to 10-percent average growth rate in home loans until 2024,” Moti said. “But as we expect demand to remain strong with growth at around 15 percent annually in the coming years, we need to find additional sources of funds to sustain the low loan interest rates we currently offer to our members.”

He said the HDMF is proposing to adjust the members’ savings rate to P200 per month by 2021, which will be matched by an equivalent amount by their employers.

The proposed adjustments will provide the agency additional funds to address its loan demand, and thus allow interest rates on its home loans and calamity loan to remain low at least until 2024, Moti added. He said the HMDF wishes to remind its members “that this is an increase in their benefit because every peso they save will go to their Pag-IBIG Fund Savings.”

“This will allow them to save more with PagIBIG Fund, and earn higher dividends annually.

They will be entitled to bigger cash loans as a result of their higher savings,” Moti said. “They will also receive higher lump-sum savings once they retire, or once they reach 20-year membership maturity,” he added.

B4 Friday, October 25, 2019

Dr. Ma. Victoria T. Lualhati recognized as most Influential Filipina Woman in the World

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R. Ma. Victoria T. Lualhati, President and CEO of Beyond Medical Hub and Trainer of Inspire Leadership Consultancy, Inc. will receive the prestigious Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award from the Filipina Women's Network during the Gala Awards Ceremony at 16th Filipina Leadership Global Summit 28 October-02 November 2019 in Paris, France The Filipina Women’s Network recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who are changing the face of leadership in the global workplace, having reached status for outstanding work in their respective fields and are recognized for their contributions to society, femtorship, and legacy. Dr Lualhati was selected from an outstanding field of nominees from around the world.

She will be honored in the BUILDER award category. Builders have demonstrated exceptional organizational impact at a large workplace environment; displaying deep passion for a cause through collaborative initiatives or alliances with institutions, corporations or nonprofit organizations on behalf of her own company. Builders demonstrate high potential and skill with measurable results at a government agency,

higher education institution, nonprofit or a corporation in the public and private sectors.

The FWN100™ Award was launched in the United States in 2006 and expanded its search globally in 2013.

Many of the awardees have reached the pinnacle of their careers breaking the “glass ceiling” at the C-Suite level and in politics – California Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, HealthNet CEO and now Sterling CEO Cora Manase Tellez, Charles Schwab Investments CEO and now Commonwealth Club Board Chair Evelyn Dilsaver, Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo, first Filipina deputy mayor of Hertsmere, UK Cynthia Barker, entrepreneur and Richprime Global President and CEO Myrna Yao, Cebu Governor and former Philippines House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia.

“The Global FWN100™ awardees are innovators and thought leaders, dynamic entrepreneurs, rising stars under age 35, practitioners, behind-the-scenes leaders, and public service advocates, who have moved through the ranks in the public and private sectors. They are magnificent women

doing extraordinary work motivating next generation leaders,” said Marily Mondejar, CEO of the Filipina Women’s Network.

“I thank FWN for bringing the Filipina women of the world together to plan the future for our community and next generation leaders. This award is a validation of the meaningful work that I have been doing for the past years in the arena of healthcare, education and community relations. I’m excited to meet my fellow awardees from other countries, forge partnerships and collaborate with them,” says Dr Lualhati.

Honest driver, family treated at SM Mall of Asia

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ERALD Ramos, a 49-year old former coach of De La Salle University and Grab driver, received a“Fun Day at SM Mall of Asia” treat from SM Supermalls as a reward for his honesty, after he returned a wallet left by a passenger in his car to DZRB’s Radyo Pilipinas!

The virtuous act of Ramos is perfectly aligned with SM’s Honesty Pays Program, which recognizes the notable honest deeds of individuals.

“Our ‘Fun Day at SM Mall of Asia’ treat for Mr. Ramos was our way of rewarding his good deed. We hope that through this Honesty Pays initiative, we will be able to encourage every Filipino to always choose the path of honesty and integrity,” said SM Supermalls SVP for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin.

As part of the treat, Ramos, together with his family, spent unforgettable quality time at SM MOA. There, they feasted on a scrumptious lunch at MESA, enjoyed family bonding moments at the SM

Bowling Center, and capped the day off with a grocery shopping reward using SM gift certificates – the part he said he enjoyed the most.

“Honesty Pays” is an initiative spearheaded by the

Ramon Tulfo Foundation and SM Supermalls.

For more exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com and its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls.

Gerald Ramos and family at SM Mall of Asia

NBTC, SM ALL SET FOR UPCOMING BASKETBALL LEAGUE. The National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) and SM excites fans with new and exciting surprises as it launched the NTBC Year 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena last October 15. With the aim to train the next generation hoop stars, the NBTC will hold its 5-day hoop festival in local cities followed by the 11-leg regional game tournament among winning local teams. Regional champs will compete against 26 other local teams and 10 international teams from USA, Canada, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and Middle East. The basketball league is set to kick off by the end of October. In photo, from left: from Vivo VP for Sales Hazel Bascon, SBP Director for Operations Butch Antonio, Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. President and General Manager Ronald Mascariñas, NBTC Program Director Coach Eric Altamirano, SM’s Hans Sy, DOWI VP for Operations Marvin Tan, NBTC National Training Director Alex Compton, and SBP Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio.

Mayors, private sector representatives gather together to make PH cities liveable

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NVESTMENT opportunities linked to the SDGs are predicted to grow exponentially ahead of other sectors. In the Philippines, the size of the prize is at least $82 billion and 4.4 million jobs by 2030,' Systemiq senior advisor Gail Klintworth said during the “Sustainable Cities Summit: Building Liveable Cities” held in October 17 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Klintworth refers to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the "blueprint" to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030 encouraging the private sector to do business around the SDGs and seize the great opportunity there.

City mayors and private sector representatives took part in the Summit to discuss how to improve the state of local cities and make them more liveable. Mayors of the 145 cities in the Philippines together with private sector professionals and practitioners discussed major issues in developing liveable cities – basic services, mobility, resilience, and GovTech.

Aside from Klintworth, local and international experts were invited to share ideas and best practice around these key challenges and share how current digital trends and emerging technologies can bring about innovation in cities and communities.

Launched at the Summit is the Dashboard and Liveable Cities Challenge. The Dashboard is a visual database of key indicators of all the cities in the Philippines, which will be useful for local chief executives, investors, and residents in assessing the competitiveness and liveability of cities. Meanwhile, the Challenge is a 90-day design competition where cities will have the opportunity to meet mentors and compete to pitch their design solutions to a panel of experts in early 2020.

The entries will be judged by a panel composed of experts in the fields of urban planning, design, architecture, technology, engineering, among others. Competition entries will be posted online on a competition website (liveablecities.ph), Facebook account (fb.co/liveablecitiesph), and through news media outlets.

Winners will be announced at the end of the cycle. While no formal cash award is planned, all entries are encouraged to prepare detailed funding proposals for projects to be funded either by the National Government, Local Government, or through the private sector in a Public-Private Partnership project. Winning candidates may also attract attention from various international agencies to “Cities are the centers of economic growth and innovation, but the rate of urbanization and internal migration has created new challenges involving disaster resilience, mobility, and the delivery of basic services,” said Liveable Cities Challenge Chairman Guillermo M. Luz. “The Liveable Cities Challenge can help local officials develop comprehensive, replicable, and implementable solutions to improve the liveability of our metropolises, while strengthening local communities in the process.”

“Our goal is to build up awareness and understanding in these areas so that local executives can plan and develop more competitive, sustainable, resilient, and liveable cities for all,” said Luz. “Great cities are not built overnight, so let us start now.”

The Summit is hosted by the United States Agency for International Development together with the Liveable Cities Challenge and the League of Cities of the Philippines. Groups such as Globe Telecom, Shell Philippines, Dassault Systèmes, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Mynt (GCash), ABS-CBN News Channel and BusinessMirror also expressed their support for the Summit and the Challenge.

PAF AWARDEES. Members of the MVP Group of Companies were recipients of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Stakeholders Awards in ceremonies held at the PAF Gymnasium, Villamor Airbase, Pasay City. In photo with Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez (2nd from left), PAF Commanding General, are, from left: Mary Margaret Macasaet Barro, Executive Director of the Makati Medical Center Foundation; Atty. Michael Toledo, Managing Director of the MVP Group Media Bureau as well as Chief Operating Officer of Silangan Mindanao Mining Company Inc. and Senior Vice-President for Public and Regulatory Affairs of Philex Mining Corporation; and Joy Rodriguez Hilao, Assistant Vice-President, Corporate Business Group and Public Sector Head of PLDT Inc. The Makati Medical Center Foundation, TV5, PLDT Inc., and individual awardees Manuel V. Pangilinan and Atty. Toledo were awarded for their “invaluable support to the Philippine Air Force that enabled the Command to perform its mission in support of national security and development.” The Stakeholders Awards were part of the celebration of the PAF’s 72nd anniversary.

Real estate planning course ongoing until October 26

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HE Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations Inc. (CREBA) and De La Salle College of Saint Benilde School of Professional and Continuing Education (DLSCSB SPACE) opened the certificate course “Real Estate Planning, Development and Environmental Concerns,” on October 5, 2019.

CREBA, headed by National President Noel Toti M. Cariño, is the Philippine umbrella organization of the real estate and housing industry. It is composed of property developers, builders, contractors, suppliers and manufacturers of construction materials, real estate service practitioners and other professionals and entities engaged in over 70 allied fields.

Classes are being held at the ninth floor of the CSB School of Design and

Arts Campus, P. Ocampo Street, Manila from 1:00 to 8:30 PM and will run for four consecutive Saturdays until October 26.

The four-week course will cover the following topics: Types of Property Development; Residential Subdivisions, including High-rise and Mid-rise buildings, Townhouses and Subdivisions; Water Supply & Sanitation; Ecological Solid Waste Management; Climate Change Adaptation & Disaster Risk Reduction for Real Estate Projects; Administration, Control and Technical Aspects of the Construction Process; Green Technology and Sustainable Development for Housing; Industrial Estates and Ecozones; DENR and other environmental requirements for Real Estate Development; Farm and Leisure Estates.

Will ‘Baby Shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo’ do Series debut?

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ASHINGTON—The “Baby Shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo” earworm might just be coming to a World Series near you, if Washington Nationals backup outfielder Gerardo Parra heads to the plate during one of his team’s home games against the Houston Astros.

A walk-up song that showed up months ago as a sweet tribute to the musical taste of Parra’s two-year-old daughter has become a rallying cry of sorts for spectators at Nationals Park—who sing and clap along by the thousands, arms fully extended in a chomping motion—and his teammates—who do their own shark-inspired hand gestures after each hit, including pinching together an index finger and thumb after singles.

Some players work out wearing headbands sporting a cartoon shark. Some fans wear full-body shark costumes. There’s even a little blue stuffed-animal shark that Parra placed in the netting in front of the home dugout at Nationals Park.

All of the zaniness could be on display for a global TV audience as the Fall Classic shifts to the nation’s capital Friday night for Game Three, with Washington leading the best-of-seven series 2-0.

“It kind of caught steam.... We all thought it was just going to be a game or two. Or a week. But it turned into something cool. Something to the get the fans involved,” second baseman Brian Dozier said. “It was pretty cool to see in the playoffs. Everybody on their feet. He could have struck out or hit a homer and everyone would have been still clapping their hands.”

The song reflects a loose and lively attitude many Nationals credit Parra with introducing when he was signed in May after the San Francisco Giants cut him. Plenty of players say that atmosphere has been key to Washington’s turnaround from 19-31 that month to the sport’s biggest stage now.

“We’re still here in the World Series,” Parra said, “because we play together.

We do anything together.”

There’s the dancing in the dugout after homers and behind closed doors after victories. The full-body embraces, including of Stephen Strasburg, who acknowledged, “I’m not much of a hugger, but they kind of just surround me. So I just have to take it.” The sunglasses sported by Parra—with a rose-colored tint— and pitcher Aníbal Sánchez—with yellow lenses—even during night games, a tradition that began in June.

“We’re lucky to have guys like Parra, Aníbal, Fernando

[Rodney], these guys that have come here and changed the culture in the clubhouse,” said reliever Sean Doolittle, naming three players new to the team in 2019, including two picked up during the season, “and got a lot of guys in here to kind of loosen up and play the game with a little bit more fun, to be honest.”

Sure, don’t lose sight of the fact that important players were hurt early in the season and the Nationals are healthy as can be now.

And, yes, having stud starters like Strasburg, Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin, along with sluggers, such as Juan Soto and Anthony Rendon, helped matters, of course.

But with the day-after-day schedule and the no-chance-to-get-away close quarters of a baseball clubhouse, it probably can’t hurt for the 25 players on the active roster to enjoy each other’s company and figure out ways to let certain losses dissipate amid some laughter.

“We were going through a time where we were so tight, and we had all of these expectations, and in a way we weren’t meeting them, and everybody was putting pressure on themselves and listening to all of the outside distractions going on,” catcher Yan Gomes said, thinking back to being 12 games under .500. “Then a couple of guys came in, and we decided to just kind of like drop this weight off our shoulders and just, in a way, dance like nobody’s watching.”

Nothing symbolizes that more than the silliness of “Baby Shark,” a children’s song with billions of YouTube views that was created by a South Korean company—which is different from the wrong version Fox played during its broadcast of Washington’s 12-3 win in Game Two. Parra was trying to pick out a new walk-up song in June, when he was mired in a zero-for-22 slump, when he settled on this repetitive tune because he heard it “a lot,” thanks to his daughter.

Who knew it would become the phenomenon it has, played recently at Redskins and Capitals games, too.

“People enjoy it. All their kids enjoy it,” Parra said. “So I’m happy for that.” AP

FANS gesture the “baby shark” during the ninth inning of Game Two of the World Series in Houston. A walk-up song that showed up months ago as a sweet tribute to the musical taste of Gerardo Parra’s twoyear-old daughter has become a rallying cry of sorts for spectators at Nationals Park. AP

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Friday, October 25, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

NATIONALS GO UP, 2-0 H

By Kristie Rieken The Associated Press

OUSTON—Stephen Strasburg’s time had come.

Famously held out of the postseason seven years ago, Strasburg delivered on the biggest stage of all Wednesday night.

The right-hander outpitched fellow ace Justin Verlander, overcoming a shaky start to help the Washington Nationals beat the Houston Astros, 12-3, for a commanding 2-0 lead in the World Series.

Strasburg went six innings to earn the win— and a group hug in the dugout when he was done on the mound.

“They keep squeezing me a little harder every time,” he said. “That’s OK.” Kurt Suzuki hit a tiebreaking homer in what became a messy six-run seventh, and the Nationals headed back home needing two wins in three potential games in Washington to claim their first championship.

Adam Eaton paraded around the bases, pointing to the Houston crowd after a late home run as the Nationals won their eighth in a row. They’ve won 18 of 20 overall, dating back to the regular season, with the last two over American League Cy Young Award favorites Gerrit Cole and Verlander.

Game Three is Friday night when Aníbal Sánchez opposes Houston’s Zack Greinke in the first World Series game in the nation’s capital since 1933.

“Probably going to be a little frigid, might be a little cold, so bring your jackets and your beanies,” said slugger Anthony Rendon, who hit a two-run double in the first inning.

The 31-year-old Strasburg had waited years for this chance.

Back in 2012, he was about two years removed from Tommy John surgery when Nationals brass decided protecting his elbow was more important than pitching him in the playoffs, so he was shut down late in a season full of promise.

Making his Series debut, Strasburg allowed a two-run homer to Alex Bregman in the first before throwing five shutout innings to improve to 4-0 this postseason. He allowed seven hits and struck out seven.

Nationals Manager Dave Martinez was asked what’s made Strasburg so good this October.

“One, he has the confidence to do it and two, he’s become a premier pitcher, a big-game pitcher,” Martinez said. “He doesn’t get rattled.”

Verlander, so good in the regular season, fell to 0-5 in six World Series starts. He gave up seven hits and four runs, and was lifted after walking a batter following Suzuki’s home run.

Verlander led the majors with 21 wins this season and struck out a career-high 300 to reach 3,000 in his career. He has a World Series ring, MVP and Cy Young Award trophies, and three no-hitters to his name.

He fanned six to become the career leader in postseason strikeouts with 202—another impressive statistic on a stellar resume that’s still missing that elusive World Series win.

“Obviously it’s magnified in the World Series when you’re not clicking on all cylinders,” Verlander said.

Their wins against Houston’s best pitchers turned the underdog Nationals into heavy favorites to take the title.

Only three of the previous 25 teams to lose the first two games at home under the 2-3-2 format have come back to win the Series. No one has done it since the 1996 New York Yankees.

“I wish I

was a betting man, but I’m not,” Martinez said. “I don’t really believe in that stuff.... We’re here because the boys never gave up.”

Long after most players had left the field and only a handful of Nationals were left, a small but boisterous crowd of Washington fans assembled behind their dugout. The red-clad group cheered and waved their hands as players ascended the dugout stairs, finishing up an out-of-town party they hope to continue at home on Friday.

But the Astros insist the tough start hasn’t dampened their confidence.

“We have a really good team,” Manager AJ Hinch said. “Clearly, the Nats [Nationals] have outplayed us— bottom line. They came into our building and played two really good games. We’re going to have to try to sleep off the latter third of this game.”

Added shortstop Carlos Correa on digging out

of the early hole: “If there is a team out there that can do it, it’s us.”

Things went wrong immediately for Verlander when he walked leadoff man Trea Turner on four pitches. Eaton, who homered in the eighth, singled before Rendon, the Houston native who said he’d certainly have 100 friends and family members at Minute Maid Park for each game, knocked a ball off the wall in left field to put the Nationals up 2-0.

“This is my city. I love Houston,” Rendon said. “We were going to try to just steal one game and we just happened to steal two, and we’ve got to take care of business at home.”

Verlander got his 200th postseason strikeout when he fanned Victor Robles in the second. The eight-time All-Star passed John Smoltz, who had 199 and was in the TV booth for Fox to see his record fall.

Verlander and Strasburg both settled in after early wobbles, until Houston fell apart in the seventh.

Suzuki sent Verlander’s 100th pitch sailing above the seats in left field to start the inning. Ryan Pressly, who left Game Six of the ALCS with a knee injury, took over and didn’t look right from the start.

He walked Turner before Hinch called for his first intentional walk of the season when he gave Juan Soto a free pass to load the bases with two outs. Howie Kendrick, Asdrúbal Cabrera and Ryan Zimmerman followed with successive singles to bust it open, putting the Nationals up 8-2. As those hits were piling up and run after run crossed the plate, many in the stunned sellout crowd of 43,357 began streaming for the exits.

Hinch was asked what happened in the seventh.

“Where would you like me to start?” he said.

Michael A. Taylor padded the lead further with a solo homer off Chris Devenski in the ninth.

The only time Strasburg was under any real duress after the first inning came when Yuli Gurriel doubled with one out in the sixth before the Nationals intentionally walked Yordan Álvarez. The slumping Correa hit a weak fly ball before rookie pinch-hitter Kyle Tucker struck out, allowing Strasburg to wriggle out of the jam and end his solid night.

STEPHEN STRASBURG goes six innings to earn the win—and a group hug in the dugout when he is done on the mound. AP

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Friday, October 25, 2019

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EW YORK—Kyrie Irving scored 50 points in a record-setting Nets debut, but lost his balance and missed a potential winning shot that allowed the Minnesota Timberwolves to pull out a 127-126 victory over Brooklyn in overtime Wednesday night.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 36 points and 14 rebounds for Minnesota, and Andrew Wiggins added 21 points, including the go-ahead basket with 1:19 remaining.

Irving had the ball in his hands with a chance to cap his dazzling debut with a victory, following a Nets timeout. He ran the clock down and then began his drive, but lost his balance near the foul line. He retained his dribble, got up and shot, but his jumper missed.

After signing with the Nets in July, Irving broke Kiki Vandeweghe’s record for most points by a player in his first game with a team.

Vandeweghe scored 47 points for Portland at Kansas City on October 27, 1984.

Irving finished with eight rebounds and seven assists. Caris LeVert added 20 points.

Nikola Jokic had 20 points and 13 rebounds despite sitting much of the first half because of foul trouble, and Denver spoiled the opening game of Portland’s 50th season with a 108-100 victory.

Will Barton added 19 points for the Nuggets, who also snapped Portland’s 18-game winning streak in home openers, the longest streak in league history.

Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 32 points and eight assists, and Hassan Whiteside had 16 points and 19 rebounds in his Portland debut.

It was the first meeting between the teams since the Western Conference semifinals, won by the Blazers in seven games.

In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid had 15 points and 13 rebounds, Ben Simmons scored 24 points and Philadelphia beat Boston, 107-93.

Gordon Hayward led the Celtics with 25 points. Jayson Tatum had 21. Kemba Walker scored 12 points on four-of-18 shooting in his Boston debut, and Al Horford had 16 in his first game with the 76ers.

Furkan Korkmaz and Tobias Harris buried

WOLVES SPOIL IRVING’S BIG SCORING NIGHT consecutive 3-pointers for Philadelphia—after the Sixers had missed 21 of 24 through three quarters—to stretch the lead to 10.

Luka Doncic had 34 points and nine rebounds, and Kristaps Porzingis scored 23 points in the European pair’s long-awaited first game together, leading Dallas past Washington, 108-100.

Porzingis missed his first four shots before taking a break and coming back to score nine points in the final 2:45 of the first quarter. The 7-foot-3 Latvian acquired in a blockbuster deal with the New York Knicks before the trading deadline last season was seven of 16 from the field.

Doncic and Porzingis traded long 3-pointers throughout the game, finishing seven of 16 between them (four of nine for Doncic, three of seven for Porzingis). Doncic was 12 of 19 overall.

Washington rookie Rui Hachimura, the first Japanese-born player drafted in the first round, had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Bradley Beal scored 19 points less than a week after the All-Star guard signed a $72 million, two-year extension that will go through the 2022-23 season, with a player option after that.

In Miami, Justise Winslow scored 27 points, rookie Kendrick Nunn scored 24 in his National Basketball Association debut and

Miami ran away in the fourth quarter to beat Memphis, 120-101.

Goran Dragic scored 19 points for Miami, which played without Jimmy Butler because of personal reasons. Nunn and fellow rookie Tyler Herro started in the backcourt instead.

Bam Adebayo had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Miami, and Winslow added seven rebounds and seven assists.

Ja Morant, the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft, scored 14 points and had four assists for Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 17 points. AP THE Timberwolves’s Jeff Teague tries to stop the Nets’ Kyrie Irving. AP

FORE! BusinessMirror Publisher T. Anthony Cabangon hits the ceremonial ball for the

BusinessMirror Golf Tournament 2019 at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Batangas on Thursday. Witnessing the ceremonials are (from left) Artemio Custodio, Mike Besa, Dave Hernandez, Totie Leus, former Tourism assistant secretary Ricky Alegre, Korean Director Cultural Center of the Philippines Lee Jin-cheol and Dr. Roland Schissau, Chargé d’ Affaires and Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy. BERNARD TESTA

WOODS TIES FOR LEAD IN JAPAN

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NZAI CITY, Japan—Tiger Woods was in strong early-season form after a slow start with a six-under 64 and was tied for the first-round lead at the Zozo Championship, the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour’s first tournament in Japan.

Woods was tied with Gary Woodland, with local favorite Hideki Matsuyama one stroke behind.

Teeing off from the 10th hole, Woods got off to a shaky start on Thursday with three straight bogeys at the par-70 Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.

“It’s always nice to get off to a quick start and figure it out from there,” Woods said. “The start I got off to wasn’t very good, I hit bad shot after bad shot...and the next thing you know, things aren’t looking so good.”

But the Masters champion quickly found his game, making birdies on four of his next six holes to get to one-under, two strokes behind with nine holes to play.

“After the start, the ball striking was better, the putting was really good,” Woods said. “I was hitting a lot of good putts, the ball was rolling tight which was nice.”

Woods is making his first start in his 23rd season on the PGA Tour, needing one victory to reach 82 wins and tie the career record held

by Sam Snead. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two months ago—his fifth on the same problem spot.

Woods last played in an official tournament in Japan in 2006 at the Dunlop Phoenix, where he lost in a playoff to Pádraig Harrington. He won the Dunlop Phoenix the two previous years.

“The people here in Japan and have come out and supported this event,” Woods said. “It’s been a lot of fun to play in front of them again, I haven’t done it in a while. I’ve missed it. They’ve always been fantastic with golf and supported their golf here.”

The Zozo tournament is part of three tournaments that make up the PGA Tour’s Asia Swing, including the CJ Cup in South Korea won last week by Justin Thomas and the HSBC Champions in Shanghai next week.

Organizers said there were over 20,000 fans in attendance on the opening day.

Heavy rain from a storm over the Pacific Ocean is expected on Friday. AP DE LA HOYA

De la Hoya denies accusations in sexual assault lawsuit

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OS ANGELES—Boxing promoter Oscar de la Hoya denies accusations of sexual assault contained in a lawsuit filed against him this week.

De la Hoya’s company, Golden Boy Promotions, issued a statement Tuesday describing the action as a “frivolous lawsuit” and calling the allegations “completely false.”

The lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleges that the unnamed woman had a consensual sexual relationship with de la Hoya until he assaulted her at his home in Pasadena in November 2017.

The lawsuit goes into graphic detail in its allegations against de la Hoya, claiming the former boxing champion was intoxicated at the time that he overpowered the woman.

The lawsuit doesn’t specify whether she filed a complaint with the police after the alleged attack, which left her requiring medication for “extreme swelling and pain.”

The complainant says she went to a hospital after the alleged attack and eventually sought psychological treatment, during which she was diagnosed with post-

traumatic stress disorder. The woman claims she still has daily symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Golden Boy Promotions’ statement suggests de la Hoya is being extorted.

“Oscar is a very successful businessman, running one of the country’s leading sports and entertainment companies—thus a prime target,” the statement reads.

De la Hoya won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics and went on to claim world title belts in six weight classes. He was one of the most successful boxers of his generation upon his retirement in 2009, and he has run Golden Boy Promotions since 2002.

De la Hoya has been married to Millie Corretjer since 2001, and they have two children. The former boxer has acknowledged substance abuse problems several times in his past, admitting alcohol abuse and cocaine use.

The woman’s lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified damages for alleged sexual assault, sexual battery, gender violence, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. AP

IN THE TIGERS’ DEN De La Salle’s

KaTropa stakes unblemished record against Road Warriors

Encho Serrano is ganged up on defense by University of Santo Tomas’s Mark Nonoy, Sherwin Concepcion, Zach Huang and Dave Ando during their University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 men’s basketball game on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Green Archers escape with an 80-79 victory.

ARVIN LIM

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NBLEMISHED TNT tries to extend its run in a bid to fan its chance for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs when it takes on dangerous NLEX in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

Sporting a 7-0 card, a win against the second-running Road Warriors (5-1), would solidify KaTropa’s place on top and catapult them nearer to the win-once bonus in the quarterfinals. Game time is 7 p.m.

Phoenix (2-5), meanwhile, parades a new import, former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Alonzo Gee, in a mission to pump life to its ailing playoff campaign against Columbian Dyip (3-4) at 4:30 p.m.

Led by NBA veteran KJ McDaniels, the KaTropa cruised to their sixth-straight win after surviving a scare from the Alaska Aces last week in overtime, 99-93, and stay on course of a possible top-seed finish.

The former Houston Rocket McDaniels erupted for 37 points, including the game-tying basket to forge overtime, on top of 13 rebounds, six blocks, five assists and three steals to spearhead the unbeaten KaTropa’s gallant stand.

With anticipated support from Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario and new gunner Mike DiGregorio from Blackwater, that same all-around performance from McDaniels is expected to be on full display anew as the KaTropa plunge into action against the determined Road Warriors who are looking to pull a surprise against the No.1 team.

Sports scribes hold collegiate press summit

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GLIMPSE of the country’s future in sportswriting was on display as budding journalists from top universities and colleges got to taste sports coverage firsthand in the Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Sportswriting Summit at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Campus writers from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) schools Letran and College of Saint Benilde together with their University Athletic Association of the Philippines counterparts from Adamson University, National University, Ateneo, University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines were in attendance in the organization’s first basketball sportswriting clinic capped by a contest.

Young Achievers International School in Las Piñas also sent high-school representatives who served as the youngest participants in the event organized by the Collegiate Press Corps in partnership with Chooks-toGo and the UAAP in a mission to help promising talent kick-start their sportswriting dreams.

The BusinessMirror Sports Editor Jun Lomibao and Rappler Sports Editor Jasmine Payo served as speakers in the summit organized by print and online scribes covering the collegiate leagues. Seasoned editor and mentor Lomibao, who also serves as PhilCycling’s director for Road and Track, tackled the basics of sportswriting.

Payo, the award-winning journalist from Philippine Daily Inquirer prior to her ascent as editor of Rappler, then delved into the nitty-gritty of collegiate beat coverage.

The participants were then tested as they covered a thrilling match between University of the Philippines and National University, and wrote their respective stories about the match.

In the end, three writers shone brightest led by Jillian Nicole Velasco from UP’s Tinig ng Plaridel who was hailed as champion after a thorough deliberation by a panel made up of Payo, Manila Bulletin’s Kristel Satumbaga-Villar, Inquirer.net’s Bong Lozada, ABS-CBN News’ Camille Naredo and Philippine Star’s John Bryan Ulanday.

Grueling PVL semifinals up

ESPEJO, CIGNAL BAG ‘SPIKERS’ TITLE

REMIUM will be on stamina as Creamline, Petro Gazz, BanKo-Perlas and Motolite brace for back-breaking back-to-back weekend semifinal games in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan starting on Saturday.

But while the top-seeded Creamline is expected to reassert its mastery over the No. 4 Motolite, whom it dominated twice on its way to complete a record sweep of the double-round elims, the Petro Gazz-BanKo-Perlas duel remains a toss-up after the two teams split their elims matches.

The Perlas Spikers clobbered the Angels in four in the first round but the latter got back at the former in the next, fashioning out a three-game sweep en route to claiming the No. 2

ARCK ESPEJO unloaded a 33-kill game and finished with a new record 43 points as Cignal HD repulsed Go for Gold-Air Force, 21-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-16, 15-6, to capture the 2019 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference crown at Paco Arena in Manila last Tuesday.

The power-hitting Espejo added eight hits and two kill blocks, and capped his solid performance with 22 excellent receptions and eight digs as the HD Spikers foiled the Jet Spikers for the second straight time to complete a sweep of their best-of-three series.

Cignal also needed five sets before subduing Air Force, 25-18, 22-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-11, in Game One. Espejo, who went on to bag the Finals MVP honors, shattered the previous best of 41 points posted by Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Howard Mojica

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ranking in the Final Four.

Despite the absence of top spiker Alyssa Valdez and playmaker Jia Morado, the Cool Smashers continued to dish out one big game after another to move four victories away from completing a grand sweep of the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision.

But Motolite vows to put up one, or two big fights, to spoil the Cool Smashers’ record drive behind the likes of Myla Pablo, Tots Carlos, Aie Gannaban, Isa Molde, Jessma Ramos, Genn Layug, and skipper and setter Iris Tolenada, who will go up again against a powerhouse Creamline cast made up of Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Pau Soriano, Rosemarie Vargas, Celine Domingo and playmaker Kyle Negrito. Ryniel Berlanga

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against Ateneo on August 19, 2015.

Like in the series’ opener, the HD Spikers rallied from 1-2 set down behind the four-time league MVP Espejo, who unloaded five hits to key a decisive 9-3 run that gave Cignal a six-point advantage midway through the decider.

But a Rikko Marmeto hit coupled with an Espejo attack error pulled the Jet Spikers to within four although the Ateneo ace took over again and fired away all but one of the team’s closing six points to seal the victory.

“We’re so happy and we can’t believe we emerged as champs since we lost so many players before the tournament. But we thank the Lord for giving this [championship] to us,” said Cignal Head Coach Dexter Clamor.

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Friday, October 25, 2019

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SEAG polo action in Calatagan on livestreaming

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HE Philippine National Federation of Polo Players (PNFPP) will go hi-tech to complement its world-class venue for the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games which the country is going to host starting next month.

Participants, officials and special guests, including royalties and top government officials of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, will enjoy free Wi-Fi during the polo competition which will be held at the Miguel Romero Field in Calatagan, Batangas.

Matches will also be shown live via streaming— thanks to PNFPP’s partnership PLDT and Smart WiFi. “World-class venue like ours needs excellent communication and we’re happy PLDT-Smart is helping us,” said House Deputy Speaker and PNFPP founding Director Mikee Romero (1-Pacman partylist). “PLDT-Smart will provide the Miguel Romero field with high-speed connectivity and I am certain everything will go on.”“For some polo players and officials, it’s going to be business as usual for them.

They don’t have to worry about their businesses back home because they can communicate through the help of PLDT,” added Romero.

The agreement to install free Wi-Fi at the Miguel Romero Field was signed just recently by Romero and top PLDT-Smart officials, led by its Chief Revenue Officer and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio and Jovy Hernandez, who is ePLDT president and senior vice president of PLDT. Also present during the signing of agreement were AirAsia executive Erick Arejola and competition manager Camila Lastrilla.

Some matches will also be played at the Iñigo Zobel Field also in Calatagan.

The biennial event is officially penciled from November 30 to Decemver 11 but the polo

DEPUTY House Speaker and Philippine National Federation of Polo Players founding Director Mikee Romero (third from right) and PLDT Chief Revenue Official Al Panlilio seal the agreement of installing free Wi-Fi at the Miguel Romero Field during the 30th Southeast Asian Games with a handshake. Also shown are (from left) ePLDT President Jovy Hernandez, AirAsia executive Erick Arejola and polo competition manager Camila Lastrilla.

competition starts on November 24 with more than 200 prized horses arriving.

Romero and the other members of the national polo team—Gus Aguirre, Tommy Bitong, Jay de Jesus, Jam Eusebio, Anthony Filamor, Coco Garcia, Santi Juban, Ed Lopez, Marty Romualdez, Tonio Veloso and Noel Vecimal—are leaving for Argentina, Australia and the United States next week to undergo intensive training under famed Argentine and American players.

Those training in Buenos Aires are de Jesus, Eusebio, Garcia, Lopez, Veloso and Romero with

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OTTIE ARDINA and Clariss Guce fumbled with a pair of two-over 73s while Bianca Pagdanganan hobbled with a 74 as the Filipina aces groped for form at the start of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Q-Series paced by Kim Kaufman of the US with a solid 65 at Pinehurst, North Carolina, on Wednesday.

Ardina, hard-pressed to keep her card after a season-long struggle on the LPGA Tour, hit just one birdie against three bogeys at Pinehurst No. 6 to drop to joint 34th with 19 others, including Guce, who also made three bogeys against a lone birdie on No. 15.

Pagdanganan, on the other hand, failed to recover from a backside one-over 36 with a double-bogey on the par-4 No. 8 to fall to joint 66th with a three-over card.

But Kaufman made it look easy, shooting six birdies to finish with a bogey-free 34-31 for a two-stroke lead over compatriots Lauren Coughlin and Brianna Do. Though the final phase of the elims leading to dream LPGA stints is set over eight rounds, the three Pinays need to rebound quick to get back into the mix with the rest of the elite 98-player cast out to fuel their respective bids in the next five days.

Only the top 80 plus ties after six rounds will advance to the last 36 holes with the top 45 and ties to receive Category 14 membership on the LPGA Tour Priority List for 2020.

MINDANAO CUP Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte

is the special guest at the welcome dinner for the First Mindanao Cup organized by the Football Associations in Mindanao and Negros Occidental Football Association that gathered more than 200 boys aged 11 to 12 years old from 16 teams. Duterte urges support for the “beautiful game” which he says suits the Filipinos’ physical gifts. NOFA President Ricky Yanson pays tribute to the Mindanaoan athletes and football community who are “passionate about the sport in the midst of challenges.” The Mindanao Cup is an extension of the highly successful NOFA Cup which seeks to develop and scout young footballers for possible inclusion in the national teams.

5-goaler and one of Asia’s best Anthony Garcia as coach and Lope Juban as team manager.

“We intend to win the two gold medals at stake in our sport so we need to train as hard as we can in order to help the country win the overall championship,” added Romero, who at one time was the godfather of amateur basketball, shooting and cycling.

Lastrilla added that preparations are going steady and both fields are almost ready for the SEA Games.

“The pavilion is going through some finishing touches,” Lastrilla said.

ARDINA

Filipinas struggle in LPGA Q-Series

MERICAN Brett Munson bucked the heat and matched Micah Shin’s record 64 in virtually the same fashion as he stormed ahead by three over a late-charging local pair of Juvic Pagunsan and Jhonnel Ababa halfway through the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Summit Point World 18 Challenge in Lipa City on Wednesday.

As erstwhile leader Shin turned from flawless to flawed in a late tee start and bombed out with a 74, Munson brandished a superb all-around game and took command with his own version of an eight-under card in morning play that featured two back-to-back birdie feats and a three-birdie binge inside 16 feet for a pair of 32s and a 12-under 132.

Counting his opening 68, the 33-year-old ace from Maryland, who has been campaigning in various circuits in the region the last few years that netted him two victories, the last in Malaysia in 2017, moved 36 holes away from nailing a first championship on the Philippine Golf Tour(PGT) Asia in two years.

“I putted well and that’s the key,” said Munson, also out to redeem himself from a tied 35th finish in Aboitiz Invitational at Wack Wack last month and a joint 25th place effort in the CAT Open at Luisita last week.

“The course is really good and the weather just fine. I’m used to playing in this condition because I’ve competed in many tropical countries in Asia. So I can easily adjust,” said Munson, who once reached No. 446 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

But he will be as much tested in the last two days as Pagunsan and Ababa, who stood at 135, with the former barely missing setting a new course record with a flubbed birdie putt from close range in his finishing hole on No. 9. He ended up shooting the third 64, also in bogey-free fashion, in the $100,000 event closing out the third season of the circuit put up by ICTSI. Holder of a record four-title romp in row in the PGT in June and August and winner of PGT Asia Riviera last March, Pagunsan came out smoking after a mediocre opening 71, hitting three birdies at the back then scorching the frontside with five birdies, highlighted by four straight from No. 2.

He had looked forward to capping his big charge with a birdie on the par-5 ninth but his last putt from 4 feet lipped the cup. He reluctantly tapped in for par then threw the ball into the big pond guarding the ninth and 18th holes.

Ababa, recalling the form that made him the winningest player on Asia’s emerging circuit with four victories, used solid iron play to get back into contention, coming through with nine birdies, the longest from 13 feet, to negate a couple of missed green bogeys.

“Despite my two miscues, everything

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AMERICAN UP FRONT

went well,” said Ababa, the only back-to-back PGTA winner at Eagle Ridge and Pradera Verde and the first to retain a PGTA crown at Pradera.

Aussie Damien Jordan checked as rollercoaster frontside finish with a birdie on the ninth to card a 67 and catch Keanu Jahns, who shot a 69, at fourth at 136 while Tony Lascuña also made his move with a solid 67 to join Englishman George Twyman, who rallied with a 67, and Rufino Bayron at 137, five strokes behind Munson.

Bayron actually missed joining Pagunsan and Ababa at second with two bogeys in the last three holes, finishing with an eagle-aided 69 while

defending champion Joenard Rates recovered from a disastrous three-bogey miscue after eight holes with a run of birdies, saving a 70 to join a big group of 138 scorers at eighth, including American Sam Gillis (70), reigning Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla (71), Thai Kammalas Namuangruk (70), Japanese Yuta Sudo (69) and Shin, who after a spotless 64 Wednesday, hobbled with two double bogeys and three bogeys against five birdies for a 38-36.

Fifty-one out of the starting 102-player field made the cut at a low one-under 143 that underscored the highly competitive play in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and backed by PLDT Enterprise, Meralco, BDO and PGT Asia official apparel Pin High.

They include Thai Puk Pradittan (71), Lao PDR Bebe Bouahom (74), Mhark Fernando (69), Japanese Rio Mori (76), Teodoro Osabel (74) and recent PGTA Aboitiz Invitational winner Tarik Can of the US (72).

Missing the cut were American Josh Salah (72-144), former PGT Asia leg winner Jay Bayron (71-145), Taiwanese Yang Fei Hao (76-145), Daan PGA of Taiwan leg winner Wisut Artjanawat of Thailand (71-146) pro-am winner Arnold Villacencio (70-148), reigning PGT Order of Merit champion Jobim Carlos (72-152).

BRETT MUNSON storms ahead by three strokes halfway through the tournament.

Test event at NCC to gauge athletics team’s readiness

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HE athletics test event on Saturday and Sunday at the New Clark City is expected to show the Filipino bets’ readiness and feel for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

A 72-member athletics’ team will test its mettle against entries from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam in the 20,000-seat New Clark City Athletics’ Stadium inside the sprawling 9,500-hectare NCC sports complex in Capas, Tarlac.

“During the test games, I expect our athletes to be smart enough to get a good feel of their opponents’ real worth and how much more they have to do during the actual SEA Games,” Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association President Philip Juico said.

Twenty-four of the total 48 athletics’ events in the SEA Games will be played in the test events, each having 15 participants to ensure competitiveness.

Of the 46 golds in the SEAG, the Philippine athletics’ contingent will aspire for 13 golds.

“I used the word aspiring, not targeting, because that is what we have inculcated in our athletes’ minds from the time we form the national training pool and the moment they started training,” Juico said.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez said the test event will give the Filipino athletes additional boost and exposure before the actual SEA Games competitions.

“Our athletes need all the exposures they could get to take the pressures off them. It’s part of the process to make them familiar with the competition.

That’s why the PSC has been supportive of their foreign stints and training,” Ramirez said.

Leading the charge for the hosts is pole-vaulter Ernest John Obiena, the Philippines’s first-ever qualifier to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on the strength of his gold-medal winning 5.81-meter leap in a Chiari, Italy, tournament last September 3.

High hopes are also pinned on Fil-Am bets Kristina Knott and Zion Corrales-Nelson, who are expected to crowd Vietnamese champion Le Thunh Chinh for the 100-meter (11.56) and 200-meter dash (23.32) crowns.

Knott, who is preparing in the United States, already has a better time of 11.42 seconds during the Asian Grand Prix’s 100-meter event, and 23.62 seconds in the Philippine National Open 200 meters.

Corrales-Nelson also bettered the SEAG mark with a good time of 11.41 seconds in a

US NCAA meet early this year.

Joining them in the men’s division are sprinters Eric Cray and Anfernee Lopena in the 100-meter dash, alongside Michael del Prado and Jayme Sequito (400-meters), Carter Lilly and Marco Vilog (800-m), Mariano Masano and Said Guermali (1500-m), Clinton Bautista and Alvin Vergel (100-meter hurdles) and Francis Medina (400-m hurdles).

In the 100-meter relays are Cray, Bautista, Yuher Go, Jomar Udtohan and Vince Buhayan, while Sequito is in the 400-meter relays with del Prado, Udtohan, Edgardo Alejan, Frederick Ramirez and Reymond Alferos.

In the women’s division are Kayla Richardson (400-m), Marisol Amargo (800-m), Melissa Escoton and Jely Paraguile (100-m hurdles), along with Robyn Brown, Bernalyn Bejoy(400-m hurdles), Joida Gagnao (3000-meter steeplechase) and pole vaulters Alyanna Nicolas and Natalie Uy. The team of Nelson, Knott, Kayla and Kyla Richardson are in the 100-meter relay team, with Eloisa Luzon and Escoton. Jessel Lumapas and Maureen Schrijvers are part of the 400-meter relay squad.

CLASH OF WILL IN N.G.A.P. REGIONALS

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EAN RAMOS sets out for an early clash of power and will as he slugs it out with Paolo Barro and Ak MD Syakir Bin Pg Ali of Brunei Darussalam while Josh Jorge clashes with Jonar Austria and Coby Rolida at the start of the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) Northern Luzon Regional Golf Championship on Thursday at Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac.

Recent Cangolf Am Open champion Dan Cruz also drew another bet from Brunei Awang Aritz Maldini Bin Majid while Andres Lorenzo, Aldo Barro and Zul Helmi Bin HJ Rosli tangle in two of the other featured flights in the early going of the 54-hole tournament organized and conducted by the NGAP. Others tipped to crowd Ramos and Jorge, who finished 1-2 in last year’s staging of the annual event at Beverly Place Golf Club in Pampanga, in the premier men’s Elite Am division are Rodolfo Brobio, Joachim Yu and Korean Lim Gyu Hyun, and Gus Pacheco, Joaquin Gomez and Tae Won Ha, also from Korea.

Keen competition is also seen in the Elite women’s side of the tournament sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, Cignal and Metro Pacific Investments and serving as part of PLDT Group National Amateur Tour with Korean Kim Seo Yun facing formidable challenge in her backto-back title campaign against local aces Kayla Nocum, Laurea Duque, Sophia Blanco and Rianne Malixi, winner of the Philippine Junior Amateur Open and the Phl Amateur Open Match Play crowns this year.

Other titles to be disputed this week are the Group I (Hcp 7-12) and Group II (Hcp 13-above).

More than a second straight championship, Ramos is using the tournament to familiarize himself more with the tight, challenging Luisita layout which host the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games where he is one of the members of the national men’s team.

Other mainstays are Aidric Chan, Carl Corpos and reigning Indonesian Amateur Open titlist Luis Castro.

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Friday, October 25, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

HAMILTON: MEXICO’S NOT FOR ME

By Jim Vertuno

The Associated Press

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EXICO CITY—For a place that has twice crowned him Formula One (F1) champion, Mexico City has not been particularly kind to Lewis Hamilton.

The massive crowds adore him and he’s spun his Mercedes through the twisting curves on the stadium course to earn a place among F1’s greatest drivers.

He just struggles to win here.

Hamilton has just one victory in four years at the Mexican Grand Prix and the last two races were among his worst outings in two title-winning seasons for Mercedes. He finished ninth in 2017, and fourth in 2018 as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen raced away with victories.

Both of those results were good enough for Hamilton to limp across the finish line as the season champion. He got to parade with the Union Jack flag and pop champagne, but the celebrations missed the extra spice and thrill of a race victory.

It could happen again.

Hamilton will start Sunday in firm command of the season championship with a 64-point lead on teammate Valtteri Bottas and just four races left. It would take a stunning collapse over the back end of the season for Hamilton not to win a historic sixth career championship and fifth in six years. That would put the British driver in sole possession of second place in F1 history and one shy of the record seven held by Germany’s Michael Schumacher.

But those past struggles leave Hamilton downplaying his chances of closing out the championship in Mexico City.

“I don’t anticipate it will be Mexico,” Hamilton said, adding his poor outings the last two years here have been “pretty shocking.”

“Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up, and it’s going to be a tough one for us,” he said.

Mexico City’s thin air at 7,400 feet and the long straight out of the starting grid at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez have favored Red Bull and Ferrari the last two years. And given Ferrari’s power surge and three victories since the summer break, Hamilton points to the Italian team as the favorite Sunday.

Hamilton has just one win since the summer in last five races, a considerable drought for him.

“I’m hoping for a better weekend but I think it’s going to be very hard to beat the Ferraris with those long straights,” Hamilton said.

Ferrari will take the favorite’s role and run with it.

“We arrive in Mexico determined to win,” Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto said. “We will be aiming for our sixth consecutive pole, before looking to convert that into a victory.”

Hamilton’s lone win here came in 2016, when he was in a desperate hunt to catch teammate Nico Rosberg in the championship. He rallied to push the title chase to the final race in Abu Dhabi, where Hamilton won and Rosberg won the championship.

Mercedes once again has the only two drivers who can win the championship, but none of the garage tension and turmoil between Hamilton and Rosberg that split the team in 2015 and 2016.

Bottas has three victories, including two weeks ago in Japan. He won two of the first four races of the season, before a midseason slump raised questions whether he would even be retained by Mercedes in 2020. Those ended when the Finnish driver finally got a contract extension in August.

There are multiple results combinations that could clinch Hamilton’s championship Sunday if he finishes on the podium and 14 points ahead of Bottas. But any result with Hamilton fourth or lower automatically pushes the championship to next week’s US Grand Prix in Texas. Hamilton clinched the title there in 2015.

“Everything’s possible,” Bottas said.

“Although I’m realistic as well that I will need to be very lucky, that’s a fact, to win all the rest of the races.”

Always a festive atmosphere with some of the biggest crowds of the F1 season, the Mexican Grand Prix will race with a sense of relief. The race had been in danger of ending this year at the end of its original fiveyear contract.

The federal government is ending its large financial subsidies. New investment from Mexico City business leaders and the local government will keep it on the F1 calendar through 2022.

The race will be the Mexico City Grand Prix starting next year.

NFL hands yellow flag to players on internal dissent over officiating

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HE National Football League (NFL) threw yellow flags on Rams linebacker Clay Matthews, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and Lions safety Tracy Walker, fining each $12,500 for criticizing officials.

Matthews was disciplined for a tweet he posted after the Lions lost to his former team, the Packers, whom the NFL acknowledged benefited from an erroneous call that helped Green Bay in Week 6.

Walker was punished for comments he made after that same game in which he disputed as “an awful call” a personal foul penalty after diving for the football and making inadvertent helmet-to-helmet contact with Packers receiver Geronimo Allison.

Mayfield was fined for critical comments he made about the officiating after Cleveland’s 32-28 loss to Seattle in Week 6 when he said, “I’ll probably get fined for saying this, but it was pretty bad today.”

Matthews had the harshest comments of the three, tweeting about what he considers the officials’“inability to make the accurate and correct calls” and how the NFL’s head of officiating, Al Riveron, “continues to blindly side with his refs and the current status quo.”

The denouncements came not long after the NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams reminding them that the league prohibits criticism of officiating, including posting “negative or derogatory/demeaning content pertaining to officiating on social media.”

While the league tamped down on its internal decent, NBC analyst Tony Dungy said players and coaches actually share in the blame for the flurry of flags because there’s an insufficient focus on fundamentals as teams instead spotlight X’s and O’s and their schemes.

As a coach, Dungy emphasized

eliminating pre-snap penalties and post-whistle fouls, which he called “half the battle. Now we work on the fundamentals and doing things the right way so we can cut down as much as we can the penalties that are called during the action.”

As Dungy recently tweeted, “You don’t see Patriots with huge penalty numbers. Coaching matters.”

Longtime NFL writer Rick Gosselin noted recently that NFL games so far are averaging about 15 penalties for 125 yards a game, up from about a dozen flags for 97 yards a decade ago, and he added, “The more the flags, the worse the game.”

And the louder the criticism.

There’s another dynamic at work with the league’s officiating crews also facing scrutiny from their former colleagues as TV networks hire away the most seasoned officials to serve as rules analysts and help make sense of all the yellow flags flying around.

It’s a double whammy.

Losing the likes of Mike Pereira, Dean Blandino, John Parry, Terry McAulay and Gene Steratore to the broadcast booth had produced a brain drain from the ranks of NFL officials.

“There is no question about that, none whatsoever,” said Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian. “I mean, you’re talking about this year alone, Terry McAulay, John Parry, Gene Steratore, I mean, they’d be in the top 5 in any given year that they worked. And they’re referees on top of that, so they know all the rules, they know all the interpretations; they understand what goes on at virtually every position. And then Ed Hochuli’s retirement, you lose him and the three others, that’s four of your top 5 referees by anybody’s standard.”

Their departures also leave a pool of officials lighter on experience to face what amounts to constant performance evaluations from their ex-cohorts as they enforce an everchanging rule book.

The league’s loss, however, is the game’s gain, suggested Polian. AP

THE National Football League sends a memo to all 32 teams reminding them that the league prohibits criticism of officiating, including posting “negative or derogatory/ demeaning content pertaining to officiating on social media.” AP

MERCEDES’S Lewis Hamilton waves on the podium after finishing third in the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit earlier this month. AP

HORSES’ WELFARE TOPS DOWN UNDER

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RISBANE—The government of Australia’s Queensland state has ordered an inquiry into the treatment of retired racehorses after a series of media reports which showed cruel practices at an abattoir.

The announcement comes after the Australian Broadcasting Corp. aired reports showing hidden camera footage of ex-racehorses being kicked, dragged, shocked and slaughtered at a regional abattoir in the northeastern state.

The Queensland government says the inquiry will investigate regulatory and oversight arrangements for the management of retired racehorses and for the operation of facilities accepting horses for slaughter.

“It is a necessary inquiry to provide Queenslanders with confidence that the racing industry is doing everything possible to ensure the welfare of horses,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Tuesday. “Animal welfare is everybody’s responsibility and my government will not stand for cruelty to animals.”

The inquiry will be led by a retired judge with support from the Australian Veterinary Association and oversight from the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.

McKinzie, meanwhile, heads a field of 11 horses, including mare Elate against males, for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, with trainer Bob Baffert going for a fourth victory in the $6-million race that includes Preakness winner War of Will. The Classic won’t have Kentucky Derby winner Country House or Belmont winner Sir Winston.

The Classic outcome could influence Horse of the Year, which it has done 13 times before, when the winner has gone on to earn year-end honors. The 1 1/4-mile race pits West Coast star McKinzie and Code of Honor, the East’s top horse who finished second in the Kentucky Derby.

The Classic field was among a total of 187 horses pre-entered Wednesday for the $30 million, 14-race world championships at Santa Anita on November 1 and 2. The November 2 race will be shown live in prime time on NBC. The track is hosting the richest two days in North American racing for a record 10th time.

It has been the site of 34 horse deaths since December 26, most recently last weekend during a lower-level race. The spate of deaths and ensuing criticism, including from Gov. Gavin Newsom and United States Sen. Dianne Feinstein, as well as animal rights activists, prompted track owner The Stronach Group to institute a host of rules changes involving medication, training and whips. AP MCKINZIE, shown here ridden by jockey Mike Smith, heads a field of 11 horses for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. AP

From age to age, oh God

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EAR God, You have been our hope. In company with Saint Vincent, we pray: Favor the work of our hands and minds, oh God. Prosper the work of Catholic and other service agencies especially generous individuals that serve the needy. Give patience and love to those who care for elders, the sick, the youth at risk and the young. Inspire church architects, sculptors and artists of sacred works. May God who blessed Saint Vincent with a love for the poor, inspire us in ways of self-giving, humble love. Amen.

GIVE US THIS DAY SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • lifestylebusinessmirror@gmail.com

Life BusinessMirror

GAB FAB: THE BARRETTO SISTERS ARE AT IT AGAIN D4

Friday, October 25, 2019

MOST WITCHES ARE WOMEN...

BECAUSE WITCH HUNTS WERE ALL ABOUT PERSECUTING THE POWERLESS

By BriDGet MarSHall University of Massachusetts Lowell

‘W

ITCH hunt”—it’s a refrain used to deride everything from impeachment inquiries and sexual assault investigations to allegations of corruption.

When powerful men cry witch, they’re generally not talking about green-faced women wearing pointy hats. They are, presumably, referring to the Salem witch trials, when 19 people in 17th-century Massachusetts were executed on charges of witchcraft.

Using witch hunt to decry purportedly baseless allegations, however, reflects a misunderstanding of American history. Witch trials didn’t target the powerful. They persecuted society’s most marginal members—particularly women.

TOO RICH, TOO POOR, TOO FEMALE IN my scholarship on the darker aspects of US culture, I’ve researched and written about numerous witch trials. I teach a college course here in Massachusetts that explores this perennially popular but frequently misinterpreted period in New England history.

Perhaps, the most salient point about witch trials, students quickly come to see, is gender.

In Salem, 14 of the 19 people found guilty of and executed for witchcraft during that cataclysmic year of 1692 were women. Across New England, where witch trials occurred somewhat regularly from 1638 until 1725, women vastly outnumbered men in the ranks of the accused and executed.

According to author Carol F. Karlsen’s The Devil in the Shape of a Woman, 78 percent of 344 alleged witches in New England were female.

And even when men faced allegations of witchcraft, it was typically because they were

somehow associated with accused women. As historian John Demos has established, the few Puritan men tried for witchcraft were mostly the husbands or brothers of alleged female witches.

Women held a precarious, mostly powerless position within the deeply religious Puritan community.

The Puritans thought women should have babies, raise children, manage household life and model Christian subservience to their husbands.

Recalling Eve and her sinful apple, Puritans also believed that women were more likely to be tempted by the Devil.

POWERLESS PEOPLE AS magistrates, judges and clergy, men enforced the rules of this early American society.

When women stepped outside their prescribed roles, they became targets. Too much wealth might reflect sinful gains. Too little money demonstrated bad character. Too many children could indicate a deal with a devil. Having too few children was suspicious, too.

Mary Webster of Hadley, Massachusetts, was married without children and relied on neighborly charity to survive. Apparently, Webster was not meek and grateful enough for the alms she received: She developed a reputation for being unpleasant.

Webster’s neighbors accused her of witchcraft in 1683, when she was around 60 years old, claiming she worked with the devil to bewitch local livestock. Boston’s Court of Assistants, which presided over cases of witchcraft, declared her not guilty.

Then, a few months after the verdict, one of Webster’s upstanding neighbors, Philip Smith, fell ill. Distraught residents blamed Webster and attempted to hang her, supposedly to relieve Smith’s torments.

Smith died anyway. Webster, however,

survived the attempted execution—much to the terror of her neighbors, I imagine.

The accused witch Mary Bliss Parsons, of Northampton, Massachusetts, was the opposite of Webster. She was the wife of the wealthiest man in town and the mother of nine healthy children.

But neighbors found Parsons to be a “woman of forcible speech and domineering ways,” historian James Russell Trumbull wrote in his 1898 history of Northampton. In 1674 she was charged with witchcraft.

Parsons, too, was acquitted. Eventually, continuing witchcraft rumors forced the Parsons family to resettle in Boston.

STAY IN LINE, WOMAN PRIOR to Salem, most witchcraft trials in New England resulted in acquittal. According to Demos, of the 93 documented witch trials that happened before Salem, 16 “witches” were executed.

But the accused rarely went unpunished.

In his 2005 book Escaping Salem, Richard Godbeer examines the case of two Connecticut women—Elizabeth Clawson of Stamford and Mercy Disborough of Fairfield—accused of bewitching a servant girl named Kate Branch.

Both women were “confident and determined, ready to express their opinions and to stand their ground when crossed.” Clawson was found not guilty after spending five months in jail.

Disborough remained imprisoned for almost a year until she was acquitted.

Both had to pay the fines and fees related to their imprisonment.

WOMAN VS. WOMAN MOST Puritans who claimed to be victims of witchcraft were also female.

In the famed Salem witch trials, the people “afflicted” by an unexplained “distemper” in 1692

were all teenaged girls.

Initially, two girls from the Reverend Samuel Parris’s household claimed they were being bitten, pinched and pricked by invisible specters.

Soon other girls reported similar feelings. Some threw fits, crying out that they saw terrifying specters.

Some have suggested that the girls were faking their symptoms. In a 1700 book, Boston merchant and historian Robert Calef called them “vile varlets.”

Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible also casts one of the Salem girls as the villain. His play depicts Abigail—who was, in real life, a girl of 11—as a manipulative 16-year-old carrying on an affair with a married man. To get his wife out of the way, Abigail makes witchcraft accusations.

Nothing in the historical record suggests an affair. But Miller’s play is so widely staged that countless Americans know only this version of events.

SYSTEMATIC OPPRESSION OTHER Salem stories blame Tituba, an enslaved woman in the household of the Reverend Samuel Parris, for teaching witchcraft to the local girls.

Tituba confessed to “signing the devil’s book” in 1692, confirming Puritans’ worst fears that the devil was actively recruiting.

But given her position as an enslaved person and a woman of color, it’s almost certain that Tituba’s confession was coerced.

This is why witch trials weren’t just about accusations that today seem baseless. They were also about a justice system that escalated local grievances to capital offenses and targeted a subjugated minority.

Women were both the victims and the accused in this terrible American history, casualties of a society created and controlled by powerful men. n

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Friday, October 25, 2019

Relationships BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ciara, 34; Katy Perry, 35; Josh Henderson, 38; Persia White, 47.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: An innovative approach to life, love and happiness will bring the best results. Pour your energy into your beliefs, the things you enjoy doing most and the people you love being around. Regain the steady pace that makes you feel comfortable as you take on new projects and bring about positive changes that encourage a better future and personal growth.

Your lucky numbers are 3, 11, 18, 26, 30, 34, 47.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take a serious look at how you earn your living. Whether it’s an allowance or a high-paying job that controls your sustenance, consider what you can do to ease stress and bring you more cash, as well as joy and satisfaction. HHH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Make a beeline for the goal. Take care of business; you’ll feel good about what you accomplish.

You have plenty to gain if you ask experts and set your priorities straight. HHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t labor over the things you cannot change. Focus on what you can do and the best way to go about it. Putting your time, effort and energy into something you do well will bring the best results. HHH

JOINING broadcast journalist Diego Castro (standing, center) as ambassador and advocate of Hope From Within are Tetit Melendres-Aristan, stage 4 lung cancer patient (left, seated); Fr. Jerry Orbos, lung cancer survivor (second from left, standing); and Dr. Meredith Garcia, oncologist and advocate for new cancer treatments (right, seated). With them are (from left, seated) MSD’s Josie Downey and Dr. Beaver Tamesis; Dr. Cecilia Llave of the Philippine Society of Oncologists and the Cancer Prevention Network of the Philippines. Also at the event are (from left, standing) Karen Villanueva of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations; Dr. Nelia Tan-Liu of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lung Center of the Philippines; and Dr. Herdee Luna of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology.

In ‘Voices of Hope,’ lung cancer patients share stories of struggle and survival

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By Pauline Joy M. Gutierrez

ATHER Jerry Orbos always takes note of important dates, like birthdays and anniversaries. February 2018, in particular, was a pretty memorable one for him; it was when he heard these words: “You have cancer.”

First, there was confusion, as it was entirely by coincidence that he found out about having the “Big C.” “An accident made me go for a checkup,” he said. “I had a computed tomography [CT] scan. I don’t know why I told the doctor, ‘Check my lungs, as well.’ Then, there it was, this white spot on the left upper lobe.”

Later on, Orbos found out that his cancer was still in Stage 2, and like all cancers, diagnosis at this stage still meant a fair chance at survival.

Tetit Melendres-Aristan wasn’t so lucky—she found out about her cancer when it has already metastasized, or spread, beyond the lungs and into other areas of her body. She was in Stage 4.

“It was as if a huge rock fell on me,” Aristan said. “I was not even a smoker.”

Aristan recalled how her symptoms started—a cough that wouldn’t go away, which she quickly dismissed as seasonal allergic rhinitis. When her prescribed medications didn’t work, she went to see a pulmonologist, who told her it was asthma. It was only after she went for a third opinion that she finally got a correct diagnosis.

Orbos and Aristan were just two of the lung cancer advocates and ambassadors who shared stories of hope and how they coped with the stages of grief brought by the disease, during recent talk at Diamond Hotel in Manila.

The event, titled “Voices of Hope: Winning vs.

Lung Cancer,” also involved panel discussions moderated by pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD) Philippines’s Hope From Within ambassador and journalist Diego Castro and oncologist Dr. Herdee Luna.

Through the discussions, they touched on the early signs of lung cancer, recommendations for early screening, new treatment options and their potential benefits to prognosis, as well as the physician’s roles in the diagnosis-and-treatment dialogue, posttreatment care, and the various ways to get material support for treatment.

According to the latest available data by the World Health Organization, lung cancer is currently tied with breast cancer at the top rank of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world, with each cancer type comprising 11.6 percent of all diagnoses in 2018.

However, compared to breast cancer, lung cancer is by far more deadly. Lung cancer is responsible for 18.4 percent of all cancer deaths worldwide, while colorectal cancer, which takes the distant second place, is responsible for only 8.2 percent. Breast cancer is at fifth place with 6.6 percent.

In the Philippines, there were 17,255 new cases of lung cancer and 15,454 deaths from the disease in 2018. A report done a year earlier by the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology also cited that 17 million Filipinos are also at risk of developing lung cancer and many other smoking-related diseases.

“One problem in lung cancer is that most of the time, it has an insidious onset,” said Dr. Meredith Garcia, an oncologist. “Most commonly, we find

patients in the later stages. That’s why it is very important for people to know the symptoms so that the earliest one experiences these, the patient will readily consult a doctor.”

Garcia added that people turning to alternative medicine and delaying proper medical attention is part of the problem. “Sometimes it creates a false reassurance that they are getting better, only to find out later the cancer has spread. And then that’s when they come to the oncologist, when it’s difficult to treat already,” she said.

Despite this, lung cancer is treatable, and chemotherapy is not the only way to cure it.

With the advent of new treatment options, many patients with advanced stages of lung malignancy survive past the five-year mark. Through the multistakeholder partnership among government agencies, nongovernment organizations, medical societies and patient advocacy groups, innovative treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, are being made more accessible with the goal to create better supportive care systems for lung cancer patients.

“We knew that medical invention is just one part of the battle. We also had to address barriers in knowledge and put treatment options within reach of more people,” said MSD in a statement.

“As such, ‘Inventing for Life’ also encompasses our efforts to pioneer sustained multistakeholder collaborative action. Advocacies like Hope From Within gives us the platform to continue crucial discussions about the gaps toward successful patient outcomes, and the steps we should take to address them.” n

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Know what you want and go after it. Use your imagination, and you’ll come up with ideas and plans that will attract attention. Personal changes and improvements will spill over into your professional life, as well. Embrace change. HHHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be suspicious of anyone promising too much. Don’t wait until it’s too late to back out of something you aren’t sure you want to be associated with. Trust your instincts, not what someone else tells you. HH

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change will do you good. Travel, meetings, educational pursuits and connecting with people who interest you should be priorities. Information you receive about your family history will surprise you. Love is in the stars. HHHHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What you accomplish will make a difference, as long as you don’t go above someone’s head or cause a ruckus. A steady pace will help you get things done right the first time and avoid someone’s negativity, complaints and criticism. HHH

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Share your thoughts, feelings and intentions.

Network with people who motivate you to be more creative. Put your heart into the relationships you cherish. Look into alternative lifestyles that offer the opportunity to expand your knowledge and gain experience. HHH

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Get active. Exercise will help alleviate stress and anxiety caused by confusion and mixed signals someone is sending you. Don’t make decisions based on things you hear. Keep private matters, passwords and financial information a secret. HHH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sincerity will help you figure out what’s going on and how best to solve problems. A positive attitude will encourage others to pitch in and help. A romantic gesture will help build a strong relationship with someone special. HHHHH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be true to yourself. Don’t follow what others do or buy into the hype you read or come across throughout the day. Do what suits you instead of trying to please those who aren’t grateful for the help you offer.

HH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Someone from your past will turn out to be a lifesaver.

Reconnect with people you have enjoyed collaborating with. An interesting proposal will give you something to think about. HHHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are generous, charismatic and possessive.

You are persuasive and outspoken.

‘warm turnovers’ BY PAUL COULTER The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Boys 5 Single piece of information 10 Letter opener: Abbr.

14 “Preach!”

15 Colleague of Clarence and Ruth 16 Take a risk 17 Setting of Wine Country (see letters 4-7) 19 A Black Lady Sketch ___ 20 Thin IHOP order 21 What archers take 23 Craft beer letters 24 Suffix for “velvet” 25 Pile up 29 Showing signs of life 31 Lucasfilm ___ 32 Reward for tanking, in basketball (letters 5-8) 34 Texter’s “however” 36 Forest female 37 Listen here!

38 Got firmer, as muscles 40 Party features with tildes 44 B or Blanc

5 Fox’s prey 4 46 Chitchat 47 They’re Webcast (letters 5-8) 52 Dameron in Star Wars movies 53 Withdraws from nursing 54 “I’m well ___” 55 Morning moisture 56 Sister with a habit 57 List shortener, for short 59 Source of tequila 61 Colorful eye part 63 Low-priority place, and a hint to the starred answers’ indicated letters 67 ___ of the above 68 Dazed and confused 69 Unit of land 70 Nibble to no end 71 Rule the roost 72 Rosary bit DOWN 1 Round Table knight 2 Almond-flavored liqueur 3 Have a need for 4 Suddenly lose it 5 Breaking Bad agency

6 ___ of the above 7 ___ Aviv 8 Anxiety 9 “Pretty please?”

10 Commercials, e.g.

11 Papeete’s island 12 ___ of Capricorn 13 Cory Booker was its mayor 18 Schnitzel base, often 22 Like some Mexican ruins 26 Spacecraft unit 27 On the summit of 28 Jeanne d’Arc, for one: Abbr.

30 Lean cuisine eater of rhyme 33 Carl or Rob 35 Encircle 39 Like flourless cakes 40 Pro-veganism group 41 Performance with many clicks 42 Skin cream ingredient 43 Way to serve kebabs 45 “In what way?”

47 Dominating, in slang 48 Transmitting cell 49 Weird weather cause

0 Obey an eviction notice 5 51 Football great Junior 58 Way up the slope 60 Take quickly 62 Embroider, e.g.

64 2000-2015 CBS hit 65 Frat party staple 66 Put on a blacklist Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

Halloween Calendar

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Friday, October 25, 2019

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

All treats, no tricks A LL set to channel your inner Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, or are the kids going to have all the fun again this Halloween season?

Who says you can’t enjoy both? In and out of the metropolis, here are some of the most exciting and fun events to enjoy with wicked witches, ghostly ghosts, gruesome goblins and more.

CONRAD MANILA THE global hotel brand (www.conradhotels.com) celebrates the Halloween season with fun and exciting activities for guests of all ages with “Thriller Night” at C Lounge on October 25 and “Spooktacular Sunday” at Brasserie on 3 on October 27.

At C Lounge, guests are invited to enjoy a Friday Night Fright dressed in their scariest costumes while indulging in premium Glenrothes Halloween cocktails paired with well-curated appetizers and live music. The guest who wears the best and most creative costume gets a chance to bring home an overnight stay gift voucher courtesy of the hotel.

Thriller Night is on October 25, and is for adults from 18 years of age and above only.

At Brasserie on 3, celebrate with a monster-sized feast and amazing treats with Spooktacular Sunday.

While the family takes pleasure on a filling buffet spread, kids of all ages are invited to come in their favorite costumes and go Trick-or-Treating around the hotel and take part in face painting, fun games and other activities. Spooktacular Sunday is on October 27 and priced at P1,800 per person inclusive of lunch buffet and Trick-or-Treat activities. Children ages six to 12 enjoy 50-percent discount on buffet rate while kids ages five and below dine free when accompanied by paying adult/s.

EASTWOOD RICHMONDE HOTEL THE most-awaited annual family event is just around the corner and this time your beloved doggies can join in the fun, too. Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s (www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph) “Paws-itively Awesome Halloween Kiddie Party,” happening on October 26, will feature a delectable snack buffet with drinks, assorted snack stations, a magic show for the little ones, a Horror House for the kids and the kidsat-heart, games, photo booth and loot bag of goodies.

And to make the occasion even more unfurgettable, some furry friends will show off their talents and skills in an entertaining dog show.

Dress up both kids and doggies in their best Halloween costume for a chance to win gift certificates for hotel accommodations. The party is from 1 to 5 pm (buffet is served at 2 pm), and tickets are priced at P950 net each for both children and adults. Toddlers two years old and below can join for free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Party with friends and colleagues on “All Hallow’s Eve” at Eastwood Café+Bar’s Fang-tastic Halloween Night and take advantage of the buy one, get one offer on local beers, alcopops, and sparkling wines, plus 10-percent off on all the restobar’s revamped à la carte menu selections. Guests also get the chance to win hotel gift certificates when they come in their best vampire-themed costume. The event is on October 31 from 6 to 9 pm.

CRIMSON HOTEL HALLOWEEN doesn’t always have to be spooky; it can be a colorful sea-themed adventure. Crimson Hotel Filinvest City (www.crimsonhotel.com/manila) celebrates Halloween with a festive, colorful and funfilled “Pirates and Mermaids Halloween Party” on October 31, 2 pm, at the Crimson Grand Ballroom.

Come aboard the Crimson ship and embark on a sea adventure while having a festive Halloween with fellow “pirates” and “mermaids.” Three Halloween costume contest category awards will be given to deserving winners of Best in Pirate Costume for a girl and a boy, Best in Mermaid Costume for two girls, and Best in Halloween Costume for a girl and a boy.

Ticket for admission is P1,150 for kids two years old and above, which comes with seat allocation, while kids a year and below may join the party free of charge. Ticket includes a heavy snack buffet with freeflowing iced tea, interactive show in the ballroom, costume contest, Trick-or-Treat, photo booth, fun games, and activities, exciting prizes and giveaways.

The hotel’s Halloween adventures continue with the “Treasure Chest of Feasts” at Café Eight featuring a treasure box full of savory and sweet treats at the Halloween-themed buffet spread. Enjoy this tasty and delectable culinary Halloween journey on October 27 for the brunch buffet, and from October 28 to 31 for the dinner buffet.

RICHMONDE HOTEL ORTIGAS ON October 30, The Exchange of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas (www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph) throws a chilling shindig with bottomless fun. Scary turns into happy with “IT’s Halloween,” a happy hour party with a theme based on a popular horror movie. Get spooked by creepy clown characters while enjoying a drink-all-you-can spree of San Miguel Beer products and featured cocktail drinks, a buffet binge of delectable bar chow and live band music.

This special Halloween Happy Hour is priced at only P798 and is from 6 to 10 pm (bar chow buffet is open until 9 pm only). Live musical entertainment starts at 7:30 pm. All guests also get the chance to win hotel gift certificates in the raffle.

DIAMOND HOTEL JOIN in the Halloween fun with your friends featuring Filipino folklore creatures at “Shake, Rattle and Roll: A Diamond Hotel Halloween Event” on October 27, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Diamond Ballroom and Corniche (www.diamondhotel.com).

Have a cackling-good time in this one-of-a-kind kiddie party with tickets priced at P1,000 per person, inclusive of a take-home snack box of treats and full access to the awesome activities and games bonanza.

What’s more terrifyingly terrific is that you get a chance to win roundtrip airline tickets for two to Singapore via Cebu Pacific at the grand raffle.

Shake up your Halloween thrill with toothsome goodies at the trick-or-treat trail across the hotel.

Rattle your creative juices at the arts-and-crafts booths or roll out a hair-raising transformation at the face painting and glitter tattoo stations. Don’t forget to grab a monstrously delicious bite at the food booths.

Strut in the spotlight in your spookiest and most creative costume for a chance to win spellbinding special prizes. You may also purchase Halloween tickets via onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com.

Diamond Indulgence members are entitled to a P100 discount for a maximum of four tickets.

DISCOVERY SUITES HAVE a real treat this Halloween as Discovery Suites (www.discoverysuites.com) hosts its own “Spooktacular Halloween Staycation” on November 1 and 2.

Spooktacular is set for two afternoons of funfilled kiddie activities. Food Decorating and Lootbag Making are the activities set to happen on November 1, followed by Artwork Crafts and Pumpkin Hunting on November 2. Aside from these, a photo booth plus candies and other exciting treats await all participants.

Special Spooktacular rates start at P5,000 net for Junior Suite Deluxe, with the various room offerings inclusive of two slots/tickets to the Spooktacular Kids’ Halloween Activities on either November 1 or 2, from 3 to 5 pm; breakfast buffet for two at Restaurant 5; high-speed Internet access for unlimited devices; and access to the swimming pool and other amenities. A maximum of two children 12 years old and below may stay with family free of charge using existing bedding.

can be used in any of the hotel’s F&B outlets: PLUM, Garden Room, Patio Bar and Brew Company.

Admission tickets are available for P499 for adults and P599 for kids inclusive of buffet, access to all Halloween rooms, loot bags and more. Prizes for best costumes include overnight stays with free breakfast.

DISCOVERY COUNTRY SUITES IT’S that time of the year for ghost stories, playing dress up and movie marathons. Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay (www.discoverycountrysuites.com) is ready to welcome guests with fun activities and movie night on November 1 to 3. Families can have a relaxing weekend gathered around the garden for a Monster Mash afternoon, take part in Halloween fun and games, and unwind with the bed-and-breakfast’s wine and cheese. End the day enjoying a movie night in the cool breeze of the Tagaytay climate, a bag of popcorn and a glass of monster juice.

Head down to the garden for an afternoon of trick and treats at 4 to 5 pm, then take a break from all the fun activities with a glass of wine and cheese platter to be enjoyed with good company paired with laughter.

LIMA PARK HOTEL TAKE part in a spook-filled celebration filled with toys, games, and exciting prizes at LimaPark Hotel’s “Andy’s Trip to Infinity and Beyond Halloween Party” (www.limaparkhotel.com).

On October 26, from 3 to 5 pm, families are invited to come to the biggest Halloween party in Batangas wearing their freakiest, weirdest and funniest costumes. With High-5 Philippines cast members Alex Reyes and Gerhard Pagunsan, Andy’s Trip to Infinity and Beyond is filled with lots of games and activities, plus spooky-themed rooms for families to enjoy.

Expect hair-raising surprises and go trick-or-treating in all three Halloween rooms: Enchanted Forest, Haunted Hospital and Lost in Wonderland.

Kids are encouraged to bring their preloved toys which they can exchange for discount vouchers that

F1 HOTEL MANILA GET to experience a Halloween celebration like no other at F1 Hotel Manila (www.f1hotelmanila.com).

Encounter otherworldly activities as the hotel invites children of all ages and kids at heart on October 26, from 10 am to 2 pm, to the “Ghostbuster Halloween Party” in partnership with Columbia Pictures Philippines. Party as your own favorite character in the movie at the Infinity Ballroom and get a chance to win prizes in honor of Ghostbusters 35th anniversary.

Celebrate the Halloween season with fun activities for only P1,800 per person.

MARCO POLO ORTIGAS COME with friends to play spooky dress up, and party the weekend away as Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge of Marco Polo Ortigas hosts its annual Halloween bash with the “Black Party” on October 25. The celebration begins at 8 pm. Lots of spellbinding cocktails are up for plenty of toasts as night owls party the night away over stunning views of the Metro.

Dressing up this season has never been this exciting as the Sky Bar is set to award the best-dressed partygoers with special prizes. Entrance fee per person is at P499, and reservations may be made at 02-7720-7720 or bit.ly/ReserveVUs. n

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Show BusinessMirror

Friday, October 25, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Nicki Minaj indicates she’s now a married woman NEW YORK—Nicki Minaj wants you to know she’s now officially Mrs. Petty.

Minaj—who has dated Kenneth Petty for about a year—seems to confirm her marriage with a video on Instagram on Monday that shows off Mr. and Mrs. coffee mugs and bride and groom hats. The rapper also changed her Twitter name to Mrs. Petty. Her caption read: “Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty 10-21-19.”

Minaj’s real name is Onika Tanya Maraj.

She did not offer additional information.

The couple first dated as teenagers and reunited last year. She announced plans over the summer to wed. She has come to his defense after it was revealed Petty has spent time in prison for manslaughter and is a registered sex offender for an attempted rape of a teenager.

This is the first marriage for both. AP

CLAUDINE BARRETTO

CARLO AQUINO and Maine Mendoza give life to the characters of Gali and Mara, whose personal struggles will draw them together... and will also draw them apart.

THE HEART SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS IN ‘ISA PA, WITH FEELINGS’ EACH one of us longs to be heard, literally or figuratively, one way or another. But it is harder for the members of the deaf community all over the world who, despite advances in technology and efforts from government, still face several challenges, according to Robyn Correll’s article “Challenges That Still Exist for the Deaf Community,” published on Verywell Health on June 30. According to the article, among the challenges that still exist for the deaf community is “social isolation,” where they find it hard to communicate with others, even to their families, since not everyone knows how to use sign language. This leads some of them to choose to isolate themselves from others.

This struggle by the deaf community is part of what could be seen in the film Isa Pa, with Feelings, which stars Carlo Aquino and Maine Mendoza under the direction of Prime Cruz. Still showing in local theaters, the movie also begins screening in different countries (www.mytfc.com).

Isa Pa, with Feelings tells the story of Gali (Carlo), a deaf sign language teacher who has a suppressed passion in dancing, meeting Mara (Maine) who is disheartened after failing the architecture licensing exam. They find solace in each other as they both long for someone to hear their hearts’ deepest desires, which unknowingly might also cause them to drift apart. Both Carlo and Maine admitted that it was a challenge portraying their roles in the movie. For Maine’s part, it was hard for her to memorize her lines and at the same time deliver it with the same level of emotion through sign language.

On the other hand, the challenge for Carlo was in making viewers feel his emotions despite delivering his lines through sign language.

Will the voices of Gali and Mara’s hearts prevail, or will the noise of the world drown their hearts’ call?

Isa Pa, with Feelings was written by Jen Chuaunsu and Kookai Labayen, produced by ABS-CBN Film’s Black Sheep and APT Entertainment.

The movie is screening to international audiences on these dates in the following regions: on October 24, in Papua New Guinea; on October 25, in the United States, Canada and Saipan; on October 26, in the United Kingdom and Dublin, Ireland; on October 27, in Milan, Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Torino in Italy, Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, and in Athens, Greece; on October 28, in Cosenza, Italy; on October 31, in the Middle East, Australia and the New Zealand; on November 3, in Oslo, Norway, and Paris, France; on November 7, in Brunei Darussalam; and November 10, in Parma, Italy.

MARJORIE BARRETTO

GRETCHEN BARRETTO

The Barretto sisters are at it again GAB FAB JET VALLE

@jetvalle

T

HE night that Marjorie Barretto spoke on TV Patrol about the estrangement between her and sisters Gretchen and Claudine, I got my ears pierced. I don’t know why. I was in the mall that time, walking aimlessly after buying that one thing I needed for a Halloween costume until I found myself in an accessories shop.

A salesgirl smiled at me and offered services of ear piercing. I mindlessly agreed. Maybe it was God’s way of telling me that shooting pieces of metal into my ear lobe would be more tolerable than seeing Marjorie’s interview.

Besides, there’s www.abs-cbnnews.com and I knew I would be able to catch up on the interview. Boy, was I wrong! That interview was everything. Marjorie spilled the tea on everything, and here’s what she had

to say about the Barretto brouhaha, among others: 1. THE ROYAL RUMBLE IN THE WAKE OF PATRIARCH MIGUEL BARRETTO—Marjorie revealed her niece, Nicole, was the girlfriend of Atong Ang (which he has denied) for five years. Marjorie said it was Gretchen who stole Atong, and it is now common knowledge they are a couple. And, yes, Atong is the man she was referring to as Gretchen’s “powerful boyfriend.”

On Gretchen’s accusation of Marjorie having a nervous breakdown during the wake, she turned the tables around and said that she was the calm one, and that Gretchen was having fits during the wake, even accusing her of attempting to physically attack Nicole.

2. THE REAL FATHER OF MARJORIE’S YOUNGEST DAUGHTER—Marjorie coolly disclosed that Recom Echiverri is the father of her youngest daughter.

She went on to say that Claudine sought financial assistance from the former Caloocan mayor. What kind of help? She didn’t say but instead insisted this was a setup done by Claudine and Gretchen.

3. ON THE ACCUSATION THAT MARJORIE WAS SELLING HER CHILDREN TO RICH BUSINESSMEN—Marjorie vehemently denied this, saying that all her children work their assess off, and that she doesn’t need to be a pimp. She reluctantly agreed the accusations must stem from her inappropriate relationship with

Echiverri, being his “mistress,” but she insisted that she has never sold her children to rich businessmen.

Besides, she claims she doesn’t have a lot of rich friends to begin with.

At this point, Marjorie was asked: Hindi ka pa ba napapagod? She brought it back to Gretchen—that what her sister is doing is pure evil and that it has to stop. She then threw that same question to Gretchen: “Kelan ka ba mapapagod?”

To Marjorie and Gretchen, and even to Claudine... please! ‘Wag kayong mapagod! Go ahead and continue this public humiliation as it entertains us! Your feuds give us a perverse pleasure in this alternate vapid reality show we call our very own lives! It is so compelling, just like roadkill—it’s something you would want to distance yourself from even as you can’t take your eyes off! But before you accuse me of being plain chismosa (which I am, actually! I won’t deny it the same way Gretchen denied Atong being her boyfriend, according to Marjorie), I guess devouring all these interviews and reading about the latest sagutan sa social media allow us some smugness about our own values.

Yes, Barretto sisters, you may have all the Hermes bags, while us non-rich, non-friends of yours scour our own Herbench bags for loose change just to buy the sachet versions of the products you used to endorse, but at least our lives aren’t disturbing. n

GMA programs, personalities honored at Star Awards SEVERAL GMA personalities and programs took home recognitions at the recently concluded 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television, held at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University, on October 13.

GMA News anchor Vicky Morales was conferred the Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also named as the Best Female Newscaster for the network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras. The multiawarded broadcast journalist is also the host of GMA’s pioneering public service program Wish Ko Lang and GMA News TV’s weekly feel-good magazine program Good News.

News anchor Raffy Tima received the Best Male Newscaster for GMA News TV’s Balitanghali.

Versatile GMA actress and Beautiful Justice star Yasmien Kurdi won the Best Single Performance by an Actress prize for her exceptional portrayal in the “Sukdulan” episode of GMA Public Affairs’ award-winning weekly drama anthology Tadhana.

Winning the Best Single Performance by an Actor prize was sought-after GMA actor and Magkaagaw leading man Jeric

Gonzales for his remarkable performance in the “Sex Slave” episode of well-loved drama anthology Magpakailanman.

Phenomenal star Maine Mendoza took home the Best Comedy Actress award for Daddy’s Gurl.

GMA’s original singing competition The Clash was recognized as the Best Talent Search Program.

Meanwhile, the weekly educational and child-friendly program Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko is this year’s Best Horror/ Fantasy Program.

GMA’s breakthrough comedymusical variety show Sunday PinaSaya was hailed as Best Variety Show.

The country’s leading and longestrunning morning TV show Unang Hirit, once again emerged as the Best Morning Show, while top-notch documentary program I-Witness was awarded Best Documentary Program.

Taking home the Best Lifestyle Show Host award was beauty guru Ricky Reyes for GMA News TV’s The World of Gandang Ricky Reyes which was also awarded as this year’s Best Lifestyle Show.

Five of the network’s talented

VICKY MORALES

actresses were lauded as TV Queens at the Turn of the Millennium: Sunshine Dizon, Heart Evangelista, Jennylyn Mercado, Carla Abellana and Marian Rivera-Dantes.

JERIC GONZALES

Meanwhile, the hit love team and One of the Baes lead stars Rita Daniela and Ken Chan received the German Moreno Power Tandem of the Year prize.

Motoring BusinessMirror

Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 2011 Hall of Fame

MITSUBISHI ROLLS OUT Editor: Tet Andolong

Friday, October 25, 2019

E1

THE NEW MONTERO SPORT

A

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

FTER several teasers, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.

(MMPC) finally rolled out the new Montero Sport. The updated model now shares that rock solid fascia with its platform sibling Strada. The new and more robust powerful appearance provides that tougher look. The refreshed interior, meantime, provides that luxurious and comfortable feel.

Aside from the refreshed look, the new Montero Sport is now equipped with improved features both for convenience and safety; making each driving experience fun and worry-free.

Dynamic shield design

WHILE the initial design of the new-generation Montero Sport was a breakthrough design-wise, we can all agree that the changes made this time completed the missing piece of the puzzle. The brand’s signature Dynamic Shield front-end design concept is now more consistent to the other models. Emphasizing the sense of wideness, those sharp-looking headlights that are aligned to the grille are now complemented by those new combination lamps at the bumper corners.

Redesigned interior

THE cabin received a refreshed f loor console and soft padded interior door handles. These enhanced the overall interior look with quality and comfort. There are storage tray underneath that are easily accessible. Also added is a new AC power outlet along with the existing USB terminal at the center console for the rear passengers (AC Outlet 220V 150W feature on all automatic variants).

Improved driving comfort and convenience

ASIDE from cabin upgrades, there’s the new easy-to-read 8-inch color LCD meter along with an 8-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA), which is compatible for Apple CarPlay and Android. Another added convenience is the new hands-free power tailgate function.

Moreover, there’s the Mitsubishi Remote Control smart phone application, which offers a number of functions that facilitate ease of access and added security. This

NEW design alloy wheels

TOUGHER and bolder look (aesthetic addons are sold separately)

new proprietary smartphone app sends notification to the driver in case he/she forgot to lock the doors.

Likewise, the power tailgate operates through the smartphone app.

In addition, the tailgate reservation system can be preset through the smartphone app anywhere. This enables the driver to open or close the tailgate automatically. The keyless operation system utilizes Bluetooth signal within operating range. As for the seats, driver has access to an eight-way power adjust to provide that ideal driving position (Available only for the 4x4 GT variant).

Dependable power and uncompromising safety features

RETAINED is the powerful 2.4-liter Mivec turbodiesel engine dishing out 179 hp and 430 N-m of maximum torque. Mated to an eightspeed automatic transmission, shifting delivers an excellent environmental and smooth performance. Safety-wise, the new Montero Sport is equipped Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) standard functions along with Hill Start Assist, Multiview camera system, six air bags (GT 2WD), and two air bags for the GLS and GLX variants.

The new Montero Sport will be available in White Diamond, Sterling Silver Metallic, Titanium Gray, Medium Red and Jet Black body shades. As for the pricing points, the Montero Sport GT 2WD AT variant is valued at P1.998 million while the Montero Sport GLS 2WD AT variant is priced at P1.769 million.

EQUALLY stunning rear end

MMPC President and CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri with the new Montero Sport

Moto

Business

E2 Friday, October 25, 2019

Isuzu D-MAX LS-A launched in Cebu Story & photos

by Randy S. Peregrino

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FTER the successful Luzon launch of the D-MAX LS-A variant, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) finally brought the newest iteration of its best-selling pickup to Cebu. Held at the SM Cebu Seaside Mall, the event also kicked off the “Tough Enough” lifestyle campaign.

This involved the newest variant along with other existing D-MAX 4X4 versions for a public test drive at the open parking grounds. This enabled the pickup truck to demonstrate its durability, fuel efficiency and overall value for money.

“The D-MAX LS-A represents nearly a century of Isuzu’s experience and innovation in the design, engineering and workmanship of diesel-powered utility vehicles.

The D-MAX LS-A is infused, as well, with features that address the demands of a market that value both hard work and play, business with leisure,” IPC President Hajime Koso shared.

Highlighting the new LS-A variant is several touch of dark gray exterior trims all over. The front end has never been more commanding thanks to the darkened grill and bumper apron. That made the front silver accent more prominent. The new darkened trim went on to emphasize the bottom panels around the frame. These dark panels compliment the 18-inch two-tone and multi-spoke rims wrapped in 255/60 R18 TOYO tires.

Even the side step boards received the same treatment along with the rocker panel, cargo ex-

tender and roof rails. Overall, the fresh look of the D-MAX LS-A is IPC’s answer to the growing demands of the market in seek of utility vehicles capable of doing all the hard works and plays, while possessing that stylish character for business and leisure.

Motivation comes from the reliable, potent yet fuel-efficient 4JJ1TCX 3.0-liter four-cylinder with Blue Power Technology turbodiesel engine equipped with VGS turbine and intercooler. It generates 175 hp and 380 N-m of maximum torque. Initially available in 4x4 drivetrains, IPC intends to offer the variant in 4x2 drivetrains as well in the coming months. Both versions will have an option for either a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift or a six-speed manual gearbox with gear shift indicator.

W hile the power plant and drivetrain are just the new LS-A’s starting points, it is also perfectly suited for the evolving demands of the market. Inside and out, the DMAX LS-A offers complete package of features that cater to the modern Filipino lifestyle. This kind of known lifestyle maximizes the best qualities of the urban professional and the weekend adventurer.

There’s the auto-climate control air-conditioning system, passive entry/push start-stop system, 12volt accessory socket, three USB charging ports, 15 storage compartments and 10 cup holders.

Also present was Isuzu Cebu Inc. General Manager Steve Gingco. “Not only Cebu is a significant market for Isuzu D-MAX, it has also been a

strategic barometer and influencer of auto trends across the VisMin region. Impressively, the D-MAX model holds an average of 10-percent share from the region’s sales within the network. “The segment’s share of sales in the region also doubled from 18 percent last year to 35 percent this year versus the region’s total vehicle sales.” he said.”

D-MAX LS-A in action

MEANWHILE, mall goers and walk-in v isitors were treated with an extreme 4x4 drive experience during the event’s Tough Enough lifestyle campaign. Two D-MAX LS-A variants along with other D-MAX 4x4 versions were commissioned for the test drives around the open grounds. Technical courses were put up for the vehicles to go through in order to showcase its toughness and offroading capabilities.

These specifically designed obstacles were the downhill and uphill ramp to test the vehicle’s hill descent/ascent controls. Then there was the tight turn to test the vehicle’s turning radius followed by the mountain side hurdle with a 45-degree angle path. One of the toughest path was the elephant articulation section with deep potholes to test the truck’s suspension movements.

Last, the table top section which displayed the D-MAX’s ability to climb ascents effortlessly. Truth be told, the test-drive event was so convincing that Isuzu Cebu closed several sales deals that day. These new D-MAX LS-A owners were recognized during the pickup’s official launch later that evening.

CHERY IS T

Story & photos By Tet Andolong

HE Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. and United Asia Automotive Group Inc. have officially entered into a distributorship agreement on October 15 in Wuhu, China. The accord was signed by Zhang Guibing, president of Chery International, and Rommel Sytin, president of UAAGI, which is also the distributor of Foton, another Chinamade brand, in the Philippines.

CHERY Headquarters in Wuhu, China

CHERY International President Zhang Guibing (left) and UAAGI President Rommel Sytin

IPC Assistant Sales Division Head Hiroto Nakaguro (from left), IPC Sales Division Head Joseph Bautista, IPC President Hajime Koso, Isuzu Cebu Inc. General Manager Steve Gingco, with Isuzu Cebu Inc. Branch Managers Eufenio Ybanez and Ilderim Castanares during the launch of the D-MAX LS-A variant in Cebu

This is the fourth time that Chery will be reintroduced in the country as previous partnerships and operations did not prosper. According to Zhang, however, he is sure that this time it will be successful because of UAAGI’s good reputation and commitment to its customers.

Zhang said, “UAAGI has a vast experience in marketing and aftersales service, as well as a deep insight into consumer concerns. By working with UAAGI, Chery will not only further expand its overseas sales network, but also accomplish localized operations, and provide better products and services to Philippine consumers.”

“As an important Asean market with a population of over 100 million, the Philippines has developed rapidly with its GDP growth of over 6.5 percent annually. The Philippines’s annual automobile demand is nearly 400,000 units, combined with a sound automotive matching system and labor cost advantage. Operating in the Philippine market will lay the groundwork for Chery to develop the rest of Asean,” added Zhang.

“For UAAGI, what we can promise is that we can focus on our customers, both previous and future—internally and externally,” said Sytin.

“We will prepare our showroom for

EXEED LX

CHERY International President Zhang Guibing delivers his speech

a customer experience and provide after-sales and service experience.

We are planning to have 10 dealerships this year initially and eventually have 30 in two years. We will offer the most affordable vehicles,” added Sytin.

While developing in Southeast Asia, Chery has seized the new opportunity from the Belt and Road initiative to constantly speed up globalization in the recent years. So far, Chery has exported its products to over 80 countries, including electric vehicles, established 10 plants and over 1,300 sales service networks

worldwide, registered a cumulative export volume of 1.5 million units, and has emerged as the largest Chinese passenger vehicle exporter for 16 consecutive years.

Over the years, Chery has upheld the concept of “openness, equality, cooperation and win-win,” and has paid special attention to sharing its advanced production and R&D capacity worldwide. Sixty-five percent of Chery’s exported vehicles were localized. In fact, Chery is gradually accomplishing localized R&D, purchase, manufacturing and testing by establishing the European R&D Center, the Middle East Research Institute, the Brazil R&D Center and other global research platforms. Besides, Chery has achieved brilliant results in international talent training, smart mobility, adaptive product development and local plant construction, realizing the goal of win-win, co-building and sharing.

Chery Philippines will launch the

Volvo Cars to radically reduce carbon V

THE new D-MAX LS-A variants highlighted with dark gray trims during the “Tough Enough” campaign public test drive

OLVO Cars recently launched one of the most ambitious plans in the automotive industry, aiming to reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint per car by 40 percent between 2018 and 2025. This is the first tangible step toward Volvo Cars’ ambition of becoming a climate-neutral company by 2040.

This announcement further supports the ideals of the recently conducted The Future of Electric Forum organized by Volvo Philippines. The local event served as a platform for sustainable mobility discussions.

At the same time, the Philippine arm of the Swedish automotive marque Volvo is the first luxury car company in the country to bring in a fleet of T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrids as an actual solution to the current climate crisis. The stately Volvo S90 sedan,

the dynamic Volvo XC60 SUV, and its larger sibling, the Volvo XC90 SUV, are now available in the Philippines with Plug-in Hybrid variants.

Organized in cooperation with Partnership for Clean Air, a multisector network that promotes air quality management, this forum has provided a venue for key environmental personalities in the country to train the spotlight on climate issues and cars.

Dare to change

THE forum opened with a daring reply to the call of the times with Volvo PHL President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla proudly said, “Yes, we dare.” This bold statement is a reflec-

tion of what the global Volvo community is saying in response to the environmental challenges that the world is facing.

Toward an electrifying future

VOLVO Cars’ climate plan represents concrete actions in line with the global Paris climate agreement of 2015, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

To realize the significant 40 percent reduction of its CO2 footprint per car by 2025, the company has devised a number of ambitions for different parts of its operations. The previously communicated goal of generating 50 percent of global sales from fully electric cars by 2025 is a prominent one, which

oring

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IS BACK!

Friday, October 25, 2019

E3

Petron launches ‘Fuel Wise’ advocacy for Filipino motorists

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S the only Filipino-owned oil major, Petron—with its commitment to sustain the country’s fuel requirements spanning more than 85 years—has always placed the needs of the Filipino motorists at the forefront of its endeavors.

Taking this promise a step further, Petron is launching its “Fuel Wise” advocacy, a comprehensive campaign that aims to help Filipino motorists choose wise options to ensure that they are safe on the road, that their vehicles are properly maintained, that they get good fuel mileage, and that they use high-quality fuel. Here are some examples of Petron Fuel Wise tips: ROAD SAFETY: “Going for a long drive? Aside from checking your engine and gears, remember to take note of emergency hot lines and emergency stops on major highways. Fuel Wise.”

C A R C A R E : “ R e pl ac i n g clogged air filters regularly can improve engine performance and increase acceleration time and gas mileage. Fuel Wise.”

FUEL EFFICIENCY: “Did you know that having the right tire pressure provides less road friction and less road friction

means less fuel consumption?

Fuel Wise.”

FUEL QUALITY: “Cheaper price does not guarantee quality.

The few pesos you save today may end up costing you more tomorrow. Fuel Wise.”

CONSUMER PROTECTION: “Always ask for your receipt. Fuel Wise.”

With the rollout of the Petron “Fuel Wise” advocacy, commuters will see road-safety reminders, car-care advice, fuel-efficient driving tips, and fuel recommendations in electronic billboards, as well as banners and streamers in strategic locations. Stickering activities are also being conducted nationwide to enjoin more motorists in supporting the advocacy.

Through a dedicated R&D team constantly creating fuels that will deliver optimum per-

formance and efficiency for every type of vehicle, Petron has been acknowledged as a fuel innovator and a trusted source of quality fuel. It invested $2 billion in upgrading its Bataan refinery to ensure that its products, while processed locally, meet and even surpass global standards. And, with the widest network of more than 2,400 stations nationwide, even the more remote countryside areas are sure to have access to the products and services offered by Petron.

With its deep understanding of Philippine driving conditions and utmost concern for the welfare of motorists, the new advocacy further strengthens Petron’s commitment to provide Filipino consumers with the best experience at every touch point, with a guarantee that they are indeed being Fuel Wise with Petron.

MINI Philippines celebrates 60 years TIGGO 8

vehicles before the end of the year although they have not disclosed which vehicles they will be bringing in. They said that it will be four SUVs, and this writer is guessing that it can be any of the Tiggos and Exeeds that we recently saw at the Chery headquarters, assembly plant and tested in Wuhu.

The Exeed TX, LX and XL debuted at the International Motor Show Germany in September 2017 in Frankfurt, and they have been offered in China beginning June 2018. The Exeed is based on the M3X platform from Chery.

At the 2019 Shanghai International Auto Show, Chery showed off the Chinese-spec models under the new Exeed brand. Unlike the vehicle shown in Frankfurt, this version features no Chery branding whatsoever, instead it features a larger grille without the Exeed name.

The Tiggo 8, meanwhile, was designed by Chery’s international design team under the lead of former

n emissions would result in a 50-percent reduction in tailpipe carbon emissions per car between 2018 and 2025.

Other short-term ambitions include a 25-percent reduction of CO2 emissions related to its global supply chain by 2025, a 25-percent share of recycled plastics in new Volvo Cars by 2025 and a 25-percent reduction of carbon emissions generated by the company’s overall operations, including manufacturing and logistics.

Volvo Cars was the first conventional carmaker to commit to all-out electrification and phasing out cars powered only by an internal combustion engine. As of this year, every new Volvo launched will be electrified starting with its first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge.

BMW famous designer Kevin Rice.

In terms of body details, the Tiggo 8 has a continuous LED tail lamp with auspicious textures in the tail design, which makes the whole car more scientific and technological, while also incorporating a strong sense of movement gene.

Both the Exeed and the Tiggo 8 are seven-seater SUVs with a flexible layout of 5 + 2 seats—a unique second row of seats sliding back and forth. Inside the vehicles, the luxury of the Tiggo 8 and Exeed wide-body cockpits is readily apparent. The design of three large screens is very eye-catching and the 12.3-inch full LCD dashboard and 10.25-inch central control panel in the Tiggo 8 is quite appealing. The Tiggo 8 has the added plus of an 8-inch smart airconditioning LCD touch screen. The intelligent multifunction dashboards of both vehicles have prominent functions, such as full-screen navigation display, scene display of multiple in-

telligent driving assistance system, and random switching of instrument layout. At the same time, the three screens can also realize interactions.

The Tiggo 8 is powered by a 2.0T engine and a CVT25 transmission.

During the test drive, it showed impressive overall performance. Speeding up from zero to 100 km/h only took 7.0 seconds. According to Chery, the Tiggo 8 can attain a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The maximum power and the peak torque generated by the engine are 125 kW and 250 N-m, respectively. Both the Tiggo 8 and Exeed are equipped with top safety features. According to the manufacturer, only 1.5T engines will be fitted into the vehicles destined for overseas markets.

Zhang intimated that, “Chery chose UAAGI because of our longstanding relationship and their success with Foton. It is my wish that Chery cars will be the choice of Filipinos.”

W

ITH its inventive spirit, MINI continues to turn heads with its iconic design both on and off the track. MINI celebrates its 60th birthday this year, and till this day, there is no other brand quite like it.

To commemorate this landmark occasion, MINI Philippines celebrated 60 Years of MINI with more than 200 guests at Eastwood Citywalk on October 19 and 20.

As part of the celebrations, MINI Philippines launched the MINI 60 Years Edition, an exclusive design model highlighting the British origins of MINI, and brought more than 135 MINI owners and their friends together to create a special “60” formation with their MINI cars at the Eastwood Mega Tent on October 20.

“With its rich heritage and impact on contemporary culture, MINI is more than the car—it is also a lifestyle that celebrates the connections between people, as well as the passion for life,” said Willy Tee Ten, president of MINI Philippines and Autohub Group of Cos. “It gives us great pleasure to bring together the growing MINI community in one place to celebrate this storied brand. We thank all MINI

fans for journeying with us, and together, we look forward to the next 60 years!”

MINI 60 years event

FANS and friends of MINI were treated to a weekend that was designed to delight and surprise brand aficionados at every turn. Upon their arrival at the Central Plaza, guests were greeted with a special lineup of classic MINI cars. It was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity as the classic cars provided a unique backdrop for guests as they got up close with the modern MINI models in the heart of the event—the MINI Monte Carlo, MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, MINI Clubman and the MINI Convertible. Guests then took a walk down memory lane with the MINI History wall, showcasing the rich heritage of MINI and key brand milestones. Highlights included the legendary sketch of the MINI concept by car designer Sir Alec Issigonis, the brand’s momentous triumph at the Monte Carlo Rally, as well as its presence on television as the Beanmobile in the worldbeloved sitcom Mr. Bean.

However, the star of the weekend was the

MINI 60 Years Edition, the exclusively designed anniversary model to commemorate six decades of passion and driving fun. The launch of the MINI 60 Years Edition kicked off with a heartwarming video of MINI owners sharing memories about their beloved cars, as well as stories about the close-knit MINI community in the Philippines.

‘MINI 60’ car formation

MINI Philippines brought more than 119 MINI owners and their friends together to create a special 60 car formation with MINI vehicles. It was a sight to behold as the cars, each bearing special 60 Years decals and flags, streamed into the Mega Tent to take their place in the formation. “The MINI community in the Philippines has the most enthusiastic fans who appreciate driving fun, expressive design and premium quality,” said Tee Ten. “It’s fantastic to have so many MINI owners join this milestone event. A big thank you to all of our MINI customers for their continuous support, and we look forward to doing even more with the MINI community in the years ahead.”

Motoring BusinessMirror

E4 Friday, October 25, 2019

Toyota zeroes in on hydrogen car society From 4 to 5 seats

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F plans do not go awry, I should be in Japan as you read this. I am covering the Tokyo Motor Show.

Again. Believe it or not but this is my 14th straight trip since 1993 to the world’s most attended car show on Earth—the last 11, including this year, upon the invite of Toyota Motor Philippines. Thanks again, TMP, for believing.

To apprise you of what’s in store for us insofar as Toyota’s much-awaited presentation of its new concepts in the Tokyo Motor Show is concerned, I got lucky to have dug up some soonto-be unveiled revelations—with a little help from Carlo Nemo, my ever reliable mole from the highly competitive world of automaking.

Initially, therefore, here is Toyota’s futuristic Mirai Concept designed exclusively for the carmaker’s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) spin.

“Toyota has unfurled its revitalized ‘Mirai Concept,’ a nextgenerat ion, g rou ndbrea k i ng ,

zero - emission concept of its fuel cell electric vehicle in the 46th Tokyo Motor Show.”

“The Mirai Concept, a finalstage development model of the second-generation Mirai, will be on view at ‘Future Expo’ up to November 4 at Megaweb.

“The totally redesigned Mirai reflects a major step forward for FCEVs and the potential of a hydrogen society, boasting significantly greater range.

“It has improved driving performance, and an elegant, sporty design that offers increased passenger room and comfort.

“Improvements in fuel cell technology offer up to 30- percent greater range, plus improved acceleration and performance.

“It’s been totally redesigned on top of Toyota’s latest modular platform to offer a superior driving experience, improved passenger comfort, and dynamic exterior styling.

10,000 Mirais sold globally

YOSHIK AZU TANAK A said, the chief engineer of Mirai, “Toyota has worked doubly hard to make a car that customers will want to drive all the time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face.

I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai because I simply wanted this car, and it just happens to be an FCEV. We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai we will be a leader

in helping to realize a hydrogen energy society.”

Carlo continued, “Launched in 2014, the first-generation Toyota Mirai proved the global potential of hydrogen to power clean and sustainable mobility, combining a driving range with refueling time equivalent to conventional vehicles and emissions of nothing but water. Since then, approximately 10,000 Mirais have been sold globally, helping pave the way toward a hydrogen society that will reduce emissions, diversify energy sources, and generate global economic growth.

“Scheduled for launch starting in late 2020, initially in Japan, North America and Europe, the second-generation Mirai is much more than an eco-car, marking a new stage for FCEV technology.

“Improvements in fuel cell system per for ma nce a nd increased hydrogen storage capacity mean the new Mirai will target a 30 -percent increase in

driving range. “ The vehicle has also been tot a l ly redesig ned ba sed on Toyota’s premium rear-wheel drive TNGA platform to combine greater agility and driving performance with a sleek and elegant exterior design.

“The Mirai Concept features a dynamic exterior design built on Toyota’s latest TNGA platform, including low lines, elegant proportions, sleek, taut bodywork and large, 20-inch diameter wheels that together generate a powerful and distinctive look.

“It will be presented in a newly developed exterior color [Force Blue Multiple Layers] that uses layers of color to achieve exceptional brightness and depth. “ The interior, equipped with a 12.3-inch wide screen on the center console and instrument panel that embraces the driver, provides a simple, modern space to create a feeling of warmth and comfort.

THE fuel cell system configuration using the TNGA platform also allows for five seats instead of the current-generation Mirai’s four.

“Engineered from the start to accommodate Toyota’s full range of powertrains, including hydrogen fuel cells, Toyota’s latest modular platform gives the Mirai Concept a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower center of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.

“Improvements to the fuel cell system go beyond increased range to offer linear, smooth response when pulling away, unity between the driver’s throttle inputs and the car’s acceleration. Handling is light and easy on winding roads, while highway driving produces an exceptional sense of power at all speeds.

“The next-generation Mirai features a fully redesigned fuel cell system, including its fuel cell stack that delivers substantially improved performance. This includes targeting a 30-percent increase in driving range over the current generation, thanks to increased hydrogen storage capacity, among other measures.”

There’s more to come.

PEE STOP I was away during the recent brand launch of Geely at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Bonifacio Global City. But I’m still happy, though, as it marked the return of Froi Dytianquin to the automotive industry—Froi being a top gun at Geely after his long stint with Mitsubishi Philippines. Good luck, Froi, on your new venture!

CLASSIC CAR DRIVING F EXPERIENCES AT FIORANO

ERRARI Classiche Academy is under way. This series of driving courses focuses on various classic cars that helped to create the legend of the Prancing Horse and write the history of their era.

Each course is held over two days at the Fiorano Circuit and enables participants to explore the origins of the Maranellobased company. The drivers will get to know the world of Ferrari Classiche and learn the techniques used to drive cars produced before electronics had entered the automotive world.

Ferrari Classiche Academy is divided into different track driving modules. These modules give everyone, including people new to historic cars, the chance to familiarize themselves with the vehicle dynamics, the gearbox, corner management and many other aspects of driving these cars.

The program begins with a practical introduction to the cars covered by the course (four 308 GTS and GTBi models, all with various mechanical developments from the base models, and a Mondial 3.2).

The cars are analyzed on the lift to give an idea of the components used and their technical characteristics.

Afterward, on a guided tour of the Officine Classiche Ferrari and the company’s technical archive, participants can view technical drawings, engineers’ notebooks and race reports for GT, and racing cars produced from 1947 onward.

The subsequent track sessions consist of a series of technical briefings by the instructors on

driving techniques for cars with manual gearbox without electronic assistance, including “heel and toe,” “double clutching” and others.

Once behind the wheel of a historic car, the participants (always accompanied by their instructors) perform a series of driving sessions of increasing difficulty. These take place in a wide range of conditions,

including driving in the wet, counter-steering at speed and managing vehicle dynamics. The module on driving techniques for regularity racing is also of great interest. These competitions are popular with many fans of classic cars. The second round of Ferrari Classiche Academy courses will start next spring.

MOTUL NOW AVAILABLE IN CLEANFUEL STATIONS

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N its bid to provide better quality products and services, Cleanfuel, the country’s fastestgrowing fuel company has forged a partnership with the world’s foremost authority in engine protection and performance, Motul oils and lubricants.

Exclusively distributed by Prestige Autosports Center Corp., Motul has craved a respectable niche in the global market with its wide range of performance oils and lubricants which are being used by OEM, racing teams and racing organizations, such as the Japan Super GT, World Rally Championship and the DTM Series of Germany.

“This year has been exciting for the company, and you have seen Cleanfuel actively participate in four-wheel and two-wheel racing in the domestic scene. The corporate tie-up with Motul PH is no longer a surprise actually because our racing team has been powered by our fuels and Motul line of oil and lubricants specifically the 15W40 series oil.

Motul will be sold in all our stations nationwide,” said Cleanfuel President Atty. Bong Suntay.

Priced at P285 per liter, Motul’s 15W40 engine oil is designed for gasoline/diesel engines, LPG, turbo or naturally aspirated engines. “It is mineral-based

engine oil blended with additives that formulated with a highperformance anti-wear additive system to provide an optimized protection from engine wear and tear, while assuring compatibility with the emissions systems and provides protection from engine power loss. It effectively controls sludge to help maintain engine cleanliness,” explained Carlos Gono of Motul PH. “Our advantage is that it’s really cheaper compared to its competitors plus the brand certainly speaks for itself,” added Suntay. Motul oils and lubricants are now available in Cleanfuel gasoline stations nationwide.