BusinessMirror September 03, 2019

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HE chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday has protested the withdrawal of House Bill 4228 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for FY 2020, with a warning to peers this could “derail” the budget bill despite earlier assurances by House leaders they can still meet their targets for sending it to the Senate.

As fears of another budget delay stoked bad memories of how the four-month delay in the 2019 budget had caused the weakerthan-expected economic growth

in the first quar ter, other lawmakers warned that the sudden w it hd rawa l of HB 4228 may be a prelude to a “pork insertion” exercise, or an indication

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Tuesday,

September 3, 2019 Vol. 14 No. 328

of t he st i l l-bitter inf ight ing among those who fought for the spea kership.

The bill on the P4.1-trillion budget was scheduled for first reading last August 28, but was pulled out just before this.

In a letter to Deputy Speaker for Finance Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Davao City Rep. and appropriations panel chief Isidro Ungab said withdrawal of the GAB will derail the approval of the 2020 national budget.

“Your proposal to withdraw and amend the General Appropriations Bill for FY 2020 will definitely derail the schedule and approval of the budget. The staff are now all busy preparing for the plenary and pre-plenary deliberations, gathering data and reports requested by members of the House related to the budget.

To prepare another set of General Appropriations Bill will require

enormous time, efforts and resources that will surely affect or delay the passage of the 2020 budget,” Ungab said.

According to Ungab, any alteration of the National Expenditure Program or NEP, which is the version of the revised General Appropriations Bill, will surely raise doubts on the proceedings; and the House will be questioned about why it will alter the proposed budget prepared by the Executive Department.

₧4.1T See “Budget,” A2

The national budget for 2020, as endorsed by the Executive branch to Congress

By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

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HE country’s manufacturing sector grew slightly slower in August, as the onset of the rainy season dampened demand during the period.

In its monthly release on the findings of the Philippines’s Purchasing Managers’ Index, IHS Markit said the country’s PMI dipped slightly from 52.1 in June to 51.9 in August.

The PMI is a composite index aimed to gauge the health of the country’s manufacturing sector. It is calculated as a weighted average of five individual subcomponents. Readings above the 50 threshold signal a growth in the manufacturing sector while readings below 50 show deterioration in the industry.

“Some firms noted a slowdown in customer demand due to monsoons during August. This also led to a slight deterioration in supply chain efficiency as lead times increased marginally. Nevertheless, firms were still able to increase stock levels,” IHS Markit economist David Owen said.

The report said the adverse weather conditions also led to a slight deterioration in vendor performance, the first recorded since March. Despite this, manufacturers managed to increase their input stocks for the fourth consecutive month, and at a stronger rate than in July. Purchases continued to expand solidly.

PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY

DATA CHAMPION

Despite the pale demand, the PMI report said firms indicated greater requirements for labor over the month, as seen through businesses raising employment at the quickest rate since November 2017.

As such, Owen expressed optimism that the country’s PMI print is still one of the highest recorded this year so far.

“Latest PMI figures showed that growth in the Philippine manufacturing sector was largely similar in both July and August. While sales growth was down from the previous month, greater hiring activity meant that the headline reading dropped only slightly to 51.9 [from 52.1],” Owen said.

Predictions of output growth in the manufacturing sector also remained positive overall, although the level of optimism was the second weakest since the series began.

In particular, around 57 percent of firms were hopeful of raising production in the coming year, often linking hopes to higher current sales and product development.

“One note of caution from the data was another moderate fall in export demand. New orders from abroad have now fallen in 10 out of the last 12 months, as trading conditions in the region remain difficult due to the US-China trade war,” Owen said.

“The economy is subsequently relying on strong domestic sales to stop growth from falling any further,” he added.

‘No delay in UHC rollout’

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AUG. MANUFACTURING GROWTH SLOWER, BAD WEATHER CITED

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

See “Rice,” A2

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Solons eye floor price for rice AWMAKERS are keen on setting a floor price for rice to ensure that the farm-gate price of the staple will not fall below production cost and cause planters to incur losses.

However, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and local economists said setting a floor price for rice is anticompetitive and would defeat the purpose of Republic Act (RA) 11203, or the rice trade liberalization law.

Tarlac Second District Rep. Victor A. Yap said he will file a bill that will set a floor price scheme.

Through this, Yap said both the government and the private sector will have a minimum buying price for unhusked rice.

“In a liberal or open market, there will be greedy players and there will be speculation. That’s how capitalists are,” Yap said during the House Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing on the implementation of the rice trade liberalization law on Monday.

“Now we have problems [as farm-gate] prices are going down to P9, P10, or even P6 per kilogram.

We could easily address these problems if we have a mechanism to prevent [prices from going down below production cost],” he added.

The lawmaker said he is still finalizing his proposal, but his initial assessment shows that the floor price could be set at P13.50 per kilogram, which may be cut by P0.50 annually if production costs will decline. Currently, farmers spend at least P12.70 per kilogram to produce a kilo of palay.

Quezon First District Rep. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, said the panel could study and refine the proposal according to current market situation.

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A broader look at today’s business

Budget bill withdrawal sparks House infighting

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

2018 ejap journalism awards

BAD CONDUCT Sen. Richard Gordon, Blue Ribbon chairman, grills Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon (right) as Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra listens at the start of hearings on Monday (September 2) on the reported abuse of a law expanding good conduct time allowance to declog the country’s prisons. See story on page A8. ROY DOMINGO

Steep drop in local palay prices ‘surprises’ Neda

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HE National Economic and Development Author it y (Neda) admitted on Monday that it did not expect the farm-gate prices of rice to fall below production cost and that this did not figure in its market study.

Neda Assistant Secretary Mercedita A. Sombilla told the BusinessMirror the decline in the farm-gate price of rice may be due to “transitional adjustments” after the rice trade liberalization law, or Republic Act (RA) 11203, took effect.

Sombilla said this could have also been brought about by the delay in the release of the P10 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

“We hope we could really give more time for this to roll out all the components and all the interventions...to make the market competitive,” she said in an interview on the sidelines of the hearing on the implementation of the rice trade liberalization law held at the House of Representatives.

Sombilla said she is hopeful that Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar can talk to traders and persuade them to buy local first before considering the purchase

of rice from abroad.

“The importers should have really gone to the local producers first before going to the [international] market,” she added.

Sombilla said she will also discuss with the Philippine Statistics Authority the low farm-gate price of rice. Based on PSA data, dry rice goes for P17 per kilogram to P18 per kg, while wet rice is bought for P13 per kg to P14 per kg.

National Statistician and Civil Registrar Dennis S. Mapa said he is already verifying reports about the low farm-gate prices of rice.

“I am asking my provincial staff to verify the data. I am aware of

this concern and I have been talking with my staff in the field offices,” Mapa told the BusinessMirror via SMS. Rep. Estrellita B. Suansing of the First District of Nueva Ecija disclosed during the hearing that the farm-gate price of rice in her province has dropped to as low as P7 per kg.

Suansing said this could further go down to P5 per kg once Nueva Ecija farmers start harvesting wet season rice. The Neda had said Nueva Ecija will remain competitive in rice production even after the quantitative restriction on the staple is removed.

“T

he importers should have really gone to the local producers first before going to the [international] market.”

Mercedita A. Sombilla Neda Assistant Secretary

“So there are pockets, areas where rice prices are really low and there’s a need to reach these places,” Sombilla said. “I was recently in Cabanatuan, Talavera several times and also went to Isabela, wet rice averages P12 to P13. These are things that [we] need to verify.”

Safety nets

To help farmers, Action for Economic Reforms (AER) President Jessica Reyes-Cantos said the government should consider extending conditional cash transfers to farmers.

In a statement, Cantos expressed support for Dar’s “quick reaction” to provide P15,000 per farmer as loan at zero interest payable in eight years through the Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

This program will initially benefit some 100,000 farmers owning lands 1 hectare and below. It is estimated that there are some 2 million rice farmers.

“We hope that Unconditional Cash Transfer can be provided for those who will not be covered by the ACPC loan. Let us not forget in the narrative the remaining 500,000 small farm owners who are also suffering from the worsening situation in our market,” she said.

EALTH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III has e x p re s s e d c o n f i d e nc e about achieving 100 percent enrollment by the end of the first year of the Universal Health Care (UHC) implementation, insisting “there is no delay” in the rollout of the program.

“The implementation of Universal Health Care is right on schedule. There is no delay to speak of,” Duque said on Monday.

“Right now, we are at 98 percent enrollment. We expect to achieve 100 percent enrollment by the end of the first year of UHC implementation,” Duque said.

Once 100 percent enrollment is achieved, the individual-based medical services which the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. reimburses or pays for will become available to all Filipinos at all PhilHealth-accredited facilities nationwide.

One key reform under the UHC Program, which Duque expects to be completed by next year is the mandatory enrollment of all Filipinos in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).

Lawmakers concerned

At the budget presentation of the Department of Health (DOH) at the House of Representatives last week, lawmakers expressed concern about the inclusion of only 33 provinces and cities under the department’s UHC Integration Sites (UIS) Program for the development of local health service provider networks.

However, Duque ex plained that the development of these prov ider net works is only one of many prescribed reforms under the government’s signature UHC Program.

“The UIS Program is not the beall and end-all of the UHC Program.

Though it is a critical step to address fragmentation in the health

See “Neda,” A2

US 52.1290 n japan 0.4913 n UK 63.3784 n HK 6.6456 n CHINA 7.2826 n singapore 37.5299 n australia 35.0568 n EU 57.3002 n SAUDI arabia 13.9011

See “UHC,” A2

Source: BSP (2 September 2019 )

A2

News BusinessMirror

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

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PSA ‘on track’ to completing PhilSys in ’22

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By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) remains on track to complete the implementation of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) by mid-2022.

In a statement on Monday, National Statistician and Civil Registrar Dennis S. Mapa said the PSA has already completed the procurement of the registration kits, one of five major

Budget. . .

Continued from A1

Ungab said it is established procedure to prepare the GAB immediately after submission by the Executive department, noting that the printing of the bill at the APO Production Unit of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) is almost finished.

“The established procedure and practice of the Committee on Appropriations in the House of Representatives is to prepare the General Appropriations Bill or GAB immediately after submission by the Executive department of the National Expenditure Program or NEP. The GAB which is prepared by the Committee Secretariat is a faithful copy of the NEP,” said Villafuerte, adding “The printing of the General Appropriations Bill is almost finished at the APONeda, the copies of which can be immediately distributed to the members of the House of Representatives once delivered.”

Ungab said the last day of the briefings of the proposed 2020 budget is on September 6, and the preparation of the Committee Report will be on September 10.

“Plenary deliberations [are] also scheduled to start on September 12, 2019, until October 4, 2019, which is the planned approval of the GAB on third and final reading. We prepared this schedule of activities in order to approve the 2020 budget on time before our break on October 5, 2019,” he added.

GCTA. . .

Continued from A8

IRR vague—Guevarra

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra pointed out that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 10575 “does not indicate heinous crimes... There’s doubt in interpretation.”

The secretary suggested the “need to clarify ambiguity,” adding: “We are here to provide help in crafting the legal framework that we may be asked [to help provide]...if there are gaps, remedial legislation can plug the gaps.”

Guevarra noted that “much reforms can be done,” adding, for instance, that certain amendments can be done in the GCTA. “We would rather that the legislature state policy more clearly,” adding that “there are no whereas clauses. The policy of the law is normally stated in whereas clauses that were not in this law.”

The DOJ secretary also stressed the “need to determine [if] the main thrust is reformative or punitive-retributive, rehabilitative or punitive; that needs to be spelled out.”

Guevarra said provisions of the law can be crafted in a better way, noting that the intent of the law is to “exclude those convicted of heinous crime” from enjoying the expanded GCTA credits.

“Had it been clearly stated [in a] stand-alone provision that it should not apply on classes of people, there would be no confusion.”

Gordon: No good conduct by Sanchez

The DOJ officials also said they are studying application of “time credits for preventive imprisonment” while the charges are under trial.

Senator Richard Gordon, Blue Ribbon

procurements to be made under the PhilSys. With this, Mapa assured the public that the PSA can start the mass registration by mid-2020 and complete the enrollment of the For his part, House Committee on Appropriations Senior Vice Chairman Joey Salceda said budget briefings in the lower chamber will go on but “the significant implication is we can’t go to the floor without the GAB referred to committee, approved by committee, and passed through House Committee on Rules.”

Based on the schedule of activities, the appropriations committee will deliberate the 2020 NEP starting August 22 to September 9, while the approval of the committee report will be on September 11.

The proposed 2020 General Appropriations Act is expected to be approved on third and final reading on October 4. Then, the House will transmit it to the Senate for its own deliberations on October 8.

The Congress is eyeing to submit the 2020 national budget to President Duterte on December 20.

“Pork free”

For his part, Villafuerte said the House remains fully committed to the timely and transparent passage of the 2020 GAB. However, Villafuerte said the House leadership is targeting the chamber’s action on the 2020 GAB by end-October without “shortcircuiting” the normal legislative process for this bill’s committee and plenary approval as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

“This legislative process must not be done with undue haste or making a mockery of the House’s constitutional power of the purse.”

Ungab filed GAB 2020 as House Bill 4228 on first reading last chairman, however, voiced doubts that Sanchez can readily qualify for such prison credits. “He does not even wear prison uniform, so what is the good conduct there?” The senator noted this was “why the DOJ issued an order to review the IRR,” referring to the implementing rules covering GCTA for prisoners.

In a separate interview, first-term Senator Christopher Go doubted that ex-mayor Sanchez could readily qualify to be released under RA 10575, adding there is need to “make sure” only those qualified are allowed to avail themselves of GCTA, noting a “need to closely scrutinize the basis of the law that included convicts who committed heinous crimes.”

“If we need to review the IRR, let’s look at the case of Mayor Sanchez who has drugs in a Virgin Mary statue,” the senator said, suggesting that “let us look at what is happening at the National Bilibid Prisons...we don’t support relaxing the law and would back the death penalty.”

He added: “Our aim is to ensure the law provides justice to victims. Let’s not deprive them of that. Death is better in jail until you die.”

Follow Duterte example—Go

At the same time, Go, for two decades the President’s most trusted assistant before being elected senator, assured the public that Duterte “exercises prudence”before acting on applications of rclemency.“Are they qualified? If Duterte is strict in cases, let us do the same,”Go said, recalling that last August 20, when Duterte read reports that Sanchez was due for release. Go said Duterte issued a “do not release” order and he conveyed to Sanchez that Duterte won’t allow it.

It was learned that Sanchez had applied for clemency in December 2018 and Duterte rejected it­—a matter that senators said should have been

population by mid-2022.

“We want to ensure that the processes are efficient, the systems are fully functional, and all information within the system are secure,” Mapa said.

In the pipeline for PhilSys are the procurement of the Automated Biometric Identification System (Abis), System Integrator (SI) and registration centers.

For card production, the PSA is in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The PSA said it conducted a pilot test for the PhilSys on Monday. The pilot test involved the registration of a small number of individuals from the National Capital Region.

This includes select Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) beneficiaries and employees of PSA and the National Economic and Development Authority.

PSA said the pilot test registration will run from September 2019, until June 2020. The first part will involve biometric and demographic capturing processes.

Once the system is stable, operations will expand to cover select groups from nearby regions, Regions 3 and 4A, based on different geographical typologies.

Set to begin on May 2020, the PSA will extend the pilot registration process to test the end-to-end system which essentially involves

de-duplication, generation of unique PhilSys Numbers (PSN), and card printing and issuance.

Registration will be scaled up and open to the public by July 2020. Overseas Filipinos are targeted to be registered in 2021.

“The PSA sees the utmost importance for the PhilSys to first undergo a series of pilot testing before finally launching it to the public,” Mapa said.

The PSA identified priority use case agencies whose existing systems will be synchronized with PhilSys. These agencies are DSWD, PhilHealth, Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System and BSP. The PhilID, however, does not

and will not replace existing government identification cards that serve a purpose beyond identity authentication, such as the driving license (for driving), passport (for travel), UMID (for social security transactions), etc.

It will be used for application for eligibility, services, and access to (1) social welfare and benefits granted by the government; (2) passports, driver’s license; (3) tax-related transactions; (4) admission in schools and government hospitals; (5) opening of bank accounts; (6) registration and voting purposes; (7) transactions for employment purposes; (8) and cardholder’s criminal records and clearances.

August 28. Villafuerte ordered the withdrawal of HB 4228 that same night, supposedly upon the Speaker’s order.

Villafuerte said he moved for HB 4228’s withdrawal in the belief that it was a “premature” filing of the budget bill on first reading, considering that all departments and other agencies of the government have yet to finish presenting their respective budget proposals at that time.

“The bill’s withdrawal was not an issue; it was just a procedural matter as the presentation of the budget proposals of all government offices before the House appropriations committee have yet to be completed at the time of HB 4228’s filing on first reading,” he added.

“In fact, the remaining offices that have yet to present their 2020 budget proposals are expected to finish doing so by the end of this workweek yet—so how can the House appropriations committee submit HB 4228 without having heard the presentations of all government agencies covered by the proposed 2020 GAA [General Appropriations Act]?” he asked.

He said that after the Executive Department’s submission of the NEP to the Congress, it is up to the House of Representatives—given its power of the purse as vested in it by the 1987 Constitution—is supposed to craft the GAB based on, among others, the respective budgetary proposals of all government agencies.

“There is no approved GAB yet, so there is no such thing as congressional insertions at this stage,”

he said. “Congressional insertions are budgetary amendments that certain lawmakers insert on the sly after a consolidated GAB has already been passed by both chambers—a post-ratification process that the Supreme Court had struck down and which certain House leaders resorted to in the 17th Congress and that led to the delay in the approval of the 2019 budget.”

Villafuerte said the 2020 GAB could be refiled within the week after the budget presentation of government agencies.

Also, Villafuerte said several lawmakers were “dissatisfied ” with several items in the 2020 national budget.

He added lawmakers are questioning the inequitable distribution of allocations for their districts.

and confidential funds have been added to the budget,” added Zarate.

Neda. . .

enough guidance for Faeldon before signing Sanchez’s release order.

For his part, Senator Francis Pangilinan also wondered how ex-Mayor Sanchez can qualify“when he did not comply with the order of the court” to compensate the families of Sarmenta and Gomez.

“Precisely, refusal or noncompliance can be deemed noncompliant. It is adding insult to injury on the victims family,” said Pangilinan as he wondered aloud how “someone who can’t comply with [the civil liability aspect of the] court ruling can avail himself of the GCTA provision of the law?”

Guevarra explained that the GCTA law has absolutely no relation to the civil liability aspects of a court judgment, only the criminal.

Pangilinan said, “clearly there are many gaps in interpretation of the law allowing Sanchez to go free. We hope the DOJ secretary can plug all the gaps.”

Families hurting again

Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri conveyed his condolences to the family of Sanchez’s victims. “We condole with Sarmenta, Gomez families. I was a student of UP Los Baños when this happened,” Zubiri said, recalling that “the whole UPLB community backs the continued incarceration of Sanchez.”

A tearful Clara Sarmenta, Aileen’s mother, revealed, in reply to Pangilinan’s questions, that Sanchez had paid them “not a single centavo” of the P1 million that the court ordered him to pay his victims’ families. She said she learned that when Sanchez applied for clemency with Malacañang last December, he even claimed that the victims’ families had “forgiven”him. This appalled her, she said, because, 26 years since his conviction, he has never apologized and insists on his innocence.

Speakership fight?

House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said the withdrawal of the GAB while deliberations are still ongoing may be a prelude for pork barrel insertions. “ This development is quite alarming, even disturbing. It smells like the greasy patronage pork is being put into the oven. In light of this we are calling for a suspension of the budget deliberations until the 2020 GAB, as originally based from the NEP submitted by Malacañang, is refiled,” he said.

“We also need to scrutinize the GAB that will be refiled to see if indeed more pork, amorphous lump-sum funds or intelligence

Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite on Monday said the current brouhaha on the 2020 GAB may be a result of the last speakership fight.

“As can be seen, Rep. L Ray Villafuerte is associated with Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, while House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Isidro Ungab is associated with Rep. Paolo Duterte and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and this intramurals on the 2020 budget is a manifestation of the fight between their principals,” said Gaite.

Earlier, Paolo Duterte backed out from the race and supported the speakership bid of Ungab from the Hugpong ng Pagbabago party founded by his sister Sara. However, President Duterte endorsed the speakership of Cayetano. “ The more than 20 deputy speakers is also a manifestation of this fight and created another layer of bureaucracy in Congress, as well as a means to look into the work of the chairmen of the committees.

It is like having a shadow government in Congress,” he added.

Gaite said different conflicting ruling factions in Congress “now have their own priorities and pet initiatives, so the issue of allotting or inserting pork is always an issue in the national budget.”

“We hope that the budget impasse would be settled with the Filipino people’s interest that is upheld and not the pork of a few politicians,” said Gaite.

Rice. . .

The additional funds, he said, will enable the NFA to buy an estimated 2 million metric tons of rice and allow the food agency to have a buffer stock level that is good for 30 to 45 days.

Prelude for pork?

Continued from A1

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Chairman Emeritus Rafael Mariano also proposed during the hearing the passage of a measure that would put in place a floor price system.

Mariano, a former agrarian reform secretary, said the floor price for rice should not fall to below P20 per kg.

“I think it’s high time for a floor price for palay since we do not have a ceiling price for [milled] rice. Prices of palay plunge but prices of [milled] rice don’t, depending on supply and demand,” he said.

Higher budget

Enverga also said he will push for an increase in the budget of the National Food Authority (NFA) to enable it to buy more unhusked rice from farmers.

“I think we do not have the capability yet to compete [under] the current liberalized rice market. Government intervention is still necessary for the farmers,” he said.

“At least, if they sell to the NFA, farmers are assured that their produce will be bought at a higher price,” Enverga added.

The lawmaker, however, did not indicate the amount that Congress could set aside for the NFA. “The [NFA] administrator said it would take about P31 billion to cover all farmers. For now, it will be better to get more details as to what will be fair for the farmers and for the market. But what is assured is that we will push for an increase in the budget of the NFA for 2020,” he said.

Enverga said he will discuss with the Committee on Appropriations the proposal to increase the NFA’s budget for its palay procurement program next year.

During the hearing, Mariano urged Congress to increase the NFA’s budget by P10 billion to P15 billion next year so it could purchase more palay from local farmers.

Opposition

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and local economists rejected the proposal of setting a floor price for rice, saying the move would defeat the purpose of Republic Act (RA) 11203.

In an interview at the sidelines of the hearing, Neda Assistant Secretary Mercedita A. Sombilla told the BusinessMirror that setting a floor price would be anticompetitive.

Sombilla also said now is not the time to impose special safeguard duties (SSG) on rice imports. “[The floor price] is going to defeat the purpose of the law. Even the SSG, it’s too early in the game to get that in place. Let’s have the law work first,” she said.

Local economists, such as Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow Roehlano Briones, told the BusinessMirror that setting a floor price could also be disadvantageous to farmers.

Briones said farmers may not be able to attract enough buyers if traders will be compelled to buy rice from farmers at a minimum price. “[It would be] better to encourage farmer organizations to do their own toll processing to sell rice to wholesalers, retailers, or even consumers and capture rent in the marketing stage,” he said.

Organizing farmers into cooperatives, Action for Economic Reforms (AER) President Jessica ReyesCantos told the BusinessMirror, will also help farmers better cope under the current rice trade regime.

Cantos said farmers can organize themselves and maximize their production not only of rice but also in the use of certain fertilizers. This, she said, is especially crucial now that fertilizer costs as much as P1,800.

She said it may even be better for farmers to resort to the use of organic fertilizers instead of buying imported fertilizers that are expensive.

With a report by Cai U. Ordinario

Continued from A1

Filomeno Sta. Ana, co-convener of AER, added that a cash transfer of P5,000 per cropping season for 1.7 million farmers is a “small price to pay.”

In a position paper submitted to the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga, AER said without safety nets, around 600,000 to 700,000 farmers would be impoverished or at risk of poverty.

The rice tariffication law signed on February 14 of this year was projected to reach P15 billion. As stated in the law, P10 billion of the total collection will be allocated for seeds, mechanization and extension component of the program.

The excess P5 billion of the total will be used for giving financial assistance to farmers.

UHC. . .

Continued from A1

system, the UIS Program is only one of the many reforms. Let us not confuse or equate UIS with UHC. Non-selection of an area in the UIS for 2020 does not mean that UHC will not be implemented at all in a certain area next year,” Duque said.

Duque also defended the progressive rollout approach to the UIS Program.

“The rollout of the UIS Program is nationwide in scope but progressive in approach. This is the most reasonable and cost-effective approach to ensure that local health-care provider networks will offer quality services efficiently and transparently,” Duque added.

The DOH secretary also noted that every geographical area of the country is well represented under the 2020 UIS Program: 13 integration sites are located in Luzon, 10 in Mindanao, eight in Visayas, and two in the National Capital Region.

He stressed that the 2020 UIS site map represents a fair and equitable distribution of DOH resources for the program.

“We have to remember that the transitory provisions of the UHC Act are clear when they provide for a sixyear transition period for the integration of local provider networks into provincial and city health systems. We cannot demand the complete integration of over 100 provincial and city health systems overnight when the law clearly provides for a realistic six-year period to accomplish this,” Duque concluded. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

The Nation BusinessMirror

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Engine of ill-fated Beechcraft plane ‘quit’ in midair before fatal crash, witness says

By Recto Mercene

@rectomercene

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, September 3, 2019 A3

Deployment of MRT 3 Dalian trains to entail addl cost, DOTr chief says

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HE doomed Beechcraft King Air’s engine was “unusually noisy and flying low and was headed toward Laguna de Bay from the south when it suddenly turned around, rolled to the left and almost vertically plummeted to the ground, killing all nine people on board,” according to eyewitnesses in Pansol, Laguna, on the foothills of Mount Makiling, where the accident happened last Sunday afternoon.

“It was a wet, very wet Sunday and most of the resorts were empty of guests due to the monsoon. Had it been on a summer weekend, with 30 to 50 people capacity [for the resorts], it might have been more tragic,” said Perry Casapao, a resort owner whose residence was about three houses away from the crash site.

He added that no trees or structure in the vicinity of the crash was clipped by the plummeting King Air, “but went straight down toward the swimming pool of Agoho Resort, just across the residence [of the late former Senate President] Jovito Salonga.”

Casapao, a retired former air-traffic controller of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), opined that probably one of the plane’s engine quit in midair, causing the plane to veer out of control. He went to the crash site on Monday, a day after the fatal crash, and found members of the police scene of the crime operatives were still in the crash site. The police authorities cordoned off the crash site with a yellow ribbon.

“By the time the firefighter arrived, the plane and the resort was fully engulfed in flames. Even in the best conditions, the nearest fire services is about 4 kilometers, or 10 minutes away,” Casapao added.

A ground-handling business owner at Clark International Airport, and friend of the pilot of the King Air, who requested not to be identified, said Aero-Tour Medivac chartered a twin-engine King Air 350 from Archie Po, owner of Lion Air, to airlift a patient, Tom Carr, from Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte.

The patient’s wife, Erna Carr, was among the fatalities, even as her name was not listed in the flight manifest.

The source from Aero Delta Aviation Solutions Inc., said the rest of the passengers include the pilot, Capt.

Jesus J. Hernandez; Ryx Gil Laput, first officer; Lino A. Cruz Jr., first officer; Garret Garcia, medical doctor; Raymond Bulacia, flight mechanic; Yamato Togawa, and Kirk Eoin Badiolo, registered nurses.

The plane, with registry RP-C2296, was on a medical evacuation mission to bring the patient to Manila when it disappeared from radar for unknown reasons as it flew over Laguna, about 60-km south of the capital.

Videos posted online by witnesses showed flames and black smoke billowing from the private resort compound in Pansol, a district popular for its hot springs and swimming pools.

The Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center received an Emergency Locator Transmitter alert from the satellite-aided search and rescue initiative Corpas-Sarsat near Pansol, Laguna, at 3:14 p.m.

Sunday, which prompted the Caap Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board to dispatch investigators at the crash site.

This is the second crash in two days following the ditching of a six-seater Piper Apache plane in Barangay Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas, last Saturday, August 31, 2019.

The two occupants of the twin-engine plane, a pilot and copilot, were rescued and have been transported by barangay officials to Balayan Hospital for medical check, the Caap said.

A CHINA-MADE coach performs a test-run along the Metro Rail Transit 3 on Edsa. These 48 Dalian trains, acquired five years ago during the Aquino administration, were barely used to ferry passengers patronizing the heavily congested line due to technical reasons, according to the transport department. NONOY LACZA

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By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is tweaking the maintenance contract of Sumitomo Corp. to include the Chinese-manufactured trains for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, all of which are still commercially unused even if they have been delivered almost half a decade ago.

Suspected pedophile from NZ faces Mayor Isko asked to check hardware deportation after arrest in Bukidnon stores selling substandard steel bars

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IRPORT immigration agents arrested a suspected pedophile from New Zealand wanted by authorities in his homeland where he was twice convicted of sexually abusing children.

Acting Immigration Intelligence Division chief Fortunato “Jun” Manahan Jr., in his report to Commissioner Jaime Morente, identified the fugitive as Alan James Linton, who was arrested last August 23 in his residence at Sugarland Subdivision in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Armed with a mission order from Morente, the arresting agents apprehended Linton after the New Zealand police informed the bureau about the fugitive’s presence in the country and that he had two previous convictions on charges of child sexual exploitation.

Manahan said that New Zealand authorities described Linton as potential risk to Filipino children, either through physical contact or via Internet due to his record as a pedophile.

Linton is now detained at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention facility in Bicutan pending issuance of a deportation order against him by the bureau’s Board of Commissioners.

Meanwhile in Samar, immigration agents arrested two Chinese nationals who were caught selling retail goods without work permit and visa. They were arrested also last August 28 in Catbalogan City, and identified as Wu Zhijie, 26 years old, and Wu Jiajiang, 51 years old.

Manahan disclosed that Morente issued a mission order for the duo’s arrest after the bureau received complaints from small Filipino traders in Catbalogan alleging that the said aliens were robbing them of their business opportunities.Itwaslearnedthattheduofailedto present any travel or immigration documents when confronted by the arresting agents.

The duo were brought to Manila and now detained at the BI detention facility in Bicutan for initiation of deportation proceedings. Recto Mercene

PRC honors 190 blood donation partners in CL

PRC, led by Chairman Richard J. Gordon (center), confers the Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal Award to PRC Nueva Ecija Chapter Treasurer Vic Roel Ferrer (second from right). Present in the photo are (from left) PRC Nueva Ecija Chapter Administrator Elena Ladignon, PRC Nueva Ecija Chapter Chairman Director Tomas N. Joson III and Secretary-General Elizabeth Zavalla.

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Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said with the slight change in the concession agreement with Sumitomo will allow the government to deploy the Dalian-made trains progressively starting this year.

“It is still being negotiated because they handle maintenance and operation.

So, if you’re going to add the new trains that they will maintain and operate, there will be additional costs,” he said in a recent interview.

He declined to reveal the projected increase in the P18-billion deal with Sumitomo. The existing contract also covers

a “comprehensive rehabilitation” of the train line.

“We are hoping to deploy one I think this September during off-peak hours,” Tugade said.

To recall, the Aquino administration jump-started the acquisition of new trains for the railway line and tapped Dalian for the said contract. However, despite its full delivery three years ago, the government decided not to use the trains due to technical issues raised by experts.

Dalian has since agreed to shoulder all costs to solve the issues raised in the independent safety audit and assessment conducted by German company TUV Rheinland, modifying the weight, signaling, and maintenance equipment of the 48 coaches.

Tugade noted that while he wants to deploy the new trains to provide better services to commuters, he would also want to address issues on the operability of the railway system, specifically the capacity of the rails to accommodate 48 new coaches.

“We cannot deploy them all at once because we had to test if the existing rails can accommodate them because of the added capacity,” he explained. “There are many considerations for this.”

These, he said, will also be considered in the tweaking of the Sumitomo contract, which will spell out the number of Dalian trains that will be deployed on the MRT 3.

“It is subject to the agreement between Sumitomo and us,” he said. “But what is definite is we have broken the barrier: One Dalian train will be used

by September.”

HE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) recognized 190 blood donation partners from Central Luzon for supporting the organization’s life-saving services.

During PRC’s National Kadugo Awarding Ceremony, Chairman Richard J. Gordon expressed gratitude to blood donors and blood

donation partners, noting that their commitment is beneficial to assist indigent Filipinos affected by the dengue crisis, armed conflicts and catastrophic illnesses.

“We live in a very challenging time because of dengue. Your support enabled us to provide the blood needs in most affected communities. You give without counting the costs,” Gordon said.

The event recognized companies, organizations, and local government bodies from Bulacan, Bataan, Aurora, Pampanga, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo and Tarlac that supported the Red Cross’s blood programs by organizing mass blood donations.

This year’s Outstanding Blood Service Partners of the Year in Central Luzon, awarded to institutions that reached over 10 years of partnership with PRC, are Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc., Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Provincial Government of Tarlac, Municipal Government Of Paniqui and Tarlac State University.

Meanwhile, the Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal Award, one of the highest recognitions from PRC, was given to Vic Roel Ferrer, treasurer of the Nueva Ecija Chapter, for his “dedication and hard work in furthering the ideals of the Red Cross Movement.”

Since 2013, Ferrer has actively supported PRC in expanding the local Chapter’s capacity to respond to humanitarian challenges by establishing a partnership with Nueva Ecija Contractors Association, leading fund-raising drives, and allocating personal resources to hold disaster relief activities.

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O C A L m a nu f a c t u r ers have asked Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to include in his monitoring hardware stores that are allegedly selling substandard steel angle bars, as the use of these materials—especially in billboards—poses risks to life and property of Manileños.

The Steel Angles, Shapes and Sections Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. (SASSMAPI) made the call to Moreno after radio station dzBB tweeted pictures of a billboard attached to a mall in Divisoria that collapsed after taking a pounding from strong winds.

Two people were reportedly injured due to the incident, and the mall management shouldered their medical expenses.

The photos were taken by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).

THE Steel Angles, Shapes and Sections Manufacturers Association of DZBB’s tweet last August the Philippines Inc. (SASSMAPI) asked Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and 8, which stated “Billboard at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Product Standards angle bars nito sa Divisoria and Consumer Protection Group to join forces in stopping the sale of bumigay dahil sa malakas na substandard angle bars in hardware stores in the city. This is after two ulan at hangin kanina [Billboard persons were injured when a billboard installed on the façade of a and its angle bars collapsed mall in Divisoria collapsed recently, as shown in the photo. SASSMAPI due to heavy rains and strong said the angle bars used in the collapsed billboard, which became a winds earlier],” was retweeted trending topic on social media, were substandard and bore no logo of

by GMA News and has since the manufacturer, a violation of the Philippine Product Standards law. caught the attention of the The group said Moreno should include in his monitoring of unscrupulous public as the mall is in an area business the hardware stores selling these substandard angle bars, as frequented by many people. aside from gypping consumers of their hard-earned money, they are also SASSMAPI immediately putting the lives and property of Manileños at risk. sent its people to the area to PHOTO COURTESY OF MANILA DRRMO check the steel angle bars used in the billboard and discovered that the and other construction materials. Mayor logo of the manufacturer was not emIsko, SASSMAPI said, can team up with the bossed on the steel bars, a violation of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau Philippine Product Standards. of Product Standards and Consumer Pro“This means that the steel angle bars tection Group in stopping the proliferation used by the billboard maker were uncertiof substandard steel angle bars in Manila. fied and substandard. We hope the Manila “Mayor Isko has displayed his concern and care for Manila residents by personCity government will look into this further ally leading operations and monitoring and determine who was the supplier of these against unscrupulous businessmen. substandard angle bars,” SASSMAPI said.

These sellers of substandard construction The group also asked Mayor Isko, the materials are not only robbing Manileños Manila DRRMO and other concerned agenof their hard-earned money, they are also cies of the city government to include in putting their lives and properties at risk,” their random monitoring hardware stores SASSMAPI said in a news statement. that are selling substandard steel angle bars

A4 Tuesday, September 3, 2019 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

All Filipino team launches structural health monitoring system for buildings and other infrastructure

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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SHER Technologies Inc., the Department of Science and Technology­- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and Mapua University launched on Monday the Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording (Usher) System, a 24/7 economical and hassle-free system that monitors the structural integrity of buildings and other infrastructures.

Developed to address concerns on the condition of buildings, before, during and after strong earthquakes, Usher is developed by an all-Filipino team of structural engineers and experts in relevant fields that seek to prevent disasters and strengthen the country’s resilience from strong earthquakes.

Through a device that acts as an accelerograph sensor and a Web portal system, the technology provider and its users can monitor the structural health of buildings. Usher also acts as an Earthquake Recording Instrument, and is compliant with the Building Code implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

The Web portal also is useful for developers, building owners, local government units (LGUs), and building officials to ensure economical and hassle-free compliance with government regulations. Usher’s research and development, including the formation of Usher Technologies Inc. currently at its “spin-off stage” was partially funded and supported by the DOST-PCIEERD. Dur ing the launch event, a technolog y transfer agreement was signed by officials of DOSTPCIEERD, Mapua University and Usher Technologies Inc. Next year, upon its commercialization, Usher Technologies Inc. becomes an independent company, engaging in the manufacture and service provider of the device both here and abroad.

Speaking during the launch at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City, Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy said by assessing the structural integrity of buildings or public infrastructure, Usher can help prevent casualties in the event of an earthquake.

Uy, dean of the School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering at the Mapua University works with Claro “Tatu” Zablan Jr., business development officer, Engr. Donato G. Santiago, information technology officer and Engr. Michael Bautista Baylon, senior structural health engineer, all from Mapua University.

Uy said the Philippines is prone to earthquake and has been preparing for the “Big One,” or a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

He said Usher will also help strengthen highly vulnerable communities to be more resilient as early detection of possible building collapse can be avoided using Usher technology.

“In the event of a strong earthquake, our first line of defense is our buildings and homes,” said Uy. “With Usher, we hope it will become a symbol; A gift of hope in the event of a strong earthquake. More than enabling economical and hassle-free compliance, Usher can help save precious lives by actively monitoring the strength of the buildings we go in, or the bridges we cross every day and the homes we stay in. All of these are being threatened by the possibility of the Big One,” he said.

“Who heard about the Big One? Or more appropriately, who hasn’t heard of the Big One. We heard of it...warning us of the possibility of the Big One and it could happen within our lifetime. But what really is the Big One?” he stated.

According to Uy, by studying earthquake’s historical occurrence, scientists were able to form a pattern, thereby, somehow predicting when the next big quake will happen in the Philippines within our lifetime.

“It is now estimated to be 400 to 500 years. The last major earthquake [caused by the] West Valley Fault, which traverses various parts of Metro Manila was in 1658. That was 361 years ago,” he said.

He added that this means, perhaps, that the dreaded 7.2 magnitude scenario is due anytime within our lifetime, or our children’s lifetime.

“It is not an occurrence we would want for ourselves or our children,” he said, citing a 2004 study, titled “Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study,” which says 40 percent of the total number of residential buildings in Metro Manila will collapse and will result in the death of 34,000. Another 140,000 people may be seriously injured and another 18,000 will die because of fire.

So far, Usher devices have been installed at the Malayan Plaza in Pasig, Prima Residences in Quezon City, One Legaspi Park in Makati, Omm-Citra Building in Pasig, Triumph Building in Quezon City, Everest Academy Manila in Taguig, Alpha Grandview Condominium in Manila and Richville Place also in Manila.

He said they are also targeting potential clients abroad, banking on the innovative technology and life-saving device developed by an all-Filipino team in partnership with the DOSTPCIEERD and Mapua University.

Economy BusinessMirror

Marina chief: PHL running short of seafarers and domestic vessels

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

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HILE the Philippines guns to address the shortage in Filipino seafarers internationally, it is also working to address the dearth in ships on the domestic front, both of which are seen to be resolved through policy declarations and significant capital investments from the government.

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Narciso A. Vingson Jr. said the Baltic and International Maritime Council (Bimco) has sought the Philippine regulator to produce as much as 100,000 seafarers over the next five years to meet the growing demand for Filipino talent abroad.

Filipino seafarers are considered top maritime employees across the globe, with the Philippines providing over 30 percent of the total global seafarer requirement.

“For the next five years we have a shortage of 100,000 inter-

FDA told to follow provisions of EODB

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HE Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) will order the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast-track the processing and approval of all pending applications for license renewal of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products as a first of many steps to resolve the agency’s backlog.

Arta Director General Jeremiah B. Belgica on Monday said the agency will soon issue an order instructing the FDA to approve all applications for license renewal pending before its desk. The order will also direct the food and drug regulator to rationalize its frontline services in line with the provisions of the ease of doing business (EODB) law.

Belgica told reporters around 30 complaints against the FDA were lodged by industry groups and firms, and this compelled him to conduct a surprise visit at its main office in Alabang and summon its executives to a dialogue.

During the dialogue, FDA officials admitted there are 2,083 applications for automatic renewal of drug licenses awaiting their approval. They said their evaluators need to check each and every application to ensure nothing was changed in the formula of the drug.

Belgica asked the FDA to reform this and to instead ask applicants to submit an affidavit of undertaking nothing was changed in the formula of their products. Elijah Felice E. Rosales

Customs ‘strike team’ given mandate to monitor, intercept foreign garbage

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has created a new unit to monitor and control the entry of hazardous substances and other wastes into the country.

In a news statement issued by the Department of Finance, the BOC’s Environmental Protection and Compliance Division (EPCD) was formed in response to the DOF’s directive to create a “special strike team” to prevent other countries from dumping their waste in the Philippines.

It can be noted that between 2013 and 2014, Canada shipped 69 containers of waste to the Port of Manila.

The shipment was only returned to Canada this year.

“This strike team should work in tandem with other concerned government agencies in mounting a 24/7 watch over, and prevent, the entry of hazardous or toxic wastes into our country, in keeping with our environmental laws,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said.

In July, Dominguez ordered BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero to create such a unit within the agency.

Through Customs Memorandum Order 38-2019, BOC institutionalized the EPCD, which will become a permanent and specialized unit within the bureau.

It’s mandate covers the monitoring and processing of shipments of hazardous substances, waste products, nuclear wastes, recyclable products or substances under the regulatory control of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Under Republic Act 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, the BOC being one of the regulatory agencies, is mandated to assist the DENR in monitoring and preventing the entry of hazardous and nuclear wastes into the country.

The new division, which will be under the BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) of the Enforcement Group (EG), is

www.businessmirror.com.ph

tasked to recommend the issuance of alert orders and prelodgment control orders against shipments suspected of containing goods prohibited under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and environmental laws.

The EPCD will also investigate cases and recommend for prosecution of violations of CMTA, in relation to environmental and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

“It’s time we put up something like an environmental unit in the Customs [bureau] to really act on this garbage issue,” Dominguez said.

The creation of the EPCD is in line with the thrust of Asean memberstates like Malaysia and Cambodia that are also working bar wastes from being dumped in their countries.

“Malaysia was thanking the Philippines for setting the example, this problem about the wastes, because now it has come to the consciousness of the international community, this garbage problem,” Guerrero said during a recent Execom meeting.

national seafarers,” he said in an interview. “We have to provide for the international shortage because we are the top producer of seafarers in the world.”

There are about 500,000 Filipino seafarers across the globe—400,000 internationally, 100,000 locally— and they remit about $6 billion annually, contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy. Marina expects this figure to increase by as much as 30 percent annually through 2022.

But the shortage in Filipino seafarers is not the only problem of the Marina at hand. Vingson said there is also a dearth in local ships since more than half of the registered vessels in Marina are nonoperational.

“Out of all the registered ships in Marina, 58 percent are already not operating—they either did not renew their licenses or their safety certificates,” he said, affirming a question on the ship shortfall.

There are about 39,100 ships

registered in the Marina’s database and 17,000 are not currently in use. This means they are just docked somewhere on Philippine seas.

Broken down, 13,000 are wooden hull passenger ships, 19,000 are fishing ships, and steel-hull ships only account for 4,200.

Out of the 4,200 steel-hull vessels, 1,700 are used for passenger and cargo operations.

“We really have a shortage. Guimaras, for example, has 104 motor bancas, but only 50 percent operate,” Vingson said. “[But] what we [could] offer them [is] a good steel or aluminium, or fiberglass ship that can accommodate more passengers.”

To address this issue, Marina will be issuing a recycling policy for unused ships. Under the proposed policy, the Marina will create a retirement facility that will house the ships that will be decommissioned.

This policy, Vingson said, will be

implemented within the year.

Another solution to this problem is to transition the wooden hull operations to safer vessels, such as steel-hull, aluminium, or fiberglass ships.

“There has to be a transition from wooden to steel, since 90 percent of passenger vessels is wooden, we will be needing as much,” Vingson said.

He noted that the Philippine Ports Authority’s planned shipbuilding facility in the Philippines will help address this issue.

The plan is for the government to spend P300 million to build a 10-hectare shipbuilding facility in an undisclosed area in the country to locally manufacture either fast crafts or roll-on/rolloff vessels.

The government is still finalizing the mode of implementation for the project. It could either be funded through general appropriations, public-private partnership, or as an unsolicited proposal.

Anti-corruption compliance: Is ISO 37001 the answer?

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By Henry J. Schumacher

NTERNATIONALLY, compliance professionals argue about the merits of the ISO 37001 standard for anti-bribery systems endlessly. Let’s have a look why that is.

ISO 37001 is a tool, nothing more. If your organization is serious about building a strong compliance program, you can use ISO 37001 to great effect. If you couldn’t care less and only want a paper compliance program, it can do that, too. A company will only create as much value from ISO 37001 as it cares to make for itself. That’s how tools work.

A much more productive question for compliance officers is to ask how you can use ISO 37001 productively to really protect your reputation. And here we can draw some lessons from another debate happening in the IT security world with SOC 2, a standard to help companies assess the data security of vendors they might use. SOC 2 is becoming more important in the Philippines where cyber security is high on the agenda of companies that want to be at par with international companies.

SOC 2 audits are based on a set of five “trust principles:” security, privacy, availability, process integrity, and confidentiality. A business reviewing a prospective tech vendor might ask that vendor for a SOC 2 audit— one conducted by a proven outside auditor and designed according to those five principles.

The key point: there is no “standard” SOC 2 audit that examines the third party according to all five principles. A vendor can’t have a SOC 2 audit performed on itself and hang the audit report in the front window.

Rather, each company and third party design a SOC 2 audit specific to their risks, based on those principles!

For example, if you are hiring a data storage vendor, you’d craft a SOC 2 audit heavy on security and privacy, but not on process integrity; data storage vendors don’t process data. In contrast, the SOC 2 audit for an outsourced payroll function would pay lots of attention to process integrity, but perhaps less on availability if you only use the service 10 hours a month. The business process management industry in the Philippines

has to pay attention to this.

Yes, SOC 2 audits and ISO 37001 certification have clear differences. Most notably, an organization can get its own 37001 certification for all the world to see. Those certifications are much more universal than SOC 2 audits.

What I like about this comparison, however, is that SOC 2 audits define how the parent company can gain assurance from its third parties. That’s how a global chief compliance officer could put ISO 37001 to best use, too.

Could your own company get itself certified as ISO 37001 compliant? Sure, and that might even be a useful exercise—but it will only be an exercise. Regulators have their own criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of a compliance program, and while those criteria are similar to what ISO 37001 requires, ISO 37001 certification itself won’t absolve a company facing a corruption probe.

On the other hand, a global compliance officer could use ISO 37001 as a tool to better understand the anti-corruption programs that third parties might claim to have.

That is, if a third party boasts that it has ISO 37001 certification, you know the party is claiming to have some basic anti-corruption structures in place. Those claims can be the starting point to sharpen your own specific due diligence questions.

In the SOC 2 world, you can ask those questions in advance: What should we put in this audit? Who will perform it? What are that auditor’s credentials? What makes sense to audit for the risks we have?

IntheISO37001world,youmightneedtoaskthosequestions after the fact: What was in this audit? Who did perform it? How useful is this audit for the risks we have?

Still, you can get those answers. Then you can see the gaps between that ISO 37001-certified vendor and your own expectations for anti-corruption programs, and respond accordingly. That might take the form of additional training for the vendor, or more intensive audits, or even a decision to go elsewhere—but ISO 37001 will provide context to help you make that decision more wisely.

Vendors, meanwhile, can anticipate that approach and tailor their own certification process to match it.

Foremost, you can take the standard seriously, find an accredited ISO 37001 reviewer, and ensure that accreditation comes from a group that takes the standard as seriously as you do.

Again, ISO 37001 is a tool, nothing more. Use it well, and you’ll be able to address all those anti-corruption questions third parties might ask, quickly and clearly.

Use it poorly, and eventually, you’ll find that what you built doesn’t work as you wanted.

For me, it remains important that these tools are used as hands-on tools that work throughout the organization. As I have said many times, the breaches happen on the organizational level, and they happen because we fail to train from top to bottom.

Additionally, we forget very often that the ISO or legal language does not “appeal” to the organizational level. We have to train those people in a different way, fully understanding that training is essential. Personally, I am more focused on compliance software as the vehicle for compliance management.

I am looking forward to your comments—contact me at Schumacher@eitsc.com

The World BusinessMirror

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

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

A5

China plays down latest Trump tariffs

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hina shrugged off US President Donald J. Trump’s latest escalation of the tariff war, with state media signaling the government is ready to weather the economic turbulence as no progress to resolve the standoff is in sight.

Editorials and commentaries since the Trump administration slapped tariffs on roughly $110 billion in Chinese imports on Sunday have focused on the impact that the latest hikes on goods produced in China will have on US consumers. Late Sunday, the State Council, or cabinet, released a statement pledging to increase economic support if needed.

Chinese officials have yet to give a clear sign that they intend to carry through a plan for in-person negotiations in Washington this month, a meeting that was planned before the latest round of tit-for-tat measures.

Few column inches were dedicated to the trade war Monday, and there was little evidence of a change in stance.

“It is time the US administration reconsidered its poorly thought out China-bashing moves,” an editorial in the China Daily argued. “Working to

secure a trade deal would be a more fruitful approach.”

The 15 percent US duty hit consumer goods ranging from footwear and apparel to home textiles and certain technology products like the Apple Watch. A separate batch of about $160 billion in Chinese goods—including laptops and mobile phones—will be hit with 15-percent tariffs on December 15. Trump delayed part of the levies to blunt the impact on holiday shopping.

Investors sought the safety of the yen, which edged higher against the dollar as currency markets opened for trading. The offshore yuan pared some losses to trade at 7.1682 per dollar Monday at 10:38 a.m. in Beijing after the PBOC set the fixing rate stronger than all estimates.

Asian stocks fell with US equity futures after the tariffs kicked in, even

though the measures had been widely anticipated. S&P 500 futures opened 1 percent lower before paring losses, and Treasury contracts advanced.

The new tariffs imposed over the weekend are “a turning point in the trade war” with the US, an editorial in the Communist Party’s tabloid Global Times wrote Sunday evening. The report said the tariffs on daily goods are to hit US consumers directly, and it also showed Washington is almost at the end of its wits.

“The US economy cannot sustain its superficial prosperity and is facing a bigger risk of decline,” the editorial said. “The Trump administration has shot Americans in the foot. When more and more Americans feel the pain, maybe it will be time for Washington to recover rationality.”

While the Trump administration has dismissed concern about a protracted trade war, business groups are calling for a tariff truce and the resumption of negotiations between the world’s twolargest economies.

The talks between Chinese and American trade negotiators scheduled for Washington in September are still on, Trump told reporters Sunday after returning

from Camp David.

“We are talking to China, the meeting is still on,” Trump said.

The president repeated the assertion that China, not the US, is “paying” for the tariffs, and said that farmers hurt by Beijing’s retaliation on US agricultural goods are being made “more than whole” by federal payments.

“We can’t allow China to rip us off anymore,” Trump added.

China has repeatedly decried US pressure tactics, with signs that its officials are girding for a prolonged confrontation.

“China’s determination to fight against the US economic warmongering has only grown stronger, and its countermeasures more resolute, measured and targeted,” according to a commentary by the official Xinhua News Agency after the tariffs kicked in.

Collateral damage

While Trump has repeatedly said China is paying for his tariffs, many companies and economists say that US importers bear the cost—and some of it is passed on to consumers.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office in August projected that by 2020, Trump’s tariffs and trade war will reduce

the level of real US GDP by about 0.3 percent and reduce average real household income by $580.

That followed a JPMorgan Chase & Co. note to clients estimating that the latest round of tariffs will increase the average cost per US household to $1,000 a year—up from $600 for duties enacted last year. That estimate is in the low range because it was based on a duty rate of 10 percent, before Trump increased it to 15 percent.

Global impact

The tariffs are also harming the global economy. The International Monetary Fund in July further reduced its world growth outlook, already the lowest since the financial crisis, amid the uncertainty from the trade conflict.

China’s retaliation took effect as of 12:01 p.m. Sunday in Beijing, with higher tariffs being rolled out in stages on a total of about $75 billion of US goods. Its target list strikes at the heart of Trump’s political support—factories and farms across the Midwest and South at a time when the US economy is showing signs of slowing down.

Higher Chinese duties that took effect September 1 include

an extra 10 percent on American pork, beef, and chicken, and various other agricultural goods, while soybeans will get hit with an extra 5-percent tariff on top of the existing 25 percent. Starting in mid-December, American wheat, sorghum, and cotton will also get a further 10-percent tariff. While China imposed a new 5 percent levy on US crude oil starting from September, there was no new tariff on liquefied natural gas.

The resumption of a suspended extra 25 percent duty on US cars will resume December 15, with another 10 percent on top for some vehicles. With existing general duties on autos taken into account, the total tariff charged on US-made cars would be as high as 50 percent. Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Technology Association, said the Trump administration’s approach of using tariffs to pressure China into a deal has backfired.

“US companies have to spend more resources on constantly changing trade rules and less on innovation, new products and our economic health,” Shapiro said. “This is not how you reach a meaningful trade agreement.”

Bloomberg News

In escalating trade war, American consumers may see higher prices

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Pro-democracy protesters gather outside the airport in Hong Kong on Sunday, September 1, 2019. The operator of the express train to Hong Kong’s airport has suspended service as pro-democracy protesters gathered there following a day of violent clashes with police. Protesters gathered at the airport after online calls to disrupt travel.

AP Photo/Kin Cheung

Protests on roads near HK airport disrupt air travel

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ONG KONG—Anti-government protesters blocked roads near Hong Kong’s airport with burning barricades and damaged a train station on Sunday after a night of violent clashes with police.

Train and some bus service to the airport on the outlying island of Chek Lap Kok were suspended.

Some passengers walked to the airport, one of Asia’s busiest, carrying their luggage, but some flights were delayed.

Hong Kong has been the scene of tense antigovernment protests for nearly three months. The demonstrations began in response to a proposed extradition law and have expanded to include other grievances and demands for democracy in the semiautonomous Chinese territory.

The protests are an embarrassment to China’s ruling Communist Party ahead of October 1 celebrations of its 70th anniversary in power.

The protesters complain Beijing and the government of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam are eroding the autonomy and civil liberties promised when the former British colony was returned to China in 1997.

On Sunday, the MTR Corp. suspended train service to the airport after several hundred protesters

gathered there following calls online to disrupt transportation. They blocked buses arriving at the airport but police in riot helmets kept them out of the terminal.

The government said some protesters threw objects at police. It also said iron poles, bricks and rocks were thrown onto tracks of the airport train.

At least 26 flights from Hong Kong and 17 to the city had been canceled as of 7:55 p.m., the South China Morning Post newspaper reported, citing information from the airport.

After protesters began to stream away from the airport in the late afternoon, some attacked a train station in the adjacent Tung Chung area.

They used metal bars to smash lights and broke open a fire hose valve, sending water gushing across the floor.

Protesters set up barricades on two adjacent streets and set fire to some of them. Firefighters arrived a few minutes later to douse the blaze.

Protesters left the area after busloads of riot police in green fatigues with black helmets and riot shields flooded into the train station. The Post reported that drivers of taxis and private cars on the toll road from the airport were picking up protesters to help them avoid arrest. AP

ASHINGTON—The United States and China on Sunday put in place their latest tariff increases on each other’s goods, potentially raising prices Americans pay for some clothes, shoes, sporting goods and other consumer items before the holiday shopping season.

President Donald J. Trump said USChina trade talks were still on for September. “We’ll see what happens,” he told reporters as he returned to the White House from the Camp David presidential retreat. “But we can’t allow China to rip us off anymore as a country.”

The 15 percent US taxes apply to about $112 billion of Chinese imports. All told, more than two-thirds of the consumer goods the United States imports from China now face higher taxes. The administration had largely avoided hitting consumer items in its earlier rounds of tariff increases.

But with prices of many retail goods now likely to rise, the Trump administration’s move threatens the US economy’s main driver: consumer spending. As businesses pull back on investment spending and exports slow in the face of weak global growth, American shoppers have been a key bright spot for the economy.

“We have got a great economy,” said Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. “But I do think that the uncertainty caused by volatile tariff situation and this developing trade war could jeopardize that strength, and that growth, and that is, I think, that’s a legitimate concern,” he told ABC’s This Week.

As a result of Trump’s higher tariffs, many US companies have warned that they will be forced to pass on to their customers the higher prices they will pay on Chinese imports. Some businesses, though, may decide in the end to absorb the higher costs rather than raise prices for their customers.

In China, authorities began charging higher duties on American imports at midday Sunday, according to employees who answered the phone at customs offices in Beijing and the southern port of Guangzhou. They declined to give their names.

Tariffs of 10 percent and 5 percent apply to items ranging from frozen sweet

corn and pork liver to marble and bicycle tires, the government announced earlier.

After Sunday’s move, 87 percent of textiles and clothing the United States buys from China and 52 percent of shoes will be subject to import taxes.

On December 15, the Trump administration is scheduled to impose a second round of 15-percent tariffs—this time on roughly $160 billion of imports. If those duties take effect, virtually all goods imported from China will be covered.

The Chinese government has released a list of American imports targeted for penalties on December 15 if the US tariff hikes take effect. In total, Beijing says Sunday’s penalties and the planned December increases will apply to $75 billion of American goods.

Washington and Beijing are locked in a war over US complaints that China steals US trade secrets and unfairly subsidizes its own companies in its drive to develop global competitors in such high-tech industries as artificial intelligence and electric cars.

“I give the president credit for challenging China on some of its really egregious behavior” on intellectual property and technology transfers, for example, Toomey said. He said he hopes that’s what Trump’s focus is, “not just the fact that Chinese clothing and shoes are popular among consumers. That’s not the problem.”

If China changes its behavior “in a meaningful way in that area...then we will have ended up in a better place. That’s what I’m hoping for. But let’s be honest. In the meantime, we’re doing damage. It’s a double-edged sword,” he said.

To try to force Beijing to reform its trade practices, the Trump administration has imposed import taxes on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports, and China has retaliated with tariffs on US exports.

“It’s a good thing taking on China. Unfortunately, he’s done it the wrong way,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said on Fox News Sunday.

“To take on China there has to be a

Saudi-led air strikes kill 100 in rebel-run prison

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ANAA, Yemen—The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen staged multiple air strikes on a detention center operated by the Houthi rebels in the southwestern province of Dhamar, killing at least 100 people and wounding dozens more Sunday, officials and the rebels’ health ministry said.

Franz Rauchenstein, the head of the Red Cross delegation in Yemen, suggested that the death toll could be higher after visiting the site of the attack, saying relatively few detainees survived. A Red Cross statement

said the detention center held around 170 detainees. It said 40 of those were being treated for injuries and the rest were presumed dead.

“Witnessing this massive damage, seeing the bodies lying among the rubble, was a real shock. Anger and sadness were natural reactions,” Rauchenstein said.

The attack was the deadliest so far this year by the coalition, according to the Yemen Data Project, a database tracking the war. The coalition has faced international criticism for

air strikes that have hit schools, hospitals and wedding parties, killing thousands of Yemeni civilians.

Saudi Arabia intervened on behalf of the internationally recognized Yemini government in March 2015, after the Iran-backed Houthis took the capital. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, thrust millions to the brink of famine and spawned the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

The attack comes as the Saudi-led coalition’s partners—chiefly the United Arab

Emirates and an array of Yemeni militias— are increasingly at odds over the war’s aims.

The past weeks have seen heavy fighting in Yemen’s south between Saudi-backed and Emirati-backed forces.

Yemeni officials said Sunday’s strikes targeted a college in the city of Dhamar, which the Houthi rebels were using as a detention center. The coalition denied it had struck a detention center, saying it had targeted a military site used by the rebels to restore drones and missiles. AP

multilateral approach. One country can’t take on China to try to dry up its overcapacity because they just send it through to you in other ways,” he said.

Trump has insisted that China itself pays the tariffs. But, in fact, economic research

has concluded that the costs of the duties fall on US businesses and consumers. Trump had indirectly acknowledged the tariffs’ impact by delaying some of the duties until December 15, after holiday goods are already on store shelves. AP

A6 Tuesday, September 3, 2019 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

The power of films

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oreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. assured senators during a recent Department of Foreign Affairs’ briefing with the Senate that the film Quezon’s Game would be shown in Israel in light of the continued deportation of Filipino workers and their children from the Middle Eastern country.

Quezon’s Game depicts the little-known story in our country’s history when former President Manuel Quezon saved over a thousand Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi regime during World War II by allowing them to enter the Philippines.

Sens.Panfilo Lacson and Franklin Drilon made the suggestion of showing the film in Israel.

“Kindly remind them of Manuel L. Quezon during the holocaust and maybe they will be more humane in treating our Filipino citizens,” Lacson said.

Locsin said he would ask an Israeli TV station to show the film so that Israelis “can see the kind of people Filipinos have always been.”

He also proposed that Quezon be formally recognized for his efforts to save Jewish refugees.

“Quezon risked even more than his life—he risked his political career. For those of us who come from politics, believe me, that’s worth more than life....

He had no authority to bring in the Jews, but he took them in because it was the decent thing to do. He could have been removed by the United States, but he did it anyway,” he said.

Indeed, film is a powerful medium, with its ability to inspire, entertain, challenge and inform audiences. Films shape the way we see and understand the world, and it shapes the way the world and others see and understand us. It can promote our culture and nationality in ways no other medium can.

Films can make statements and ask questions. Sure, there are films that are pure escapist entertainment. But there are also many that can leave lasting impressions, and can move hearts and minds.

The Hollywood film The Great Raid in 2005 highlighted the heroic efforts of Filipino soldiers who fought alongside the Americans during World War II. It was based on a true event which happened in 1945, near the end of the war, when Filipino guerillas led by Capt. Juan Pajota (played by Cesar Montano in the film) helped American soldiers free some 500 American prisoners of war from a Japanese camp in Cabanatuan.

Many film critics took note of the movie’s historical significance and gave credit to the Filipino guerillas, some of whom at the time were still fighting to receive the full US veterans’ benefits which were promised to them by former US President Franklin Roosevelt and General Douglas MacArthur during the war.

The 2015 historical biopic Heneral Luna reminded audiences that Philippine leaders and social movements have always been wracked by factional dissent and bitter infighting; that the worst enemy of our nation are Filipinos themselves, Filipinos fighting, not for their country and the common good, but for self-serving interests. And that to this day, Filipinos are still repeating the same mistakes, repeating the tragedies of history.

The blockbuster Hello, Love, Goodbye, which has made over P800 million so far despite the proliferation of pirated copies of the film, struck a chord with audiences because it is more than a love story about two Filipinos who fall in love in Hong Kong. It also tells the story of millions of overseas Filipino workers who leave their families to work in foreign lands, as a way of escaping unemployment, low wages and lack of opportunities here in their own country.

They endure many hardships and sacrifice themselves for the betterment of their families, in the process also subsidizing the Philippine economy.

In the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Picture, Sunday Beauty Queen, a documentary about Filipino domestic helpers working in Hong Kong, one wealthy, elderly Chinese employer candidly admits how much Hong Kong residents depend on Filipinos, to the extent that Hong Kong’s economy could collapse if the Philippine government decides to stop sending our citizens to the Chinese territory.

The forthcoming historical drama Culion, which is aiming for an MMFF slot, depicts the bucolic Palawan island in the 1940s, when it was still a secluded colony populated by people who suffered from Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy. Culion has a unique history among all the islands in the Philippines because it is part of world medical history.

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he Philippines remains one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia and will continue to enjoy the status in the coming years because of our improving macroeconomic fundamentals.

W hi le our g ross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to a four-year low of 5.5 percent in the second quarter of 2019, most of our Asean neighbors were, in fact, expanding below 4 percent. Only Vietnam grew at a faster rate than we did in the previous quarter.

A buoyant domestic economy supported by strong consumer spending, meanwhile, will shield us from the effects of the trade war between the United States and China.

A benign inflation rate, pumppriming through the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte administration and the pro-growth policy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are certain to boost economic growth in the latter months of 2019.

The BSP hinted last week that it was inclined to reduce the benchmark borrowing rate by another 25 basis points to 4 percent

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before the end of the year in view of slowing inflation. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno says another 25bps cut in policy rate will give the banking sector more time to prepare on what to do with extra liquidity.

I am very confident the economy will do much better in the coming quarters. Even major credit rating agencies such as Moody’s Investors Service share my enthusiasm.

Moody’s, in its credit analysis for the Philippines, said it expects economic growth to recover from the temporary slowdown caused in part by the budget delay in the first half of 2019.

“The momentum for fiscal reform has been sustained, improving prospects for further improvement in the Philippines’s fiscal profile.

Broad macroeconomic and financial stability remains intact: Headline inflation has been restored to within the Central Bank’s target band, while the balance of payments has

remained stable despite a widening trade deficit,” it said.

In its latest regional outlook for 16 Asia-Pacific economies, Moody’s said it expects the Philippines to grow 5.8 percent in 2019, faster than the country’s actual expansion of 5.6 percent in the first half. This means growth will pick up to around 6 percent in the second half. For 2020, Moody’s expects the economy to rebound with a growth of 6.2 percent.

In contrast, most of our neighbors are expected to bear the impact of weaker trade and investment because of the lingering concerns over the US-China trade tiff. “We project the slowest rates of growth since the global financial crisis for Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea,” Moody’s said in its Asia Pacific: Regional Growth Update.

Moody’s said of the 16 AsiaPacific economies it included in the report, Hong Kong and Singapore showed particularly weak expansions this year, with very large deteriorations in real GDP growth when compared with the first half of 2018.

It said externally oriented economies saw a sharper growth slowdown in the first six months of 2019, while domestic factors had a greater influence on growth in Japan, India and the Philippines.

The weaker global economy stunted Asian exports while the uncertain operating environment weighed on investment, it said.

“As for the Philippines, the

Why China needs every country John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Efleda P. Campos Dennis D. Estopace Ruben M. Cruz Jr. Angel R. Calso

MEMBER OF

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Chairman of the Board & Ombudsman President VP-Finance VP Advertising Sales Advertising Sales Manager Group Circulation Manager

PHL one of the fastest-growing economies

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n early 1990, I was asked by a cabinet secretary through a mutual friend to show a foreign visitor the sights of Manila.

The visitor was an executive of the then-largest bank in the world by number of customers, the Farmers Bank of China. Understand that the GDP per capita in purchasing power for the Philippines was about $4,000 (which collapsed because of the 1989 coup attempt) and $1,600 in China. Unlike what is currently expected by visitors, our guest did not get a seat at the head table or a more impressive tour guide.

During our conversations, the gentleman told me that every Chinese government unit and agency had only one objective, and that all policies had to be geared in a single direction—rice self-sufficiency. No one realized that this policy planted some of the seeds of China’s current trade and economic problems. It can be found in the popular Sichuan dish Mapo doufu with ground pork.

In 1959–1961, the Great Chinese Famine killed millions through starvation, an event so catastrophic that it reinforced the importance of rice cultivation self-sufficiency.

Commentators with the “China good; Trump bad” narrative like to point out how China raised 500 million people out of extreme poverty, which is true. However, it was due in large part to rice self-sufficiency.

After this great leap in food

production, came China taking advantage of its ability to manufacture goods at lower cost for export to the world as Japan had done previously. As the peoples’ wealth increases so does the consumption of high-quality food like Mapo doufo made with tofu and pork.

As recently as 1995, China was producing 14 million tons of soybeans and consuming 14 million tons. By 2011 the demand for soybeans increased to 70 million tons per year.

Note that half of all the pigs in the world are in China. Consumption of pork grew on the same path as economic prosperity, to the extent that China’s per capita consumption of pork (and other meat) is greater than at any time in 5,000 years.

In the past year, pork prices in China have increased by 50 percent, and by 18 percent in the past month. Even in the face of import tariffs imposed by China in retaliation to that of the US, American exports of pork to China were the largest in three years, up 123 percent year-on-year in June, and 25 percent ahead of 2018.

del ay in t he passing of t he government budget has disrupted its infrastructure build up,” it said.

In Malaysia and Sri Lanka, fiscal tightening posed drags while in India, the moderation in business sentiment and slow flow of credit to corporates contributed to weaker investment.

The good news is that the slower overall GDP growth in the region did not weigh significantly on broader employment conditions and the generally benign inflation supports the consumers’ purchasing power across the region.

The report covers the economies of Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Among the Asean economies, the Philippines is seen performing better than most of its neighbors such as Singapore, which is predicted to grow 0.5 percent this year; Malaysia, 4.4 percent; Thailand, 2.7 percent; and Indonesia, 4.9 percent.

Vietnam is seen growing faster at 6.7 percent.

M o o d y ’s p r e d i c t e d t h e Philippines would grow 6.2 percent next year, faster than China’s 5.8 percent, Singapore’s 1.2 percent, Malaysia’s 4.3 percent, Thailand’s 3.1 percent and Indonesia’s 4.7 percent.

There is no doubt that our economy will expand faster in the coming years, supported by declining inflation and interest rates.

Certainly, the African swine flu has decimated China’s pig population. But there is more to the story than that.

China cannot produce soybeans as cheaply as importing the product. But the reason that China needs so much soybean is that onethird of all their soybeans goes to feed their pigs on a ratio of one part soybean meal to four parts grain.

In 2017-2018, China had to import more than 100 million tons of soybeans because of strong animal feed demand. Now comes the hard part.

Many like to think of China as the “Magical Kingdom” rather than the “Middle Kingdom.” Why doesn’t China just grow all their soybean requirements? While China is big and has the highest agricultural output in the world, only 13 percent of its total land area can be cultivated.

So, if China were to produce all soybeans they consume, it would mean that they would need to convert one-third of the grain land to soybeans, forcing China to import about 160 million tons of grain including rice. No man—or nation— is an island entire of itself—even China or the US.

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Tuesday, September 3, 2019 A7

Recovery of denied VAT Two women ahead of their time and CWT refund Manny F. Dooc

Irwin C. Nidea Jr.

Tax Law for Business

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any taxpayers have millions of pesos that are recorded in their books as unutilized input value-added tax or excess creditable withholding tax. Unfortunately, in many instances, they become paper assets when there is no output VAT or income tax from which they can be offset.

Unlike cash, these excess VAT and CWT cannot be readily used to buy supplies or pay for salaries.

When input VAT and CWT accumulate, one recourse allowed by law is a claim for refund. But, oftentimes, these claims are partially or totally denied. Taxpayers are left in quandary, not knowing what to do with these denied claims.

As far as a denied input VAT refund is concerned, the issue that taxpayers face is whether the amount denied should be treated as cost that is deductible for income tax purposes. If yes, then taxpayers can still benefit up to 30 percent of the value of the denied claim. The same issue of deductibility crops up when a claim for VAT refund is not filed within the two-year prescriptive period.

As early as 1989, in Revenue Regulation (RR) 9-89, the BIR issued guidelines on the proper treatment of unutilized input VAT arising from zero-rated sales. The BIR said that if a taxpayer has no other sales transactions subject to VAT against which its input taxes may be used in payment, then, it follows, that it is constituted as the final person against which the costs of the tax passed on shall legally stop and rest. Hence, the said input taxes may already be legally converted as cost available as deduction for income tax purposes.

(VAT Ruling 059-92) If no application for VAT refund has been applied for by the taxpayer and the two-year period to file a claim for refund has already prescribed, it became clear in many other BIR rulings, e.g., BIR Ruling DA 636-06, BIR Ruling (DA[VAT-02] 121-10), that the taxpayer can already deduct the input VAT as cost available as deduction for income tax purposes.

What if a claim for refund is filed and the same was denied by the BIR or by the courts, should the same rule apply?

In Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 42-2003, it was ruled that input VAT claimed for refund may be charged to appropriate expense account or asset account subject to depreciation, whichever is applicable, in case the zero-rated sales fail to comply with the invoicing requirement, e.g., including the TIN of the VAT registered sellerclaimant in the VAT invoice or VAT receipt it issued to its customers.

While RMC 42-2003 only allows of claims denied due to noncompliance of invoicing requirements, the privilege of claiming deduction for income tax purposes also apply to claims that are denied due to the failure of the taxpayer to show that the input taxes sought to be refunded were not carried over and applied against any output VAT in the succeeding periods. In other words, the denied claim is treated as a loss of property sustained during the taxable year, which is not compensated for by insurance or other forms of indemnity (BIR Ruling DA 591-2004).

But the latest BIR issuance on this matter is RMC 57-2013.

It mandates that unutilized input VAT attributable to zerorated sales can only be recovered through the application for refund or tax credit. The BIR ruled that there is no specific provision in the Tax Code that expressly provides for another mode of recovering unapplied input VAT, particularly the proposition that denied or pre-

scribed input taxes may be treated outright as deductible expense for income tax purposes.

Just recently, however, the Court of Ta x Appea ls in the Maersk Case (CTA Case EB 1786), promulgated a decision that indirectly invalidated RMC 57-2013.

Citing RR 09-89, the CTA ruled that disallowed/denied claim for input tax is recorded as purchases or cost of sales, which is classified as an expense account and a deduction from a taxpayer’s sales/revenue. The taxpayer usually sustains a loss when its claim for refund was denied and the same can no longer be recovered. In this case, the CTA allowed the deduction of a denied claim for VAT refund for income tax purposes.

It must be noted that the transaction from which the decision is based in the Maersk Case happened prior to the issuance of RMC 57-2013. Thus, the CTA cannot use said transactions as basis of its decision to invalidate RMC 57-2013.

It can be argued that the said RMC is still controlling and treatment of denied or prescribed claims for refund as deduction for income tax purposes is still not allowed.

While there are conf licting pronouncements that shroud the issue of whether a prescribed or a denied input VAT refund must be treated as cost that is deductible for income tax purposes, there are no discussions as regards denied CWT refund on the same issue.

But the significant advantage of a denied claim for CWT refund is that it is allowed to be carried over back to the income tax return as an excess CWT. According to the Supreme Court, when a taxpayer who opted to file a claim for CWT refund and the same is subsequently denied, he can opt to again carryover the denied claim in its entirety as creditable tax (GR 205955, March 7, 2018). The same treatment cannot be said to a denied VAT refund.

Should the BIR allow denied VAT refund to be returned in the VAT returns, in its entirety? If so, it will allow 100 percent recovery of input VAT, not in a form of refund, but as part of unutilized input VAT once again.

Hopefully, tax authorities will give proper guidance on the correct treatment of denied claims for refund. It is in the interest of the government that excess VAT and CWT are fully utilized so that they can be used to help stimulate economic growth. Steps must be taken to make sure that they do not remain paper assets. After all, excess VAT and CWT are not for the government to keep.

The author is a senior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a member-firm of WTS Global.

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter.

Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may email the author at irwin.c.nideajr@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 403-2001 local 330.

TELLTALES

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successful practicing lawyer. A celebrated Regional Trial Court Judge. A feared and respected Sandiganbayan Justice. An able Presidential Legal Counsel. The first female chairman of the Commission on Elections. She’s very much in the news lately—Justice Harriet Obias Demetriou.

A native of Tabaco City, Albay, she possesses a legal mind as sharp as the handicraft items of sundang, labaha and gunting of which her home city is famous for. With her landmark decision in GR12103945, January 25, 1999, People of the Philippines v Mayor Antonio L. Sanchez, et al., she has undoubtedly enriched the legal folklore in the Philippines. Justice Demetriou’s last government post was as chairman of the powerful Comelec.

Appointed by President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, she voluntarily resigned from her post when former President Estrada was deposed —an act unheard of in present day government where the credo is morir antes demitir. Except for serving as the counsel for the principal accused in the so-called Oakwood Mutiny, she has practically led a quiet life until reports came out that former Calauan Mayor Sanchez would be released due to good conduct time allowance. Then she went ballistics and decried that the author of

the most heinous crime “hatched in hell” deserves no mercy. She was the Pasig RTC Judge who convicted Mayor Sanchez and his cohorts to seven 40-year terms for the 1993 rape-slay case of Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of her friend Allan Gomez. The Supreme Court affirmed her decision and even increased her award of damages to the families of the victims. She’d rather see them rot in inferno. She considers it a travesty of justice and a mockery of the SC if persons guilty of heinous offenses who are disqualified from getting credit for time allowance under RA 10592 are allowed to enjoy early freedom. I salute the eminent jurist for her vigilance that the justice she meted out is served to the fullest. As the 2014 American musical play proclaimed, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” nnn

Last weekend, I attended the leadership summit of the Insular Life Gold Eagle College Scholar-

ship Program consisting of former high-school valedictorians that earned their college education as grantees of the much-coveted program. It was organized “to unravel the ways on how to use one’s education for the greater good.”

Since they started the program in 1963, over 10,000 graduates from all over the country have benefited from it, making the program one of the most successful educational programs sponsored by the private sector.

The moving spirit of this worthy project is herself an exemplary student during her time, and who strongly believes that education is the great equalizer.

It has been her life story that she unselfishly shared to the young college graduates and professionals who attended the summit.

Through education, she overcame her humble beginnings to become an exceptional business and corporate leader, both here and abroad. She built her career in banking, mostly with foreign multinational banks where she held top cor porate positions, which no Filipino woman has achieved before her. As a top executive of CitiGroup, she was a highly respected global banking leader. She set up the private banking business and headed ANZ’s Asia-Pacific region in Singapore, and later on served as the PCEO of the Philippine Bank of Communications. Now, she is the first woman to become the chairman and CEO of Insular Life in its 108-year history. Together with the IFC, she conceived

Air quality is quality of life Thomas M. Orbos

STREET TALK

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came across an article a few months ago praising several of our cities in the Philippines having landed in the top list of cities in Southeast Asia in terms of clean air. Good to hear. However, a separate article that came out around the same time admitted that Metro Manila and other Philippine cities had little or outmoded air monitoring systems, implying the inaccuracy of the air cleanliness rankings.

Air quality is a matter of national concern given the rise of health costs, mostly respiratory illnesses, resulting from degrading air quality. In 2018, the country had the third-highest number of deaths due to air pollution, according to the World Health Organization.

Another study equated health costs to around 1.5 percent of our gross domestic product.

Transpor t accounts for 34 percent of all energ y related greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions in the air we breathe in Metro Manila. Hence, the real need to push for low carbon transport and programs.

And of all the government climate-change initiatives, three mobility programs come to mind because of their strategic importance to our climate-change efforts. The first one is the Public Utility Modernization Program, mistakenly heralded as the program solely phasing out the jeepneys. But it is not just about the vehicles. Yes, there is the required shift to the cleaner Euro 4 engines and the vehicle design where passenger capacity increases to almost double the present capacity. There is also the required consolidation of operations and the rationalization of

routes. All of these should result in more efficient jeepers trips on the road. Significant, as these jeepers currently account for 40 percent of all motorized transport trips nationwide.

Another initiative to be implemented in the next coming months is the mandatory Motor Vehicle Inspection program of the Land Transportation Office. The program aims to check the roadworthiness of all vehicles prior to registration. This will eradicate the present unreliable smoke emission-testing requirement that we have right now. With this program, all motor vehicles will have to pass a roadworthiness test of more than 50 items to include proper suspension, brakes, lights and—smoke emission.

But what could make the real difference is the push for more walkable areas. In a particular study that centered on city bus trips on Edsa, it was found out that a majority of the commuters took the bus for trips of less than 3 kilometers. Three kilometers! That’s just around a 30-minute leisurely walk. For a biker, even easier.

But that is if you have the space to walk or bike on. Fortunately, there is a breathe of fresh air as we see the sustained campaign

and formed InLife Sheroes, a movement that champions and empowers Filipinas by making them achievers. Nina D. Aguas holds the distinction of being the first Filipino to be elected in the World Bank Advisory Council on Gender and Development, which aims to promote gender equality and advance women as leaders in business, education and government. Her advice to the young is “not to neuter their imagination nor edit their ambitions.” Ever benevolent and kind-hearted, she admonished the new professionals that “while we live in this technology-driven world, remember that, as one writer has said, to be kind is more important than to be right.

Many times what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.”

One writer described Nina “as one woman who exemplifies the true Filipina. Her soft-spoken demeanor is strong enough to silence the room.” How true! I sat across her for a couple of years inside the Board Room of UnionBank. nnn

Two extraordinary women of our times. Outstanding graduates of UST. Women of influence and gravitas. They revolve in different orbits but radiating force commanding respect from people within their respective spheres.

They are women ahead of their times who have shattered glass ceilings paving the paths easier for womankind to pass through and reach the top.

of the DILG to clear the roadways and sidewalks. There are also several programs on the pipeline by the DENR, DPWH, DOTr, and the MMDA that are pedestrian-centered, consisting of elevated walkways, bike lanes and open spaces.

This should be coming soon. More walkable space means less carbon emissions, less traffic congestions and better personal health.

Plus, it is definitely cheaper to build and maintain.

With all the heated discussions we are currently having on solving traffic—volume reduction, segregated lanes, illegal parking, where to put the terminals, and even making Edsa one way, etc.; maybe it is just really going back to the basic set of mobility—that is walking, even on the short distances, that we can have a less congested, pleasant commuter experience and a cleaner air environment for us and for future generations.

Thomas “Tim” Orbos was former DOTr undersecretary for Roads and general manager of the MMDA. He is currently undertaking further studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University. He can be reached via e-mail at: thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu

Modi’s bank bailouts may distract focus from growth slump

By Suvashree Ghosh Bloomberg News

I

ndia’s biggest bank overhaul in decades may hurt the nation’s bad loan cleanup and slow the lending approvals needed to reverse its economic slump.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government late Friday surprised observers by announcing several state bank mergers, a move it said would create larger, healthier lenders.

While that may be true in the long term, analysts predict that the efforts may be hurt by a near-term shift in management attention to aligning resourcess, such as personnel, technology and branch networks.

“Recent precedence shows the amalgamation process takes up to six months and management band-

width of the merging banks may get occupied,” said Anil Gupta, who oversees financial sector ratings at ICRA Ltd., the local unit of Moody’s Investors Service. “The amalgamation will require harmonization of asset quality and provisioning levels among the merging banks, and may spike up the credit provisions this year.”

The merged lenders, which control more than half the assets held

by Indian banks, will get 552.5 billion rupees ($7.7 billion) of capital to jump-start the process. Still, that may not be enough to keep money flowing into the economy given India continues its struggle to contain the world’s worst pile of stressed loans despite $37 billion of handouts over three years.

Another risk is that credit growth

again plummets as it did in 2016, when a shock cash ban by Modi made bankers responsible for exchanging old bills for new, leaving them no time to dispense loans. Such a slowdown would further damage an economy already growing at the slowest pace in six years.

Business may also be disrupted by strikes threatened by the banks’ employee unions, who fear that the consolidation will result in fewer branches and job opportunities.

“All nine bank unions will meet on September 11 in Delhi and decide a timeline of protests against the mergers, including agitation and prolonged strikes,” CH Venkatachalam, general secretary of the All India Bank Employees’ Association, the largest union covering 400,000 staff, said by phone.

The government’s announcement is “diverting attention from the economic slowdown to the merger of banks,” he said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sprang the merger announcement just minutes before official data confirmed a fifth straight quarter of slowing economic growth, with expansion coming in at a much-weaker-than-expected 5 percent. Under the hood, the numbers offer more cause for concern on whether output—once adjusted for inflation—will increase fast enough to ensure borrowers cover their interest payments.

Any more debt repayment delays or defaults risk reversing an expected recovery in India’s gross bad-loan ratio and worsening a widening shadow bank crisis.

2nd Front Page BusinessMirror

A8 Tuesday, September 3, 2019

D.A. CHIEF: EXECS WHO AIDED HOT MEAT TRADERS FACE AX

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HE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it would file charges and dismiss erring officials found to be conniving with unscrupulous traders in importing banned meat products which could introduce fatal animal diseases in the country.

During a forum with the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (Pcafi), Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said they launched an investigation after over 20 metric tons (MT) of smuggled Chinese meat were seized by authorities last week in Manila.

Dar said some DA officials are involved in the smuggling of banned meat products, which were even transported to some areas in Pampanga.

“May ibang kawani sa kagawaran ng pagsasaka na kasama dito sa problema na ito. [There are officials of the Department of Agriculture who are involved in this malpractice]. And they were transporting some of this to Pampanga,” he said during the forum in Quezon City on Saturday.

“We have already confiscated these products and we will file charges against these officials and dismiss them,” he added.

Dar said the DA is closely working with the Manila City govern-

ment in its drive against smuggled meat products, particularly those from China, that could be infected with dreadful animal diseases which could threaten the country’s livestock sector.

China is currently struggling to contain the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in its territory after the fatal pig disease killed over 1 million hogs to date.

In late August, Manila City Hall seized more than 20 MT of Chinese hot meat in Tondo valued to be more than P20 million.

Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso has already ordered the City Legal Office and Bureau of Permits and License Office to file charges against the entities involved in the storage and sale of the hot meat.

The Philippines has suspended importation of pork and pork products from China, Hong Kong, North Korea, Lao PDR, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam, Zambia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Mongolia, Moldova, Belgium due to ASF. The ASF, which has no available vaccine today, can seriously damage if not wipe out the country’s P260-billion hog industry if it enters Philippine borders. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

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DOJ offers to help correct flaws in GCTA law, IRR

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By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

ENATORS on Monday cited what they deemed the alarming misuse of a law expanding prisoners’ good-conduct credits in order to declog the country’s jails, but Department of Justice (DOJ) officials said the law that allowed this had opened avenues for ambiguity, and asked Congress to amend it.

This, as senators “credited” convicted rapist ex-Mayor Antonio Sanchez with drawing national attention to the legal loopholes as his impending release triggered a public uproar over anomalies at the New Bilibid Prison. There, affluent prisoners looking to cut their jail time could allegedly resort to credits under good conduct time allowance (GCTA) as liberalized by Republic Act 10575 of 2013.

The GCTA credits are said to be “for sale” to affluent prisoners under the watch of the Bureau of Cor-

“We are hoping that an injustice is not committed because of the malevolent implementation of the GCTA.”— Drilon

rections. However, former BuCor chief now Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa told his peers that during his watch, he had sought to end this

abuse and repeatedly warned BuCor employees against “selling” GCTA credits. Dela Rosa said he could not find clear evidence of this despite encouraging inmates’ families to give him information on BuCor staff demanding money for credits.

Among the first to speak at Monday’s joint hearing of the Blue Ribbon and Justice committee was Minority Leader Frank Drilon, under whose watch at DOJ the thenCalauan, Laguna, Mayor Sanchez was convicted in the rape-murder of UPLB coed Mary Eileen Sarmenta and murder of her boyfriend Allan Gomez. He was sentenced to seven life terms, but had only served 26 years when news leaked that BuCor Chief Nicanor Faeldon had signed his release order last month.

“We are hoping that an injustice is not committed because of the malevolent implementation of the GCTA,” Drilon said.

DOJ chief’s review power

Drilon pressed for a congressional review of RA 10575, also known as the Bureau of Corrections law , citing Section 8 of its provision that the Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary shall retain the power

to review, reverse or revise BuCor decisions.

“Under the law, the BuCor chief exercises authority to release, but [this] shall not apply to prisoners convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment,” Drilon said, adding, “in the case of Sanchez, no such approval was released by the DOJ.” Asked pointblank by Senate probers, Faeldon admitted signing a release order last August 20, but insisted—to the consternation of Sen. Panfilo Lacson who was grilling him—that it was a “memorandum of release” and that this only “started the process but [was] not the release order. We stopped it,” he added.

Faeldon clarified that the process followed in issuing GCTA “never changed” and was being implemented regardless of offenses, “even drugs,” adding that “this was applied from 2014 until now.”

Justice department officials, however, assured senators that the DOJ is taking a second look at the GCTA, admitting that “we are reviewing because of the outrage...

We reviewed the law and tried to harmonize conflicting provisions.”

See “GCTA” on A2

DepEd to hire 10K teachers, 5K others under 2020 budget TROPICAL STORM “LIWAYWAY” 400 KM EAST NORTHEAST OF BALER, AURORA LOW PRESSURE AREA 490 KM WEST OF IBA, ZAMBALES SOUTHWEST MONSOON AFFECTING SOUTHERN LUZON, VISAYAS AND WESTERN SECTIONS OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL LUZON as of 4:00 pm - September 2, 2019

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T least 10,000 public-school teachers and 5,000 nonteaching personnel will be hired by the Department of Education (DepEd) under its proposed 2020 budget, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones announced on Monday.

“More than being part of our 10-point agenda, we want to stay true to our word that the department is relentless in finding ways to enhance personnel welfare, while at the same time improving delivery of quality education,” Briones said.

Briones added that the move is part of DepEd’s commitment to further improve teacher-to-student ratio, enhance learning and ease the workload of its personnel given increasing enrollment levels in public schools nationwide.

To finance personnel recruitment, DepEd is allocating P1.28 billion for the creation of 5,000 new nonteaching positions and P1.27 billion for the hiring of 10,000 teachers next year.

The new hires will be assigned to different field offices and schools.

The hiring of more teachers is meant to further

improve the teacher-to-student ratio.

In 2016, DepEd lowered the teacher-tostudent ratio to 1:35 for elementary and 1:43 for secondary schools to enable teachers to better respond to the learning needs of their students.

With enrollment in public schools increasing every year, Briones said that it will achieve the optimum teacher-to-student ratio and will ensure quality teaching and learning in class.

The DepEd chief said teachers will, likewise, benefit from the doubling of the budget for DepEd’s Computerization Program (DCP).

In 2020, DCP will receive P8.99 billion, covering 4,300 e-classroom packages and 42,010 multimedia packages for schools.

The packages will help teachers in enhancing delivery of learning in the classrooms. This is a 105.4-percent increase from DCP’s P4.38-billion budget in 2019.

The DCP is aimed at providing the appropriate technologies to all public schools to enhance the teaching-learning process and to enable both

teachers and learners to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

It also provides relevant information-technology structure, networking facilities and information systems to all levels of governance of the department.

“We recognize the need to provide our teaching and nonteaching personnel with work conditions that will enable them to deliver quality basic education for all. Steadily, we’re ensuring that they are unburdened of ancillary tasks and equipped with necessary tools and materials to develop lifelong Filipino learners,” Briones stressed.

In September last year, DepEd committed to improve the working condition of teachers through a review of its policies on teachers’ workload.

The initial solution of asking the Department of Budget and Management to greenlight the creation of nonteaching positions in schools was based on the study conducted by DepEd about the type and amount of ancillary tasks being undertaken by teachers. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

PIA chief refutes Palace on ‘resignation’

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RESIDENT Duterte has accepted the resignation of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) chief Harold Clavite, Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea said.

Medialdea on Monday said Clavite “manifested his intention to submit his irrevocable resignation to the President citing personal reasons” in a July 17 letter.

“He [Clavite] also said that he already gave three years to the country and it’s time for him to go back to his family. This was elevated to the President and thereafter accepted,” he said in a text message shared to reporters. “We recognize the service Mr. Clavite has rendered and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” he added.

But while Clavite admitted that he indeed intended to submit a letter of his irrevocable resignation, he said he really did not resign after Medialdea told him not to do so after hearing his side.

“I said in my letter to ES Medialdea that I ‘intend to submit my irrevocable resignation’ because we both agreed in our meeting on July 15 that I write down first all information I had on the PCOO-PIA problem. He specifically asked me not to resign after hearing my side. I merely reiterated

in the letter our conversation and I said my resignation will be sent to the President.

My July 17 letter was addressed to ES, not the President. While awaiting response, I did not send my resignation letter to the President,” he said.

“If they used that statement to make such decision, then I’ll accept that. I just think it’s not fair that after hearing my side and asking me to write all the details, they would do such without even talking to me,” he added.

Moreover, Clavite said asking him to leave on the same day was too harsh not only for him but for the organization which was deprived of proper transition and handover.

“They now owe it to the country and the people. They have to ensure PIA is properly managed and for it to continue to be a strong force that empowers people through timely, accurate and relevant information—free from political interference and biases,” he said.

“Please don’t get me wrong. I am not holding on to the position. I have been wanting to leave. I just thought it would be fair to let me know in advance so I can facilitate proper transition. At the same time, I was

fighting PCOO’s [Presidential Communications Operations Office] departmental interference on daily operations in PIA which they’re not supposed to be doing according to the Administrative Code of 1987. Now who’s gonna fight against PCOO’s abusive acts on the agency?” he added.

Last May, the PCOO issued a letter to Clavite asking him to clarify some alleged irregularities in the PIA. In the letter dated May 30, PCOO said it received anonymous letters with supporting documents detailing the irregularities in transactions involving alleged splitting in the procurement of Asean Komiks; alleged malversation of public funds in the payment of hotel accommodation, alleged irregularity in the production of information, education and communication materials for the Employees Compensation Program and alleged irregularity in the airing of Like Pinas.

Clavite has since denied the allegations as “baseless” and “unsubstantiated,” adding that this was part of a demolition job against him because of the financial and organizational reforms that he instituted in the agency since taking office in 2016. Bernadette D. Nicolas

News BusinessMirror

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After Xi’s rejection, Philippines urged to remain steadfast on arbitral ruling

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ORMER Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario called on the government to remain steadfast in invoking the 2016 arbitral ruling, which favored Philippine territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), even after China rejected it.

This way, del Rosario said, the country will be able to show to the international community that China is not above the law.

“We must convince our leadership that we need to strengthen our resolve, and not have it weakened,” del Rosario said in a news statement.

He added the government should continue raising the issue before the United Nations (UN) so China would eventually recognize the ruling.

“We need to prepare a strategy for taking our case to the UN. It will take time and hard work, but we must do this for the sake of our many generations to come,” del Rosario said.

During a bilateral meeting last week, President Duterte called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to recognize the Hague ruling, which invalidated Chinese sweeping territorial claims in the WPS. Xi Jinping, however, refused the

request insisting instead for the creation of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the WPS to stop “provocative acts” in the disputed territories there.

“For the Philippines to have been asked to agree that it will not bring up the issue again is to effectively accept without equivocation that China is above the rule of law,” del Rosario said.

“This would be so wrong. It would be a betrayal of the trust we have placed in our governance,” he added.

In a radio interview on Sunday, Presidential Spokesman and Chief Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo assured the bilateral talks on the COC will not stop the country from filing a diplomatic protest in case Chinese sea vessels will encroach in Philippine waters.

He also noted the 2016 arbitral ruling will always be part of the option of government in its talks with China on territorial disputes in the WPS. “Whether you raise it or not, it is always there [as an option],” Panelo said.

“The question is who will enforce it?

For now, nobody appears to be able to do so that is why there is a stalemate [between Philippines and China],” he added. Samuel P. Medenilla

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Comelec junks protest vs Vico Sotto

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By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has unanimously junked the election protest filed

by Robert “Bobby” Eusebio against Pasig Mayor Victor “Vico” Sotto.

In a nine-page decision, the Comelec’s Second Division said the case filed by Eusebio was “insufficient in form and content” since it relied too much on sworn statement of his supporters and poll watchers.

“These sworn statements can be considered self-serving and onesided in protestant’s favor,” the said poll division said.

It also said the said the statements failed to establish the allegations of electoral frauds raised by the camp of Eusebio, the previous Pasig mayor.

“Wherefore, premises consid-

ered, the instant election protest is hereby dismissed,” the Comelec Second Division declared.

Eusebio alleged there were irregularities in the Pasig mayoralty race during the May 13, 2019, midterm polls due to discrepancies in the votes contained in the statement of votes and precincts (SOVP) and the Certificate of Canvass (COC), as well as the alleged malfunction of 106 vote-counting machines (VCM).

The poll division explained the discrepancy between the SOVP and the COC was due to the decision of the Comelec en banc to lower the

MAYOR Vico Sotto is seen in a recent public engagement with Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III (left) and Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo. NONOY LACZA

canvassing threshold.

It said this did not affect number of canvassed votes, wherein Sotto won against Eusebio by 86,500 votes.

A s to the accusation of VCM malfunction, the Comelec Second Division said Eusebio failed to prove the said instances

benefited Sotto.

“It is the burden of the protestant to show that these malfunctions caused him the elections,” it said.

Eusebio could still appeal the case before the Comelec en banc and then later at the Supreme Court.

Makati among Southeast Asia’s top 10 safest cities AER lauds DA chief’s move

to address rice farmers’ woes

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AKATI City has been named among the top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia, according to a survey conducted by Numbeo, an international online research group.

Based on Numbeo’s Safety Index 2019, Makati ranks as the fourth safest city in the region with a safety index rate of 59.48 points. The city’s improved regional ranking from fifth place last year has also made it the second safest city in the country to date.

Mayor Abby Binay attributed the city’s high safety index to the city government’s sustained efforts in partnership with the local police force to maintain peace and order, including increased police visibility made possible by additional mobile patrol vehicles provided by the city and other investments in disaster response and security. The city has also been consistently implementing programs to improve the quality of life of residents and transients, she said.

“We, in the city government of Makati, are heartened by the city’s upgraded stature among the safest cities in Southeast Asia, as shown by the latest report from Numbeo. It is a validation of our sincere commitment to the continuous improvement of quality of life in the city, through building safe and resilient communities where all citizens are empowered to attain their full potential,” Mayor Abby said.

The mayor also emphasized the importance of strong local government support for national government agencies in the protective sector to maintain peace and order, and boost socioeconomic progress.

“We regard national government agencies, such as the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, as our indispensable partners in keeping Makati safe for residents, the business community and all other stakeholders. As the financial center of the Philippines, we put a premium on safety and security to

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FILE photo shows an aerial shot of Makati City’s skyline, which was recently named among the top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia. THE BusinessMirror FILE PHOTO

remain as the premier investment destination where businesses can rapidly and continuously flourish,” she added.

Meanwhile, Numbeo’s Crime Index showed a low crime rate in Makati with 40.52 points. This is significantly lower than the crime rates in Manila and Quezon City with 64.82 and 61.19, respectively.

Numbeo, an online database of usercontributed data about cities and countries, provides information about living standards in countries around the globe.

Its data is based on a survey involving netizens who have visited its web site.

Apart from crime rates, Numbeo gives data on each city’s or country’s cost of living, property prices, health care, pollution, traffic, quality of life and travel.

Also included in the top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia are Chiang Mai (Thailand)

with a rating of 77.88; Davao (Philippines) with 72.50; Singapore (Singapore), 72.30; Hanoi (Vietnam), 59.48; Penang (Malaysia), 58.66; Bangkok (Thailand), 58.31; Iloilo (Philippines), 55.86; Bali (Indonesia), 51.40; and Cebu (Philippines), 50.34.

In 2018, the city government turned over 26 brand-new patrol vehicles to the Makati Police Department as part of maintaining high police visibility throughout the city. The city also provided a mobile command vehicle and two rescue boats to the local police force to boost its disaster response capability.

This year, Makati allocated a budget of P215.9 million for various programs in support of the Makati police, including P77.5 million for personnel equipment and supplies,P25.5millionformoderncommunication equipment, P6.5 million for capability-

building activities, and P73.8 million for personnel incentives and benefits.

The city government has also beefed up the resources of the Makati Fire Department with modern equipment, including a mobile command vehicle, one chemical fire truck, and two rescue boats with fire pump, among others.

Mayor Abby was named Outstanding Local Chief Executive for 2018 by the National Capital Region Police Office, and was also awarded with the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod—Degree of Lakan Award by the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Thecity’stotalbudgetallocationthisyear for its Protective Services Sector amounts to P2.59 billion. This includes P800 million for its Peace and Order and Public Safety Plan, and P900 million for its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

CTION for Economic Reforms (AER) President Jessica Reyes-Cantos has lauded Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s decision to provide P15,000 per farmer as loan at zero interest payable in eight years through the Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

The program, upon its implementation, is expected to initially benefit some 100,000 farmers owning lands one hectare and below.

It is estimated that there are some 2 million rice farmers.

While this will not be enough to cover some 600,000 plus farmers who own one hectare and below, it is a good start, the group said.

“We hope that unconditional cash transfer [UCT] can be provided for those who will not be covered by the ACPC loan. Let us not forget in the narrative the remaining 500,000 small farm owners who are also suffering from the worsening situation in our market. In our dialogue with DA, we found out that a P5,000-cash per cropping, is being contemplated to be given to 1.7 million farmers owning 2 hectares and below. This is a generous amount especially given that there will be other interventions to make,” Cantos said.

Filomeno Sta. Ana, co-convener of AER, said a cash transfer of P5,000 per cropping season for 1.7 million farmers of total 2 million rice farmers that sums to P8.5 billion is a small price to pay for the reform.

The Rice Tariffication law, signed last February 14, of this year was projected to reach P15 billion. As stated in the law, P10 billion of the total collection will be allocated for seeds, mechanization and extension component of the program. The excess P5 billion of the total will be used for giving financial assistance to farmers.

“Perhaps the remaining P3.5 billion to complete the P8.5 billion can be pooled from unprogrammed funds of DA,” Cantos stated.

Laurence Go, a researcher of AER, believed that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the only credible agency that can implement the proposed UCT. “DSWD is the best institution to implement UCT to rice farmers given that they have the capacity to deliver the service from their experience and lessons in handling cash grants to their beneficiaries,” Go explained.

When asked what can help farmers carry the burden of continuously plunging rice farm-gate prices, Rene Cerilla, president of Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka and farmer associate of AER said that UCT is the most immediate intervention.

“We want something that we can get directly from the government and UCT is the intervention that has an immediate, direct and tangible impact on farmers,” Cerilla said.

Piling works for LRT 1 Cavite Extension project finally begins on Sunday—DOTr

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A SNAPSHOT of ongoing piling of the Light Railway Transit Cavite Extension Project in Parañaque City.

FTER 19 years of waiting, piling works for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension have finally started over the weekend.

Following completion of ground investigation and foundation design works, the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) has started piling works from Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque, where the right-of-way (ROW) for the railway line has been cleared. Piling works involve the construction of supporting piers that will serve as the foundation for the elevated railway structures.

Phase 1 covers 7 kilometers of the 11-kilometer LRT 1 Cavite Extension, including the Redemptorist Station, MIA Station, Asiaworld Station, Ninoy Aquino Station and Dr. Santos Station. Asiaworld Station will be located parallel to and right beside the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and will eventually be connected to the Metro Manila Subway, forming the

Parañaque Common Station. These are stations where ROW is already free and clear.

Requiring a total of 203 piers, the construction of the first 67 piers started on September 1 from Dr. Santos Station to Ninoy Aquino Station. Forty piers from Ninoy Aquino Station to Asiaworld Station and 22 piers from Redemptorist Station to the existing LRT 1 Baclaran Station will begin construction in November 2019, while 74 piers from Asiaworld Station to Redemptorist Station will begin construction in March 2020.

To speed up construction, piling works will be done simultaneously in up to five different areas where ROW is made available.

In cooperation with LRMC, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, the DOTr and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) have been working hand-in-hand to deliver the ROW needed to ensure continuous works along the alignment.

Remaining ROW obstructions to be cleared

under Package 1 include auxiliary facilities that will be cleared with the assistance of Parañaque City (e.g., traffic lights, plant boxes and drainage lines), as well as utility lines of Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, Eastern Telecommunications, SkyCable, Radius Telecoms and Cablelink.

Works along the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway will begin soon, following productive coordination with its operator, the Cavitex Infrastructure Corp., the Philippine Reclamation Authority, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), and some remaining property owners, such as Puregold and Aseana City.

The partial operability section of the LRT1 Cavite Extension Project is targeted to start operations in the 4th Quarter of 2021, with measures being taken for the rest of the line to Niog, Bacoor, being operational in 2022.

The project is expected to increase LRT-1’s ridership from 500,000 to 800,000 per day, and reduce travel time between Baclaran and Bacoor, Cavite, from one to two hours to only 25 minutes.

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In the ad material of Notice of filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on July 27, 2019, the Company name and address of Mr. Liao, Jianping should have been read as SERVEAHEAD INCORPORATED. Located at U26L-02, 26F Burgundy Corporate Tower, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila and not as published. While in the ad material published on August 15, 2019, the Company name and address of Ms. Luo, Fen, Mr. Wang, Shaobo, and Mr. Li, Xiangjiang should have been read as WHOLESOME CONSULTING SERVICES CORP. located at Unit UG-02 UG/F Cityland 10 Tower 2, 154 H.V. Dela Costa Cor. Valero STS., Bel-Air, Makati City, Metro Manila 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

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LRT 2 extension and Skyway Stage 3 done by 2020–DMCI

D

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

M Consunji Inc., the construction arm of publiclylisted DMCI Holdings Inc., said it will complete its LRT 2 Extension project before the end of 2020, while the Skyway project will be finished by early next year.

As of end June, DMCI has completed 62 percent of the entire LRT Line 2 East Extension project.

The train viaduct was completed in 2017 while the two additional stations will be completed by next month.

Jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and the Department of Transportation, the last package of the LRT Line 2 East Extension project was awarded to the joint

venture of Marubeni Corp. and DMCI only last March. It includes the electromechanical system (EMS) and track works needed to operate the 4-kilometer train line.

“Marubeni has procured the EMS systems and we have started the installation works. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to finish the entire East Extension project by the fourth quarter of 2020,” DMCI President and CEO Jorge A. Consunji.

Part of the Skyway Stage 3 in progress in Manila.

The LRT Line 2 East Extension project was designed to accommodate an additional 80,000 passengers daily, a third more than the current LRT 2 average daily ridership of 240,000.

On the other hand, Skyway Stage 3, is 72.67 percent complete, as of June 30. Its Plaza Dilao off-

AboitizPower’s ₧10-B bond sale to pay loans gets highest rating

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

A

BOITIZ Power Corp. has secured the highest credit score for its P10-billion bond sale.

Local credit rater Philippine Ratings Services Corp. (Philratings) assigned an issue credit rating of PRS Aaa, with Stable Outlook, to the power firm’s third tranche of its proposed issuance of P10-billion fixed-rate retail bonds filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last August 23 under its P30-billion shelf registration. The Third Tranche has an oversubscription option of up to P2

billion and a tenor of seven years.

“Obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk, an indication of the extremely strong capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation,” said Philratings.

With a stable outlook, the rating is likely to be maintained or to remain unchanged in the next 12 months.

Philratings said the ratings and outlook were assigned based on the significant levels of cash and cash flows in relation to debt service requirements; adequate capital structure supported by healthy growth in retained earnings; diversified

portfolio with good growth prospects; and experienced management team.

AboitizPower’s outstanding P10.2-billion bonds issued last September 10, 2014, also maintained its PRS Aaa and Stable Outlook rating.

The power firm had said last year that proceeds would be used to refinance loans, repay its shortterm loan obligations and for general corporate purposes.

The power firm’s current attributable power capacity is 3,200 MW. Of this, 1,200 MW is renewable energy.

It has set a target energy capacity of 4,000 MW by 2020.

Duterte signs 25-year franchise of Ignite Telecommunications

P

RESIDENT Duterte has signed into law a measure granting a 25-year franchise to Ignite Telecommunications Inc. Under Republic Act 11411 signed by the President on August 22, the scope of the franchise covers the construction, installation, establishment, operation and maintenance for commercial purposes of wire and wireless telecommunications systems including mobile cellular, copper, fiber optics, satellite, transmit and receive systems, switches and their value-added services, among others.

Ignite Telecommunications shall also secure from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity or the appropriate permits of its telecommunications systems or facilities.

Moreover, the charges and rates for its telecommunications services, except the rates and charges on those that may hereafter be declared or considered as nonregulated services, whether flat rates or measured rates or variation thereof, shall be subject to the approval of the NTC or its legal successor.

The 25-year franchise shall be

deemed ipso facto revoked if Ignite Telecommunications fails to comply with the conditions, which include commencing operations within one year from the approval of its operating permit by the NTC, commencing operations within three years from the effectivity of the Act and operating continuously for two years.

The company shall also file a bond with the NTC in the amount that it shall determine to guarantee compliance with and fulfillment of the conditions under which the franchise is granted. The bond shall be canceled by the NTC if the grantee shall have fulfilled the conditions after three years from the date of the approval of its permit by the NTC. Otherwise, the bond shall be forfeited in favor of the government.

Aside from this, Ignite Telecommunications is also authorized to connect or demand connection of its telecommunications systems to other telecommunications systems installed, operated, and maintained by any other duly authorized person or entity in the Philippines for the purpose of providing extended and improved telecommunications services to the public. However, this is still subject

to the terms and conditions mutually agreed upon by the parties concerned and shall also be subject to the review and modification of the NTC. Without the approval of Congress, the grantee is also prohibited to sell, lease, transfer, grant the usufruct of, nor assign the franchise to any person, firm, company, corporation or the rights and privileges acquired thereunder to any person, firm, company, corporation, or other commercial or legal entity nor merge with any other corporation or entity, nor transfer the controlling interest of the grantee.

Failure to report to Congress such change of ownership shall render the franchise ipso facto revoked.

Since the Constitution encourages public participation in public utilities, the grantee shall also offer to Filipino citizens at least 30 percent or a higher percentage that may be provided by laws of its outstanding capital stock in any securities exchange in the Philippines within five years from the commencement of its operations.

The Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Bernadette D. Nicolas

NONIE REYES

ramp along Quirino Avenue in the City of Manila was opened to motorists on July 22.

DMCI expects to complete an additional 12.33 percent of Sections 1 and 2 of Skyway Stage 3 in the second half, which will raise its year-end project accomplishment to 85 percent, he said.

MWSS told: Fill procedural gaps in bidding for Kaliwa Dam project

T

HE chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development has asked the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to address several procedural issues allegedly hounding the bidding process of the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam project in Quezon province.

Manila Rep. Manny Lopez, the panel chairman, made the statement after the Commission on Audit (COA) pointed to possible irregularities in the compliance with bidding requirements of the Kaliwa Dam project to be implemented by the MWSS. “No one is above the law,” said Lopez, who earlier backed the construction of the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam project.

According to the Audit Observation Memorandum of the COA, the bidding for the Official Development Assistance-funded Kaliwa Dam project was done “in the guise of being a competitive procurement process.” The COA also pointed out the allegedly intentional noncompliance with qualification requirements by two of the three Chinese contractors.

With this, the COA said “Only the China Energy Engineering Corp. Ltd. qualified, which is ques-

tionable considering that the two bidders were disqualified in the first and second stages of the procurement process due to seemingly intentional purpose of the bidders not to comply with the TWG requirements.”

In summary, the COA said it may be deduced that the two bidders/ contractors were included merely to comply with the “at least three bidders requirement” as stated under the Procurement law.

At last week’s hearing of the Metro Manila committee, MWSS Administrator Emmanuel Salamat told lawmakers the agency will push through with the Kaliwa Dam project in spite of questions on the $211-million contract with China and its effects on the indigenous peoples community.

However, Lopez said MWSS should fully comply with the COA findings on the matter.

“I support all the initiatives, including this one [Kaliwa Dam project] to address Metro Manila’s water woes. This dam is a very good project by the government,” said Lopez.

“However, they should comply with the CoA findings before proceeding with the project,” added Lopez. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

September 2, 2019

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

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

145 87 26.05 12 70.45 13.1 20.75 46.5 57.85 111.3 27.5 199 59.85 1.16 2.01 18.1 4.75 1.22 0.45 710.5 0.92 185 1725 1.1

146 87.8 26.1 12.08 70.5 13.18 21.95 47.2 58.4 119 27.8 199.4 60 1.22 2.18 18.2 4.81 1.31 0.465 750 0.94 187 1790 1.11

148 87.75 26.15 11.92 71.5 13.1 22 47.4 58.45 120 27.65 200 60.1 1.2 1.94 18.2 4.78 1.32 0.465 750 0.93 186 1720 1.11

148 88.05 26.6 12.08 71.5 13.2 22 47.4 58.7 120 27.8 200 60.9 1.23 2 18.4 4.89 1.32 0.465 750 0.94 187 1720 1.14

145 87 26.1 11.92 70.5 13.1 22 46.2 58.4 120 27.5 195 59.85 1.17 1.94 18.1 4.73 1.18 0.465 750 0.92 185 1720 1.1

145 87 26.1 12.08 70.5 13.2 22 47.2 58.4 120 27.5 199 59.85 1.22 2 18.2 4.81 1.23 0.465 750 0.92 185 1720 1.1

553630 950300 136200 420200 2290860 19600 400 48600 1060 10 991700 183960 23990 301000 3119000 74500 318000 125000 10000 10 148000 5010 5 266000

80,972,642( 29,165,592.0001) 83065879 -20860029.5 3556885 -3150910 5052094 -738946 162474131.5 -100761802 257720 8800 2270715 -338240 62005 1200 27279030 -110635 36507567 21405476 1439228.5 -198679 365440 6237520 -6220000 1355990 1515050 153140 4650 7500 137890 935097 -18600 8600 295030 -

INDUSTRIAL ALSONS CONS 1.3 1.34 1.31 1.31 1.3 1.3 77000 100480 37.6 37.7 36.85 37.85 36.85 37.6 1315400 49731810 ABOITIZ POWER 0.241 0.247 0.242 0.249 0.241 0.247 580000 140260 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 26.65 26.7 26.2 26.95 26.2 26.7 1910200 51215400 FIRST PHIL HLDG 82.35 82.85 82.2 82.4 82.15 82.35 50720 4167926 362 362.4 365 365 361.6 362 147150 53311170 MERALCO MANILA WATER 22.2 22.45 22.5 22.55 22.2 22.3 1832900 40875470 PETRON 5.01 5.02 5.1 5.17 5.02 5.02 3194900 16,112,723( 4.31 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 1000 4300 PETROENERGY PHINMA ENERGY 2.79 2.8 2.85 2.88 2.8 2.8 7053000 20013380 PHX PETROLEUM 10.86 11 11.2 11.2 10.84 10.86 225900 2459250 31.6 32 31.4 32.5 31.35 31.6 1463500 46405230 PILIPINAS SHELL 7.17 7.22 7.2 7.25 7.18 7.22 18900 136209 SPC POWER VIVANT 16.08 16.84 16.1 16.84 16.1 16.84 3000 49410 AGRINURTURE 15.2 15.42 15.5 15.5 15.1 15.42 1003600 15485568 15 15.48 15 15 15 15 3900 58500 CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD 13.52 13.8 13.9 13.92 13.5 13.52 2472200 34227410 DEL MONTE 5.6 5.8 5.7 5.8 5.5 5.6 45400 255320 8.99 9 9.02 9.16 9 9 1831800 16645472 DNL INDUS 7.24 7.25 7.4 7.4 7.24 7.25 1041900 7553936 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 89.95 90 90 90 89.5 90 193150 17373587 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.69 0.71 0.7 0.71 0.68 0.7 1261000 877590 50.1 51 50 51.45 49.75 51 34410 1730374.5 GINEBRA JOLLIBEE 235.4 235.6 237.6 238 232 235.6 444890 104742912 MACAY HLDG 8.41 8.59 8.7 8.7 8.29 8.41 2800 23664 13.88 13.96 13.96 14 13.88 13.96 62600 874216 MAXS GROUP 1.91 1.92 1.9 1.93 1.85 1.92 12311000 23408650 PEPSI COLA SHAKEYS PIZZA 12.68 12.7 12.7 12.7 12.42 12.68 31200 394696 ROXAS AND CO 1.56 1.57 1.57 1.66 1.56 1.56 1167000 1839860 5.1 5.15 5.05 5.15 5.05 5.15 75600 382160 RFM CORP ROXAS HLDG 2.15 2.17 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 40000 86000 SWIFT FOODS 0.126 0.128 0.126 0.126 0.126 0.126 500000 63000 170.3 170.5 173 173 169.1 170.3 554830 94435768 UNIV ROBINA 1.18 1.19 1.2 1.21 1.18 1.18 1600000 1900940 VITARICH CONCRETE A 73.7 76 74.5 75 73.7 73.7 1140 84435 77 81 78.05 81 76 81 7360 573125.5 CONCRETE B CEMEX HLDG 3.1 3.11 3.06 3.13 3.05 3.11 9333000 28965200 DAVINCI CAPITAL 6.01 6.02 5.85 6.01 5.85 6.01 183900 1099219 EAGLE CEMENT 15.14 15.16 15.02 15.18 15.02 15.14 131000 1980500 10.2 10.28 10.12 10.28 10.12 10.2 1216200 12419784 EEI CORP 14.9 14.94 14.78 15.12 14.7 14.9 3258600 48604974 HOLCIM MEGAWIDE 19.02 19.04 19.08 19.08 18.94 19.02 710900 13526496 9.01 9.2 9 9.2 9 9.2 828600 7457600 PHINMA TKC METALS 1.05 1.07 1.03 1.14 1.02 1.05 1756000 1875010 VULCAN INDL 1.26 1.28 1.27 1.3 1.24 1.26 2766000 3518030 CHEMPHIL 105.5 119.9 100 100 100 100 70 7000 2.04 2.05 2.04 2.04 2.03 2.04 35000 71250 CROWN ASIA LMG CHEMICALS 5 5.1 5 5 5 5 15000 75000 MABUHAY VINYL 3.11 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.1 3.4 20000 65650 5.06 5.19 5.1 5.2 5.05 5.06 161100 820708 PRYCE CORP 32 32.05 32.1 32.55 32.05 32.05 10100 323995 CONCEPCION GREENERGY 2.13 2.17 2.07 2.18 2.06 2.17 10673000 22716540 INTEGRATED MICR 8.2 8.24 8.2 8.29 8.11 8.2 157900 1299984 1.57 1.6 1.56 1.61 1.56 1.6 32000 50710 IONICS PANASONIC 5.2 5.29 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 1000 5300 SFA SEMICON 1.06 1.09 1.07 1.09 1.04 1.08 310000 329350 10.16 10.2 10.7 10.9 10.12 10.2 340500 3559002 CIRTEK HLDG

HOLDING & FRIMS

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

0.84 15.3 921 53.1 12.92 3.53 6.91 0.81 1.25 1.28 6.73 9.08 13.5 0.236 910 5.98 71.6 0.49 4.59 14.7 0.66 4.96 0.038 1.35 2.8 1.28 1019 176.8 0.85 2.41 237.4 0.231 0.255

0.85 15.32 925 53.3 13 3.54 7 0.82 1.26 1.35 6.83 9.1 13.7 0.248 911 6.19 71.65 0.5 4.63 14.76 0.67 4.98 0.039 1.4 2.87 1.31 1020 178 0.88 2.65 246 0.236 0.26

0.9 15 926 53 13 3.56 7 0.79 1.28 1.29 6.92 9.25 13.7 0.25 910 5.96 71.65 0.5 4.61 14.78 0.67 4.95 0.039 1.36 2.87 1.28 1018 180 0.85 2.41 236.8 0.236 0.25

0.91 15.5 931.5 53.9 13.1 3.61 7 0.85 1.3 1.29 6.92 9.29 13.74 0.255 915 5.98 71.65 0.5 4.63 14.8 0.67 5.02 0.039 1.42 2.87 1.32 1026 180 0.9 2.41 246.8 0.243 0.265

0.83 14.6 920.5 52.45 12.8 3.54 7 0.79 1.24 1.28 6.7 9.1 13.5 0.236 885.5 5.95 70.75 0.49 4.59 14.52 0.63 4.92 0.039 1.35 2.87 1.28 1014 176.7 0.85 2.41 236 0.229 0.25

0.84 15.3 921 53.1 12.92 3.54 7 0.82 1.25 1.28 6.73 9.1 13.7 0.248 910 5.98 71.6 0.5 4.63 14.72 0.67 4.98 0.039 1.35 2.87 1.32 1019 178 0.88 2.41 246 0.236 0.26

29307000 61600 194450 2280790 4372300 1945000 902400 6556000 6136000 434000 300400 4818000 5600 2970000 80970 20400 489100 144000 30000 1444400 727000 16431000 5000000 579000 1000 49000 142645 87530 1519000 6000 490 1080000 2140000

25520700 941194 179949930 120955216.5 56616136 6931810 6316800 5390650 7704850 557200 2043122 44165233 76616 714050 73645310 121476 34829661.5 70890 138270 21245956 469920 81849790 195000 788060 2870 64440 145808620 15551756 1316860 14460 118190 254750 555200

-44473670 -12317825 -370387.5 -5148354 -2458925 8,263,676.9996) -151640 -31683755 46408 -3944900 -213570 4892749 -7319040 -7786531.5 -149161 -8498574 -18172 -8380130 -183450 23850 -33905683 -34470 -5225260 1850690 11770670 -14721924 9440652 40800 -4060 29750 30599.9999 -205394.9997 -728639.9998 -429841 71611.9997 -191340 -21372 -102322660 -82864923 -38699648 -289920 2100000 -216720 -329310 -24422715 33192405 -41710 19490131 -22870 3519410 37988760 24457455 2512405 -16800 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.88 0.89 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.89 4717000 4231510 -81370 47.35 47.4 47.35 47.8 47.35 47.4 6942800 330363645 -61546575 AYALA LAND 1.85 1.87 1.86 1.88 1.85 1.88 220000 410800 ARANETA PROP BELLE CORP 2.17 2.18 2.18 2.18 2.16 2.17 380000 827190 -49930 A BROWN 0.8 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.8 0.8 555000 445920 0.85 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.84 0.88 369000 323950 CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES 0.238 0.24 0.24 0.241 0.238 0.24 2650000 633970 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.64 4.66 4.69 4.73 4.64 4.64 1944000 9093940 -3146970 0.56 0.57 0.58 0.58 0.56 0.57 16172000 9214240 -292370 CENTURY PROP 0.4 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.4 0.405 210000 85500 CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON 21.25 21.3 21.7 22.35 21.2 21.3 1167700 25177735 -3499280 9.46 9.48 9.49 9.58 9.48 9.48 76500 727347 218635 DM WENCESLAO 0.455 0.465 0.47 0.47 0.455 0.46 2310000 1053500 EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND 1.64 1.65 1.64 1.65 1.63 1.64 16286000 26715970 -6650740 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.27 1.28 1.26 1.28 1.26 1.28 634000 801930 15.34 15.36 15.34 15.36 15.32 15.34 369700 5671194 -349744 8990 HLDG 1.4 1.41 1.42 1.46 1.39 1.4 2116000 3013270 8460 PHIL INFRADEV MEGAWORLD 5.09 5.1 5.14 5.15 5.03 5.1 25477700 130043817 -33382995 0.32 0.325 0.32 0.33 0.315 0.325 14350000 4642150 MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES 0.465 0.48 0.47 0.47 0.465 0.465 60000 28050 PRIMEX CORP 2.07 2.13 2.1 2.2 2.05 2.1 2425000 5172630 -8520 ROBINSONS LAND 25.2 25.35 25 25.35 25 25.35 1956400 49334600 -32726180 0.39 0.41 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 150000 60000 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 2.3 2.36 2.35 2.35 2.31 2.31 135000 313120 SHANG PROP 3.3 3.35 3.3 3.37 3.21 3.3 183000 608880 2.4 2.44 2.4 2.44 2.4 2.44 3436000 8284220 STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG 34.95 35 35.3 35.45 34.9 35 11214400 393,894,915( 122,596,594.9999) STARMALLS 5.72 5.8 5.85 5.85 5.73 5.73 176500 1014894 SUNTRUST HOME 0.9 0.92 0.91 0.94 0.89 0.9 787000 713130 -90000 7.7 7.71 7.63 7.71 7.6 7.71 10226600 78429970 -30483627 VISTA LAND

SERVICES ABS CBN 20.7 20.8 20.2 20.85 19.92 20.8 195200 3999963 5.3 5.34 5.37 5.37 5.3 5.34 63400 339032 GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN 0.45 0.47 0.455 0.465 0.45 0.45 750000 341700 GLOBE TELECOM 2008 2010 1951 2010 1951 2010 22585 45270820 -8761475 PLDT 1155 1164 1170 1170 1151 1164 22545 26168855 -1785305 0.046 0.047 0.046 0.046 0.046 0.046 300000 13800 APOLLO GLOBAL DFNN INC 5.75 5.99 5.75 6 5.75 5.75 64400 382200 -87000 ISLAND INFO 0.111 0.114 0.112 0.115 0.11 0.114 9070000 1011480 12120 5.25 5.31 5.19 5.36 5.15 5.25 3851100 20235791 -7915 ISM COMM 3.18 3.2 3.21 3.53 3.03 3.18 21349000 70005920 1035930 NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.37 0.375 0.365 0.385 0.365 0.37 11320000 4254150 3.17 3.19 3.17 3.2 3.1 3.17 496000 1560730 -241950 PHILWEB 10.5 10.7 10.2 10.8 10.16 10.6 62200 657974 4120 2GO GROUP ASIAN TERMINALS 18.24 19.8 19.82 19.82 19.82 19.82 100 1982 -1982 CHELSEA 7.25 7.28 7.1 7.4 7.04 7.28 2542200 18551588 27173 96.25 97.1 98.1 98.6 96.25 96.25 49580 4840369.5 -768444.5 CEBU AIR 133.5 133.9 135.7 135.7 133 133.5 293780 39295788 -884982 INTL CONTAINER LBC EXPRESS 13.6 14.6 14.38 14.38 14.38 14.38 1100 15818 0.94 0.96 0.94 0.96 0.94 0.94 1021000 960780 LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA 19.1 19.12 19.08 19.18 19.08 19.1 461000 8806160 7376451.9998 METROALLIANCE A 1.16 1.25 1.19 1.19 1.16 1.16 22000 26020 METROALLIANCE B 1.28 1.45 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 100000 128000 8.1 8.45 8.48 8.48 8.09 8.48 2200 17930 PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR 1.86 1.87 1.87 1.91 1.75 1.86 5771000 10623940 -251700 ACESITE HOTEL 1.48 1.58 1.55 1.59 1.53 1.59 39000 61460 0.057 0.058 0.058 0.058 0.057 0.058 11990000 690220 BOULEVARD HLDG WATERFRONT 0.69 0.7 0.69 0.71 0.69 0.69 814000 566590 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.62 6.98 6.58 6.58 6.57 6.57 2600 17095 STI HLDG 0.7 0.71 0.71 0.72 0.7 0.7 332000 233210 2.34 2.41 2.34 2.41 2.33 2.41 266000 634210 BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY 10.4 10.46 10.4 10.46 10.34 10.4 1850300 19240734 -16345238 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.69 2.7 2.65 2.73 2.65 2.7 103000 278590 -8160 3.13 3.15 3.13 3.17 3.12 3.12 600000 1890250 28270 LEISURE AND RES 3.11 3.24 3.1 3.24 3.1 3.24 2000 6340 MANILA JOCKEY PH RESORTS GRP 4.56 5.05 4.65 5.18 4.65 5.05 4300 21701 0.69 0.71 0.7 0.71 0.68 0.69 1190000 827350 -167370 PREMIUM LEISURE 5.45 5.46 5.45 5.46 5.45 5.45 1941600 10581790 -1979487 TRAVELLERS METRO RETAIL 2.48 2.5 2.46 2.52 2.46 2.5 704000 1750460 -51930 PUREGOLD 43.9 44.05 44.3 44.95 43.5 43.9 849800 37283160 -8672045 78.05 79.4 78 79.5 77.7 79.4 79760 6289401 2582665 ROBINSONS RTL 137.1 144 144 144 144 144 20 2880 PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP 2.77 2.78 2.8 2.85 2.76 2.77 2802000 7858590 -1168660 16.9 16.92 16.8 16.96 16.16 16.9 1849800 31145204 5031754 WILCON DEPOT 0.6 0.61 0.58 0.6 0.57 0.6 6349000 3756620 APC GROUP EASYCALL 9.9 10 10.4 11 9.8 9.9 381000 3902277 63072 GOLDEN BRIA 430.4 449.8 436.8 455 412.2 449.8 28450 12342154 8996 5.09 5.1 5.08 5.2 5.08 5.1 5700 29000 IPM HLDG PRMIERE HORIZON 0.59 0.6 0.59 0.61 0.57 0.6 40656000 24240590 -421930 SBS PHIL CORP 9.08 9.4 9.09 9.4 9.06 9.4 17300 158782 -35720

MINING & OIL ATOK 11.56 12.4 12.4 12.4 11.7 12.38 1700 20300 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.29 1.23 1.24 2485000 3104540 APEX MINING ABRA MINING 0.0017 0.0018 0.0017 0.0018 0.0017 0.0018 1057000000 1797800 ATLAS MINING 2.55 2.62 2.55 2.55 2.55 2.55 5000 12750 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.28 0.285 0.28 0.285 0.27 0.28 590000 166350 2.69 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.7 2.7 632000 1708490 CENTURY PEAK DIZON MINES 7.75 7.86 7.77 7.87 7.75 7.87 1600 12534 FERRONICKEL 1.68 1.69 1.56 1.7 1.56 1.68 47168000 76998050 482530 0.223 0.224 0.22 0.226 0.217 0.223 4850000 1076710 -8680 GEOGRACE 0.114 0.115 0.109 0.117 0.109 0.114 4160000 472400 LEPANTO A MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.0096 0.011 0.0096 0.01 53000000 529100 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.012 0.01 0.012 42900000 469200 MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES 1.33 1.35 1.18 1.4 1.18 1.33 23320000 30082270 -266480 NIHAO 1.16 1.17 1.01 1.16 1.01 1.16 1800000 2020010 -8800 NICKEL ASIA 4.11 - 2.99 4.11 2.98 4.11 210503000 761354480 157155260 0.49 0.55 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 50000 24500 OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA 0.92 0.93 0.9 0.95 0.87 0.92 12990000 11829630 -93000 PX MINING 4.01 4.02 3.83 4.01 3.83 4.01 2710000 10752620 43530 23 23.05 23.25 23.25 22.95 23 1397400 32189180 -14282370 SEMIRARA MINING 0.0066 0.0068 0.0068 0.0068 0.0068 0.0068 1000000 6800 UNITED PARAGON ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.012 5800000 69400 PHILODRILL 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 2800000 30800 8.18 8.19 7.93 8.38 7.6 8.18 2050200 16596979 938635 PHINMA PETRO PXP ENERGY 11.52 11.6 11.82 12.26 11.52 11.52 2860500 33879386 1057160

PREFFERED

HOUSE PREF A 97.6 99.9 97.1 97.1 97.1 97.1 1000 97100 498 502 498 502 498 502 4510 2246020 AC PREF B1 ALCO PREF B 102 104.9 101.2 104.8 101.2 104.8 1700 172400 DD PREF 100.7 101.4 101.5 101.5 100.7 100.7 72820 7352977 FGEN PREF G 105.3 107.5 107.5 107.5 107.5 107.5 90 9675 495 500 500 500 500 500 10950 5475000 GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF A 980 995 994 994 980 994 38030 37801400 GTCAP PREF B 980 990 980 980 971 980 1270 1243700 0.99 1 1 1 1 1 13000 13000 LR PREF MWIDE PREF 101.1 101.3 101.1 101.3 101.1 101.3 1260 127486 PNX PREF 3B 108 109 109 109 109 109 10 1090 1021 1050 1040 1040 1021 1021 10 10305 PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3A 1030 1035 1030 1035 1030 1035 540 556400 PCOR PREF 3B 1032 1039 1034 1034 1032 1032 1995 2058920 SFI PREF 1.4 1.73 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1000 1400 78.95 79 78.95 79 78.95 78.95 8280 653720.5 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D 75.4 75.6 75.25 75.25 75.25 75.25 1000 75250 SMC PREF 2E 76 76.2 76.05 76.2 76 76 9210 699972 77 77.5 77 77.5 77 77.5 1490 114795 SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G 75.8 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 1620 123930 SMC PREF 2H 75.55 76.5 75.55 76.5 75.4 75.55 16160 1220050 SMC PREF 2I 76.5 77 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 2800 214200 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR

19.02

19.28

18.5

19.2

18.5

19.02

329300

6118086

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.59

-94742

1.6

1.6

1.62

1.58

1.6

61000

97070

-

ITALPINAS 6.21 KEPWEALTH 11.6 0.94 XURPAS

6.24 11.62 0.95

7.75 11.08 0.99

7.8 11.9 1.01

6.21 10.44 0.92

6.21 11.6 0.95

6008100 3154700 4478000

40768237 36009488 4246440

618437 615370 190000

FIRST METRO ETF

118.9

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS 118.4

119.5

119.5

117.5

118.9

15740

1861015

119300

www.businessmirror.com.ph

First Gen picks Japan’s JGC for LNG project in Batangas

F

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

IRST GEN Corp. (FGEN) has chosen JGC Corp. of Japan as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for its billion-dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Batangas.

This marks the conclusion of an extensive EPC tendering phase which commenced in 2014, during which around 22 companies were invited and 18 of them expressed an interest to participate in the tender process and work on FGEN Batangas LNG Terminal Project.

The project is being developed by First Gen through its wholly-owned subsidiary, FGEN LNG Corp. (FGEN LNG).

Jonathan Russell, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of First Gen, said the project is crucial to ensure the continued operations of the 3.2-gigawatt (GW) existing natural gas-fired plants given the expected and continuing reduction in gas supply from the

Malampaya field up to the expiration of the contracts by 2024.

“We look forward to working with JGC to make this Energy Project of National Significance a success,” he said.

JGC’s initial work is to complete a detailed study focusing on modifications that can be made to FGEN’s existing jetty that would allow FGEN to receive large- and small-scale LNG vessels and to continue to receive liquid fuel.

Following completion of this study, FGEN’s existing jetty could be modified to enable LNG to be brought in via a f loating storage regasification unit (FSRU) on an interim basis during the term of President Duterte.

An FSRU is an LNG storage ship

SteelAsia, HBIS ink $1-B investment deal for Batangas plant

B

EIJING—The Philippines’s largest steelmaker, SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China’s HBIS Group Co. Ltd. for their first integrated iron and steel facility in Lemery, Batangas.

The two steel companies inked their deal here on Friday during the Philippine-China Business Duterte’s visit to China.

Under the MOU, SteelAsia and HBIS will invest around $1 billion for phase one of the Lemery plant.

“As DTI pursues a number of strategic projects, an important investment priority is the establishment of the first-ever modern, environment-friendly integrated steel mill project in the Philippines,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“This is pursuant to the vision of President Duterte to establish the first integrated iron and steel plant during his term, which will allow the country to produce basic iron and steel products, including flat products. These are currently not being

produced in the Philippines,” he said.

He added that this partnership of Filipino and Chinese companies will support the country’s bid to be a major producer of high quality and safe steel products by 2030.

The trade chief noted that another Chinese firm, Panhua Group, is interested to invest in integrated steel making in the Philippines.

“Our bilateral relations with China is at a high level and is opening many business opportunities between our two nations,” Lopez said.

He added that since Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged visits starting 2016, China has been pushing for more investments into the Philippines with their Belt and Road Initiative.

According to Lopez, China is the country’s fourth-largest source of foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2018 amounting to $198.7 million.

Before the Duterte administration, China was not even in the top 10 investors in the Philippines, with FDI from China in 2015 only reaching around $500,000. Kris Crismundo/PNA

Widus Casino gets the first regular gaming license in Clark

W

IDUS Philippines Inc. (WPI) said on Monday that it has obtained its regular gaming license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) for Widus Hotel and Casino following its P4.5-billion investment in the Freeport Zone.

The billion-peso property is now the first casino operator to receive a regular gaming license from Pagcor in Clark. Widus President and CEO Daesik Han described the acquisition of the notable authorization as “a solidified acknowledgement of the government’s trust and confidence for the company’s competency and compliance.”

Han, who considers the achievement as an-

other milestone for Widus, also said he envisions his company to be on a par with other premier leisure and gaming destinations here and abroad.

“We take pride in bringing world-class hospitality and entertainment in the area alongside adding value to the community. These investment projects aim to create more job opportunities for the locals while further boosting the business and tourism market here,” Han added. The South Korean-born businessman operated his first hotel tower back in July 2008 under Widus International Leisure Inc. (Wili) and eventually acquired its casino license to open a gaming facility with 24 tables and 150 slot machines in December 18, 2009.

that has an onboard regasification plant capable of returning LNG back into a gaseous state. This can then be supplied directly to some or all of FGEN’s existing power plants, should Malampaya be unavailable for any reason.

First Gen already operates four gas-fed power plants with an aggregate capacity of about 2,000 MW. These are the 1,000-MW Santa Rita, 500-MW San Lorenzo, 414-MW San Gabriel and 97-MW Avion.

Easing pressure on Malampaya

Russell said this would allow FGEN to receive LNG as early as 2021, even prior to the expiration of the Malampaya gas contracts in 2024.

“This would reduce the strain on Malampaya as its reliability continues to decline up to 2024, increasing the energy security of the Philippines and reducing the number of times that FGEN will be requested to run on liquid fuel when Malampaya gas is unavailable,” he said.

Moreover, the FGen official pointed out that the LNG project will encourage new power plant developments, as well as industrial and transport industries to consider it as a replacement to more costly and polluting fuels.

“The early introduction of LNG

mutual funds

by FGEN would also enable LNG to immediately become a fuel choice for any developer that is considering the building of new gas-fired power plants with a lower carbon footprint that will support introduction of more intermittent renewables for the Philippines as an alternative to building new coalfired power plants and also offer a potential means for the Ilijan Project to receive gas after its contract with Malampaya ends in 2022,” added Russell.

The company said that the project is consistent with both the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nine Point Energy Agenda and PEP 2017-2040 as it promotes LNG importation as an option to supplement and replace Malampaya gas.

In August, the project was declared an “Energy Project of National Significance” (EPNS) in accordance with Executive Order No. 30 on the ground that the project will require the development of significant infrastructure and capital investment involving complex technical processes and engineering designs resulting in a substantial positive impact on the environment. In May, FGEN LNG held a “Kagami Biraki” groundbreaking ceremony at the First Gen Clean Energy Complex.

September 2, 2019

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D

per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 260.74 -1.88% -1.01% 0.44% 3.39% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.5589 3.48% 3.23% 1.81% 8.2% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 4.0407 -3.55% -2.29% -0.83% 3.53% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.9694 4.4% n.a. n.a.

7.59% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.8682 -0.71% n.a. n.a.

5.79% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 5.4745 -0.56% 0.18% 0.75% 3.82% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,6 0.8803 0.22% -3.95% n.a.

5.21% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 117.69 1.27% n.a. n.a.

1.31% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 52.5986 1.38% 0.41% n.a.

6.86% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 547.15 1.81% -0.6% 0.38% 6.3% 1.3247 Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 0.77% 0.72% 1.72% 5.64% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 38.9398 1.05% 1.5% 1.76% 6.3% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,3 1.043 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 5.3405 2.21% 1.31% 2.42% 7.7% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 891.47 2.23% 1.03% 2.36% 7.61% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.921 3.2% 0.02% n.a.

7.09% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.3341 1.2% 1.01% 1.72% 6.78% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 1.0246 1.84% 0.99% n.a.

7.37% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.739 1.24% 2.64% 2.87% 6.8% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c,2 119.5496 2.69% 1.88% 3.42% 7.95% ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.9313 -11.02% 1.3% -2.1% 0.24% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.2785 -2.66% 7% n.a.

15.68% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.6799 -1.75% -2.68% -2.27% 1.74% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.3207 0.19% -0.86% 0.42% 5.05% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6772 1.76% 0.31% -1.01% 5.27% Grepalife Balanced Fund Corporation -a 1.356 -0.59% n.a. n.a.

3.96% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9685 4.26% 0.75% 1.38% 6.8% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.8349 4.67% -0.18% 0.77% 8.66% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 17.1703 4.97% -0.14% 0.67% 7.94% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.1633 1.97% 0.69% 1.74% 4.55% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.9185 3.31% 0.59% 1.32% 7.32% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d,4 1.0321 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d,4 1.0225 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d,4 1.0193 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 1.0009 3.28% 0.56% 0.89% 8.59% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03867 9.48% 2.24% 2.56% 9.55% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -a $0.9626 -4.08% 1.08% -1.8% 5.35% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $3.7418 1.18% 5.26% 2.65% 13.09% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.1184 4.02% 3.47% n.a.

10.73% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 353.7 3.8% 2.21% 2.33% 2.98% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.9129 2.62% 0.06% 0.07% 2.89% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.0765 5.31% 5.33% 5.27% 3.37% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.2224 4.69% 1.38% 2.19% 4.38% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.3509 5.95% 1.49% 1.75% 6.61% Grepalife Fixed Income Fund Corp. -a P 1.6079 0.99% -1.62% 0.26% 2.78% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.3345 9.65% 0.77% 1.95% 10.58% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.7385 7.61% 1.12% 1.7% 6.29% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 0.9547 5.81% -0.19% n.a.

7.13% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.034 9.01% 1.86% 2.72% 9.7% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.6823 8.96% 1.37% 2.26% 9.25% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $463.83 4.29% 1.82% 2.76% 3.44% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є220.36 3.33% 1.33% 1.57% 3.62% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1975 6.92% 2.05% 2.43% 6.38% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0259 4.44% 1.05% n.a.

4.44% Grepalife Dollar Bond Fund Corp. -a $1.7177 0.54% -2.08% 0.43% 1.63% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -a $1.1057 6.54% -0.25% -1.53% 6.7% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.4266 11.29% 1.85% 3.56% 11.78% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0600752 5.73% 1.85% 2.03% 5.4% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1915 9.7% 1.12% 3.07% 11.12% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 124.51 4.09% 2.62% 2.07% 3% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a,5 1.0212 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.2397 5.61% 2.4% 1.46% 4.89% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.2525 3.92% 2.77% 2.16% 2.73% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0316 2.22% n.a. n.a.

1.55%

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Adjusted due to cash dividend issuance last January 29, 2018. 2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last June 5, 2018. 3 Launch date is January 3, 2019.

4 - Launch date is January 28, 2019. 5 - Launch date is February 1, 2019. 6 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.).

"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

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

B3

SSS releases ₧19B in salary loans in H1

L

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

OANS disbursed by the Social Security System (SSS) grew larger in the first half of this year by 8.4 percent, parallel to the rise of the number of member-borrowers during the period.

The state-run SSS reported on Monday it has disbursed salary loans totaling P19.01 billion in the first half of the year. This

benefited around 942,000 members in the January-to-June period.

“Salary loan is one of the most popular loan privileges of SSS.

Saving is the first step

I

N any journey, taking the first step can often be the hardest step to take. Still, it can also be the most important step.

In the context of financial literacy and financial freedom, the first step is saving. In a way, saving means being able to sacrifice a part of the present for the possibility of a better future.

At the onset, the savings goal must be defined in terms of financial value and also in terms of time horizon. How much money do we need to save? How long should the time horizon be? Having a clear goal helps guide our way of living.

Having a clear goal positively influences our priorities, planning and behavior.

There can be a short-term goal and a long-term goal. An example of a short-term goal is building an emergency fund. Total monthly lifestyle expenses can be multiplied by anywhere between six months to 12 months to compute the emergency fund needed. The emergency fund comes handy when unfortunate events like job loss or medical conditions occur. An example of a longterm goal is building a retirement fund. Projected lifestyle expenses during retirement can be the basis in computing the required amount.

Once the savings goal or savings goals have been defined, we have to take stock of our level of income.

There is active income which we earn from working, while there is also passive income which we earn from investments.

The total income that we receive should serve as the basis of our lifestyle. We should try our best to live within our means. Having an unsustainable lifestyle can lead us to serious debt problems.

The common formula many people apply in saving is “Income minus spending equals saving.” This can be modified into “Income minus saving equals spending.” Giving utmost importance to saving can ensure we are committed to achieving our financial goals and exhibit the necessary action.

How much must be saved? A popular rule-of-thumb is that around 30 percent can be allocated for financial future items through saving, insurance and investments, while the remaining 70 percent can be for spending on needs and wants.

A written list of expenses and a written budget are valuable in

Genesis Kelly S. Lontoc

personal finance giving us the visibility of how we handle money. Saving can be enhanced if we are able to distinguish between what we need and what we want. Needs are often related to basic food, shelter and clothing. The amount for needs can be optimized through practical living.

Wants make life more enjoyable but these can either be optimized or removed. Every peso saved is a peso earned. Reductions in needs and wants can be used to augment our savings.

Savings must be placed in financial instruments that are liquid.

Examples can be bank savings accounts, short-term time deposits and short-term money market instruments. It is worthwhile to have a separate bank savings account for savings purposes. Easy access to savings is crucial when it comes to liquidity and emergency fund purposes. Placing savings in illiquid assets like real-estate assets is going to be impractical.

While saving as a first step is very important, it is obviously not the only step toward financial freedom. The disadvantage of placing all of our money in liquid assets would be the reality that the returns on these assets usually are a lot lower than the inflation rate.

Hence, alongside the pursuit of achieving savings goals, preparations to beat inflation through the right investments are essential to maximize money. We must save not just because we want to save.

We must save to eventually invest and grow our money.

Great things come from humble beginnings. Every solid structure needs a solid foundation. In the context of personal finance, the ability to save creates the first foundation of financial freedom. Saving based on clear goals and with resilient execution can lead us to the right path in securing a brighter future.

Gemmy Lontoc is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines.

To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 78th RFP program in September 2019. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text <name><email> <RFP> at 0917-9689774.

Investors rush into gold

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NVESTORS are going for gold in a big way. Inflows into bullion-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) topped 100 tons in August to hit the highest since February 2013 as the trade war worsened, risk assets took a knock, and central banks signaled looser monetary policy.

Hold ings rose 101.9 tons, bringing total known assets to 2,453.4 tons as of Friday, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It was the third straight monthly increase after the addition of a combined 154.1 tons

in June and July.

Bullion’s been on a tear, gaining 19 percent this year, as the global outlook worsened on the standoff between the United States and China.

Central bank-buying has provided another layer of support, and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. says prices are likely to advance further as official purchases continue and demand for ETFs rises.

Spot gold traded at $1,522.68 an ounce on Monday, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. The metal hit $1,555.07 on August 26, the highest since 2013. Bloomberg News

In fact, salary loans represent a lmost the entire amount of loan releases for the first half of t h i s yea r,” SSS P resident a nd C h ief E xec ut ive O f f icer Aurora Ignacio said.

Ignacio added that the increase in loan releases was due to the rise in the number of memberborrowers from 886,208 in the first half of 2018 to 941,716 for the same period this year.

The SSS said it granted a total of P17.67 billion worth of salary loans to 846,823 employed member-borrowers, P1.08 billion worth of loans to 75,465 voluntary members, P83.69 million

worth of loans to 10,423 selfemployed members and P163.07 million worth of loans to 9,004 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) member-borrowers.

The SSS chief also appealed to a l l member - bor rowers to rel ig iously pay t heir mont hly a mor t i z at ions w it h i n t he agreed-upon payment term to avoid acc u mu l at i ng i nterest and penalty.

“Salary loan has a corresponding interest rate of 10 percent per annum based on the diminishing principal balance and shall be paid over 24 months or equivalent to two years,” Ignacio said.

“In case the borrower fails to pay it on time, SSS shall continue to charge a 1-percent penalty every month and 10-percent annual interest rate until the loan is fully paid.”

“To avoid any inconvenience on your final claims, such as retirement or death claims, we are urging the public to pay your obligations on time to avoid incurring higher obligations caused by pen a lt ies a nd i nterest s,” she added.

Interested self-employed and voluntary members may personally submit their salary loan application and other supporting

documents at any SSS branch or by using the SSS Self-Service Information Terminals (SSITs) located in selected branch offices nationwide. They may also submit their application online using their My.SSS account on the SSS web site, or via smartphone using the SSS Mobile App. Employed members, on the other hand, should submit their duly accomplished Salary Loan Application form to their company’s Human Resource Department or directly submit their applications online through the My.SSS accounts with employer’s validation and certification.

For supporting liberalization of rice imports, DOF applauded by mayors T HE League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) lauded the Department of Finance (DOF) for pushing the enactment of the law liberalizing rice imports, saying the law provided a “huge benefit” for their respective constituents.

In a manifesto, the umbrella organization of city mayors across the country said that since Republic Act 11203—or the rice liberalization law—took effect last March, the average retail cost of rice has dropped by at least P7 per kilo or 20 percent less than

last year’s peak rates.

“We in the [LCP] have seen the huge benefit of this law to our respective constituencies who now enjoy more affordable prices of rice,” the group said in the manifesto signed by the organization’s national chairman, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella.

“In this regard, the efforts of Dominguez, the [DOF], and the rest of the country’s economic team should not go unnoticed,” said the LCP, which has 145 city mayors as members.

The rice liberalization law was

approved, signed and implemented at the time when the country’s inflation rate accelerated due to the confluence of higher prices in food and oil prices, as well as the interjection of second round effects.

In 2018, when prices were continuously rising above the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target range, President Duterte ordered the implementation of nonmonetary measures to ease food supply bottlenecks.

Following the implementation of the rice tariffication law, as well

as the decline of prices in other segments, the country’s inflation rate has also fallen significantly last June—from a high of 6.7 percent in September and October 2018 to 2.4 percent in July 2019.

Dominguez has described the rice liberalization law on the shift from quantitative restrictions to tariffs on rice imports as a “proud” accomplishment of the Duterte presidency and the DOF, given that it took more than 30 years under various administrations to get the Congress to approve this gamechanging reform. Bianca Cuaresma

Mixed inflation data no deterrent to rate cuts by Southeast Asia CBs

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NFLATION data in Southeast Asia’s two biggest economies painted a mixed picture in August, though price pressures were subdued enough to allow central banks to continue cutting interest rates.

Consu mer pr ices i n T h a iland rose 0.52 percent in August from a year earlier, their slowest pace in seven months and well below the central bank’s target range of 1 percent to 4 percent.

In Indonesia, inflation accelerated to a 20-month high of 3.49 percent, though still within the central bank’s 2.5 percent to 4.5 percent target.

Given the subdued inflation backdrop, central banks have shifted their focus this year to supporting economic growth.

Both countries already have cut interest rates in recent months to shore up their economies as USChina trade tensions drag down global growth.

Rate cuts are a more pressing need in Thailand, while greater external risks constrain Indonesia’s ability to ease policy too aggressively, Euben Paracuelles, an economist at Nomura Holdings Inc. in Singapore, said.

The divergence in August inflation readings “met our expectations

and supports our monetary policy rate forecasts that the Bank of Thailand is likely to cut again in September while Bank Indonesia could pause,” he said. “This also shows that the growth outlook in Thailand remains downbeat, while it is more resilient in Indonesia.”

Downbeat sentiment

THE inflation numbers followed data Monday showing manufacturing sentiment remains in the doldrums across much of Asia amid the ongoing trade war. On Sunday, higher US tariffs on roughly $110 billion in Chinese imports took effect, as did Beijing’s retaliatory

duties on US goods.

Thailand ’s government approved a $10 billion stimulus package last month to boost growth from an almost five-year low in the second quarter. The Bank of Thailand delivered a surprise rate cut in August, and Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana said last week there’s room for further easing.

In Indonesia, authorities are prepared to take emergency action to support the economy if global conditions worsen, while the central bank governor has signaled further rate cuts are in the pipeline after two cuts already this year. Bloomberg News

Investors who chased Asia’s highest real yielders ended up last

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SIA’S highest-yielding bond markets provided the worst returns in August.

Indonesian and Indian debt were at the bottom of the region’s rankings, returning virtually nothing despite real yields of at least 3 percent.

By comparison, Thailand’s debt with real yields of just 0.6 percent, delivered the standout result. The reason for the dislocation: slowing global growth and rising trade tensions saw investors shun the debt of the less creditworthy nations, pushing down prices and incurring capital losses on investors owning them.

“If global-growth expectations continue to deteriorate and negatively impact risk appetite, this is likely to undermine EM currencies and the bond markets which are correlated with currencies, that is high yielders like Indonesia,” Stuart Ritson, portfolio manager for emerging-market debt at Aviva Investors in Singapore, said. “We are being very selective in positioning in higher-yielding markets.”

Indonesia’s bonds handed investors a small loss last month, even though real yields—nominal yields adjusted for inflation—offered as much as 4.04 percent, the highest after Egypt of 47 global markets tracked by Bloomberg. A big part of the poor performance was due to selling by global funds,

Slowing growth and rising trade tensions are prompting investors to scurry away from buying debt papers from less creditworthy nations. Bloomberg

who offloaded a net $281 million of the nation’s debt in August.

Indian bonds fared almost as badly, returning a skimpy 0.1 percent. Escalating United StatesChina trade tensions also spurred foreign investors to offload a net $2.19 billion of the nation’s stocks.

Haven demand also hurt a number of EM assets by pushing up the dollar, which prevented central banks from easing policy as much as they would have liked, said Rajeev de Mello, chief investment officer at Bank of Singapore

Ltd. “They have seen from past episodes that rising risk premia constraints their monetary policies.”

The attractiveness of the region’s bonds will be tested further this week with the release of inflation data for five local markets: Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan. Annual CPI is expected to slow in Korea, Indonesia and the

Philippines, which should push up real yields and make those nations’ debt more attractive.

Still, the growing trade headwinds mean investors, such as UOB Asset Management Ltd. are shunning high-yielding debt from countries, such as Indonesia.

“We reduced our weights in some higher-yielding countries,” Patrick Wacker, an emergingmarket bond fund manager at UOB Asset in Singapore, said. “We felt Indonesia may underperform despite favorable reforms, due to its commodity exposure to China,” he said.

The real yields in the above table were calculated using economist forecasts for 2020 inflation and the average for August of constantmaturity 10-year bond yields.

Bond returns exclude fluctuations in exchange rates. Bloomberg News

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‘Sa Mga Bahay ng Ating Gunita’ narrates colorful stories of Philippine houses

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AS Casas Filipinas de Acuzar officially launched its Coffee Table Book to pay tribute to the greatest representation of love for heritage and culture that the brand stands for.

Launched on August 21, Ninoy Aquino Day, ‘Sa Mga Bahay ng Ating Gunita’ (At the Houses of our Memory), the Coffee Table Book is a work of art and labor of love of Las Casas owner, Jose “Jerry” Acuzar.

Edited by award-winning poet Marne Kilates, this passion project, which was written aptly in our native language— Filipino—with the aim to narrate the colorful stories each casa represents.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Nestled at the heart of Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas, a restored piece of history saved from total ruin and neglect, is a sprawling open-air museum and heritage resort consisting of 128 hotel rooms and 24 elite casas.

Brick by brick, these Filipino houses were transported and rebuilt inside

the 400-hectare property that creates a historic paradise where each guest can marvel at the rich and beautiful history the Philippines has.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the only Philippine destination that showcases the best of Filipino heritage and culture from Acuzar’s collection of restored SpanishFilipino houses.

From the majestic architectural design to heart-warming revival of traditions, Las Casas is a complete package to a one-of-akind travel to the past.

The coffee table book put a spotlight on nine restored casas that hold secrets of the past through the colorful stories as retold by Jerry. The featured houses include Casa San Juan from Batangas, Casa Lubao from Pampanga, Casa Quiapo and Casa Byzantina from Manila, Casa Luna from La Union, and Casa Binan from Laguna. Meanwhile, Las Casas’ premiere convention center takes the center stage through a special feature included in the book.

Get to know more about Las Casas

Filipinas de Acuzar and its colorful stories through its coffee table book which will soon be available on the leading book stands.

All these unique initiatives of Jose Acuzar in line with his mission to bring Filipino heritage to greater heights has caught the attention of the international scene by being the only Philippine property to be a part of the Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Global Collection and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

This heritage resort is also the Asia Awards of Excellence winner for Asia’s most excellent destination for 2017 and is a project of the New San Jose Builders, Inc. The book launch was held at Las Casas Quezon City. In attendance were, from left: Politician Ali Atienza, Las Casas owner Jose “Jerry” Acuzar, Former Vice President and Newscaster Noli de Castro, Former Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Jr., Award-winning poet Marne Kilates, BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco Jr., BSP Monetary Board Member Peter Favila.

Insular Foundation kicks off bamboo planting project in Pampanga

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NSULAR Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Insular Life, joined hands with the local government of Lubao, Pampanga and the Philippine Bamboo Foundation (PBF) to help protect the environment through the propagation and planting of bamboo.

InLife executive chairman and Insular Foundation chairman Nina D. Aguas signed a memorandum of agreement with Lubao, Pampanga Mayor Esmeralda Pineda, and PBF president Edgardo Manda to formalize the project called “Kawayanihan: Protecting the Environment and Lives through Community Work and Cooperation.”

“Through Kawayanihan we are helping propagate bamboo, a versatile plant that can provide livelihood opportunities in many industries. But over and above this, the bamboo is known to purify air toxins and a rich source of breathable oxygen, which we really need at this point,” said Aguas during the signing ceremony.

Under this project, Insular Foundation will adopt 1.8 hectares of the six-hectare ecopark called Bamboo Hub located in Lubao, Pampanga by planting and growing bamboos for the next three years.

The Lubao LGU, on the other hand, will be responsible in providing technical assistance in training and hiring workers for the park while PBF will overs the production of bamboo seedlings and the development and marketing of bamboo products.

“As Insular Foundation celebrates its 50th year of incorporation this year, we are drumming up our programs on education, disaster response and rehabilitation, employee volunteerism, and environmental protection,” Aguas said.

More than 120 InLife employees from Alabang and Makati, Insular Health Care, and San Fernando District Office participated in the bamboo tree planting activity at the Lubao Bamboo Hub and Ecopark.

SERENA TURNS ANKLE, NOVAK QUITS MATCH Sports BusinessMirror

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| Tuesday, September 3, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

SERENA WILLIAMS tumbles to the ground and sits there, cross-legged, right in the middle of Arthur Ashe Stadium for a few moments. AP

By Howard Fendrich

NOVAK DJOKOVIC has been complaining that his left shoulder was hurting during the tournament, and he finally succumbed, stopping while trailing 6-4, 7-5, 2-1. AP

The Associated Press

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EW YORK—Serena Williams was in pain—”acceptable” pain, her coach called it—after rolling her right ankle during the second set of a US Open victory.

That was the bad news.

On a day that defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic pulled out of his match because of a problematic left shoulder, the good news for Williams as she pursues a seventh championship at Flushing Meadows and 24th Grand Slam singles title overall is that, while she reached the quarterfinals by beating No. 22 seed Petra Martic 6-3, 6-4 despite the ankle issue, No. 2 Ash Barty and No. 3 Karolina Pliskova both exited her side of the bracket Sunday.

Not that Williams seemed to care all that much about being one of only three of the top 12 seeded women who will still be around Monday.

“I can’t afford to look at it that way. Every single match I have played, people come and they play their best. The women that I play are not generally playing at this level against other players in the locker room, so for me, I have to be the greatest, whether it’s against the second seed, the No. 1 seed, or the No. 80th player in the world,” said Williams, who faces No. 18 Wang Qiang next.

“I have to show up or else I’m going to go home.”

Williams, who turns 38 this month, appeared to be cruising along to a straightforward victory when she took an awkward step while up at the net for a volley. She tumbled to the ground and sat there, cross-legged, right in the middle of Arthur Ashe Stadium for a few moments.

Williams has dealt with various health issues all season, including one that ended her stay at the Australian Open.

Might that sort of thing be happening again?

Williams immediately asked for a trainer, who added tape to her lower right leg and foot during a medical timeout at the ensuing changeover.

Still, Martic thought Williams’s play might

actually have improved the rest of the way.

“She started going for even more, I think. She felt like maybe she couldn’t move that well anymore,” Martic said. “Her shots were really precise. Serve was unbelievable. And when she hits those backhands and those first serves that well, it’s not easy to play against her.”

Williams ended things by raising both arms after smacking an ace at 118 mph, her fastest of the afternoon, punctuating an overpowering performance that included 38 winners to Martic’s 11.

“I didn’t know what to expect from her ball. I knew she [hits it] hard,” Martic said, “but until you feel it on your own racket, you just don’t know what to expect.”

The scene Sunday brought back memories of Williams’s Australian Open quarterfinal in January against Pliskova. Williams was way ahead—holding a match point at 5-1, 40-30 in the third set—when she turned her left ankle awkwardly. From there, Williams was no longer, well, Williams, dropping every point she served the rest of the way.

She failed to convert four match points in all that day, ceded six games in a row and lost 7-5 in the third. That time, Williams didn’t call for a trainer, which surprised many. Didn’t make that mistake this time.

And a couple of hours later, she was walking without any apparent hitch in her step. She figured she’d know more about the ankle based on how it responds Monday; she plays Wang on Tuesday.

Williams has not managed to complete a non-Slam tournament in 2019, withdrawing from each with one ailment or another, including a viral illness, a hurt left knee and, most recently, back spasms. She hasn’t won a title since returning to the tour after having a baby; her daughter,

‘COCO AND CATY’ DOUBLES SHOW N EW YORK—Coco Gauff and Caty McNally have aced doubles tennis together.

Like many teenagers, they are still learning their history.

They won their US Open women’s doubles match Sunday on Louis Armstrong Stadium, then were later asked what they knew about the man the stadium was named for.

“He played the saxophone,” McNally said.

Wrong.

“His nickname was Saxamo,” Gauff said.

Also incorrect.

Gauff is just 15 and McNally 17, so forgive them for not knowing that the jazz musician played the trumpet, or that his nickname was Satchmo.

Gauff said McNally’s coach gave them a history lesson before their match, in case they were asked. And though Gauff was a little off on the nickname, she nailed the instrument.

“It was a trumpet. He told us that. You didn’t pay attention,” Gauff said toward McNally, as they sat together and shared a microphone.

Team McCoco is perfect on the court, remaining unbeaten together by topping the No. 9-seeded team of Nicole Melichar and Kveta Peschke, 6-3, 7-6 (9), to reach the third round. Gauff and McNally won the US Open junior title last year and teamed for their first Women’s Tennis Association doubles title this summer in Washington.

Things are a whole lot different this year, where Armstrong Stadium was packed to the top to watch them and a long line of fans hoping to get in waited outside. They move to the Grandstand on Monday for the third

between the two of them. Eventually, she was docked a point for breaking her racket, and then a game for calling Ramos a “liar” and a “thief.”

Asked whether he wishes he hadn’t made that signal, Mouratoglou replied: “No, I felt like she was lost at that moment and I tried to help her.”

He added: “I would do the same tomorrow. Really, 100 percent. And if I’m penalized again, I think it’s unfair the same way. If I’m penalized, then everyone should be penalized every day. And nobody is.”

round, when they play the eighth-seeded team of Ash Barty and Victoria Azarenka.

“Last year playing in juniors we actually played a couple matches indoors, so there was only about 20 people there maybe,” McNally said.

The victory came a day after Gauff’s loss to topranked Naomi Osaka in the third round of singles. Their emotional post-match interview, when Osaka invited Gauff to join her, remained the talk of the tournament early Sunday.

“It showed both personalities from both players,” Roger Federer said. “In a way also tennis won on the night, not just Osaka. Also Coco, the way she handled herself anyway.

It’s incredible at 15. I can’t even think being so well-behaved at 15.”

GO FOR GOLD?

NO REGRETS

SERENA WILLIAMS’S coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, has zero regrets about trying to send her a signal from the stands during last year’s loss in the US Open final.

His hand gesture was noticed by chair umpire Carlos Ramos, who warned Williams for the rule violation, leading to a series of arguments

Olympia, was born exactly two years ago Sunday.

“Best day of my life,” Williams called it.

Wang, who never had played in the fourth round at a major until Sunday, advanced by surprising French Open champion Barty, 6-2, 6-4.

Pliskova, the 2016 US Open runner-up, went home with a 6-7 (1), 6-3, 7-5 loss over nearly two-and-a-half hours against 16th-seeded Johanna Konta of Britain.

This is the only Grand Slam tournament where Konta has yet to reach the semifinals; she’ll now meet No. 5 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, who got past 2017 runner-up Madison Keys of the US, 7-5, 6-4, Sunday night.

That was followed by Djokovic’s retirement against Stan Wawrinka in Sunday’s last singles match. Djokovic had been complaining that his left shoulder was hurting during the tournament, and he finally succumbed, stopping while trailing 6-4, 7-5, 2-1.

“The pain was constant for weeks now,” Djokovic said.

Wawrinka moves on to face Daniil Medvedev. Reprising his trolling role at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the No. 5-seeded Russian again begged the crowd to boo him even more after he beat qualifier Dominik Koepfer, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (2).

“You give me so much energy to win. Thank you!” he said, similar to his interaction with jeering spectators after his third-round win. “You are the best!”

Earlier Sunday, Roger Federer kept up his recent surge, dominating No. 15 seed David Goffin, 6-2, 6-2, 6-0 in just 79 minutes. That’s one fewer minute than it took him to put together a 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 win against Dan Evans in the previous round.

“I mean, look, sometimes these scores just happen. You catch a good day, the opponent doesn’t, then things happen very quickly,” said Federer, who lost in the fourth round a year ago in New York but also earned five of his 20 major championships at this hard-court tournament. “Maybe he struggled a bit early on. But I found my groove after a while and was able to roll, really. Never looked back.”

Goffin’s perspective?

“You don’t know why you’re missing everything, easy balls,” Goffin said. “All of a sudden, he’s playing well.”

Federer next takes on Grigor Dimitrov, a two-time major semifinalist who is unseeded at Flushing Meadows.

Currently coached by Andre Agassi and Radek Stepanek, Dimitrov eliminated Alex de Minaur, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, to reach his first US Open quarterfinal.

Federer is 7-0 against Dimitrov.

“Given the history of me and Roger, how we’ve played the past years,” Dimitrov said, “nothing [favors] me.”

Like many teenagers, Coco Gauff and Caty McNally are still learning their history. AP

ROGER FEDERER has great memories from the Olympics, from meeting his wife to carrying Switzerland’s flag.

He’s not sure if he’s going to make any new ones.

Federer said he hasn’t decided if he will play in Tokyo in 2020, and isn’t even certain of the eligibility requirements if he does want to participate.

“I don’t know if I’m actually going to do it or not because it all depends on family, on scheduling, on body, on future,” he said. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”

Federer, 38, has been carefully managing his schedule in recent years and will talk to his team about what the plans will be after next year’s Wimbledon.

The 2020 Games begin July 24, just two weeks after Wimbledon ends.

Federer won doubles gold with Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Olympics, when he carried Switzerland’s flag in the opening ceremonies. He added a singles silver in 2012.

He also met his wife, Mirka, when both competed for Switzerland in 2000, so the Olympics have always been important to him.

“Naturally it’s always going to be a possibility for me to play Tokyo if there is an exemption,” Federer said. AP

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Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Anime characters off to outer space for Tokyo 2020

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American Coach Mike Taylor is doing wonders for Poland. AP

AN AMERICAN COACH IN POLAND B

EIJING—Poland made history in its opening game of the basketball World Cup in China, winning at the tournament for the first time in 52 years.

Beating Venezuela might have been just for starters.

Next comes China on Monday in the second game for two countries trying to break through. China won its opener against Ivory Coast and is hoping to gain credibility in the World Cup after an abysmal 0-10 record in the last two Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and London.

“China not only has a home-court advantage, but also a home-country advantage,” said American Mike Taylor, Poland’s coach for the last six years.

Taylor also coaches the German club Hamburg Towers.

Basketball has dragged him back and forth between the United States and Europe with stops in Germany, the Czech Republic, England—the fringes of the National Basketball Association (NBA) with developmental teams like the Rio Grande Vipers and the Maine Red Claws— and now Poland.

He took over a German third-division team in 2001 thinking he’d stay for a year. It turned into almost 20.

“It’s not for everybody. You have to adapt,” said Taylor, who grew up in western Pennsylvania and now

lives in Florida. His father, Richard Taylor, coached basketball at Clarion University and his son recalls picking up the game “as the ball boy at the end of the bench” as his dad was coaching.

“You have to understand that many times you’re the foreigner,” Taylor added. “I feel like I have friends for life at all my stops. I’m built for overseas and I don’t think everybody is like that.”

Poland has no stars. But they’re a team that moves the ball relentlessly and plays strong defense.

“A real team, a real team,” Taylor repeated. “We have a great depth of system, and we can get to a lot of things quickly because we’ve got six years together.”

The official MVP in the 80-69 victory over Venezuela was Mateusz Ponitka, a 6-foot-6 guard who will match up against China’s playmaking guard Guo Ailun. Ponitka describes Taylor as doggedly positive.

“Every day he comes in smiling,” Ponitka said. “I’ve never seen him having a bad day, or be sad or stressed or whatever. He engages other people with positive energy and a positive attitude, and we take from it.”

Taylor acknowledged that he speaks only a few works of Polish, and Ponitka confirmed it.

“Sometimes he tries to say something in Polish, and it doesn’t make sense. It’s funny,” Ponitka said.

Lorbes, Burgos top aquathlon

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naki Lorbes and Erika Nicole Burgos outhustled a field of 300 participants by registering the fastest times in their respective categories in the Vermosa Sports Hub Aquathlon 2 held recently at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City, Cavite.

Lorbes clocked the best time of 42 minutes and 22 seconds in winning the Male 18-24 age category of the race—1-kilometer swim and 7-kilometer run contest.

Neymar clearly wants to leave. AP

Richard Anson Navo, who topped the series’ first leg last March, registered 44:33 to rule the Male 15-17 category, while Juan Francisco Baniqued finished second in the Male 15-17 category with a time of 46:50.

Burgos, meanwhile, had a strong swim leg (14:46) and maintained her lead to capture the Female 15-17 title with a total time of 50:43. Olivia Kwon finished second in 55:02, while Female 30-34 champion Nancy

“They teach me all the bad words,” Taylor replied.

Ponitka conceded the home advantage and height advantage to China. And China’s Coach Li Nan said he expected Poland “to play at a higher level than Ivory Coast.”

“At the end of the day, China is under pressure,” Ponitka said. “They have to win. We are the underdogs I’d say. And we like this position and we have shown many times we can surprise big teams.”

Before Taylor came along, Poland had more downs than ups and cycled through several coaches. Few expected the Poles to reach the World Cup from basketball rich Europe. In addition to the United States, teams like Serbia, Greece, and France are among the favorites to win this tournament when it ends in two weeks.

“Two years ago, nobody would have said Poland would be here,” Taylor said. “But we’re here. We won our way here. It was not easy.”

The top 2 teams in each of the eight groups advance to the second phase. Playing in the second phase guarantees teams of at least playing in an Olympic qualifying tournament to reach Tokyo next year.

“If we have success here we can open up the conversation about the next dream goal of the Olympics,”Taylor said. “I think our best basketball is ahead of us.” AP Giganon registered the third-fastest standard distance time with 1:00:27.

Team Get Coach’D emerged as the All-Male Relay champion, Power Sisters as the All-Female Relay winner and Amigo Tri as the Mixed Relay titlist in the event supported by Vermosa Sports Hub, Avida, Smart, Standard Insurance, official timer Garmin, Speedo, Apollo Petroleum Jelly, and hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified.

Raymund Velasco of Team Sante Barley won the Male 30-34 title for 2019. He was the champion of his category in the first aquathlon (March) and the sprint triathlon (June).

17,000 runners join CSC fun run

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ORE than 17,000 runners and sports enthusiast from different government agencies, including the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), answered the call for unity and integrity in public service with the RACE to SERVE Fun Run on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

With the theme “Civil Service at 119: Upholding Integrity and a High Trust Society,” the fun run raised funds for the Pondong Pamanang Lingkod Bayani (PLBi) Program, which honors public servants who sacrificed their lives in the service of the Filipinos.

The run was the kickoff activity to CSC’s 119th anniversary celebration this month.

Asia’s leading health, wellness and beauty retailer

Watsons joined the CSC National Capital Region (CSC NCR) in the event.

As CSC’s partner, Watsons offered free health services to all participants and family members during the event, such as free blood pressure check, blood sugar check, cholesterol test and fat analysis.

“We are committed to improve the health of Filipinos through our range of health and wellness products available in more than 700 stores nationwide,” Danilo Chiong, Watsons Philippines chief operating officer, said.

“As part of our commitment, we are happy to partner with CSC in encouraging the runners to get active and be healthier through this run.”

he “G-SATELLITE Go to Space” project will see Mobile Suit Gundam TV series figures Gundam and Zaku sent into space on an 11-inch microsatellite next spring.

It will represent a first time in Olympic and Paralympic history that a satellite will be launched specifically for the Games and orbit the Earth independently.

During their visit to the factory, Noguchi and Kanai will exchange ideas with production staff on the manufacturing process.

Gundam and Zaku are two of Japan’s most popular animated robots and the project will see a recreation of the characters using special materials and paints that can withstand the harsh environment of space.

A series of tests, including vibration and impact assessments, and tests reproducing the effects of a vacuum, will be carried out at the factory.

The astronauts will be joined by Nobujiro Yamanaka, producer of the Gundam and Zaku figures, for the project.

The satellite is expected to broadcast messages of support for athletes competing in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Last month, Noguchi and Akihiko Hoshide, astronauts for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa), were announced as space ambassadors for Tokyo 2020.

They will be tasked with promoting the Torch Relay from space next year and will broadcast supportive messages for the Olympic and Paralympic torchbearers from the International Space Station.

Tokyo 2020 launched “G-Satellite Go to Space” project which aims to promote the Olympic and Paralympic Games from space.

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It was not until Friday night, after PSG won 2-0 at Metz without a physically fit Neymar, that PSG’s Sporting Director Leonardo effectively said a deal would almost certainly not be reached. That is unless a dramatic turnaround happens in the few hours remaining before the window shuts.

“We always said that, if we were happy with an offer, we were ready to let him leave,” Leonardo said.

“That offer never arrived.”

There were several reported offers for the Brazil star, including Barcelona sending winger Ousmane Dembele to PSG on loan as part of a cash-plus-players deal with Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic also joining

Tokyo 2020 have collaborated with the University of Tokyo and the Jaxa on the project, along with three companies in Fukui prefecture.

Japan’s leading creators, innovators and performers were invited to express their own interpretations of the vision for the Tokyo 2020 as part of the One Team Project.

“When I heard about this project, I wondered whether they would really go through with it,” said Shinichi Nakasuka, a professor at Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory in the University of Tokyo.

“We’ve put satellites into orbit before, but then I thought we might be able to do something in space to help cheer on the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Nakasuka said. “I’m feeling a bit of pressure as the creator of the satellite for this project, but I will turn that pressure into enjoyment and do my best.”

Insidethegames

SLOVENIAN CONQUERS PYRENEES

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ORTALS D’ENCAMP, Andorra—Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia won a stormy mountainous ninth stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Sunday, and Nairo Quintana took over the race lead.

“When I saw the weather yesterday, I was happy it was going to rain,” the 20-yearold Pogacar said. “On the ground section I went full gas. Today was a tricky stage, a lot of technical areas...and also a hail storm. It was an incredible ride.”

Pogacar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates, finished the short but extremely challenging 94.4-kilometer stage in two hours and 58 minutes.

Quintana crossed the line next as the rider for Movistar took the red leader’s jersey from Nicolas Edet, who was dropped early in the stage.

The highly anticipated stage in the Pyrenees shattered the peloton with five summit climbs and a 4-kilometer gravel track near the end, which the riders reached amid heavy rain and hail.

The strongest of the favorites for the Grand Tour all finished within a minute of each other, leaving them in a tight bunch ahead of the first rest day.

Primoz Roglic overcame signs of weakness and finished in third, as the Slovenian moved to second overall at six seconds behind Quintana.

Fellow contender Miguel Ángel López looked like he was going to deal a blow to his rivals after he dropped them with a powerful attack. But he fell on the gravel stretch when the weather was at its worst. The Colombian finished the stage ninth and is third overall at 17 seconds behind fellow countryman Quintana.

López said the stage should have been stopped because of the weather. A mountain stage was halted in the Tour de France in July when rain made the course impossible to ride.

“I have my arms scraped up,” López said. “It was very dangerous. At least there wasn’t a descent.”

Neymar looks to stay at PSG as transfer window nears end eymar looks set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as the clock ticks down on the French league’s transfer window, which closes at midnight Monday.

Much publicized talks with Barcelona have seemingly led to very little, in what appears much ado about nothing.

Two years after joining PSG for a world record €222 million (now $242 million) Neymar clearly wanted to leave. But the summer transfer saga between prospective buyer Barcelona and hard-nosed seller PSG turned into a “Will he, won’t he stay?” soap opera where Barcelona did most of the talking with little effect.

Gundam and Zaku are two of Japan’s most popular animated robots and the project will see a recreation of the characters using special materials and paints that can withstand the harsh environment of space.

PSG along with €130 million.

But Leonardo said Barcelona’s Dembele offer came far too late on August 27, and by Saturday night speculation was winding down amid online reports Neymar was resigned to staying.

Losing Neymar would have given PSG Coach Thomas Tuchel precious little time to recruit a top-level striker.

It has understandably been a frustrating season so far for Tuchel, with Neymar physically ready to play after two injury-hit seasons yet apparently sidelined in case a Barcelona move happened.

“Things in the world of football are crazy, anything can happen,” Tuchel said recently with an air of

Tadej Pogacar: It was an incredible ride.

World champion Alejandro Valverde, a teammate of Quintana, is fourth at 20 seconds back.

The racing resumes Tuesday with an individual time trial across the border in France. Roglic is considered the best suited of the top riders to make big gains on the 36 kilometers from Jurancon to Pau. “The important thing was to try to take some time on Roglic, who should do well on the time trial,” said former Vuelta winner Quintana. AP resignation. “The coach doesn’t decide everything in a big club with a big-name player like that.”

It promises to be a difficult month for PSG, which will likely face Real Madrid in the first group game of the Champions League on September 18 without a top-class striker and then travels to seven-time French champion Lyon four days later.

Neymar is available to face Lyon—if he stays—but is suspended for the first three games of the Champions League. Edinson Cavani (hip) and Kylian Mbappe (thigh) are expected to be out for a few weeks and will probably miss both key matches.

PSG could find itself facing 13-time European champion Madrid with an underwhelming strike force of Eric Maxim Choupou-Moting—who joined last season from unheralded English side Stoke—and Jese, who is back at PSG after loans to Las Palmas, Stoke and Real Betis produced just six goals in 43 games. AP

orts

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APAS, Tarlac—The New Clark City Athletics Stadium and Aquatics Center look 30th Southeast Asian Games ready from practically all angles following the staging of swimming and track and field competitions that started over the weekend.

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Deputy Director General Arrey Perez remarked that the said competitions are called “sports rehearsals,” and that they allowed the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to identify the strengths of the facilities before the Games start.

BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon, on the other hand, said the facilities were constructed to world-class standards not only for the SEA Games but for Filipino athletes.

“Without the support of President Duterte and his sheer will to make this happen, the world-class facilities for our athletes will not be here,” Dizon said. “The BCDA is very proud that the athletes were able to use the sports facilities which are part of New Clark City, the country’s first smart and resilient metropolis.”

Officials of the Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) and Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) Inc. were impressed with the facilities that were tested by national athletes during the prequalifying competitions for the SEA Games.

“I’ve seen this in phases, from raw land to the time that this was being built,” said Patafa President Philip Ella Juico, referring to the Athletics Stadium where the Patafa Weekly Relay Series was held.

“I’ve visited other facilities in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Indonesia and [the stadium] compares very favorably,” he said. “It has all the requirements of a modern facility that is approved by the highest track and field authorities in the world.”

Juico also bared the positive feedback from athletes on the new stadium, highlighting the first government-owned warm-up track oval which is a big improvement from their former training facility.

“All of them love it. They feel that this is the best for them.

The track itself is not too hard, it’s not too demanding on their legs. So we expect good performances from them,” he said.

PSI President Lani Velasco, meanwhile, said that the Finaaccredited Aquatics Center could be “the training ground for all European and US-based swimmers who are preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.”

Velasco said that the swimmers were happy that the competition pool at the Aquatics Center is a “fast pool” which could positively impact the speed and performance of swimmers.

Laure, Tigresses blast TIP belles

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 C3

NEW CLARK CITY FACILITIES GET AN ‘A’ FROM ATHLETES Vincent Juico @VJuico Instagram vpjp_j, vince.juico@gmail.com

SPORTS WITHOUT BORDERS

CDO Rugby Football Club

ATHLETES vie in the weekly relays at the The New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

JORDAN EYES REPEAT B

ig-hitting Damien Jordan returns in pursuit of a second Philippine Golf Tour Asia (PGTA) championship, seeking to become only the second player to score back-to-back victories in the Ninth Aboitiz Invitational firing off on Wednesday at Wack Wack’s East Course in Mandaluyong City.

Jordan set some sort of a record by becoming the first foreign player to rule the annual event organized by Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. in wire-to-wire fashion, beating Thai Namchok Tantipokhakul by four to also nail his first PGTA crown at Orchard’s Palmer course last year.

But with the event back at one of the country’s toughest courses, Jordan will need more than his power to confront the challenges lurking at every corner of Wack Wack’s fabled layout, whose narrow fairways puts premier on accuracy more than length, especially in the presence of the wind.

That could set the stage for four days of battle of wits among a crack roster of 108 bidders from at least 18 nations in the $100,000 event serving as fourth leg of the third season of the region’s emerging circuit put up by the International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Tantipokhakul and Wisut Artjanawat swept the first two PGTA legs at Luisita and Taiwan, respectively, with absentee Angelo Que prevailing at Southwoods last July with the Thai duo, like Jordan, all fired up in their respective title drive in the 72-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Jay Bayron, meanwhile, spearheads the local challenge with the veteran Davaoeño campaigner targeting two feats this week—reclaiming the crown he won when the event was first held at Wack Wack in 2016 and seeking a record third Aboitiz Invitational title.

Bayron topped the inaugural event in its home base in Cebu in 2011 with fellow Davaoeño Elmer Salvador posting the first back-to-back wins, also in Cebu, in 2012-13 although the latter’s game took a downswing in the last few years.

Tony Lascuña beat Que by three at Riviera in 2014, and Japan-based Pagunsan, in one of his then rare appearances on the local circuit, dominated the field at Manila Southwoods in 2015 then Miguel Tabuena edged Que by one in 2017.

Meanwhile, a select group of pros will test the East layout

one last time in the traditional pro-am tournament today (Tuesday) where they will be paired with officials and guests of the event’s chief backers, including ICTSI, PLDT Enterprise, Meralco, BDO and PGT Asia official apparel Pin High.

Firming up this year’s cast are Ratchapol Jantavara and Tawan Phongphun, also from Thailand, who finished 1-2 in this year’s PGTA Qualifying Tournament at Luisita, and compatriots Pasavee Lertvilai, Chonlatit Chuenboonngam, Kammalas Namuangruk, Donlapatchai Niyomchon, Natthapong Niyomchon, Tawit Polthai, Puk Pradittan, Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij, Nirun Sae-Ueng and Pachara Sakulyong.

Other foreign bets ready to slug it out with the best for the top $17,500 purse are Tarik Can, Sam Gillis, Lexus Keoninh, Charles Lee, Matt Lutz, Brett Munson, Joshua Salah and Sean Talmadge of the US, Aussies Tim Stewart, David Gleeson, Sam Gervinas, Fidel Concepcion and Jerram Chudleigh, Japanese Issei Mori, Keita Sudo, Nayoa Takahashi and Seiji Yanagisawa, and Shin Seung Woo, Park Jun Sung, Moon Seung Ryul, Lee Sang Min, Lee Hyun Jun, Jung Chae Won and Hwang Myung Chal of Korea.

Enriquez, Tangub top Cotabato leg

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ydney Enriquez and Eric Jay Tangub primed up for the tough International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament in Malaysia next month by ruling their respective sides in big fashions in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Cotabato City national age-group tennis tournament at the Cotabato City Tennis Society courts recently.

Enriquez, 16, yielded just two games in topping her age bracket, highlighted by a 6-0, 6-1 romp over unranked Alyssa Dino in the finals. The Salug, Zambo del Norte ace proved tougher in 18-and-under play, crushing Althea Lu, 6-0, 6-0, to cap a rare unbeaten run to the crown in the Group 2 event presented by Dunlop.

Tangub, from Tukuran, Zambo del Sur, held off Heinz Carbonilla, 6-2, 6-3, to capture the boys’ 16-under crown in a victory that augured well for his and Enriquez’s buildup for the ITF Grade 5 tournament in Selangor from October 1 to 6 as representatives of the Unified Tennis Philippines.

Myla Pablo (10) of Motolite challenges the defense put up

by Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo (5) and Sarah Jane Gonzales (19) of Pacifictown Army during their Season 3 Open Conference match on Sunday. Motolite won, 25-16, 22-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-10. NONOY LACZA

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NIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) drew firepower from debuting Eya Laure to blast Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), 25-11, 25-9, 25-11, to notch its third straight win and close in on a semifinal berth in Pool B of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan on Sunday.

Laure scored eight points in two sets, upstaging sister EJ, who finished with just a point while trying to regain her form coming off a long hiatus due to injury.

But the rest of the Tigresses more than made up for EJ’s struggle as Joyce Abueg matched Eya’s output and Imee Hernandez put in a seven-hit effort for the España-based squad, which poured in 36 attack points and pounced on their rivals’ sloppy service reception to deliver 11 aces.

UST shoots for No. 4 against Far Eastern University next Sunday.

“We need to secure another win to assure our stint in the semis,” UST Coach Kungfu Reyes said. “But this win gives us a good shot for the top 2.”

While UST kept its run going, TIP fell to its third straight defeat and out of the semifinals race.

Wielyn Margallo and Ashley Jinon scored seven points apiece for the Lady Engineers.

In Pool A action, Adamson University also soared to its third straight win after beating hapless San Sebastian College, 25-18, 25-10, 25-14, to force a tie with idle Ateneo in the event organized by Sports Vision serving as part of the teams’ buildup for their respective collegiate leagues.

Letran, meanwhile, carved out a 16-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18, 17-15, win over Perpetual Help in another Pool A match to stay in the Final Four hunt with a 1-2 card, the same output by its victim and San Beda University.

Catindig, Peralta reach quarterfinals

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rincess Catindig and Erdelyn Peralta scored a 4-3 (7-5) victory over Yi Li Shih and Yu Tung Hsu of Chinese Taipei, 4-3 (7-5), on Monday to book a quarterfinal berth in the inaugural staging of the Asian University Soft Tennis Championships at the Colegio San Agustin indoor tennis court in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

The Filipino pair outclassed Mariyan Meth and Sotheary Rin of Cambodia, 4-1, to reach the round-of-16

Busy PSA Forum today

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WO big sports events and newly crowned Philippine Super Liga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference champion F2 Logistics will be the topics of discussion in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel-Manila.

The 82nd season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines which opens with the centerpiece men’s basketball event on Wednesday also gets a piece of the limelight in the 10 a.m. session with Executive Director Rebo Saguisag and Commissioner for Basketball Jensen Ilagan on hand.

Manny Pacquiao Promotions President Sean Gibbons

U.A.A.P. SEASON 82 ON

last Sunday. But they have to beat favorites Yuki Kasai and Yui Kuwana of Japan on Tuesday to assure themselves of a bronze medal.

Catindig, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines MVP from San Beda University, clinched a bronze medal in the Asian Juniors held in the same venue last week.

The 1st Asian University Soft Tennis Championships, which serves as a 30th Southeast Asian Games test event, meanwhile, will again grace the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to talk about the all-Filipino world title fight between Samuel Salva and Pedro Taduran for the vacant International Boxing Federation minimumweight championship set on Saturday in Taguig City.

And capping a busy forum will be the presence of volleyball stars Kim Fajardo, Dawn Macandili, Alex Cabanos and MVP Kalei Mau who will share their experience in winning the PSL All-Filipino conference crown by beating Cignal in the finals.

The session is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2 from 1 to 2 p.m.

The Ateneo Dance Club and Blue Babble Battalion of host Ateneo de Manila perform during the opening ceremony of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The men’s basketball tournament opens on Wednesday with the matches between University of Santo Tomas and University of the East at 10:30 a.m., Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines at 12:30 p.m. and defending champion Ateneo and Adamson University at 4 p.m. ROY DOMINGO

“With a series of tournaments lined up in the next two months or so, we expect Enriquez and Tangub to further hone up and reach top form in time for the Selangor meet,” Palawan Pawnshop President and CEO Bobby Castro said.

Sharing top honors were local bets Arpha Sarip (10-under unisex) and Dyan Natano (girls’ 12-under), Lanao’s Kale Villamar (boys’ 12-under) and Carbonilla (boys’ 14-under), Pagadian’s Nilo Ledama (boys’ 18-under) and Dapitan’s Christine Gulagula (girls’ 14-under).

Sarip stunned top seed Pete Bandala, 4-1, 4-0; Natano upended No. 1 Marilyn Mesiona, 6-3, 4-6, 10-3; No. 6 Villamar repulsed unranked Reuben Nagret, 6-3, 6-1; Carbonilla routed Oxter Sarip, 6-0, 6-0; Ledama stopped doubles partner Tangub, 6-2, 6-2; and Gulagula foiled Natano, 6-2, 6-3.

Tangub and Ledama later teamed up to clinch the 18-under doubles title with an 8-6 triumph over Aslan Carbonilla and Ren Lagamon with Ezra Enriquez and Mae Torrecarion beating Ayessa Dino and Lu, 8-2, in the girls’ finals.

will give the country’s athletes the opportunity to test their strength. They are up against bets from Japan, Chinese Taipei, India, Mongolia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Nepal, Indonesia, South Korea and North Korea.

The last time soft tennis was played in the SEA Games was in Indonesia (2011) when the Philippines earned one silver and five bronze medals.

The two tournaments are organized by the Philippine Soft Tennis Association headed by Col. Jeff Tamayo and the Asian Soft Tennis Federation (ASTF) with support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

There is a saying in the UK, “Football is a gentleman’s game played by hooligans, and rugby is a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen.”

Noel Villa and the men and women of the Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club certainly play the game like ladies and gentlemen.

Coach Noel Villa migrated to the UK at the age of 8 not knowing he’d return to promote and attempt to propagate a sport us Filipinos hardly know anything about. He returned in September 2011 for a vacation which got longer and longer as rugby’s voice resonated louder and louder for Coach Noel to spread the sport’s gospel.

Coach Villa started by creating a Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club Facebook page in August of 2013. The club initially began with 30 members and has grown ever since to almost 300 members as of this writing.

In the CDO RFC web site, Villa narrates how he got started, “Love brought me to Cagayan de Oro City in June of 2013 and I have settled in this lovely City ever since. But there was one problem: nobody that I talked to knew anything about Rugby when I first came here. So, I started jogging at Pueblo de Oro carrying my only Rugby Ball, tossing the ball up in the air from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m., with the sole mission of getting a curious jogger to ask what the egg-shaped ball was for. That proved to be a challenge and yes, I got some odd looks from the people who saw me then. For the next few days I did this religiously and though not having much luck, I didn’t think of giving up on the sport that has helped me a lot growing up. After a few days of no luck, I realized I have to change my strategy. Since there was no Rugby club in the local scene, I decided to create one....

So, in August 2013, I formed a Facebook page which I named Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club (CDO RFC) hoping to catch the attention of those who are curious about the sport and possibly get them to play Rugby. I made sure to advertise the Club in different FB Groups, subtly recruiting boys and girls to try playing the sport and practically promoting its history and growth into the mainstream sports scene.”

Unfortunately, the effort hasn’t been without its challenges, Villa continues, “I started the Club with no funds and had to rely on friends to share some of their precious savings so I can run the Club with integrity. There was paper work to accomplish, fees to pay and plenty of unanswered questions such as, “Where shall we train the kids?”, “Where do we get the balls, crash pads and cones for training?”, “How do we produce the kits?”, “How do we recruit players?” or “Where do we get the budget for rugby development?” and so on.

Most of the answers to these questions actually cost me my own savings and precious time.”

No organization started out big, all organizations, regardless of which field of endeavor, started out small with its fair share of challenges, trials, tribulations and adversity.

I’ve tried using the rules of American football to understand rugby but they’re very different but their objective is the same, to get the ball to the opposite side of the pitch or field (through) the opposing team’s defense.

Coach Noel Villa and the Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club believes in a wholistic development of its youngsters. They use rugby as an avenue for kids to engage in an active lifestyle.

The sport promotes the values and virtues of teamwork, discipline and respect for authority.

The club is involved in a lot of charity work such as “Help Change the Life of a Child” providing sports therapy and feeding program to the children of Boys Town in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, and the “Give Blood, Play Rugby” Program where the club donates blood through the Northern Mindanao Medical Center.

Villa says the next step is for the Department of Education (DepEd) to allow the club to be able to teach Touch Rugby at schools. The name of the program is “Get into Rugby” and it is free. The program recorded the greatest number of participants here in the Philippines with 800 to 900 school kids.

Villa continues that rugby is a sport that can bring a nation together just like what the late former South African President Nelson “Madiba” Mandela did in the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.

Rugby is a sport where we Filipinos can excel in because it is inclusive and does not discriminate against gender, height size and age. In rugby, there’s always something for everyone as long as they are willing to learn the sport.

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Tuesday, September 3, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

A MOMENT of silence takes place for Formula Two driver Anthoine Hubert prior to the start of the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, on Sunday. AP

FERRARI STAR IN THE MAKING S

By Jerome Pugmire The Associated Press

PA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium—While four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel continues to struggle, his young teammate Charles Leclerc is emerging as Ferrari’s No. 1 driver.

The 21-year-old Leclerc clinched the first Formula One win of what is widely expected to be a stellar career at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday. Vettel finished fourth despite starting second on the grid behind Leclerc.

Vettel is now 21 races without a win. Leclerc has one in just his 13th race for Ferrari and only his second season in F1.

He leads Vettel 3-1 in pole positions, and 6-0 in qualifying over the past six races. He showed great poise and nerve to hold off championship leader and five-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton late in Sunday’s race.

“His results speak for themselves,” Hamilton said. “It’s not easy for any driver to jump into a top team like Ferrari against a four-time world champion, with much more experience, and then to continuously outperform, out-qualify and out-drive [him].”

Leclerc also gave Ferrari its first win since former driver Kimi Raikkonen’s victory at the United States GP last October.

Vettel’s last win came at last season’s Belgian GP. He is fourth in the championship and a massive 99 points behind Hamilton, having led and lost the past two championships to the British driver.

Although Leclerc is fifth overall, he would have won in Bahrain earlier this season if not for a late engine failure out of his control.

He is confident he can be a title contender next season on ability alone.

“If I feel like I’m ready to be challenging for a world title, in the end I have the car and the team for it. We obviously need to work because we are struggling a bit compared to Mercedes,” he said. “But on my side, yes I have got a lot to learn but I feel ready. Otherwise, I shouldn’t be in the seat I am in today.”

On Sunday, he just held off Hamilton by just .981 seconds.

Hamilton clearly rates Leclerc extremely high.

“I was trying to keep up with him but he was very strong. Ultimately he did a superb job,” Hamilton said. “I look forward to seeing his growth and racing [against] him.”

Leclerc dedicated his win to French driver Anthoine Hubert, who died Saturday

following a heavy crash during an F2 race held on the same track. Drivers paid their respects on Sunday.

Leclerc looked back to his karting days with Hubert in France.

“There was him, Esteban [Ocon], Pierre [Gasly] and myself,” Leclerc said.

“We were four kids dreaming of Formula One, we’ve grown up together in karting for many years.”

Moments after winning, Leclerc pointed to the sky and then to Hubert’s name written on the side of his car.

“To lose him yesterday was a big shock for me,” Leclerc said. “It was a very sad day and difficult to enjoy it fully today.”

A ninth win of the season and 82nd overall eluded Hamilton. But he extended his championship lead over Valtteri Bottas to 65 points because his Mercedes teammate was third, finishing ahead of Vettel.

At the start, Leclerc got away cleanly but Max Verstappen, winner of two of the past four races, went out on Lap 1. Tens of thousands of orange-clad Dutch fans watched in disappointment as Verstappen’s Red Bull slid into the barriers after contact with Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo.

Verstappen finished in the top 5 of all other races this season and it was his first retirement since the Hungarian GP in July last year. He kept hold of third position in the standings but is a distant 87 points behind Hamilton.

Renault driver Carlos Sainz Jr. also had to abandon following an early collision. The incidents caused the safety car to come out for four laps, and when the race restarted Vettel maintained his lead but Hamilton

closed on Vettel.

“Vettel is struggling,” Hamilton said on team radio

Indians pitcher Carrasco cheered in return from leukemia

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AINT PETERSBURG, Florida—This was no ordinary outing for Carlos Carrasco, and everyone at Tropicana Field knew it. The popular Cleveland Indians pitcher nicknamed Cookie made his return to the mound from leukemia Sunday and was applauded by both teams in a touching scene during Tampa Bay’s 8-2 victory that completed a three-game sweep.

Carrasco entered in the seventh inning for his first major league appearance since being diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia in June.

The right-hander received a standing ovation from the crowd, and players from both sides cheered while standing in front of their respective dugouts.

CARLOS Carrasco enters in the seventh inning for his first major league appearance since being diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia in June. AP

Charles Leclerc is emerging as Ferrari’s No. 1 driver. AP

on Lap 10.

Six laps later, Ferrari brought Vettel in for a tire change, pushing Hamilton up to second place.

Leclerc came in for his tire change exactly midway through the 44-lap race, putting Hamilton in front. But Mercedes called Hamilton in on the very next lap and made a slow stop of 3.6 seconds—which may ultimately have cost him the win.

When Bottas came in one lap later, Ferrari regained the race lead with Vettel ahead of Leclerc until Vettel obeyed team orders to let Leclerc go past on Lap 27.

Hamilton passed Vettel on Lap 32 to take second place but was still seven seconds behind Leclerc. He ate into that lead so much, though, that Leclerc had only a two-second lead with two laps remaining.

“I gave it absolutely everything,” Hamilton said. “I got as close as I could but maybe I needed another couple of laps.”

On the last lap, Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi crashed but Leclerc stayed focused.

“He had that win coming,” Hamilton said of Leclerc.

“Even the other team came out. My teammates, that was great because they have supported me from day one to now,” Carrasco said. “It’s unbelievable.”

Indians star shortstop Francisco Lindor went to the mound and hugged an emotional Carrasco, who was activated before the game following several minor league rehab outings.

“He told me, ‘Welcome back, Cookie,’” Carrasco said. “’This is you. This is you right here. We are behind you. Just go and throw the ball.’”

Normally a starter, Carrasco is expected to pitch in relief for the Indians as they chase a playoff spot down the stretch. He worked one inning and gave up two hits, including Travis d’Arnaud’s run-scoring single.

“It was a lot to think about,” Carrasco said. “I was trying to hold the game right there, but in the end I gave up one run.

Minute’s silence twice held in memory of F2 driver Hubert

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PA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium—On a solemn weekend for motorsport, drivers twice observed a minute’s silence on Sunday in memory of French driver Anthoine Hubert, who died Saturday after a heavy crash during a Formula Two race at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Hubert’s mother and brother held his racing helmet in their hands as teams and drivers stood alongside them with heads bowed in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock.

The 22-year-old Hubert, who raced for the British-owned Arden team, died after an estimated 257 kph collision with 20-year-old US driver Juan Manuel Correa’s car as they accelerated uphill and then out of the notorious Eau Rouge corner on Lap 2.

Hubert’s car sustained a huge side-on impact and span around violently. He was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. local time on Saturday. Correa is recovering in a Liege hospital from his injuries.

Sunday’s scheduled F2 race was canceled out of respect for Hubert. His mother was consoled by Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc, who, on Saturday, posted an Instagram photo of himself and Hubert during their junior racing days.

Another minute’s silence was held before the F1 GP, which started at 3:10 p.m. local time as F1 drivers and others paused to remember him.

With Hubert’s mother and brother standing in the middle of the grid, a member of Hubert’s team kissed Hubert’s race helmet and placed it on top of a stand as silence enveloped the circuit.

As drivers walked past and expressed their condolences, world champion Lewis Hamilton hugged Hubert’s mother and Leclerc comforted his brother.

After winning his first F1 race on Sunday, Leclerc climbed out of the cockpit and pointed to the words “Racing For Anthoine” written on the side of his Ferrari.

Then, Leclerc looked up and pointed to the skies with both hands as he stood on the podium.

“To lose him yesterday was a big shock for me. It was a very sad day,” Leclerc said. “We lose someone on track, a track where you need to race the day after. It’s obviously quite challenging to then close the [helmet] visor and go through the exact same corner [where the crash happened].”

Giuliano Alesi, the 19-year-old son of former Ferrari F1 driver Jean Alesi, was also involved in Saturday’s crash but he was unharmed.

Alesi was present along with his father, and also four-time F1 champion Alain Prost, a nonexecutive director with the Renault team.

Hubert, who won the GP3 championship last year, was also part of the Renault Sport Academy and had a great admiration for Prost. At the French F2 GP in June, one of the two F2 races that Hubert won this season, Hubert had unveiled a racing helmet with a tribute to Prost.

“He represented everything I liked in a driver.... He was among those who asked the most questions,” Prost told French broadcaster RMC Sport. “I was happy to be an example for him. When he made that special helmet, I wasn’t aware of it. When I found out, it was touching.”

Prost, one of many wearing a black armband, looked visibly moved during the minute’s silence. Moments beforehand he stood alongside Jean Alesi as they spoke at length before wrapping their arms around each other’s shoulders. AP But I’m healthy and it was go to the next pitch and go from there.”

Carrasco was given the game ball from the third out of the seventh, a grounder by Joey Wendle, as the Indians headed off the field.

“Certainly, you saw the respect and the admiration that his teammates have for him,” said Rays Manager Kevin Cash, a former Cleveland coach.

“Anytime you deal with a guy that has an illness and is able to recover and get back on the field like that, it’s pretty special.”

Charlie Morton earned his 14th win and d’Arnaud had two RBIs off the bench as Tampa Bay swept a critical series between postseason contenders.

The Rays hold the first AL wild card by a half-game over the Indians, who are a half-game up on Oakland for the second spot.

“Naturally, we’re going to pay attention a little bit to what Oakland is doing and what Cleveland is doing, but, at the same time, I think we’ve got to keep focus on what we’re doing, what we can control,” Morton said.

Morton (14-6) allowed one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out eight, walked three and threw a season-high 108 pitches.

Nate Lowe hit a two-run homer for the Rays. AP

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Creating God

EAR God, in Christ You make all things new.

In hope we pray: Living God, hear our prayer.

Protect medical personnel who work in the midst of war, or political unrest. Unite politicians, scientists and economists in efforts to restore health and wholeness to the Earth’s lands and waters. Heal those who have suffered human trafficking, violence or prostitution. May God be gracious to us, show us mercy and keep us in peace. Amen.

GIVE US THIS DAY SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • lifestylebusinessmirror@gmail.com

❶ THE

1960s-inspired Tate Extension Dining Table designed by Blake Tovin recalls the timelessness of mid-century design showcasing clean lines and tapered turned legs.

Life

CIRCLES: DAVID MEDALLA CONTINUES TO PUT ON A SHOW D4

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Tuesday, September 3, 2019

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❷ THIS Frye

2-Tier Bar Cart showcases bar accessories, sparkling glassware and prized spirits as part of Crate & Barrel’s exclusive collaboration with leather goods legend Frye.

❺

❸ CHANNEL Dark

Green Velvet Bench, a luxurious little jewel for the foot of the bed or any place you need for extra seating.

❹

❶

❹ WITH its

modern barrel curves and welltailored upholstery, our Grayson Citrine Chair lends a polished presence to the living room or bedroom.

❻

❺ THESE

cylindrical stoneware Niko Ceramic Canisters are beautifully simple, glazed in dusty blue and topped with a white oak lid.

Filipino homes welcome new kitchen partner

❻ JOSS and Zia

❸

❷

A lovely season unfolds THE industry’s leading premium home furnishings specialty retailer, known for its exclusive designs, excellent value and superb customer service, Crate & Barrel (www.crateandbarrel.ph) brings a lovely inflection to the home as the season is welcomed with stirring new collection.

There is continued emphasis on color for the home, with the modern color combination, Blue Tweed and Everwood, leading the way. The Blue Tweed and Everwood collection from Crate & Barrel’s Fall 2019 Collection is now available in their stores at SM

Aura Premier, SM Makati and SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall.

Blue Tweed and Everwood highlight shades of blues, whites, neutral colors and a touch of green.

These colors transform walnut and medium toned woods, black and saddle leather, stoneware, graywashed woods, natural woven baskets, modern tile, painted wood, and black and silver toned metals into 21st-century designer pieces for the modern home.

The exquisite tonal mixes and moods make for the perfect prelude to the season of cheer.

➜

Blue Mini Vases glazed with layers of blues and greens are made by talented artisans.

A CRATE & Barrel exclusive, the Bellevue Sectional Sofa’s serpentine curves in richly colored velvet richly colored revive Art Deco glam. This sensational sectional combines left-arm loveseat, wedge and right-arm chaise.

Respect the soil in your garden: Don’t add plastic to it

BY LEE REICH The Associated Press BEFORE it’s too late, I must address one of my pet peeves: deliberately putting plastic in soil.

Take, for instance, black plastic sheeting sold as mulch. This stuff appears at first to be a cure-all for weed problems. Lay it on the ground, cut holes only where you will set plants, and weeds will die from lack of light, presumably ending all your weed problems for years to come.

But other problems arise. An impermeable sheet of plastic over the ground can leave plant roots and soil microorganisms gasping for air. Roots set in the openings might develop even greater breathing problems when all the water falling on the plastic floods those holes.

And the plastic eventually starts to tear and break apart, which creates a general mess.

GEOTEXTILES? GEOTEXTILES, introduced more recently, are offered as an alternative to solid black plastic sheeting. These are woven or spun plastic fabrics that resist tearing and have many small holes to allow passage of air and water.

Both black plastic and geotextiles are widely used by farmers, gardeners and landscapers. If you don’t

like the way these synthetic mulches look—surely the case when they are used in landscaping—you cover them. Wood chips look natural and are widely used for this purpose.

And anyway, geotextiles need a thin cover of something to shade out the minimal light that makes its way through the tiny holes.

But problems arise again. Over time, plenty of weeds eventually sneak in to grow in the wood chips covering the plastic. Over time, the chips or other coverings also slide around to expose the plastic or geotextile beneath—not a pretty sight!

Furthermore, even if black plastic or geotextiles don’t do their jobs forever, they’ll be in the soil that long, or almost. Try to make over the landscape in the future and you will be wrestling with and cutting geotextiles or collecting scraps of black plastic.

PLASTIC PEANUTS, NO ANOTHER, fortunately less frequently suggested use of plastic in the soil is plastic “peanuts.”

Mixed into the soil, the reasoning goes, they should increase aeration. While they would undoubtedly make a soil lighter, and thus seemingly better aerated, all that extra air is pretty much locked up in the peanuts.

It has also been suggested that a layer of plastic peanuts be put in the bottoms of flowerpots to

enhance drainage, as layers of gravel have been used. In this case, that layer of peanuts is worse than useless, just as the traditional layer of gravel was. The effect in both cases is to create a “perched” water table inside the pot, giving the roots less depth of wellaerated soil.

Also, spent potting soil can be spread on the ground or added to a compost pile, but do you want the peanuts there also?

ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES ENOUGH plastic makes its way into our soils inadvertently, from misplaced plant tags to those stickers now ubiquitous on fruit skins to pieces of old plastic pots.

Deliberately embedding a permanent, synthetic blanket in the ground or mixing plastic peanuts into the soil brings no benefits that could not be had in a more nature-friendly way.

Paper mulch, for instance, biodegrades and can stave off weeds for a season. Perlite or vermiculite are two minerals that can lighten a soil more effectively than styrofoam peanuts.

Removing plastic put on or in the soil becomes difficult or well-nigh impossible.

Deliberately putting plastic in the ground is disrespectful of the skin—that is, soil—that covers our planet and sustains much of the life here.

IN the Philippines, it is no wonder that the kitchen is the heart of the home because Filipinos simply love to cook.

Now, Filipino homemakers and families have a more efficient, convenient and safe partner in cooking with the new Phoenix Super LPG. Phoenix Petroleum, the fastest-growing leading independent oil company in the country, has come up with an LPG product that better suits today’s modern cooking lifestyle. A key innovation of Phoenix Super LPG is its Germany-made SRG regulator that is easy to install with its snap-on mechanism. The regulator can follow the hose’s direction easily so there is no struggle in setting up the tank and positioning it.

Most important, Phoenix Super LPG’s regulator boasts of innovative safety features that help guard against fire and accidents in the home. Its safety valve stops LPG flow in case of a leak, and a tight and secured connecting system ensures accuracy and reliability of the tank’s on-and-off switch. For added convenience, the SRG regulator has a reserve indicator that lets users know if fuel is running out and it’s time to get a new tank.

Phoenix Super LPG (www.phoenixfuels.ph/lpg) comes in a standard 11-kilogram tank perfect for use in the home and larger 22- and 50-kilogram tanks for commercial and business use. Aside from top-notch design and quality, Phoenix also offers exceptional service through its more than 250 Super LPG hubs all over the country, where customers can avail themselves of free product installation and handling assistance.

Compared to traditional methods of using open fire and solid fuel, LPG continues to be the most ideal fuel of choice for home cooking. Not only is it safer but it is also better for the environment.

With Phoenix Super LPG, more and more Filipino families can enjoy a pleasurable and safe cooking experience.

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‘The Escape Room’ looks at the dark side of ambition

By Oline H. Cogdill The Associated Press

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EAM-building exercises meant to foster cooperation, loyalty and critical thinking are often just an irritating waste of time that causes resentment, backbiting and gossip.

At least that’s the experience of four investment bankers who work for the Wall Street firm of Stanhope and Sons in Megan Goldin’s claustrophobically tense debut, The Escape Room (Saint Martin’s Press), which looks at the dark side of ambition when work is all-consuming.

Vincent, Jules, Sylvie and Sam work long hours, sacrificing personal time and relationships for their jobs. They are committed to a “long, heady love affair with greed,” even if it kills them, and it’s fitting that the last names of these three men and one woman are seldom mentioned in the novel.

Despite that “love affair,” they are perturbed at being summoned on a Friday night to a compulsory teambuilding session. They will participate

in an escape-room challenge in a remote office high-rise building in the final stages of construction in the South Bronx.

At best, they hate each other and are consumed by the stress of looming layoffs after losing two major accounts.

They are plunged into darkness as the elevator zooms and stalls at the 70th floor, unable to be opened. As clues for an escape appear and disappear on the electronic board, each character’s ruthless personality and amorality take center stage. These are cruel people who are not above violence to achieve what they want. As the claustrophobic elevator becomes more intense, The Escape Room alternates to the story of Sara Hall, the firm’s brilliant new hire whose career didn’t end well and who hadn’t earned the others’ respect.

The Escape Room works as the ultimate locked-room mystery. The darkness, except for the flashlights on dying cell phones, ramps up the suspense and the brutality.

But, as one character says, “How much trouble could four investment

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Rita Volk, 29; Shaun White, 33; Omi, 33; Garrett Hedlund, 35.

Happy Birthday: Balance, integrity and proper planning will encourage success. Your hard work will not go unnoticed, and your ability to parlay your experience into what you want to do next looks promising. Positive change is heading in your direction, and with an open mind, you will discover new beginnings. It’s time to put everything together and enjoy what unfolds. Your lucky numbers are 6, 10, 18, 24, 29, 38, 45.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take care of your personal business. If you leave something important in someone else’s hands, you will be disappointed in the results. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make a change. Be precise, and make your move.

HHH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Live and learn. Take the route that gives you the most considerable freedom to follow your heart and reach your goals. Personal growth, health management and physical or spiritual travel will spark your imagination and lead to new beginnings. HHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you give too much, you’ll end up in a vulnerable position.

Offer only an amount equal to what you will be provided in return. Equality will be the key to your success when dealing with people. HHH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You can dream all you want, but when it comes to putting your plans in place, know precisely what you can afford to spend and how much time it will take to reach your objective. Romance will improve your personal life. HHHHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be careful what you wish for. Too much of anything will turn into a burden. Refuse to let your emotions take over if someone tries to dictate what you should do.

Listen attentively, and go about your business. HH

bankers get into in a locked elevator?”

As it turns out, plenty.

Goldin excels at illustrating the pressures of a Wall Street career that includes an expensive lifestyle to keep

up the illusion of success, deals made at strip clubs that reinforce the sexism in the industry, and a general lack of trust. The oppressive elevator delivers a metaphor for their careers. n

g

Rex participates in 40th Manila International Book Fair IT’S that time of the year again, when book lovers, readers, and publishers gather and meet to share ideas and get new books at much lower prices. The 40th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is the largest exhibition of its kind in the country, hosting the country’s top publishers and book traders, and welcoming services providers from other countries that have a market here.

This year, Rex, the Philippines’s premier learning solutions provider, is participating at the 40th MIBF to showcase the company’s new offerings in the field of digital learning solutions and holistic education practices.

Rex’s participation at the 40th MIBF will underscore the learning solution company’s efforts to transform

educational practices and align it through future-ready methods and tools.

Its symphony of learning solutions is designed with an integrative approach that creates easy-to-understand learner experiences through cohesive and intuitive interfaces that enable young learners to easily comprehend and manage information. Through these progressive efforts at providing learning solutions and practical frameworks for holistic education, Rex hopes to help ensure education stakeholders that learners become safe, healthy, challenged, supported and engaged.

Rex’s space at the book fair is themed as “Silk Road,” an allusion to the ancient land routes connecting East and West.

This theme reflects Rex’s campaigns and initiatives to sustain learning experiences and environments for the Whole Child, an educational philosophy that merges best practices in the industry to address the demands of 21st-century learning.

Rex will also offer free seminars, workshops, a book sale and book launches during the event.

The five-day book fair will be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, from September 11 to 15. Over a hundred exhibitors and 150,000-plus people are expected to visit during its run. As a token of its appreciation toward partners and followers, Rex is giving away free tickets to the 40th MIBF. The first 300 visitors to Rex Book Store’s booth will receive gifts and goodie bags.

Nelson T. Dy book launch ARE you figuring out who is the best person to marry? Are you still searching for meaning in life? Nelson T. Dy (www.nelsontdy.com) will be launching two books that will answer these questions and much more in the upcoming Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), to be held in the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

One book, How Do I Know “The One?,” offers five must-have criteria that you must find in the one to increase your chances of a happy marriage. Nelson

will have a meet-and-greet and book signing on September 13, from 11 to 11:30 am, at the Church Strengthening Ministry (CSM) booth, located between Aisles P and Q. The title will be part of a book launch later that day at from 5:30 to 8 pm.

His other book, Is This All There Is?: Why Purpose is a Journey and Not a Destination, is his first title with Anvil Publishing. This book will help the reader discover and sustain his purpose. While it is good to follow one’s passion, the reality is that there

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Participation will lead to new associates and opportunities. What you discover will encourage you to get involved in something you want to pursue. Let passion tempt you to explore new adventures. Personal improvements are favored. HHH

are other factors for a meaningful life. Nelson will launch this title on September 14, 11 am, at the National Book Store booth.

Nelson T. Dy is an author and speaker for career, relationship and spirituality issues. His previous books, include How to Mend a Broken Heart, Soaring High: Your Flight Plan for Your Best Career Ever! and The Honeymoon Never Ends: Secrets to Deeper Intimacy and Passion in Marriage. The last title garnered the 2012 Gintong Aklat award in the inspirational category.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Look at every aspect of a situation before you decide to participate. Don’t jump too quickly, especially when there is money involved. A change at home will turn out better than anticipated. HHH

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Share your thoughts and feelings with someone who can help you put your plans in motion.

A change in the way you live or move forward with someone you love will encourage you to do things that bring you joy. HHH

i j

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take your time. If someone tries to coax you into something you have reservations about doing, take a pass. Put the past behind you so you can move forward with no regrets. HHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Routine will put you at ease. If change is necessary, implement it by using methods that have worked for you in the past. A commitment, contract or personal improvement will encourage an efficient and more productive outcome. HHHH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t make changes based on emotions. Give yourself a chance to digest what’s going on around you before you share your opinion. Someone will offer a different perspective and give good reason not to make a fuss. HH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep life simple, stick to the facts and go about your business. Question anyone who is excessive or who tries to talk you into spending without cause. Be a good influence on those who face or offer temptation.

HHHHH Birthday Baby: You are intense, passionate and possessive.

You are hardworking and precise.

‘start date’ by gary larson The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Sweetie pie 5 Outlets outing, perhaps 10 Big Blue computers 14 Choose not to mention 15 Sometimes-therapeutic smell 16 Wordsmith Webster 17 American Olympian’s quest 18 Coat room?

20 Spanish Olympian’s quest 21 Quattro automaker 22 Brit’s baby buggy 23 Place where cabs line up 26 Tip-tops 29 Group that aptly includes Amy Adams 30 Period when the ocean recedes 32 Select buyers’ event 36 Op. ___ 37 McDonaldland politico 41 Walk softly 42 Helped with homework 43 Harmful helper 46 Skin-care company 50 Copy, for short

1 Arizona Snowbowl’s city 5 55 Poi root 57 “It’s ___!” (birth announcement) 58 Wee, informally 59 Annual ballpark occurrence, or a hint to the first few letters of each starred entry 62 Farmer’s storage space 63 Cross, as a river 64 European island country 65 On the Mediterranean 66 Own (up) 67 Fencing blades 68 ___ kitchen (place to develop dishes) DOWN 1 Colombia’s capital 2 Unconcerned with ethics 3 Mississippi setting of a Neil Simon play 4 ORD posting 5 French toast 6 Gucci rival 7 Batman’s sidekick 8 Brooding rock genre 9 Tombstone lawman Wyatt

0 Whole 1 11 Film crew gear 12 Vandalize, maybe 13 Withdrawn 19 The “A” of UAE 21 Houston MLB player 24 Kid’s game with a rhyming name 25 AC___ 27 “What I Am” singer Brickell 28 Establish, as boundaries 31 House-paint maker 33 Art Deco artist 34 Blue toon 35 “___ your age!”

37 Zebra hair 38 Travelers’ electrical gadgets 39 Itsy-bitsy 40 Correct typos, e.g.

41 “___ my last e-mail...”

44 Trade names 45 Chicago’s Lightfoot 47 Piece of luggage 48 Uses TurboTax, say 49 Financially solvent 52 Stock holder?

53 Lessen 54 Artist Francisco’s paintings 56 Treater’s words 59 Wide of the mark 60 Edgar Allan ___ 61 Word after “gender” or “generation” 62 Was in session

Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

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Hollywood’s summer ends 2% down despite Disney dominance Many are hoping that Ad Astra, a big-budget original headlined by Brad Pitt, will spell a huge difference in a North American box-office landscape currently dominated by sequels, reboots and all things Disney.

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By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

EW YORK—Never before has one studio so dominated summer at the movies.

The Walt Disney Co. accounted for about half of all ticket sales in The United States and Canada theaters on the season, which came to a close Sunday with the Gerard Butler action thriller Angel Has Fallen topping the box office for the second weekend.

Summer ticket sales finished 2 percent behind last year, according to data firm comScore, a slight downturn that came despite an unprecedented display by Disney. The studio’s approximate $2.2 billion in domestic summer box office is greater than that of all the major studios combined.

Summer, which for Hollywood runs from the first weekend in May to Labor Day, traditionally ends with a whimper as few new releases seek to draw audiences over the holiday weekend. That was especially true this weekend as nothing new dented the top 10.

Lionsgate’s Angel Has Fallen came on top again with an estimated $11.6 million.

The final numbers on Hollywood’s summer didn’t add up to the box-office bonanza that some predicted.

Instead, the main storyline on the summer came to be the yawning gap between Disney and the rest of the industry. Disney finalized its $71 billion acquisition of 20th Century Fox in March, but it was the studio’s own offerings that propelled its market dominance.

Five of Disney’s films crossed $1 billion this summer, including the season’s biggest hit, The Lion King. It currently ranks seventh all-time globally with $1.56 billion in ticket sales.

Avengers: Endgame ($2.796 billion) opened in late April, just before the summer began. Toy Story 4 and Aladdin both easily cleared $1 billion. The only non-Disney film in the summer’s top four was Sony’s Spider-Man: Far From Home, and that film was produced

by Disney’s Marvel Studios.

Disney has been the market leader for the last four years in Hollywood as its high-priced acquisitions— Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel, and now Fox—have given the studio the intellectual property firepower for a movie world increasingly focused on franchises.

Only one original film this summer ranked among the top 10, and it came in 10th. Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood will have

made an estimated $130.8 million through Monday domestically, plus sizable ticket sales abroad. It, along with Spider-Man, helped lead Sony to its best summer since 2006—but a distant No. 2 to Disney.

Disney’s success has been a welcome dose of reliability for theater owners in need of sure-hits amid widespread anxiety over the rise of streaming. And it has prompted fears of cultural monopoly.

“For the industry, I think it’s a point of stress, to put it mildly. Other studios are now strategizing around Disney. That’s what you have to do,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for comScore.

“But lest we think Disney was the only game in town, there were other studios that found opportunities within the calendar.”

Lionsgate was among those that eked out some breathing room. Along with its August successes (Angel Has Fallen, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark), the studio’s John Wick: Chapter 3-Parabellum was, with $170.9 million, one of the summer’s biggest successes.

“For me it’s important to dispel that audiences are only going to see Marvel and Pixar and the big tentpole,” said David Spitz, president of domestic distribution for Lionsgate.

“Movies like Scary Stories and Good Boys and Angel Has Fallen prove that there is an audience for that. Good Boys was very encouraging because prior to that it was: ‘Comedies are dead. They’re just for streaming.’

And that’s not the case.”

Universal’s Good Boys, the first R-rated comedy to land No. 1 in more than three years, proved that conventional wisdom is sometimes wrong. But other acclaimed comedies that were expected to pop—such as Amazon’s Late Night, United Artists’s Booksmart and Lionsgate’s Long Shot—didn’t.

Counterprogramming often simply didn’t work.

And neither did gloomy-looking critically panned movies, such as Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Dark Phoenix. They were among the season’s biggest flops.

Music continued to fuel modest hits, including Paramount’s Rocketman and Universal’s Yesterday. But by the end of summer, as the lackluster performance of Warner Bros.’ Bruce Springsteen-inspired Blinded by the Light showed, that trend may be waning, too.

Dergarabedian noted, though, that the summer season isn’t quite what it used to be. Studios now spread their biggest movies around the calendar more freely. Add Endgame to the totals and the summer

looks a lot better. Next week will bring It Chapter Two from Warner Bros. which is expected to kick off the fall season with a bang. After it comes, anticipated sequels for Frozen, Star Wars and Jumanji, along with big-budget originals including Ad Astra, Ford v Ferrari, Gemini Man and Netflix’s The Irishman. But after a sluggish spring, overall ticket sales are down 6.3 percent on the year according to comScore. And when factoring in inflation and higher ticket prices, not since 1992 have fewer summer tickets been sold.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to comScore.

Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included.

1. Angels Has Fallen, $11.6 million 2. Good Boys, $9.2 million 3. The Lion King, $6.7 million 4. Hobbs & Shaw, $6.3 million 5. Overcomer, $5.7 million 6. Ready or Not, $5.6 million 7. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, $5 million 8. Spider-Man: Far From Home, $4.3 million 9. Dora and the Lost City of Gold, $4.1 million 10. The Angry Birds Movie 2, $4.1 million. n

‘Pamana: The Cultural Legacies’ at CCP September 5

R. Kelly isn’t in solitary confinement

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department presents three leading performing groups from Luzon in Pamana: The Cultural Legacies of Luzon on September 5, 3 pm, at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) under the CED Ugnayan sa Sining program.

Pamana performing groups include the Baao Children’s Choir from Baao, Camarines Sur; Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe from Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas City; and the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc. (BKFI) from Malolos City, Bulacan.

The collaboration of these three groups began in 2014 when they first performed and toured the Visayas (Bacolod, Santa Barbara and Iloilo) as part of the 35th anniversary of the CCP Outreach Programs, followed by another exchange tour in 2015 in Batangas, Olongapo, and Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; and in 2016 in Tagum City and Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

“The legend of Lam-Ang,” “Bernardo Carpio,” “Ulo ng Apo” and “Bul-ul” are some of the mythical stories from Luzon region which are part of the Pamana program. Melandro N. Pascual, writerdirector of the production, hopes that efforts to revitalize the Filipinos’ interest and appreciation for Philippine folk tales and legends can be sustained. Many of the stories emulate the good traits and practices of the people of Luzon

CHICAGO—Federal prosecutors say R. Kelly has had a cellmate for some time, refuting a claim by the singer’s attorneys in which they are seeking Kelly’s release from what they described as “cruel and unusual punishment” in solitary confinement.

In a Friday court filing, prosecutors say Kelly has had a cellmate for some time at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago

where he’s being held on sexual misconduct and other charges.

They also say Kelly “has had more than one cellmate so far” and even refused an order last month to take a cellmate.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that prosecutors contend that the 52-year-old Kelly is seeking special treatment because he’s a celebrity. AP

CALL FOR ENTRIES TO 2021 CINEMALAYA FILM COMPETITION

as portrayed by the actors of BK. LamAng shows everyone how skillful and clever he is, while the Bul-ul is known for protecting the rice fields, signifying loyalty in giving service to its owner according to the very purpose of why it was created.

Isabela’s Bambanti demonstrates preparedness, Ulo ni Apo reveals the bravery and devotion of the people of Olongapo, and Bernardo Carpio’s fearlessness reflects the life ways of the natives of Region 4.

With the folk songs (e.g., “Pamulinawen,” “Kataka-taka,” “Ang Maya”) carefully selected by conductor Hermelino Briones of the Baao Children and Youth Choir, and the folk dances (e.g.

bendian, salatimais, subli, cariñosa) creatively choreographed by Rodel Fronda of the Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, the storytelling becomes even more engaging, more visual and more harmonious. After the CCP run, Pamana moves to Bataan from September 6 to 9. The CCP run and move-over performance are presented in partnership with the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc. The 2019 Ugnayan sa Sining performances at the CCP are offerings of the center as part of its 50th anniversary and the 40th year of its Outreach Program, and are intended for the students and local communities who have limited or no access/means to experience live cultural engagements at the CCP.

ENTRIES are now being accepted for the fulllength film category of the 2021 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and Competition. All Filipino filmmakers are welcome to submit their entries for the Cinemalaya main full-length competition.

Interested filmmakers must submit their application on or before October 25, 6 pm, to the Film, Broadcast and New Media Division of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Application must include: duly accomplished 2021 Entry Form, which can be downloaded from the CCP and Cinemalaya web sites; synopsis in Filipino or English; detailed sequence treatment; two recent photos of proponent/s; and sample of a short film (between five to 20 minutes in DVD format), directed by the proponent/s. All applications must be submitted in six copies in a long brown envelope properly labeled with the proponent’s name, title of the film entry and contact details.

Entry forms and complete guidelines are available at www.cinemalaya.org or www. culturalcenter.gov.ph.

The 10 finalists for the Cinemalaya fulllength film competition will be announced on August 16, 2020, during the awards night of the 16th edition of the film festival.

Established in 2005, Cinemalaya is an alldigital film festival and competition that aims to discover, encourage and honor cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers.

Considered the country’s biggest independent film festival, it has supported and promoted the production of 156 full feature independent films and 138 short films; many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals.

Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics and art films.

D4

Art

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

David Medalla continues to put on a show CIRCLES JT NISAY MILLENNIAL, mixed media, 18x24, 2019 jtnisay@gmail.com

O RES Judicata, mixed media, 48x48, 2019

JOY ROJAS’S ‘RISING SUN’ AT SM ART CENTER

BY CID REYES “LOOK at walls splashed with a number of stains, or stones of various mixed colors...If you have to invent some scene, you can see there resemblances to a number of landscapes, adorned with mountains, rivers, rocks, trees, great plains, valleys and hills, in various ways. Also you can see various battles, and lively postures of strange figures, expressions on faces, costumes, and an infinite number of things, which you can reduce to good integrated form. The mind is stimulated to new discoveries...because by indistinct things the mind is stimulated to new inventions.”

Thus advised Da Vinci on how to break down the visual impasse that inevitably afflicts artists who in time felt they have painted themselves into a corner.

While Da Vinci clearly addressed his counsel to representational artists—abstraction as a concept had not as yet emerged—it was used as a stimulating starting point by modernist artists who preferred not to paint the literal, physical world, but a world beyond the reach of visible eyes.

One might say the artist Joy Rojas has looked at stained walls and, to his surprise, discovered that the wall by itself was visually rewarding enough, possessed of its own natural power and aesthetic beauty: its robustness and sturdiness, its solidity and stability. And, yes, the mystery and alchemy of the natural forces that have rained down and shone on those stone walls through the years.

As the legendary American artist Frank Stella was said to have emerged an abstractionist full-blown as if from the brow of Zeus, the same can be said for Joy Rojas, who was formally educated as a lawyer and not as a classical painter.

Since his first solo show, he has taken his bow to the artists’ community as a full-fledged abstractionist.

On view at the SM Art Center is Joy Rojas’s fourth solo show, titled Rising Sun, a presentation of his recent works, organized by Galerie Anna. In these robust and solid works, Rojas once again transforms a surface into an encounter with the infinite varieties of sensation, tension and languorous mood, dominated by a low-key, greyed-out, monochrome palette and a lavish feast of textures.

Rojas as an artist is categorized among the minimalists— it is true that his works are spare, reductive, free of clutter and distraction, rejecting the gestural brushstroke, depth and visual illusion—but they are lean without being arid, austere or anorexic. As if in recompense, Rojas gratifies the viewer with ample energy of execution, conveyed and felt by the viewer as a vitality of expression and the sheer appetite for the palette knife’s application of pigment. The artist has shared that his titles are drawn from a most unexpected source: the Dividendazo, the racing program that lists the names of the competing horses. Thus, the titles Majestic Ruler, Jade Hunter, Silver Story, Animo, Millennial, Sun God. Rojas is, not known to most, a horse breeder and was once the chairman of the Philippine Racing Commission.

A bow, however, to his legal profession is Res Judicata— “a matter judged.”

Veering away from the square and rectangular format, Rojas seizes the cruciform and converts it into a shaped vessel for spiritual exhortation. He has christened the works Ushpizin—meaning “guests” in Aramaic. It is the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles. The word is collectively used, referring to the guests Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David. For Rojas, the choice of the cruciform is an emotive advance to the symbol of Christianity.

As to the exhibition title Rising Sun, the viewer may in gratitude bestow on the artist himself such a deserved honorific.

Through the years, classical as well as contemporary artists like Joy Rojas have looked at, and mined, those stained stone walls, finding therein such infinite images, stimulating them to new inventions. As if indeed the Mona Lisa herself had smiled at them.

■ The SM Art Center is at the 4th floor The Artwalk of SM Megamall, Edsa corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, call 470-2511, 470-9869, 0995-9908202.

NE could easily sense the arrival of a luminary at a social event based on two things. First, the dissipation of the cacophony of murmurs into awestruck silence. Second, the gravitation of all eyes in the room toward a single direction, one turning head at a time.

The lobby of the BDO Corporate Center in Ortigas (CCO) was instantly cleared of noise and scattered attention last weekend the moment venerable artist David Medalla entered the space. Wheeled in by Adam Nankervis, Medalla’s partner and documentarist, the septuagenarian was all smiles as he was greeted by a crowd captivated by his presence.

Here was an itinerant master who for most of his life championed the Filipino outside the Philippines; a wunderkind who at age 12 lectured at University of the Philippines, and at 14 was admitted to Columbia University. Here was the pioneer of Kinetic Art, Land Art, participatory art and live art; someone lauded by the international community as an “icon,” an “influence and inspiration,” and a “unique figure in the history of 20th-century art.”

Simply put, here was a legend in the flesh.

Medalla graced the event as a version of one of his seminal works was unveiled as a permanent installation at the CCO lobby. Cloud Canyons No. 31 is part of a kinetic sculpture series powered by air compressors that propel a solution of soap and water through Perspex tubes, producing towers of burbling effervesce. A bubble machine, basically.

The first edition of the piece was made in 1961 as

Cloud Canyons: An Ensemble of Bubble Machines (AutoCreative Sculptures). Several versions have garnered international acclaim. For one, Cloud Canyons No. 14 was introduced in 2011 at the New Museum in New York as “an iconic work of 20th-century art.”

Cloud Canyons No. 31 was created in 2016 when Medalla was shortlisted for the inaugural Hepworth Wakefield Prize in England. Beyond evoking childish sparkle, the bubbles represent wide-ranging memories of Medalla’s, from the nostalgic to the traumatic.

As a proud Filipino missing his country, the lather brings him home to the clouds of Manila sunsets, or to the boiling coconut milk of his mother’s cooking.

Bubbles, the sight of it also brings to mind the frothing mouth of a dying Japanese soldier that Medalla witnessed as a kid.

“David Medalla has been such an interesting figure in his long practice,” said Mara Coson, advisor to the BDO Art Collection. “I felt like Cloud Canyons was such an important, historical work that it really needed to be in the Philippines. It’s a stuff of legend.”

At the event, the enthralled crowd held their breath as Medalla came in close contact with his creation. Slowly, the artist lifted his hand as his fingers touched the tip of the bended cloud. He played the bubbles and the cameras, too, that were out to capture the precious moment.

Medalla also took the chance to deliver a speech through his broken voice. He started with a greeting, “Magandang araw,” followed by “Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino,” because, of course.

The master continued his speech with a barely audible retelling of his accomplished journey. He described himself as “quite a vagabond” and explained that the reason he wanted to create art was “to inspire people.”

Medalla wrapped up the storytelling as applause rained upon him. Nankervis, his partner, quickly offered the artist with a glass of coke to rehydrate from all the talking. But Medalla didn’t sip using the straw. Instead, he blew air on it, making a mess on his shirt with all the spilled beverage.

It took the crowd a while to understand that the

THE master with his piece, Cloud Canyons No. 31, unveiled over the weekend as a permanent installation at the lobby of BDO Corporate Center in Ortigas.

incident wasn’t a senior slip-up, but a performance.

Medalla was intentionally creating bubbles. The audience applauded once more. ■

❶ GNOMON ni

Rizal: Patnubayan Mo Po Kami, oil on canvas, 2019

❷ KAPIT sa

Fatalism/Patalim, oil on canvas, 2019

❸ BONI Parti:

Andres+ing Maragondon, oil on canvas, 2019

❶

❷

❸

Deng Coy Miel’s ‘Cuentos Enterruptus’

BY NEIL DOLORICON SCRIBBLING, doodling, drawing, painting...these are the things that Deng Coy Miel does whenever he is not resting or sleeping. One of the most celebrated editorial cartoonists and illustrators of our time both here and abroad, he was National Cartoonist Society Awardee in 2001. A painting major at the University of the Philippines, College of Fine Arts, he is also one of millions of OFWs who look for the proverbial greener pasture. He has worked as art editor for the Singapore Straits Times, the most widely circulated newspaper in the Lion City for decades now.

Keeping abreast with what’s happening at home by revisiting the Philippine history, he shares his insights and comments on the historical probabilities that could have unfolded at the turn of events during the 1896 Philippine Revolution. In his recent solo exhibit at the Pinto Gallery, titled Cuentos Enterruptus, which was opened on August 18, Deng explored the complexities of historical controversies that haunted the first Asian anti-colonial revolt whose leadership was stolen by a dubious character.

As history is said to be written by the victors, these dubious victors have yet to wait how history will bare their true character, or how history could be redrawn on fresh canvas. In the fertile mind and able hands of Deng, art interrogates Philippine history. What if Andres Bonifacio was able to escape the death sentence ordered by Aguinaldo?

What might history be with Bonifacio leading his own men to

a victorious bloodletting against the old and new colonizers?

In a painting, titled Boni Parti: Andres+ing Maragondon, Deng adopts the painting of French artist Jacques-Louis David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps, where Bonifacio is depicted in Napoleonic posture, a victorious and glorified presentation of a conqueror.

On the ground is Rizal’s novel El Filibusterismo with some of its pages burning. Would this be the Fili’s suggestion of the need for uprising from an anarchist view of Simoun, and the futility of violent uprising by the underclasses? The likeness is perhaps lost in Deng’s comparing a true Filipino freedom fighter to a conqueror of Europe, someone who died of cancer while in exile and not in battle.

In one of his oeuvres, titled Prusisyon, Deng tackles Pinoy religiosity. Therein is a magnified cross section of a dermis which is carried by the faithful in a procession. The idea here, according to Deng, is to examine its scientific cell composition—that is, investigating the materiality of a metaphysical world, because it is from that materiality of an iconic figure that believers take the power of faith. In religious parlance, materiality might be equated with being worldly or greedy. For the skeptics, these are paradoxical frameworks because they have different means of searching for the truth.

The fact and the truth about the workingman is rendered invisible to the viewer of earthly material realities that have succumbed to the hypnotic spell of wealth possession and the means of maintaining its reign.

Deng’s Kapit sa Fatalism/Patalim deplores the Pinoy

defeatism regnant in and governed by the divine providence.

A rather literal rendition of the central image in the painting is the carcass of a figure that is clutching a knife blade, further stressing desperation at life’s edge. Small images in the background bolster the message of betrayal and other fatalistic images. Deng may have been inspired by the Greek mythology Icarus, who was drawn into the water after his wax wings melted in an attempt to get closer to the sun. Less the certainty of destiny, but more the folly and the obstinacy of those whose quests are best exemplified by superhuman forces, portrayals such as this could be questioned no end as to real intent, if not understanding.

But that is a premature conclusion. Deng’s redemptive Gnomon ni Rizal: Patnubayan Mo Po Kami may have embedded thoughts of inspiring people to build their nation.

Instrumentalizing the Rizal monument as the literal structure for informal settlers, the seeming suggestion is that when things are at the bottom, there is no other way but up. But up though it may be, the people’s hope might be at the mercy and grace of the divine providence that our leaders have failed to accomplished for century. We are left contemplating what has become of Deng’s view of home from way out there—out there in Singapore, that is.

Though the Philippines is really within reach from Singapore, and news and updates from home is not hard to come by, homesickness seems insufficient illumination to sharpen figures on canvas, one that can inescapably and ably join what media and brush would produce for the viewing public.