PHL financial system’s resources rise to ₧31.79T
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
THE total resources of the Philippine financial system rose to P31.787 trillion as of end-May 2024, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Latest BSP data showed total resources of the financial system grew by 10.69 percent from P28.716 trillion recorded in May 2023. Philippine banks’ resources accounted for the bulk of total resources amounting to P26.463 trillion in May 2024. This was higher by 12.30 percent, or P2.898
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro) revised downward their GDP forecast for the Philippines as headwinds, such as inflation and the weaker-thanexpected recovery of the external sector, weigh on the economy.
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM
Special to the BusinessMirror
MEDICAL tourism has contributed some P15 billion to P25 billion in visitor receipts to the Philippine economy in 2023. In a speech on Monday at the designation of St. Luke’s
Medical Center (SLMC) at the Bonifacio Global City as a lead medical tourism facility accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said there were 30,524 international visitors who arrived in the country for medical purposes. DOT gave no
See “Medical,” A
trillion, than the P23.565 trillion posted in May 2023. Among Philippine banks, universal and commercial banks (UKBs) recorded the highest share in resources with P24.799 trillion in May 2024.
This was 12.32 percent or P2.721 trillion more than the P22.078 trillion posted in the same month a year ago. This accounted for 93.71 percent of the total resources of all Philippine banks.
Meanwhile, thrift banks (TBs) accounted for 4.16 percent of all resources in Philippine banks, at P1.102 trillion in May 2024.
This was 9.76 percent or P98
billion more than the P1.004 trillion recorded in the same period last year.
This was followed by Rural and Cooperative Banks (RCBs) accounting for 1.73 percent or P458 billion of the total resources of Philippine banks in May 2024.
The resources of RCBs increased 13.37 percent or P54 billion from the P404 billion level of resources these banks had in May 2023.
Digital banks (DGBs) also contributed 0.40 percent to the Philippine banks’ total resources amounting to P105 billion, BSP data showed.
The total resources of DGBs expanded by 32.91 percent or P105 billion in May 2024 from the P79 billion it posted in the same month a year ago. Moreover, resources lodged in non-banks grew to P5.323 trillion in May 2024. This was an increase of 3.34 percent or P172 billion from the P5.151 trillion posted in May 2023. Non-bank institutions consist of investment houses, financing companies, investment companies, securities dealers/brokers, pawnshops, lending investors, and
THE Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) is keen on allowing future retail investors to invest directly in the sovereign wealth fund through equity and issuance of bonds.
Yung mga retail investors bibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataon para makapag- invest directly sa Maharlika hindi lang bonds kung hindi pati equity. [We will allow retail investors to invest directly in Maharlika not just through bonds but also through equity],” MIC President and Chief Executive Officer Rafael Consing Jr. said in a televised program on Tuesday.
Consing said the MIC will only be able to issue asset participation certificates, which could be traded, to
allow investors to have a say in the company, when the MIC has already proceeded with its investment plans.
Since the MIC has not invested in anything yet, it does not have any asset to generate cash flow to pay for the yields of investors. Consing said it will set up thematic subfunds, which will invest in the MIC’s target sectors such as energy.
“Ayaw ko pong pumunta sa market na wala po tayong track record [I don’t want MIC to venture into the market with no track record].” Consing said.
As of now, Consing said the MIC has addressed its governance and accomplished its roster of Board of
See “MIC,” A
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 www.businessmirror.com.ph
’25 election preps on track despite ‘distraction’–Garcia
By Samuel P. Medenilla
@sam_medenilla
HE Commission on Elec-
Ttions said Tuesday its preparations for the 2025 polls are on track despite the recent “distractions” from allegations its officials face over its P18-billion Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) contract with the Joint Venture (JV) led by Miru Systems Ltd. In a television interview, Comelec Chairman George M. Garcia said Miru is already scheduled to make a bulk delivery of automated counting machines (ACM) next
Medical.
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Frasco underscored the DOT’s commitment to further develop medical tourism in the country, such that the agency will “create a Health Tourism Industry Blueprint with government partners, including the Department of Health, Tieza (Tourism Infrastructure
month amid the pending case filed by former Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar R. Erice against it.
Erice has asked the Supreme Court to nullify the FASTrAC contract and to compel Comelec to use the 97,000 vote counting machines (VCM) from Smartmatic International for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
Under the FASTrAC contract, Comelec will lease 110,000 brandnew ACMs from Miru.
“This coming August, 20,000 [AC] machines, which will be used for the 2025 automated elections, will arrive,” Garcia said.
The poll chief also reported
and Enterprise Zone Authority), and the Department of Foreign Affairs, to ensure a seamless patient journey. This whole-of-government approach highlights our competitive advantages and ensures a seamless patient experience from arrival to departure.”
The DOT will also establish a “medical tourism concierge and lounge at the airport,” in coordination with the Manila International Airport Authority, the airlines, and Tieza, the DOT’s infrastructure arm. “This facility will provide end-to-end services for health travelers, including comfort-
they are busy with the ongoing voter registration, which has now registered over 4.5 million applicants, and preparations for the first ever internet voting for overseas voters next year.
“That is why we should not pay attention to distractions because we are supposed to be doing more important things than answering false accusations,” Garcia said, referring to the allegations he has over 49 offshore bank accounts, where he supposedly received bribes from Miru.
The allegations were made by Erice and Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante D. Marcoleta.
Garcia criticized Erice and
able rest spaces, personalized welcome and escort services, expedited visa and customs clearance, and a one-stop center for medical enquiries and tourism advice,” she added. According to the latest Medical Tourism Index, the Philippines placed 26th among 46 destinations, and ranked last among Southeast Asian nations as a medical tourism destination, dominated by Thailand. SLMC president and CEO Dr. Dennis P. Serrano told the BusinessMirror that while the hospital has long been promoting itself in the medical tourism
Marcoleta for publicly disclosing their allegations, which they based on unverified pieces of evidence, without putting it under oath.
“I made my denial [on their allegations] under oath. They question now is, are they willing to also to do the same,” the poll chief said.
“A sworn document is important since if it is wrong, they can face perjury,” he added.
Despite the allegations faced by Garcia, the poll chief kept the support of the 5,000-man Comelec Employees’ Union.
In a brief statement, they agreed the allegation against him is a ploy to descredit the outcome of the 2025 polls.
“As election frontliners, we cannot stand idly by as our beloved institution and our leaders are maligned with allegations and insinuations that are so blatantly unfounded and absurd,” the Comelec-EU said.
sector, its reputation grew further internationally during the pandemic. “We created the first tourism bubble during the lockdown. When you land in the airport, you are fetched by St. Luke’s and brought directly to the hospital. You get your wellness checkup, you get your acute care, your scheduled surgery, and then after the treatment, you are brought back to the airport. That was something we pioneered because we felt that we could not put treatment of diseases and checkups for wellness on hold.”
This strategy has been parlayed into a 24/7 dedicated concierge and International Patients Lounge, which the hospital has made available to foreign patients, who come from the Pacific Islands, the United States, Canada, and China. (See, “St. Luke ’s to raise profile in medical tourism market,” in the BusinessMirror, July 16, 2024.)
Yet a number of medical professionals have pointed to the high cost of of health care in the Philippines vis-a-vis Thailand, which receives about 2 million in medical tourists annually. A simple rhinoplasty, for instance, costs 40-percent less in Thailand, said a dermatologist-source.
Serrano explained though, “The reason Thailand has driven this cost down is because of the volume [of treatments]. I am hoping that with this partnership with the DOT, we can drive many of the costs of healthcare to regionally competitive levels.”
He said at SLMC, “we’ve created ‘all-in’ packages for the commonly done surgical procedures. Also in the works are creating cosmetic surgery packages. But I think as the business becomes more robust, then the prices go down.”
SLMC is also willing to lend a hand to the DOT in drawing up the medical tourism blueprint, said Serrano. “We’re hoping that [our] experience will be beneficial in crafting policy, as well as in dealing with logistics for these patients coming from abroad.”
Amro.
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In its Asean+3 Regional Economic Outlook 2024 Update, Amro projected that other countries in Southeast Asia will also see slower growth this year.
“As you can see, we have shaved down the growth for not just the Philippines but many of the countries in the region,” Amro Chief Economist Hoe Ee Khor said at a briefing on Tuesday.
He said this is due to a “weaker-thanexpected” recovery in the external sector.
In its Asean+3 Regional Economic Outlook 2024 Update, Amro said the Philippine economy will likely grow by 6.1 percent this year and 6.3 percent next year. This is lower than its forecast in April of a 6.3-percent growth in 2024 and 6.5 percent in 2025.
In trimming the growth forecast for the Philippines, the Amro chief economist also noted that they took into account the data on the first half of the year.
Despite the slight cut in the growth projection, Khor said, “I think the Philippine growth is pretty robust and will pick up next year to 6.3 percent, adding that this is within the official range of 6-7 percent, albeit on the low side.
“But we will look at the data closely and we may revise it up in the second half if the data show that the economy becomes stronger,” the Amro chief economist said.
Meanwhile, for the Asean+3 region, Amro has kept its 2024-2025 growth forecasts “broadly” unchanged at 4.4 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively in its latest quarterly update of the Asean+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AREO).
The region consists of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.
Amro said “favorable” export prospects should boost the region’s growth momentum, alongside firm domestic demand and the continued recovery in tourism.
As to the “near-term” outlook for Asean+3 exports, Amro’s machine learning (ML) models point to a “continued” recovery in Asean+3 exports through the third quarter of this year.
“The ‘nowcast’ estimates indicate that the pick-up in Asean+3 exports will be supported by the robust economic and financial activity in the United States as well as diminished uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook,” the Amro Regional Economic Outlook report noted.
Amro also noted that external trade is set to “return to positive territory” this year, which it noted will supplement strong domestic consumption and the continuing recovery in tourism.
For 2025, Amro sees the Asean+3 region growing by 4.3 percent as the global economy “continues to stabilize and monetary easing
in major economies resume.” Tourist volumes are also seen to be back to prepandemic levels for most economies, alongside a stronger pick up in manufacturing exports.
Global outlook IN its World Economic Outlook (WEO), the IMF said the Philippines’s GDP is expected to expand by 6 percent this year and 6.2 percent next year. The revised forecast for 2024 is a bit slower than the 6.2 percent estimate it released in April 2024 while the 2025 forecast remains unchanged at 6.2 percent. The updated forecast of the IMF is still within the 6 to 7 percent GDP projection of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
This, despite the IMF’s unchanged global growth projection at 3.2 percent this year and slightly higher at 3.3 percent for next year and despite Asia’s emerging market economies remaining as the “main engine” for the global economy.
Of the 30 economies selected by the IMF which account for approximately 83 percent of world output, IMF also revised downward the 2024 growth forecast for 2024 for Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United States. According to IMF’s report, global activity and world trade “firmed up” at the turn of the year, with trade spurred by strong exports from Asia, particularly in the technology sector.
from A comparative figures for 2022 nor for prepandemic 2019, but it said, SLMC accounts for 4050 percent or overall receipts and arrivals for medical tourism.
Aside from SLMC-BGC, other tertiary hospitals accredited by the DOT are Asian Hospital, Diliman Doctors Hospital, The Medical City, Makati Medical Center, and Manila Doctors Hospital. The DOT has also accredited nine ambulatory clinics dealing with aesthetic improvements and cosmetic surgeries, medical tests, and dental services.
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Directors. The MIC has also created six committees: Risk, Audit, Corporate Governance and Ethics, Nomination and Renumeration, Related Party Transaction and Investment Committees.
The MIC targets to invest in the Philippines’s energy sector first, specifically in transmission grids of small power utilities group (Spugs) or small cooperatives that are not connected to the main electricity grid. Consing said earlier the MIC aims to raise about $1 billion in investments from the energy sector alone.
The MIC is also looking to invest in digital infrastructure in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gida) and upgrading clinics in local government units (LGUs) and DOH-retained public hospitals, according to Consing.
Consing aims for the MIC to make its first investment before the end of the year, with the corporation “up and running already” by the fourth quarter of the year.
The MIC also eyes offshore investments once the company has generated excess revenues and surplus assets from its investments in the Philippines.
“Growth in India and China is revised upwards and accounts for almost half of global growth. Yet prospects for the next five years remain weak, largely because of waning momentum in emerging Asia,” the IMF said in a blog post that accompanied the report. The blog noted that by 2029, China’s growth will moderate to 3.3 percent, well below its current pace.
In WEO, however, IMF said risks remain “broadly balanced,” but two downside nearterm risks have become more “prominent.”
First, it noted that further challenges to disinflation in advanced economies could force central banks, including the Federal Reserve to keep borrowing costs “higher for even longer.”
“That would put overall growth at risk, with increased upward pressure on the dollar and harmful spillovers to emerging and developing economies,” the IMF blog noted. IMF also said fiscal challenges need to be tackled “more directly.”
“The deterioration in public finances has left many countries more vulnerable than foreseen before the pandemic. Gradually and credibly rebuilding buffers, while still protecting the most vulnerable, is a critical priority. Doing so will free resources to address emerging spending needs such as the climate transition or national and energy security,” it added.
Earlier, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, who also chairs the MIC, said the corporation should start with its planned investments after an appeal to declare the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) as unconstitutional depriving Filipinos of much-needed public funds. “Once we start investing those resources and we’re able to get a significant return, then in the future, we can spend more for education, health services and so on and so forth,” Recto said.
State-run banks Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines remitted P75 billion collectively as seed capital to the MIC. An additional P50 billion will come from the Bangko ng Sentral and Pilipinas and the national government’s share in the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and government financial institutions. Under Republic Act [RAz No. 11954 or “An Act Establishing the Maharlika Investment Fund,” the MIC is created as the “sole vehicle for mobilizing and utilizing the MIF for investments in transactions aimed at generating optimal returns on investments (ROIs).” Per the law, the MIC shall have an authorized capital stock of P500 billion, of which the P125-billion seed capital will come from the LBP and DBP. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
non-stock savings and loan associations (NSSLAs) supervised by the BSP.
Data on non-banks include credit card companies, government non-bank financial institutions, such as the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PhilGuarantee) and Small Business Corporation (SBC), and authorized agent banks (AAB) foreign exchange corporations.
Non-bank institutions also include the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and private insurance companies where assets are reported net of allowance for probable losses and depreciation, the BSP added.
DTI seizes ₧89.7 million uncertified, non-compliant products
By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Task Force
Kalasag seized P89.7 million worth of uncertified and non-compliant products such as vape inhalers, kitchen appliances, television sets, lead-acid batteries, deformed steel bars, among others, from its activation in April until this month.
In three months, the task force was able to confiscate 311,206 units of uncertified and non-compliant products and vape inhalers valued at P89.7 million.
These includes 257,206 units of uncertified products worth nearly
P62 million and 54,000 seized vape inhalers worth P27.9 million.
In a statement on Tuesday, DTI unveiled the breakdown of products with “technical regulations violation.”
Topping the list is appliances with 36,653 units worth P29.07 million confiscated. This was followed by ceramic tiles/sanitary wares with 168,261 units seized worth P16.92 million.
The task force said it also confiscated 10,140 sheets of plywood worth P4.61 million; 2,885 rolls of steelwires worth P4.17 million; 1,312 units of lead-acid batteries worth P4.05 million, among others.
Other products which the task force seized were lighting and wiring
devices, pipe for potable water supplies, lighters, dry chemical portable fire extinguishers, television sets, deformed steel bars, monobloc chairs, inner tubes for tires, motor vehicle brake fluid, helmets and their visors, steel-angle bars, medical grade oxygen, UPVC Rigid Electrical Conduit, and safety belts (seat belts).
Task Force Kalasag monitored companies in the Zamboanga peninsula, Camarines Sur, Tacloban City, Cavite, Camarines Norte, Pampanga, Laguna, Aklan, Rizal, Iloilo City, General Santos City, Samar provinces, Kidapawan City, Roxas City, Koronadal City, Tacurong City, Isulan City, Batangas province, Polomolok City, Sarangani, Metro Manila, Bulacan and Cavite.
In these areas, the task force reported that it was able to monitor 1,259 companies. Of these, 916 were compliant while 343 were issued with notice of violation (NOV).
The DTI has the mandate through the Task Force Kalasag to attain these goals: protect consumers and legitimate businesses,ensure standards of safety and quality of essential consumer products and that basic necessities and prime commodities are made available to consumers at “reasonable” prices especially during times of calamities, disasters, and emergencies.
Meanwhile, the task force manned by the Fair Trade Group (FTG) Enforcement Unit from the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), also launched
Senators get updates on post-Pogo ban scenario
SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
ENATORS on Tuesday heard updates from various agencies on the scenarios that could unfold if the call to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) is heeded by the Executive Department.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian presided over the Committee on Ways and Means hearing to tackle three proposed measures seeking to permanently ban Pogos and prohibit online gambling in the country: Senate Bills 63 and 1281 or the Anti-Online Gambling Act, and SB 2689 or An Act Repealing for the purpose Republic Act 11590, also known as An Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.
“Because of all these raids and bad publicity, the international press picked up a lot of these raids and crimes committed by Pogos in our country…Because of this bad international publicity, it affected a lot of our efforts in attracting foreign direct investment, attracting tourists, and a lot of these negative publicities definitely affected our image in the international standing,” Gatchalian laments during Tuesday’s hearing. Gatchalian said the hearing aims to know the resource persons’ views on the proposal to ban Pogos and online gambling and to understand if, indeed, Pogos had been beneficial, particularly with regard to revenues for the government. He sought law enforcers’ comment on a
warning by gaming regulators that a total ban would not wipe out the problem of crimes associated with Pogos as it would only drive further underground the illegal ones.
“True, a ban on Pogos would clip the wings of criminal syndicates now behind such activities as human trafficking, torture, illegal detention, cyber fraud and money laundering,” one official said. “However, a total ban would have to go alongside with ‘more aggressive’ actions to run after the ‘colorum’ or illegal Pogos, that could simply melt away in the countryside, as has happened in the cases in Central Luzon, where they thrived for years.”
The Senate inquiry and the revived call for a Pogo ban was triggered by the unearthing of sordid details of crimes that turned
Japan helps PH boost cybersecurity efforts
TBy Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
HE Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) is helping the Philippines boost its cybersecurity initiatives, focusing on protecting Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) against escalating cyber threats.
Jica launched the latest phase of its two-year project with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through a three-day training event on Cybersecurity Risk Management.
The training, from July 16 to 18, is part of Jica’s technical cooperation program, which aims to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of the Philippine government through the dispatch of expert support.
Some 80 participants from various government agencies, including the Supreme Court, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Energy (DOE), Coast Guard (PCG), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the National Telecommunication Commission, among others, took part in the training.
“Jica recognizes the pressing need to strengthen the Philippines’s cybersecurity posture. In order to attain cyber resiliency of the government’s CII, we shall continue
our support to the Philippine government to enhance its capacity particularly on sectoral coordination, and enhancing the country’s awareness on cybersecurity,” said Jica Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema. Japan, the Philippines, and the US in April conducted a Trilateral Summit Meeting in Washington DC, which had resulted in a partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAid) Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) Project.
“With a vast number of potential cyberattacks happening daily, data breach is a serious concern that we need to address immediately. Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing concern for the Philippines and the entire world in line with the promotion of digital transformation. We can share our knowledge, experiences and lessons learned with the spirit ofBayanihan. I am honored and delighted that we, Jica-DICT-USAid, are now materializing our first joint collaboration after the trilateral summit meeting in April very swiftly,” Sakamoto said.
The Philippines, which ranked 61st out of 194 countries in the 2020 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), faces significant cybersecurity challenges.
According to IBM’s 2022 report, the Philippines had the highest number of users attacked by banking Trojans in the Asia-
Create More bill passage to boost education–Recto
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE Department of Finance (DOF) is banking on the passage of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (Create More) bill to establish knowledge, innovation and science technology (KIST) parks to generate more investments for human capital development.
In a statement, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, who as a legislator was the principal author of the free college education law, said the DOF is utilizing fiscal policies to promote a regime that rewards artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and the creation of new knowledge.
As such, Create More when enacted into law will drive investments to the country, through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, to
bring in more KIST parks in state universities and colleges (SUCs).
Recto cited as an example the first KIST park established in Batangas State University, which the government aims to replicate in all SUCs nationwie through Create More.
A KIST park is an ecozone located within the campuses of SUCs to leverage on the courses offered by the academe, such as engineering, and match it to those needed by various industries.
“Education must be a top priority of the government. And it is the last expenditure upon which the Philippines should be willing to economize,” Recto said at the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (Pasuc) general assembly.
He assured that the government is improving the ease of doing business in the country to attract more foreign investments that will provide the training to students to master both the soft and hard skills required
Pacific and was the fourth most targeted country by cybercriminals in 2021.
Over the past few years, the Philippine government has faced a significant number of cyberattacks, primarily targeting its digital infrastructure and online services. These attacks were varied in scope and sophistication, and are often attributed to geopolitical tensions and cybercriminal activities.
These include hacks on the systems of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., the Congress, the Senate, and the Department of Education, the Police, and even the DICT itself, among others.
DMW website hit WHILE the training on cyber security was going on, the website of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was hit by ransomware attack, which disrupted its operations.
A ransomware attack uses a type of malware, which renders its victims’ data or system unusable through encryption, preventing users from accessing it until they pay ransom to its perpetrator.
In an advisory, the agency confirmed that its Management Information Technology System initiated preemptive measures against the attack by putting DMW’s system offline.
The initiative has temporarily halted
to excel globally.
Moreover, Recto said the soon to be completed Metro Manila Subway and the Light Rail Transit-1 Cavite Extension will dramatically help students within the metropolitan area and nearby provinces to travel to the universities.
The Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project and the National Broadband Program will also bridge the digital divide from Luzon to Mindanao, Recto added.
As Secretary of Finance, Recto said it is his duty to stretch every peso collected by the government from its revenue efforts to fund the education sector.
The bulk of the P5.767-trillion national budget is allocated to education with P969 billion, up by 8.2 percent from last year’s budget allocation.
SUCs had a double-digit increase in funding by 19.3 percent to P132.9 billion in 2024, including the P21.7 billion allotment to guarantee free tertiary education to over 3.1 million students across the country.
“We need a whole new generation of Filipinos imbued with fresh perspectives, ideas, and energy to revolutionize our institutions of governance,” Recto added.
three raids that resulted in the seizure of uncertified home appliances and consumer goods in Valenzuela on June 26, Plaridel (Bulacan) on July 3, and Tanza (Cavite) on July 4.
The task force seized 33,425 items worth P25.4 million from these three enforcement operations.
In the Valenzuela operation, the task force said it confiscated P7.8 million worth of uncertified household appliances.
up in raids on two illegal Pogo enclaves in Bamban, Tarlac, in May, and in Porac, Pampanga, in June.
Gatchalian, who issued a report months ago on his Committee on Ways and Means findings and called for the ban, said there is need to update the information on scenarios for a post-Pogo ban now that these illegal Pogos have unearthed even more crimes committed, including those impinging on national security.
Fake birth certificates, for one, allowed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to seek election and drive multi-billion businesses that were used for the Bamban Pogo hub, with incorporators all bearing criminal records abroad, except for one.
DMW’s website from providing Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and Overseas Filipino Worker information sheets and other online services to its clients.
“The DMW apologizes for inconveniences to the OFWs and members of their families and is exerting all efforts to continue serving them while instituting stronger measures to protect their information,” the agency said.
“Rest assured, DMW databases containing OFW data were not affected by the attack, and that the DMW is currently working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology [DICT] to restore online systems and ensure continued protection of the data and information of OFWs,” it added.
While its online system is still unavailable, the agency said OFWs can manually secure their OECs from the DMW National Office, Regional Offices and extensions, One-stop Shops, and Migrant Workers Assistance Centers.
As for the information sheets, OFWs can request it via email atinfosheet@dmw. gov.phor through DMW’s Facebook page (https://web.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph).
The DMW will then send them a quickresponse code containing their information sheets.
It is also coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and airport authorities to facilitate the smooth departure of OFWs. With Samuel P. Medenilla
THE Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children Inc. (Pavic) announced it is holding a benefit concert which will be participated in by children with visual impairment and exceptional talents at the SM North Edsa Sky Dome on July 27, 2024.
Titled “Unseen Beyond Vision,” the concert, in partnership with SM Cares, is among the many activities of Pavic in connection with its 25th anniversary celebration. It is free but because of limited capacity, there will be live streaming through Pavic’s official Facebook page. The concert will start at 6 p.m.
“This concert will not only showcase our very own children with visual impairment and their exceptional talents but also, in line with our mission, to provide awareness to have a better understanding of Pavic and what our advocacy is all about. Through this concert, unseen children will be seen and unseen talents will be revealed,” the group said in a statement.
In the Plaridel, Bulacan, raid the task force seized 9,428 non-compliant items, mostly household appliances, worth P9.3 million from two warehouses on July 3. In its Tanza, Cavite, enforcement operation, DTI captured 14, 123 units of uncertified household appliances worth P8.28 million.
“The establishment was immediately issued a closure order and personally padlocked by the Municipality of Tanza due to a permit violation.The establishment’s permit only listed consumer goods, failing to declare the sale of electronic goods and appliances,” said DTI.
“Consequently, the Valenzuela City BPLO [Business Permits and Licensing Office] ordered the closure of the appliance warehouse operating under the name OOKAS PH, after thorough investigation revealed that the establishment was operating without a valid business permit,” DTI said in its briefer.
SC to Hontiveros panel: Answer Guo petition
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality chaired by Sen. Anna Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros to answer within 10 days the petition filed by the suspended mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Alice Guo, seeking to stop the committee from compelling her to appear in its hearings and from digging deeper into her personal life.
The SC spokesman, Camille Sue Mae Ting said the Court issued the order during its regularen bancsession on Tuesday.
“The Court required the Senate Committee to file its comment to the petition and prayer for TRO [temporary restraining order], within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice,” the SC said.
Likewise, the High Tribunalen bancdirected the Office of the Clerk of Court to personally serve the Court’s resolution on the Senate committee, which is required
to personally file and serve its comment on Guo’s petition.
In her petition, Guo sought the immediate issuance of a temporary restraining order to stop the Hontiveros committee from compelling her to attend the continuation of the hearing on various illegal activities of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in her town scheduled on July 10, 2024. Guo’s petition also seeks to stop the committee from probing her personal and private life, on the ground that Hontiveros and other committee members “are exercising their authority to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.” The petitioner claimed her constitutional rights to due process and to privacy when she appeared in the first two hearings of the committee held on May 7 and May 22, 2044. Guo noted that she was invited as a resource person to discuss “what she knows” but in reality, she was never afforded any opportunity to sufficiently explain her side whenever a certain issue was raised.
NBI busts human organ trafficking ring
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday announced the arrest of three members of a group allegedly involved in kidney trafficking.
Arrested were Angela Atayde, Marichu Lomibao, and Dannel Sicat, who were identified by their victims as those who solicited and facilitated the kidney transfer to recipients in exchange of P200,000 per kidney.
However, the alleged leader of the human organ trafficking ring, identified as Allan Ligaya, who is said to be a head nurse at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), remains at large.
“Victims identified the three as the group that processes their kidney transfer. According to the victims, Atayde, Lomibao, and Sicat are the ones who maintain and harbor them for the purpose of their kidneys being transferred for a fee,” the NBI said.
“Exploiting the economic vulnerability of the victims, subjects offer P200,000 in exchange for the transfer of their kidney to the paying clients,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago said.
Santiago said the arrest stemmed from
the complaint received by the NBI-National Capital Region officer about certain individuals who are engaged in human organ trafficking.
The suspects, according to reports reaching the NBI, trafficked the kidneys of the victims and facilitated the transfer of their kidney to willing clients.
The victims reportedly went through a process where they were introduced to the recipient of their kidney and were subjected to various medical procedures.
After giving downpayment to their victims, the suspect would then transfer them to a safehouse located in barangay Tungkong Mangga in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. The victims were then held at the said house while undergoing various processes until their kidneys were eventually transferred.
Acting on the said information, Santiago directed NBI-NCR operatives together with social workers from the province to hatch a rescue operation on July 11, 2024 which resulted in the rescue of nine victims and the arrest of the three suspects.
Joel R. San Juan
Free concert by visually-impaired children set
Pavic in a statement thanked several sponsors for making the concert possible and helping Pavic in promoting its advocacy and raising awareness. They include SM Cares, Santino Gonzalez, Optimum Enforcement Manufacturing, Inc. (OEM), PhilippineAmusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), NutriLife, Grand Alliance Import, Corporation, Mandarin Plaza Hotel, Office of Senator Bong Revilla, Clark Safari and Adventure Park, Arla Foods Corporation, Josiah Security Services, Inc., Photography with a Difference, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Magilas Class 1976, and By Aaliyah.
“Their unwavering support and generosity played a pivotal role in bringing our vision to life.We look forward to continuing our partnership and collaborating on future endeavors in building a more inclusive society for all,” it said. Founded in 1999, Pavic is a parent
support group advocating for the rights and welfare of their visually impaired children in order for them to enjoy equal opportunities and access to all activities in life according to choice and ability. It is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit organization, recognized by National Council on Disability Affairs as a Disabled People’s Organization (DPO). Over the past 25 years, PAVIC has been dedicated in raising awareness and promoting inclusivity.
“Through various activities, events, and collaborations with different government agencies, social institutions, and NGOs and DPO, our goal is to provide as many opportunities for both parents and visually impaired children to further their knowledge and skills in life and the world they live in. In addition to this, we strive to amplify our voices to what our children need, and what we want for our children.”
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
‘Critical shortage’ of nickel looms
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
THE Philippines is the second largest nickel producer in the world next to Indonesia, producing approximately 345,000 tons of nickel annually. In terms of volume, this is about 38,700 cubic meters, which is five times the Saltoro Kangri, the Gold Bullion Company reported.
However, its nickel in unmined reserve only stands at 4.8 million tons, valued at $84.9 billion. With its current production of 345,000 metric tons annually, the Philippines is deemed to have a critical shortage of nickel in just 14 years.
Rick Kanda, managing director at The Gold Bullion Company, commented on the value of these commodities and the risk of critical shortages, citing the country’s current production and estimated reserves.
The Gold Bullion Company reported that Indonesia produces the most nickel, totaling approximately 1.6 million metric tons yearly. In terms of volume, this is equal to 177,400 cubic meters. Indonesia has the most nickel in unmined reserves, with an estimated value of $972.3 billion. Indonesia also has the most nickel in reserves yet to be mined, totaling around 55 million metric tons. It is estimated that this amount of nickel is worth approximately $972.3 billion, and it is estimated the Indonesia’s critical shortage of nickel will happen in the next 35 years.
There are 32 operating nickel mines in the Philippines, and most nickel ores are exported to China, the sole major importer of raw nickel in the world.
“The unmined reserves of both precious and industrial metals are mined for profit around the
world. However, it’s important to remember that there are only finite amounts of these commodities,” Kanda said.
“A critical shortage of metals can be caused by a variety of things, such as high levels of demand and the effects of climate change. Countries can avoid this issue by being aware of how much of each metal they have in reserve yet to be mined, as well as slowing down their rate of production,” Kanda added.
“However, if countries continue to mine metals at the current rate, they risk entering a critical shortage. If this happens, the price of the metal will increase globally. Not only will this make it more expensive to purchase, leading to decreased profitability in the industry, but it may also lead to production issues. This will then cause the price of certain products to increase and may lead to inflation,” he explained.
The Gold Bullion company also
reported that the country producing the most gold around the world is China, totaling approximately 375 metric tons a year.
Australia produces the most industrial metals, equaling almost 946.3 million tons. These include approximately 944 million tons of iron ore and 1.2 million tons of zinc.
Despite producing the most silver in the world, Mexico is the country closest to a critical shortage of the metal. The country currently produces around 6,195 metric tons of silver yearly, however, with just 37,000 metric tons in reserves yet to be mined, it is estimated that Mexico will have a critical shortage of silver in just six years.
Poland is the country with the most silver in unexploited metal ore reserves, totaling around 170,000 metric tons. This amount of silver is estimated to be worth approximately $136.1 billion.
Group notes lack of internet connectivity of public schools
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
PARTNERING with the private sector is the best way to address the broadband connectivity problem in the country that is hampering the quality of education in the country, a consumer advocacy group said.
CitizenWatch Philippines co-convener Tim Abejo in a statement on Tuesday said:
“Another academic year is starting and alongside the usual issues of congested classrooms, poor infrastructure and inadequate facilities, digital readiness—non-readiness, in fact—has become a glaring issue in Philippine schools. We need to act fast on this.”
In a recent public hearing, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, citing Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) data pointed out that only 1.8 percent of 47,421 public schools nationwide as of September 2022, had access to free Wi-Fi, with the quality and speed of connections varying significantly.
“Those in urban areas have a distinct advantage while students in the rural areas lack reliable internet connection, if they have it in the first place,” said Abejo.
Meanwhile, Abejo said it was a great contrast compared with the 14,000 private schools that have a higher percentage of connectivity, with 85 percent having internet access due to better funding and resources, enabling them to invest in the necessary infrastructure and technologies.
“Ultimately, we want all our learners, whether in public or private schools, to have the same access to the world’s wealth of rich educational content and knowledge now available because of the internet,” Abejo added.
Abejo said local schools have no choice but to develop their broadband infrastructure as it can enable students to access educational materials like books, articles, videos, journals, and e-learning modules.
“Access to the immersive and interactive format of e-learning content is a game changing opportunity that will enrich the traditional classroom method of delivering the K-12 curriculum.”
We’ve seen how internet connectivity was critical in the continuity of classes during the pandemic and is still being used as a flexible and convenient option during times of calamities or
occasional health outbreaks. Abejo urged the government, particularly the Department of Education, to improve the Philippines’ dismal standing in the Program for International Student Assessment (Pisa). Filipino students ranked low in reading, mathematics, and science in the latest 2022 results; even as education officials said they had expected our performance to have improved significantly after the initial Pisa findings in 2018.
The Philippines only marginally moved up from its 2018 scores of 353 and 340 in math and reading, respectively, to scores of 355, 355 in 2022. For science, the score even dropped by one point from 356 to 355.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), changes in Pisa scores have to be at least 20 points to be equivalent to the learning gains or losses of at least a year’s worth of schooling, and one- to twopoint changes are not considered significant.
Broadband services will give teachers global access to the most effective lesson delivery modules that uses multi-media technologies to explain complex concepts in subjects like match and science. The use of animation and audio makes learning more experiential and when combined with interactive exercises, when enhances student retention with the impact of an unforgettable life encounter, according to Abejo, “Artificial Intelligence is also a fast-emerging tool that our educational institutions will need to understand and harness responsibly as a powerful tool for creativity and productivity.”
Abejo added that another important benefit is the enhancement of administrative efficiency of schools wherein communication and collaboration among students and parents, teachers, school departments, using online tools like email, video conferencing, and group chats. He also urged the DepEd to harness the power of artificial intelligence to boost the creativity of the students and prepare them to face the challenges of a digital environment.
“Broadband connectivity in schools is the digital bridge that will empower students to become proficient in using technology and developing the essential digital skills to prepare them for higher education or whatever career path they choose in the new digital world economy,” said Abejo.
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SC tells Erice to answer Miru-led JV’s gag-order bid
THE Supreme Court on Tuesday directed former Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice to comment on the urgent motion filed by a joint venture led by South Korea’s Miru Systems Co. Ltd. seeking the issuance of a gag order to enjoin him from disclosing information about his pending petition to any third party.
Erice filed in April a petition seeking to enjoin the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from implementing its P17.9-billion Automated Election System (AES) contract with Miru Systems Co. Ltd. for the 2025 national and local elections.
He also sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or a writ of preliminary injunction as immediate relief against the Comelec’s implementation of Comelec en banc Resolution No, 24-0114 awarding to the Joint Venture of Miru Systems, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit Count (FASTrAC) Project for the 2025 National and Local Elections.
“The Court required the petitioner to file his comment to the Joint Venture’s motion within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice,” the Court said in a resolution reached during its regular en banc session.
In his petition, Erice said the deal violated the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7369 or the Automated Election Law, particularly on bidding procedures and the use of prototype machines during the election process.
Thus, Erice urged the Court to nullify the implementation of any other contract the poll body may have entered into with the Korean firm in connection with the incoming elections.
The petition was filed by Erice a day after the SC ruled last April 17, 2024 that the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion in disqualifying Smartmatic-TIM Corp. from participating in the bidding process for the 2025 AES without giving it the opportunity to submit any bid and without any reference to
‘Jalaur
the eligibility requirements prescribed by its Bids and Awards Committee. Erice, however, denied that Smartmatic was behind his petition.
Garcia: Erice contempt suit welcome
MEANWHILE, Chairman George M. Garcia welcomed Erice’s decision to file a petition with the SC citing the poll chief in contempt for allegedly violating the sub judice rule.
The sub judice rule is the latin term for “matters under or before a judge or court” prevents involved parties from making comments or disclosures related to pending judicial proceedings.
In a television interview on Tuesday, Garcia said the court is the proper forum to determine which camp is telling the truth on who violated the court rule.
“This is better so the people will know who is telling the truth,” Garcia said.
In his petition, which he filed at the SC last Tuesday, Erice claimed Garcia violated the sub judice rule when he made a comment that Comelec may resort to manual elections of the High Court will rule against Comelec’s contract with the Miru-led Joint Venture.
Under the FASTrAC contract, Comelec will lease 110,000 new automated counting machines (ACM) from Miru, which it will use for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
Erice said Garcia’s manual election remark is tantamount to threatening the court.
Garcia insisted that he did not violate the sub judice rule, since he was merely answering the questions of the media on the possible impact of the SC ruling on the FASTrAC to their election preparations.
“I will answer those [questions] since those are part of my authority and job [as Comelec chairman],” the poll chief said.
He also added that it was Erice, who kept making comments regarding the earlier case he filed before the High Court in the previous press conference and media interviews. Joel R. San Juan and Samuel P. Medenilla
dam ensures energy, food security in W. Visayas’
DUBBED asthe largest water reservoir project of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) outside of Luzon, theJalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) will help ensure the food and energy security in Western Visayas, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. During the inauguration of the JRMP II with its three dams in Iloilo on Tuesday, the chief executive said the water reservoirs, with a 30,000 hectares service area,will provide uninterrupted irrigation service to 25,000 farmers.
“It is estimated to help increase annual rice production in Region 6 by 160,000 metric tons, which is almost 20 percent of the region’s annual rice requirement.” Marcos said. The Palace said the JRMP II will increase rice production in areas under NIA’s irrigation services in Iloilo by 71.54 percent from 197,545 metric tons annually to 338,874 metric tons per year.
Based on the latest data from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (Philrice), Region 6 produced over 2.26 million metric tons of unhusked rice in 2023.
The attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) noted that of the 666,296 hectares of land in the region used for rice production, 365,552 were non-irrigated.
The JRMP II dams will also help spur local economic development in Western Visayas by providing86 million liters of water per day to commercial and industrial establish-
DOT upbeat as BI launches cruise visa waiver program
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday led the launch of the cruise visa waiver program, seen to attract more tourists and boost the country’s economy.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the new policy is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s “pro-active approach” to economic transformation.
Cruise visa waiver allows visarequired foreign nationals to enter the Philippines for a maximum period of 14 days by providing a faster and more convenient way for cruise tourists to explore the country’s major destinations.
Tansingco described as “seamless” the process, which can be availed of through BI’s e-services portal.
He said it will revitalize the tourism industry and make the Philippines the “premier cruise
hub in Asia.”
“This initiative which allows visa-required nationals vacationing on board cruise ships to enter the Philippines more conveniently, is a major leap towards achieving the Bagong Pilipinas as envisioned by President Bongbong Marcos Jr,” Tansingco said.
“The cruise visa waiver will attract more cruise ships to our ports, boost local businesses, create jobs and showcase the rich culture and natural beauty of our nation,” Tansingco said.
BI spokesman Dana Krizia Sandoval assured that the new policy does not pose a major security concern, as movements of tourists on cruise are still limited and can
easily be monitored.
“Securing our borders against the entry of undesirable aliens is part of the mandate of the Bureau of Immigration. In terms of the cruise tourism industry, the movements of tourists are limited, thus, less of a security concern on the part of the bureau. But, definitely our immigration officers will be there to monitor the actions of cruise tourists upon their arrival,” Dana said.
Sandoval stressed that the BI will be at the forefront of the initiative to ensure that visa processing is efficient and secured.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the implementation of a cruise visa waiver program is aligned with the DoT’s National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy and Action Plan meant to enhance visitor experiences by making processes more convenient for travelers.
The program was launched after months of close coordination, collaboration, and gathering insights from cruise tourism industry stakeholders, she said.
Frasco cited the stakeholders’ common complaint on the difficulty and the time within which guests were required to
Neda Board OKs Laguna lakeshore project changes, 2 airports’ terms
THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board said it approved key changes to the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project as well as the negotiated parameters, terms, and conditions for the Bohol and Laguindingan airports during its 19th meeting held on July 15,2024.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Neda Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., said it “has approved modifications to the Phase 1 scope of the LLRN Project, which now includes the development of connecting roads and interchanges in various locations.”
ments in Iloilo City and its neighboring municipalities.
The structures are also being eyed for power production and are expected to generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power in the Panay Islands. They will also be tapped for the development of inland fishery, floating solar energy systems, and eco-cultural tourism.
“With all [of] these, the JRMP II truly deserves its label: Katuwang sa Kauswagan or Partner in Progress,” Marcos said.
Ongoing construction
HE reiterated his appeal todam operators to build more multipurpose dams similar to theUpper Wawa Dam and theJRMP II.
“Our water development projects would not just bring irrigation or potable water to our people, but will also help address flooding, produce food, generate electricity, and develop tourism activities,” the President said.
He thankedSouth Korea for helping finance the ongoing P19.70-billion JRMP II through its Official Development Assistance-Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
As of June 2024, the JRMP II is still 75.51 percent complete with three dams—High Dam, Afterbay Dam, and Alibunan Dam— finished, and only its canal components still under construction. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.
Samuel P. Medenilla
These locations encompass Barangay Tunasan in Muntinlupa City, as well as San Pedro, Biñan, and Cabuyao in Laguna, said Neda.
Initially approved in 2021, the project entails the construction of a 37.5-kilometer primary road and a 12-kilometer viaduct from Lower Bicutan, Taguig, to Tunasan, Muntinlupa, along with a 25.5-kilometer shoreline
viaduct and embankment from Tunasan, Muntinlupa, to Calamba, Laguna.
Upon its completion in 2027, Neda said this project is expected to “stimulate” economic activity in the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, who also serves as the Board Vice Chairperson, said the Neda Board recognizes the project’s potential in reducing transportation constraints on existing road networks, promoting economic development in the region, and providing safer, more convenient, and faster travel for road users coming from the north to south to various tourist and business destinations in Laguna and nearby provinces.
Meanwhile, Neda said the second phase of the LLRN project, which will pass through the eastern portion of Laguna Lake from Binangonan, Rizal to Calamba, Laguna is under feasibility study and is slated for completion by December 2024.
The agency said this project will have an “approximate mainline” total length of 71.5 kilometers.
Apart from the LLRN Project, the Neda Board approved the negotiated parameters, terms, and conditions (PTCs) for the BoholPanglao International Airport Project, and changes to the Neda Board-approved negotiated PTCs for the Laguindingan International Airport Project.
According to the Neda Board, the approved PTCs for the upgrade of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport aim to resolve ambiguities in compliance with the recently enacted Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which came into effect after the airport project was approved.
With a total cost of P4.5 billion, the Neda Board said this expansion project aims to increase the maximum passenger throughput from 2 million to at least 2.5 million passengers per year at the project’s start and to at least 3.9 million by the end of the project. Andrea E. San Juan
New accord sets up hotline for China, PHL presidents
obtain visas.
“That is why presenting these insights to the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Justice, we were very pleased by their very proactive approach by providing a seamless journey for our tourists,” Frasco said.
Frasco noted that the country offers many opportunities for cruising, as well as providing the industry manpower to cruise lines all over the world with nearly 70,000 cruise crew and hospitality workers deployed globally.
“The country has massive potential in becoming the cruise tourism hub in Asia across our 7,641 islands. It is imperative for us to fully harness the potential of our destinations as well as to open up opportunities to all of our regions, provinces, cities and municipalities,” Frasco stressed. With the cruise visa waiver program, Frasco said port calls are expected to go up, along with the number of arriving tourists. In 2023, Frasco said the DoT received 123 port calls in different destinations in the country with over 101,000 tourists. This year, it expects 117 port calls with over 118,000 visitors. Continued from A18
A copy of the highlights of the agreement, seen by the AP, said it “provides several channels for communication between the Philippines and China, specifically on maritime issues, through the representatives to be designated by their leaders.”
The hotline talks could also be done “through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs counterparts, including at the foreign minister and vice foreign minister levels or though their designated representatives,” it said, and added without elaborating that Philippine offi-
cials were “in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this arrangement.”
There was also a plan to set up a new communication channel between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards “once the corresponding memorandum of understanding” between them is concluded, according to the agreement.
During the recent talks in Manila, China and the Philippines agreed on two other confidenceboosting steps to intensify “cooperation between their respective coast guard authorities” and the possible convening of a maritime forum between Chinese and Phil-
ippine scientists and academic leaders.
“Both sides recognized that there is a need to restore trust, rebuild confidence and create conditions conducive to productive dialogue and interaction,” the Philippine department of foreign affairs statement said after the talks. It added that China and the Philippines “affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions.”
It said that “there was substantial progress on developing measures to manage the situation at sea,” but acknowledged that “significant differences remain.”
5 top DepEd execs resign on eve of Angara entry
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
EDUCATION Undersecretary Michael T. Poa on Tuesday confirmed that five officials, including himself, have resigned from the Department of Education (DepEd), prior to the scheduled turnover ceremony of the agency’s leadership from Vice President Sara Duterte to Sen. Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on July 18, 2024.
“Two Usecs (undersecretaries) and 3 Asecs (assistant secretaries) have resigned. This includes me,” Poa said in a Viber message when asked by the media for confirmation. He said that their resignations” are effective 19 July 2024,” the effectivity date of VP Duterte’s exit from DepEd. Other officials who have tendered their resignations are: Nolasco A. Mempin-Undersecretary for Administration; Sunshine A. Fajarda-Assistant Secretary-Office of the Secretary; Reynold S. Munsayac-Assistant Secretary for Procurement; and Noel T. Baluyan-Assistant Secretary for Administration.
“I think it is only appropriate to give the incoming Secretary of Education, Secretary Angara, a free hand to choose the people that will form part of his team,” Poa said.
He said he was also asked if he would be working under the Office of the Vice President, and he responded: “I will just wait for instructions from the Vice President, if any.”
Meanwhile, Angara said that they respect the decision of the DepEd Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries who tendered their courtesy resignations ahead of his assumption as Secretary of Education.
“We eagerly anticipate taking on our new role this Friday. Any appropriate appointments will be announced soon as we intend to hit the ground running and drive immediate progress,” Angara said in a statement.
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9 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
NO.ESTABLISHMENT
1 B/E AEROSPACE B.V.
Lot 18, 3rd Street, First Philippine Industrial Park, Ulango, City of Tanauan, Batangas
2 BROTHER INDUSTRIES (PHILIPPINES), INC.
Lot 1-B-2, Phase 1-B, First Philippine Industrial Park, Ulango, City of Tanauan, Batangas
3 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
4 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
5 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
6 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
7 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
SAMPATH, KAUSHIK
Associate Director Supply Chain
Brief Job Description:
Must work collaboratively with supply chain and business leadership globally and onsite operations to develop a supply chain management strategy to support growth/expansion within cost and schedule targets.
TANAKA, MASARU Director
Brief Job Description:
Overall person in-charge of production activity
BAI, XIANGYANG
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and le documents.
CHEN, DU
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and le documents.
HOU, YOUCHUAN
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and le documents.
HUANG, XIN
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and le documents.
HUANG ZHEN
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and le documents.
JIANG, WENHAO
8 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and le documents.
B sic i c tion:
Bachelor’s degree from a four-eye college or university in supply chain, business management, logistics, procurement, engineering or other relevant discipline
Salary Range:
Php 500,000 and above
Basic ali cation:
Must have at least 8-10 years’ experience in printing and solution industries with the same position or above
Salary Range:
Php 150,000 - Php 499,999
Basic ali cation:
College Graduate, preferably 1year experience in the similar eld, Speaks and write uently ative Language)
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Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
College Graduate, preferably 1year experience in the similar eld, Speaks and write uently ative Language)
Salary Range:
Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
College Graduate, preferably 1year experience in the similar eld, Speaks and write uently ative Language)
Salary Range:
Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
College Graduate, preferably 1year experience in the similar eld, Speaks and write uently ative Language)
Salary Range:
Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
College Graduate, preferably 1year experience in the similar eld, Speaks and write uently ative Language)
Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
College Graduate, preferably 1year experience in the similar eld, Speaks
KONG, LINGQUAN
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and le documents.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
11 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Salary Range:
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LIANG, HUIHAI
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and le documents.
Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
18
Myanmari Customer Service Representative
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
19
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
20 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Myanmari Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries
Myanmari
Representative
Representative
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
22 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite SUN, ZI-HAN
Taiwanese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite VI, VAN DUC
Vietnamese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries
Basic ali cation:
Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language
Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Covelandia
30 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.
6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Of ce Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna
31 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.
6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Of ce Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna NAN MOON EAIN Foreign Marketing
Brief Job Description: Plan sales and
- Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language
Salary Range:
Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
32 SERCOMM PHILIPPINES INC.
Lot 15, Road 3, Carmelray Industrial Park, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna
33 SERCOMM PHILIPPINES INC.
Lot 15, Road 3, Carmelray Industrial Park, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna
LANG, JIEHUA
Engineering Supervisor
Brief Job Description:
Develop detailed plans for new designs and products, designs, implements, and
LI, PENGFEI
Engineering Supervisor
Brief Job Description:
24 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language
Develop detailed plans for new designs and products, designs, implements, and re nes product development, testing, and manufacturing processes
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Covelandia
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
38 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
39 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
40 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries Basic ali cation: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
WANG WEIQING
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries
WANG, CHENG
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite WANG, JIAWU
Chinese Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries
41 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
42 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
43 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Representative
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
LAU CHE YENG
Malaysian Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries
Representative
AYE NANDAR AUNG
Myanmari Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries
Basic ali cation: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language
Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
Basic ali cation: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Malaysian language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic ali cation:
Able
Covelandia
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
52 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
53 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
VAN QUAN
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite HUANG THI DONG
54 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
55 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
56 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite
THI HOA
VAN TUNG
HUYNH THI MAI LINH
Vietnamese Customer Service Representative
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Donald Trump enters Republican convention hall with bandaged ear and receives a hero’s welcome
By Bill Barrow, Steve Peoples & Jill Colvin
The Associated Press
MILWAUKEE—Two days after surviving an attempted assassination, former President Donald Trump appeared triumphantly at the Republican National Convention’s opening night with a bandage over his right ear, the latest compelling scene in a presidential campaign already defined by dramatic turns. GOP delegates cheered wildly when Trump appeared onscreen backstage and then emerged in the arena, visibly emotional, as musician Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA.” That was hours after the convention had formally nominated the former president to head the Republican
ticket in November against President Joe Biden.
Trump, accompanied by a wall of Secret Service agents, did not address the hall—with his acceptance speech scheduled for Thursday—but smiled silently and occasionally waved as Greenwood sang. He eventually joined his newly announced running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, to listen to the night’s remaining speeches, often with a subdued expression and muted reactions uncharacteristic for the unabashed showman.
The raucous welcome underscored the depth of the crowd’s affection for the man who won the 2016 nomination as an outsider, at odds with the party establishment, but has vanquished all Republican rivals, silenced most conservative critics and now commands loyalty up and down the party ranks.
“We must unite as a party, and we must unite as a nation,” said Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley, Trump’s handpicked party leader, as he opened Monday’s prime-time national convention session. “We must show the same strength and resilience as President Trump and lead this nation to a greater future.”
But Whatley and other Republican leaders made clear that their calls for harmony did not extend to Biden and Democrats, who find themselves still riven by worries that the 81-year-old president is not up to the job of defeating Trump.
“Their policies are a clear and present danger to America, to our institutions, our values and our people,” said Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, welcoming the party to his battleground state, which
Trump won in 2016 but lost to Biden four years ago.
Saturday’s shooting at a Pennsylvania rally, where Trump was injured and one man died, were clearly in mind, but the proceedings were celebratory—a stark contrast to the anger and anxiety that had marked the previous few days. Some delegates chanted “fight, fight, fight”—the same words that Trump was seen shouting to the crowd Saturday as the Secret Service ushered him off the stage, his fist raised and face bloodied.
“We should all be thankful right now that we are able to cast our votes for President Donald J. Trump after what took place on Saturday,” said New Jersey state Sen. Michael Testa as he announced all of his state’s 12 delegates for Trump. When Trump cleared the necessary number of delegates, video screens in the arena read “OVER THE TOP” while the song “Celebration” played and delegates danced and waved Trump signs. Throughout the voting, delegates flanked by “Make America Great Again” signs applauded as state after state voted their support for a second Trump term.
Multiple speakers invoked religious imagery to discuss Trump and the assassination attempt.
“The devil came to Pennsylvania holding a rifle,” said Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. “But an American lion got back up on his feet!”
Wyoming delegate Sheryl Foland was among those who adopted the “fight” chant after seeing Trump survive Saturday in what she called “monumental photos and video.”
“We knew then we were going to adopt that as our chant,” added Foland, a child trauma mental health counselor. “Not just because we wanted him to fight, and that God was fighting for him. We thought, isn’t it our job to accept that challenge and fight for our country?”
“It’s bigger than Trump,” Foland said. “It’s a mantra for our country.”
Another well-timed development boosted the mood on the convention floor Monday: The federal judge presiding over Trump’s classified documents case dismissed the prosecution because of concerns over the appointment of the prosecutor who brought the case, handing the former president a major court victory.
Convention designed to reach people outside the GOP base TRUMP’S campaign chiefs designed the convention to feature a softer and more optimistic message, focusing on themes that would help a divisive leader expand his appeal among moderate voters and people of color.
On a night devoted to the economy, delegates and a national TV audience heard from speakers the Trump campaign pitched as “everyday Americans”—a single mother talking about inflation, a union member who identified himself as a lifelong Democrat now backing Trump, a small business owner, among others.
Featured speakers also included Black Republicans who have been at the forefront of the Trump campaign’s effort to win more votes from a core Democratic constituency.
US Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas said rising grocery and energy prices were hurting Americans’ wallets and quoted Ronald Reagan in calling inflation “the cruelest tax on the poor.” Hunt argued Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris didn’t seem to understand the problem.
“We can fix this disaster,” Hunt said, by electing Trump and sending “him right back to where he belongs, the White House.”
Scott, perhaps the party’s most well-known Black lawmaker, declared, “America is not a racist country.”
Republicans hailed Vance’s selection as a key step toward a winning coalition in November.
Trump announced his choice of his running mate as delegates were voting on the former president’s nomination Monday. The young Ohio senator first rose to national attention with his bestselling
memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which told of his Appalachian upbringing and was hailed as a window into the parts of working-class America that helped propel Trump.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who had been considered a potential vice presidential pick, said in a post on X that Vance’s “small town roots and service to country make him a powerful voice for the America First Agenda.”
Yet despite calls for harmony, two of the opening speakers at Monday’s evening session—Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and North Carolina gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson—are known as some of the party’s most incendiary figures.
Robinson, speaking recently during a church service in North Carolina, discussed “evil” people who he said threatened American Christianity. “Some folks need killing,” he said then, though he steered clear of such rhetoric on the convention stage.
Opening night also did not pass without references to the 2020 election and Trump’s repeated lies that it was stolen from him.
The campaign continues TRUMP’S nomination came on the same day that Biden sat for another national TV interview as the president sought to demonstrate his capacity to serve another four years despite continued worries within his own party.
Biden told ABC News that he made a mistake recently when he told Democratic donors the party must stop questioning his fitness for office and instead put Trump in a “bull’s-eye.” Republicans have circulated the comment aggressively since Saturday’s assassination attempt, with some openly blaming Biden for inciting the attack on Trump’s life.
The president’s admission was in line with his call Sunday from the Oval Office for all Americans to ratchet down political rhetoric. But Biden maintained Monday that drawing contrasts with Trump, who employs harsh and accusatory language, is a legitimate part of a presidential contest.
Inside the arena in Milwaukee, Republicans did not dial back their attacks on Biden, at one point playing a video that mocked the president’s physical stamina and mental acuity. They alluded often to the “Biden-Harris administration” and took regular digs at Vice President Kamala Harris—a not-sosubtle allusion to the notion that Biden could step aside in favor of his second-in-command.
The Associated Press writers Christine Fernando in Chicago, Ali Swenson in Minneapolis, Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix, and Farnoush Amiri, Thomas Beaumont, Michelle L. Price and Sophia Tareen in Milwaukee contributed.
President Joe Biden says it was a ‘mistake’ to say he wanted to put a ‘bull’s-eye’ on Donald Trump
By Seung Min Kim, Aamer Madhani & Mary Clare Jalonick
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden told NBC News in an interview Monday that it was a “mistake” to say he wanted to put a “bull’s-eye” on Republican nominee Donald Trump, but argued that
the rhetoric from his opponent was more incendiary while warning that Trump remained a threat to democratic institutions. The remark in question came during a private call with donors last week as Biden had been scrambling to shore up his imperiled candidacy with key party constituencies. During that conversation, Biden declared he was “done” talking about his poor
debate performance and said it was “time to put Trump in the bull’s-eye,” saying Trump has gotten far too little scrutiny on his stances, rhetoric and lack of campaigning.
The NBC interview—during which, at times, Biden grew defensive under questions about his fitness for office—came as the
REPUBLICAN presidential candidate former President Donald Trump attends the first day of the Republican National Convention on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. AP/EVAN VUCCI
Far-right groups that block aid to Gaza Strip get tax-deductible donations from US, Israel
By Uri Blau, Milan Czerny Shomrim & Josef Federman The Associated Press
JERUSALEM—Under American pressure, Israel has pledged to deliver large quantities of humanitarian aid into the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. But at the same time, the US and Israel have allowed taxdeductible donations to far-right groups that have blocked that aid from being delivered.
Three groups that have prevented humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza—including one accused of looting or destroying supplies—have raised more than $200,000 from donors in the US and Israel, The Associated Press and the Israeli investigative site Shomrim have found in an examination of crowdfunding websites and other public records.
Incentivizing these donations by making them tax-deductible runs counter to America’s and Israel’s stated commitments to allow unlimited food, water and medicine into Gaza, say groups working to get more aid into the territory. Donations have continued even after the US imposed sanctions against one of these groups.
“If you’re on the one hand saying you’re allowing aid in but then also facilitating the actions of groups that are blocking it, can you really say you’re facilitating aid?” she said. Israeli officials did not respond to requests for comment. The US State Department said it is committed to ensuring the delivery of aid, but had no comment on the fundraising efforts by the far-right groups. Israel has said repeatedly it does not restrict humanitarian aid and that the United Nations has failed to distribute thousands of truckloads of goods that have reached the territory. The UN. and aid groups say deliveries have repeatedly been hampered by military operations, lawlessness inside Gaza and delays in Israeli inspections.
The three groups examined by AP and Shomrim have slowed the delivery of aid by blocking trucks on their way to Gaza, either by snarling traffic or simply standing in front of the main Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza.
While these organizations are not the primary impediment to aid shipments, they have received tacit support from some Israeli leaders. Israel’s ultranationalist minister for national security, Itamar Ben-
By not cracking down on these groups, Israel is showing a “lack of coherence” in its Gaza aid policy, said Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli nonprofit that has long called on Israel to improve conditions in the territory.
Gvir, has said aid shipments to Gaza should be blocked and he supported the right of opponents to demonstrate, though he said it should not be done violently.
One of the groups, Mother’s March, has raised the equivalent of over $125,000 via Givechack, an Israeli crowdfunding site, the AP and Shomrim found. The group also raised some $13,000 via JGive, a US and Israeli crowdfunding site. Donations to charitable organizations are taxdeductible in Israel and the US.
Mother’s March does not raise the money directly. Instead, it works with an allied group called Torat Lechima that raises funds on its behalf.
Torat Lechima, whose name translates loosely as “combat doctrine,” is active in Israeli nationalist circles and works to “strengthen the Jewish identity and fighting spirit” among Israeli soldiers, according to its website. Torat Lechima continues to solicit funds for Mother’s March on the JGive site in the US.
Until it was sanctioned last month, a third group, Tzav 9, raised over $85,000 from close to 1,500 donors in the US and Israel via JGive. JGive said that donations made to Tzav 9 were frozen even before the sanctions were imposed and not delivered to the group.
All three groups, which have ties with Israel’s ultranationalist
far right, say Israel should not be aiding the Palestinians as long as Hamas is holding dozens of people hostage. They also claim that Hamas is stealing much of the aid, though aid groups have disputed that.
“No to ‘humanitarian’ aid that grants fuel to the enemy who kills us! No to the hundreds of trucks that pass every day through Kerem Shalom—and drag out the war!” Mother’s March said in a recent crowdfunding campaign. It said the funds were needed for demonstrations, shuttles, printing materials and publicity campaigns.
Hundreds of activists set up tents at Kerem Shalom for several nights in early February to stop the delivery of aid. The head of Mother’s March, Sima Hasson, was briefly detained by Israeli police in January after temporarily blocking trucks.
Israeli news reports have shown large convoys of cars blocking aid trucks from traveling on Israeli highways, as well as activists looting trucks and destroying supplies.
In its sanctions order, the White House accused Tzav 9 of violently blocking roads, damaging aid trucks and dumping supplies on the road.
It said in May that Tzav 9 members looted and set fire to two trucks in the West Bank carrying aid destined for Gaza. Last week, the White House imposed sanctions on the group’s co-founders.
Israeli police, who fall under the authority of Ben-Gvir, have made few arrests, though the group appears to have stopped its activities in recent weeks.
Tzav 9 defended its actions as “within the framework of the law, in a democratic protest.” It called the sanctions from the US “anti-democratic intervention.”
Neither Mother’s March nor Torat Lechima responded to requests for comment.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas, which killed roughly 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage.
The offensive has killed over 38,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and unleashed a humanitarian crisis in the densely populated territory. Over 80 percent of the population is displaced, and international officials say hundreds of thousands of people are on the brink of famine.
Two international courts have accused Israel of war crimes and genocide—charges Israel denies as it pledges to keep the aid flowing into Gaza.
Those who violate the sanctions against Tsav 9 could have their assets frozen or face travel and visa bans.
President Joe Biden says it was a ‘mistake’ to say he wanted to put a ‘bull’s-eye’
president and his reelection team prepared to resume full-throttle campaigning after a brief pause following the weekend assassination attempt on Trump. The Biden campaign let loose a flurry of criticism after the GOP nominee announced freshman Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate.
“He’s a clone of Trump on the issues,” Biden told reporters as he headed to Nevada for a series of speeches and campaign events. “I don’t see any difference.”
He expanded on that during the NBC interview, telling Lester Holt that
Vance has the same policies as Trump when it comes to abortion, taxes and climate change, adding, “He signed onto the Trump agenda, which he should, if he’s running with Trump.”
Once Vance was tapped as Trump’s vice-presidential pick, the Biden campaign hit send on a fundraising solicitation signed by the president, and his team issued a blistering statement saying he picked the freshman senator because he would “bend over backwards to enable Trump and his extreme MAGA agenda.” For her part, Vice President Kamala Harris phoned Vance to congratulate him and left him a voicemail message, according
to a person familiar with the matter.
And to NBC’s Holt, Biden made it clear that he would keep up his focus on Trump. While he acknowledged his “mistake,” Biden nonetheless said he is “not the guy who said I wanted to be a dictator on day one.” It’s Trump, not Biden, who engages in that kind of rhetoric, Biden said, referring to Trump’s past comments about a “bloodbath” if the Republican loses in November.
“Look, how do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says?” Biden said. “Do you just not say anything because it may incite somebody?”
The NBC interview, scheduled before the attempt on Trump’s life at a rally in Pennsylvania, had been part of Biden’s broader strategy to prove his ability to serve after disastrous June 27 debate performance.
Asked by Holt if he has weathered the worst of it from his own party, Biden responded that 14 million Democratic voters selected him through the primaries and added, “I listen to them.” His mental acuity is “pretty damn good,” Biden added, but he said the question of his age was “legitimate” to ask.
Yet Biden grew visibly testy when asked whether he was eager to “get back on the horse” by participating
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined comment. The Justice Ministry, which regulates nonprofits, said it would investigate but had no further comment.
JGive said it complies with Israeli laws. In addition to freezing Tzav 9’s donations, it noted that the Mother’s March campaign ended over four months ago.
The US State Department said it has urged Israel to ensure aid safely reaches Gaza and to punish those who try to block it.
“The targeting of aid trucks by violent extremist settlers is unacceptable, and we’ve made that clear to the government of Israel,” it said. It declined comment on the groups’ fundraising efforts.
Hary, of the Israeli activist group Gisha, noted that the efforts of Mother’s March and Tzav 9 appear to have quieted down in recent weeks. But as they continue to seek donors, she said they could resume activities at any moment.
“They’re getting signals from various places in the government that Gaza should be completely cut off,” she said.
AP correspondent Julia Frankel contributed reporting from Jerusalem.
It’s unclear how effective these sanctions will be. Extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank say similar US sanctions imposed on them have had little effect, in part because Israeli leaders helped circumvent them.
on Donald Trump
in another debate against Trump, even before their next scheduled one in September.
“I’m on the horse. Where have you been?” a defensive Biden said. He rattled off his recent travels across the country and a lengthy press conference last week in Washington where he parried questions from nearly a dozen reporters. He said he is “demonstrating to the American people that I have command of all my faculties, that I don’t need notes, I don’t need teleprompters”—although Biden has used notes and teleprompters in recent appearances, which is not unusual.
As for a potential repeat of his rocky debate, Biden said, “I don’t plan on having another performance on that level.”
The Biden campaign recalibrated some of its political plans in the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt on Saturday, pulling advertising off the air and hitting pause on messaging. The White House also scrapped Biden’s planned Monday visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson library, where he had been slated to deliver remarks on civil rights.
Biden also spoke privately to Trump after the assassination attempt, a call that the president described in the NBC interview as “very cordial.”
It’s still not finalized when Biden’s campaign ads will resume airing. But
Biden is pressing on with the Nevada portion of his previously scheduled western swing, which will include remarks to the NAACP and UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights and advocacy group. He’ll also headline what’s been billed as a “campaign community event” on Wednesday in Las Vegas.
Biden has acknowledged that his candidacy and agenda will be under attack at the Republican National Convention this week, and aides had felt no need to halt their campaign completely, particularly while Biden comes under scrutiny in Milwaukee. Asked whether the president would adjust his messaging this week in light of the assassination attempt, Biden campaign chairwoman Jen O’Malley Dillon pointed to his Oval Office address as a “roadmap for the whole country,” which she said was no different than Biden’s strategy from the start.
Biden’s renewed campaigning this week comes as Democrats have been at an impasse over whether the incumbent president should continue in the race even as he was defiant that he would stay in. Biden has made it clear in no uncertain terms that he remains in the race, and aides have been operating as such.
AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro and AP White House correspondent Zeke Miller contributed to this report.
Top EU leaders will boycott meetings hosted by Orbán after his outreach to Russia, China
By Justin Spike The Associated Press
UDAPEST, Hungary—Top
Bofficials of the European Union will boycott informal meetings hosted by Hungary while the country holds the EU’s rotating presidency, after Hungary’s pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held a series of rogue meetings with foreign leaders about Ukraine that angered his European partners.
The highly unusual decision to have the European Commission president and other top officials of the body boycott the meetings in Budapest was made ‘’in light of recent developments marking the start of the Hungarian (EU) presidency,” commission spokesperson Eric Mamer posted Monday on X. Hungary took over the six-month rotating role on July 1, and since then Orbán has visited Ukraine, Russia,
Azerbaijan, China, and the United States on a world tour he’s touted as “peace mission” aimed at brokering an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
That angered many leaders in the EU, who said they had not been informed in advance of Orbán’s plans and rushed to emphasize that the nationalist leader was not acting on behalf of the bloc during his surprise meetings with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
Hungary’s European affairs minister, János Bóka, lashed out at the commission’s decision, writing on X on Monday that the body ‘’cannot cherry pick institutions and member states it wants to cooperate with.”
“Are all Commission decisions now based on political considerations?” Bóka wrote.
A Hungarian government spokesperson, Zoltán Kovács, also suggested the decision was a product of political bias, writing on X: “Sacrificing the institutional setup for
STUDENTS clash over quota system at Jahangir Nagar University at Savar outside Dhaka, Bangladesh on Monday, July 15, 2024. Police have fired tear gas and charged with batons overnight during violent clashes between a pro-government student body and student protesters, leaving dozens injured at a leading public university outside Bangladesh’s capital over quota system in government jobs, police and students said Tuesday. AP/ABDUL GONI
Violent clashes over government jobs quota system leave scores injured in Bangladesh
By Julhas Alam The Associated Press
DHAKA, Bangladesh—Police fired tear gas and charged with batons during violent clashes between a pro-government student body and student protesters overnight, leaving dozens injured at a public university outside Bangladesh’s capital, authorities and students said Tuesday.
The violence spread early Tuesday at Jahangir Nagar University in Savar, outside Dhaka, where protesters demanded an end to a quota reserved for family members of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, allowing them to take up 30 percent of governmental jobs. While job opportunities have expanded in Bangladesh’s private sector, many find government jobs stable and lucrative. Each year, some 3,000 such jobs open up to nearly 400,000 graduates.
Protesters argue such quota appointments are discriminatory and should be merit-based. Some even said the current system benefits groups supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Some Cabinet ministers criticized the protesters, saying they played on students’ emotions.
Protesters gathered in front of the university’s official residence of the vicechancellor early Tuesday when violence broke out. Demonstrators accused the Bangladesh Chhatra League, a student wing of Hasina’s ruling Awami League party, of attacking their “peaceful protests.” According to local media reports, police and the ruling party-backed student wing attacked the protesters.
But Abdullahil Kafi, a senior police official, told the country’s leading Englishlanguage newspaper Daily Star that they fired tear gas and “blank rounds” as protesters attacked the police. He said up to 15 police officers were injured.
More than 50 people were treated at Enam Medical College Hospital near Jahangir Nagar University as the violence continued for hours, said Ali Bin Solaiman, a medical officer of the hospital. He said at least 30 of them suffered pellet wounds.
private political purposes and disregarding (the Commission’s) role for ideological and political motives.”
Thailand’s
gets
BOn Monday, violence also spread at Dhaka University, the country’s leading public university, as clashes gripped the campus in the capital. More than 100 students were injured in the clashes, police said. The protesters in Dhaka said they planned on demonstrating on Tuesday as well.
The family of the veterans’ quota system was halted following a court order after mass student protests in 2018. But last month, Bangladesh’s High Court nulled the decision to reinstall the system once more, angering scores of students and triggering protests.
Last week, the Supreme Court halted the High Court’s order for four weeks and the chief justice asked protesting students to return to their classes, saying the court would issue a decision in four weeks. Meanwhile, the prime minister said the matter was in the hands of the Supreme Court now.
But the protests have continued daily, halting traffic in Dhaka.
The quota system also reserves government jobs for women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups, but students have only protested against jobs reserved for veterans’ families.
Prime Minister Hasina maintained power in an election in January that was again boycotted by the country’s main opposition party and its allies due to Hasina’s refusal to step down and hand over power to a caretaker government to oversee the election. Her party favors keeping the quota for the families of the 1971 war heroes after her Awami League party, under the leadership of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, led the independence war with the help of India. Rahman was assassinated along with most of his family members in a military coup in 1975.
In 1971, the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which shared power with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Hasina’s archrival, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 20012006, openly opposed the independence war and formed groups that helped the Pakistani military fight pro-independence forces. All the major political parties in Bangladesh have student wings that are active across the South Asian nation.
The decision by the European Commission applies to informal meetings hosted by Hungary, and means senior
controversial
civil servants will attend instead of top officials like the European Commission president, currently Ursula von der Leyen.
Orbán’s government has gone against the European mainstream by refusing to supply Kyiv with weapons to deter Russia’s invasion and by threatening to block financial assistance to the war-ravaged country.
In an interview with Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet on Monday, Orbán’s political director said that following his trip to Moscow— the first such visit from an EU head of state or government in more than two years—the prime minister had briefed the leaders of other EU countries “in writing about the negotiations, the experiences of the first phase of the peace mission and the Hungarian proposals.”
“If Europe wants peace and wants to have a decisive say in settling the war and ending the bloodshed, it must now work out and implement a change of direction,” said Balázs Orbán, who is not related to the premier. But von der Leyen accused Orbán of trying to mollify the Russian leader with the trip, writing on X: “Appeasement will not stop Putin. Only unity and determination will pave the path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Hungary’s government has long argued for an immediate cease-fire and peace negotiations in the conflict in Ukraine, but has not outlined what such moves might mean for the country’s territorial integrity and future security. It has exhibited an adversarial posture toward Ukraine while maintaining close ties to Moscow, even after its full-scale invasion in Feb. 2022. Orbán’s critics have accused him of acting against the unity and interests of the EU and NATO, of which Hungary is a member, and of pursuing an appeasement strategy concerning Russia’s aggression.
Digital Wallet program
green light, registration opens on August 1
By Jintamas Saksornchai The Associated Press
ANGKOK—Thailand’s prime minister said Monday that eligible businesses and individuals can register from August for digital cash handouts, a controversial program that will cost billions of dollars and is meant to boost the lagging economy.
The government announced in April the widely criticized ambitious plan, named the Digital Wallet, meant to give 10,000 baht (about $275) to 50 million citizens in digital money to spend at local businesses.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted on the social platform X, saying the registration will begin Aug. 1 and that he has given instructions to ensure the smooth implementation of the program.
The “Digital Wallet” was a major campaign promise of the ruling Srettha’s Pheu Thai party ahead of last year’s general election. The government says that this scheme will cause an “economic tornado,” and Srettha has said the stimulus and subsequent consumption are expected to boost gross domestic product growth by 1.2 to 1.6 percentage points.
However, economists have criti-
cized the program, calling it an ineffective way to contribute to sustainable economic growth compared to other measures.
In addition, its financing has faced several hurdles, delaying its planned implementation. At first, the government said the state Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives would cover some of the funding needed. However, after warnings by financial experts, it was announced that
the project’s funding would come out of the 2024 and 2025 fiscal budgets.
Deputy Minister of Finance Julapan Amornvivat said at a news conference on Monday the budgetary funding became possible after the plan’s estimated cost dropped from 500 billion baht ($13.8 billion) to 450 billion baht ($12.4 billion), asserting that all estimated 50 million people will still be part of the program as only up to 90 percent of
those eligible utilized them in previous handouts.
Julapan added that the Digital Wallet committee has agreed to exclude tens of thousands of shopowners and cash recipients who have a record of committing fraud in past programs.
The plan also has certain limitations, such as excluding certain goods that are yet to be decided, and earlier proposals suggested oil, services, and online purchases should be among them. Julapan said the Commerce Ministry would handle the exclusions set to be announced next week after the detailed plan is submitted to the Cabinet.
Thailand has in recent years suffered from a sluggish economy that appears to have deteriorated with no clear sign of growth. This month, the World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor projected GDP growth of 2.4 percent for the year 2024. The ruling Pheu Thai party had initially suggested digital wallet payments for all Thais 16 and older, but later this was limited to only lower-income Thais, defined as people with yearly incomes not exceeding 840,000 baht (about $23,000) and savings in financial institutions not totaling more than 500,000 baht ($13,700).
North Korean diplomat in Cuba defected to South Korea in November, Seoul says
By Hyung-Jin Kim The Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea—South Korea’s spy agency
THAILAND’S Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivers his speech during the Soft Power Forum in Bangkok, Thailand on June 28, 2024. Thailand’s prime minister said Monday, July 15, 2024, that eligible businesses and individuals can register
The growing demand for ginger and garlic: A chance for farmers to meet local needs
SALABAT or ginger tea is still one of the go-to beverages of Filipinos who have coughs, colds and itchy throat. In the past, people would put sliced ginger in a pot and simmer it for about 15 minutes. There are those who would add lemon or calamansi to their salabat to turn it into a “more potent” brew that will hasten their recovery from a nasty cold.
T he rise of instant mi xes has made it easier for Filipinos to make a cup of salabat. Aside from ready-to-drink g inger tea, the crop is also being used for manufacturing other products, such as candies and per f umes. It is one of the versatile crops that packs a lot of nutrients needed by our bodies, such as protein, f iber, calcium, iron, thiamine, protein, niacin, and ascorbic acid.
T he Depar tment of Ag ricu lture said in 2017 that the production of g inger is not enough to meet current demand because of its many uses. And the recent spike in g inger prices in urban areas reminded consumers that there is indeed high demand for the product. (See, “Ginger supply tightening on rising demand from food processors,” in the BusinessMirror, June 6, 2024). T he price of g inger in the National Capital Reg ion jumped to as high as P280 per k ilog ram, which made the tropical plant more expensive than a k ilo of dressed chicken.
Aside from g inger, garlic has also become more expensive, based on data from the gover nment. T he crop, which is considered a key ing redient in mak ing Filipino dishes, sold for as much as P500 per k ilog ram in some Metro Manila markets. (See, “Government wants local farms to produce more garlic,” in the BusinessMirror, July 10, 2024). T he Philippines impor ts most of its garlic requirements as local far ms cou ld only meet 3 percent of the domestic demand for the crop.
T hese developments are a resu lt of the state’s f i xation w ith a few crops, par ticu larly rice. An analysis of the state’s expenditures wou ld show that the allocation for rice and irrigation usually accounted for a chunk of the annual budget of the ag ricu lture sector Despite the billions of pesos poured into the sector, the Philippines continues to impor t rice at record levels. (See, “PHL rice imports seen touching new record despite high prices,” in the BusinessMirror, July 15, 2024).
Unfor tunately, rice is not only the crop g rown in the Philippines that the countr y impor ts in huge quantities. T he countr y also buys impor ted garlic, g inger, and even mung beans or munggo in bu lk because domestic output cou ld not meet the demand of local consumers. T his knowledge emboldens traders and middlemen, who rake in huge prof its from the distribution of impor ted crops.
It wou ld do well for the state to assist planters in supply ing the crops required by the market if it wants to increase their incomes and lift them out of pover ty. T he domestic market presents numerous oppor tunities that planters fail to capitalize on because they do not have the capital and know-how to expand output. T he Philippines is relatively young and its popu lation wou ld increasingly require more g inger, garlic, and other food items that the countr y continues to buy from foreign planters.
Future-proofing the economy
TTHE BUILDER
HINKING ahead of the future and adapting to a changing environment will always be key to survival. Our surroundings are fast changing with technological breakthroughs happening near the speed of light and the only way to catch up and be relevant is to make the country future-proof.
It is impor tant to f uture-proof t he Phi lippine economy in t he face of many global changes, includ ing t he rise of Industr y 4.0, or t he Four t h Industrial Revolution, which involves integ rating d ig ital technolog ies, li ke ar tif icial intelligence (AI), into various industries.
Many companies, and even entire industries, have become obsolete in t he past due to t heir fa i lure to adapt to changing technologies. At the macroeconomic level, we must rise to t he occasion to avoid being left behind and maintain our momentum toward becoming an upper middle-income countr y (UMIC) by 2025 or 2026, depend ing on estimates of t he National Economic and Development Aut hority (Neda) or t he World Bank. Per Neda, we cou ld achieve UMIC status next year as our gross national income per capita reached $4,230 in 2023 sur passing t he gover nment’s target range of $4,130 to $4,203 T he World Bank defines UMIC economies as t hose w it h g ross national income per capita of $4,516 to $14,005 for
t he f iscal year 2025.
An impor tant factor t hat cou ld dera i l t he countr y’s ambition is t he foreign exchange rate. T he peso has recently slipped aga inst t he US dollar because of t he Federal Reser ve’s decision to prolong t he high-interest rate cycle.
Many i nvestor s a re t he refore hold ing on to t he dollar If t he peso continues to trade near a record low of 59 aga inst t he g reenback, we may achieve t he UMIC status by 2026.
To ensure t hat we t hrive in t he coming years and atta in our longter m goal of becoming a high-income or prosperous countr y by 2040, we shou ld star t bui ld ing our inf rastructure today. T his involves not only constructing roads, bridges, railways and a ir por ts, but also lay i ng t he foundation for d ig ital technolog ies. We shou ld develop and upg rade our d ig ital network, includ ing bui lding more 5G telecom towers, lay ing f iber optics, tapping satellite technolog ies and constructing data centers, suppor ted by renewable power
By Allen A. Espinosa
IN education systems across the world, there is an incessant push for standards- and evidence-based practices, epitomized by international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). These assessments aim to quantify and compare the educational performance of countries worldwide, driving policies that seek to emulate the perceived successes of top performers. However, this relentless pursuit of standardization and accountability may obscure deeper systemic issues and cultural contexts that are crucial for genuine educational progress. It is time to slow down, reassess, and question what education experts and stakeholders might be overlooking.
Proponents of
ment
cine.
and ev idence-based
ingly per petuates a colonial or Eurocentric d iscourse. T his is seen in t hree ways: t he notion of “civ i lizing” the education profession, the promo-
from hydro, geother mal, w ind, solar, bioenergy, batter y energy systems and ot her technolog ies. Several countries are now looking at hydrogen f uel to power cars, homes and even factories.
Fut ure-p roof i ng t he economy also means d iversify ing our g rowt h eng ines and expor ts. T he Phi lippine economy, as Neda noted, has g reatly rel ied on household consumpt ion and ser v ices to f uel its expansion over t he years.
T he ot her pi lla rs of econom ic g rowt h investment and expor ts, especially manufacturing and ag ribu s i ness—a re lagg i ng. T hu s, we shou ld rei nvent our manu fact uring sector
W hi le we h ave a st rong elect ron ics sector we shou ld look at ot her i ndu st ries, suc h as elect rical appl i ances, elect ric ve hicles and batteries, mac hi ner y, a irc raft components, ph a r maceut icals, med ical i nst ru ments, c hem icals and const ruct ion i nputs.
We shou ld strengt hen our garments and texti le industr y, as well as our fur niture and handicraft sectors.
More impor tantly, we shou ld d iversify our expor ts f rom bananas, pineapple and coconut oi l to produce f inished consumer and industrial products made f rom ag ric u lt ural raw materials t hat are abundant in our countr y. We shou ld develop our own da ir y sector to become less reliant on impor ts. Even as we increasingly become a ser v ice-oriented economy, we should not neglect our ag ricu lture sector to feed our expand ing popu lation. T he key is to use technology, includ ing
AI, to forecast supply and demand, plan production and anticipate when a commod ity is in demand t he most. T his way, we can avoid shor tages in rice, fish meat, fruits and vegetables. Anot her key component is t he continuous development of our human resources in ter ms of education and tra ining. We shou ld ensure t hat our curricu lum is up to date and meets t he requirements of a moder n society. We shou ld invest more i n educat ion, pa r t ic u la rly i n sc ience, eng ineering, technology and mat hematics, and develop our own resea rc h and development teams t
tion of hierarchies of knowledge, and the interconnection between neoliberal educational policies and global colonialism.
Fir stly, t he d i scour se of “c iv i l i zi ng” educat ion f r ames t he f ield as backwa rd and i n need of sc ient i f ic orde r, ak i n to colon i al att it udes t h at deemed colon i zed c u lt ures as c h aot ic and i nfe rior T hi s pe r spect i ve s u ggests t h at only t hrou g h ev idence and standa rd i zat ion can educat ion be brou g ht to an ideal state. Suc h a v iewpoi nt fa i ls to acknowledge t he ric h , context-spec i f ic knowledge and pr act ices t h at ex i st w it hi n d ive r se educat ional sett i ngs. Secondly, t he emphasis on standard ized notions of ev idence priv ileges pos i t i v i st i c, qu
Mark Villar
Service fees vs. royalties
BFulvio D. Dawilan
TAX LAW FOR BUSINESS
OTH service fees and royalties are generally subject to tax in the Philippines. As such, there is no need to distinguish between the two. However, there are certain taxation aspects that differ for these two types of income, making it necessary to identify whether the income involved is a compensation for service or payment of royalty. T
f using. Our Tax Code itself includes in t he categories of royalties “t he supply of scientif ic, technical, industrial or commercial knowledge or infor mation” and “technical adv ice, assistance or ser v ices rendered in connection w it h technical management or administration of any scientif ic, industrial or commercial u nder tak i ng, vent ure, project or scheme.” Tax treaties also define royalties as includ ing “payment of any k ind received as a consideration for infor mation concer ning industrial, commercial or scientific experience.”
T hese types of t ransact ions g ivi ng ri se to royalt ies a re often conf u sed w it h prov i sions of ser v ices. Nonet heless, t here a re g uidel i nes to be obser ved for proper c h a racteri zat ion. W hi le t he Phi l ippi nes i s not a member of t he Organ i zat ion for Econom ic Cooperat ion and Development (OECD), we often c ite its commenta ries and i nter pretat ions on t he model tax convent ion as reference.
ncome for ser v ices per for med w it hout t he Phi l ippi nes sh all be considered i ncome derived f rom sources w it hout t he Phi l ippi nes. In shor t, t he place of per formance matters i n ident i fy i ng t he source of i ncome.
T h at requirement i s not present i n royalt ies. For royalt ies, it’s t he presence of proper ty or proper ty rights i n t he Phi l ippi nes or t heir u se i n t he Phi l ippi nes t h at matters. T he u nderly i ng act iv ity t h at may h ave resu lted i n t he c reat ion of t hose proper ty or proper ty rig hts may h ave been done outside t he Phi l ippi nes. T h at does not h ave an i mpact on taxat ion pur poses. Application of tax treaties
T he Phi l ippi nes h as ex i st i ng tax t reat ies w it h more t h an 40 cou nt ries. More t reat ies a re also c urrently bei ng negot i ated. T hese t reat ies gover n t he i ncome taxat ion of i ncome derived by a resident of t he ot her cou nt r y f rom t he Phi l ippi nes.
T he i ncome taxat ion based on t hese d i fferent t reat ies for bu si ness profits (ser v ice fees fall u nder t hi s categor y of i ncome) and royalt ies a re almost t he same, w it h d i fferences only i n rates. For bu si ness prof its, t he i ncome ea r ned by a non-Phi l ippi ne resident (resident of a t reaty pa r tner) f rom t he Phi l ippi nes w i ll be subject to tax i n t he Phi l ippi nes only i f t he non-resident i ncome ea r ner h as a per manent establ i sh ment i n t he Phi l ippi nes. If t here is no Phi l ippi ne PE, t he i ncome, even i f considered i ncome sourced f rom t he Phi l ippi nes u nder domest ic ru les, w i ll not be taxable in t he Phi l ippines. On t he ot her h and, i f t he non-resident h as PE i n t he Phi l ippi nes, t he i ncome
Divine intervention: Trump’s narrow escape from assassination attempt
a sign of higher purpose
IN
SENSE
the world stage.
hout re-
rd to t he presence or absence of
Based on t he sa id commenta ries and as adopted by our tax aut horit ies, t ransact ions g iv i ng ri se to royalt ies refer to t he supply of “know-how.” Cont racts for t he supply of know-how u su ally concer n i nfor mat ion t h at al ready ex i sts or concer n t he supply of t hat type of infor mat ion after its development or c reat ion and i nclude spec i f ic prov isions concer ning the conf identiality of t h at i nfor mat ion. In t he supply of know-how, t here wou ld generally be ver y l ittle more whic h needs to be done by t he suppl ier ot her t h an to supply ex i st i ng i nfor mat ion or reproduce ex i st i ng mate ri al. On t he ot her h and, for t he prov i sion of ser v ices, t he suppl ier u nder takes to per for m ser v ices t h at may require t he u se of spec i al knowledge, sk i ll, and exper t i se but not t he t ransfer of suc h spec i al knowledge, sk i ll, or exper t i se to t he ot her pa r ty. It u sually i nvolves a ver y muc h g reater level of expend it ure by t he suppl ier i n order to per for m hi s cont ract u al obl igat ions.
O ur cour ts h ad also prov ided some pa rameters— i n d i st i ng ui shi ng between compensat ion for serv ice and royalty payments, one must i nquire on whet her t he payee h as proprieta r y i nterest i n t he property g iv i ng ri se to t he i ncome. If t he payee h as none, t hen t he payment i s a compensat ion for personal serv ices, i f t he payee h as proprieta r y interest t hen t he payment is royalty. It may be tempt i ng to t reat an i ncome as royalty i nstead of ser v ice fee. But t h at wou ld resu lt i n i mproper taxat ion. If t he t ransact ion i nvolves t he prov i sion of ser v ice, it shou ld be t reated as suc h Accordi ngly, t hese shou ld st i ll enjoy t he exempt ion f rom tax i f t he ser v ice i s rendered outside t he Phi l ippi nes or i f t he ser v ice prov ider does not h ave PE i n t he Phi l ippi nes. Bot h t he taxpayer and t he tax aut hority shou ld t herefore properly characterize payments i nto ser v ice fees or royalt ies so t h at t he proper taxes may also be properly appl ied.
The author is a managing partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law) (www. bdblaw.com.ph), 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 e-mail the author at fulvio.dawilan@bdblaw.com.ph or call 84032001 loc 310.
istinction is blurred or con-
From Elon Musk to
David Sacks, Silicon Valley’s Trump backers cheer Vance as VP pick
By Lizette Chapman & Anna Edgerton
MAJOR Silicon Valley investors hailed Donald Trump’s choice of Ohio senator and former venture capitalist JD Vance as his running mate, a move that puts the technology industry closer to center stage in Washington if the former president takes the White House in November.
Elon Musk called t he decision a “g reat choice” and said the lineup “ resounds w it h v ictor y” on X, t he social platfor m he owns. Dav id Sacks, an investor and Trump supporter schedu led to speak at t he GOP convention on Monday night, called Vance an “American patriot” in a post.
And at Founders Fund, a venture capital f ir m backed by bi lliona ire Peter T hiel, partner Delian Asparouhov summed up t he mood of many in his orbit, posting: “IT’S JD VANCE. WE HAVE A FORMER TECH VC IN THE WHITE HOUSE. GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH BABY.”
T he Si l icon Valley tec h i ndu str y has long been a liberal bastion nestled in Califor nia, a Democratic st rong hold, w it h roots i n deeply prog ressive San Francisco. But a Republican contingent w it hin tech has recently become increasingly v isible, w it h major players li ke Musk, Sacks and Shaun Mag uire f rom Sequoia Cap ital t hrow i ng t he ir endor sements and donations to Trump for his W hite House bid aga inst President Joe Biden.
Representat ives for T hiel and Founders Fund d idn’t prov ide comment on t he announcement.
After g radu at i ng f rom Yale Law Sc hool, Vance i n 2016 became a pri nc ipal at Mit hri l Capital Man-
agement, a vent ure f ir m backed by
T hiel, where he ser ved a relat ively brief st i nt. In 2017, he joi ned t he Steve Case-backed f ir m Revolut ion LLC i n Washi ngton, as a pa r tner foc u si ng on sta r t ups. In 2019, he moved back to Ohio and for med Na r ya Capital. Tak i ng a page f rom T hiel’s book, Vance made a Lord of t he R i ngs reference w it h hi s new f ir m, nam i ng Na r ya after a ri ng wor n by t he w i za rd Gandalf i n t he books. Na r ya was backed by T hiel, alongside ot her big-name i nvestors i nclud i ng Eric Sc h m idt and Ma rc And reessen.
Vance’s prox i m ity to t he tec h industr y has t hri lled even for mer Democrats in tech One suppor ter is Chamat h Palihapitiya, a for mer donor to Hi llar y Clinton who appears alongside Sacks on t he tech podcast All In, where t he hosts refer to each ot her as besties. After Trump’s announcement about Vance, he tweeted, “A Bestie adjacent as t he V P?!?!?! ????????????????”
Cr ystal McKella r, fou nder and managing partner of Aloft VC, worked w ith Vance at Mithril Capital in 2012 and greeted the news enthusiastically.
“He w i ll be good for Si licon Valley because he is a good f ree market capital ist who bel ieves in g rowt h and innovation and eliminating t he
Vance has had a somewhat complicated relationship with Silicon Valley. During his successful campaign for the Senate in 2022, which was backed by Thiel, he was critical of big tech companies, saying that they wield too much power and influence over politics. He argued that his background has positioned him to take on the “big tech oligarchy.”
reg u lation t hat strangles g rowt h,” she sa id in a text. “And he’ll be good for t he countr y for all t he same reasons and because he feels genuine compassion for t hose forgotten and left behind by prog ress.”
Matt Mur phy, a par tner at Menlo Ventures, sa id t hat whi le he d idn’t know Vance, 39, or his positions well, his pick was an encourag ing sign. “I t hink hav ing somebody who understands tech is g reat,” Mur phy sa id. “We actually have a young cand idate who seems to be tech savvy. I t hink it’s good for t he par ty.” Vance h as h ad a somew h at compl icated relat ionship w it h Si l icon Valley. D uri ng hi s s uccessf u l campa i gn for t he Senate i n 2022, whic h was backed by T hiel, he was c rit ical of bi g tec h compan ies, say i ng t h at t hey w ield too muc h powe r and i nfl u ence ove r pol i t i cs. He a r g ued t h at hi s backg rou nd h as pos it ioned hi m to take on t he “bi g tec h ol i ga rc hy.” Vance has also cheered t he Biden administration’s tech-focused antitrust enforcement, especially Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina K han.
Personally, I think it is God’s will that Trump survived the assassination attempt to give him an opportunity to heal the country. Trump must have an important task not only for America but also for the entire world. Therefore, people are joining Americans in prayer, hoping that Trump will illuminate the path and lead the way towards global peace. Beyond . . .
of an anticolonial perspective into t he standards- and ev idence-based movement, or reappropri at i ng it to better contextualize and problematize its current trajector y. T his involves ask ing reflective questions such as: “How does academic excellence flourish in schools attended mostly by m i norit i zed st udents? How do teac he r s w ho re ject t he stat u s quo and def i ne excellence as respond ing to community needs promote excellence for all students regardless of t heir circumstances?” and, W h at ideolog ical pa rad igms underlie teacher education, and what role do teacher preparation programs play in per petuating or challeng ing t hese values?
Moreover we must critically examine whose cu ltural assumptions
and histories infor m accountabi lity systems, ev idence, data, and lear ning outcomes. As Sha hja han puts it, “W hose notions of ev idence matter most, and to whom does ev idence matter most?” T hese questions highlight t he need to recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in education.
Slow ing down in education practice and policy is essential to assess what we might be overlook ing. Systemic inequities and social d ifferences are often glossed over at t he expense of rushing to meet inter national benchmarks and standards. By tak ing t he time to reflect and engage w it h t hese issues, education leaders and advocates can develop more equitable and contextually relevant educational practices.
One of t he key i mpl icat ions of t hi s approac h i s t he need to move beyond t he one-s i ze-f its-all model of educat ion. Eac h educat ional
context i s u n ique, sh aped by its own hi stor y, c u lt ure, and soc i al dynam ics. Pol ic ies and pr act ices t h at work i n one context may not be s uitable or effect ive i n anot he r ; t hu s, a more nu anced u nde r standi ng of t hese d i ffe rences can lead to more ta rgeted and effect ive i nte rvent ion prog r ams. Fur t her more, slow i ng down allows for t he i nclu sion of ma rg i nalized voices in t he conversation about educat ional refor m. Too often, t he perspect ives of m i norit i zed commu n it ies a re overlooked or u nder
T his sets Vance apar t f rom Chamber of Commerce-type Republicans who have consistently criticized K han’s broad inter pretation of ex isting antitrust law to prosecute tech companies t hat don’t
nies and bigger f ir ms. Vance h as also taken on Wall Street in ot her ways, back ing leg islation w it h Elizabet h Warren to claw back pay for bank executives when t heir institutions fa i l, and ra i lroad companies w ith his Trump-endorsed safety bi ll w it h Democ rat ic Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown after t he East Palestine d isaster He also bucked his par ty in leading suppor t for t he extension of an expired Biden prog ram prov id ing subsid ies for broadband access for mi llions of people. T hose bipar tisan effor ts had ear ned him plaud its f rom Democrats but d idn’t succeed in getting bi lls enacted into law. With assistance from Steven T. Dennis and Rachel Metz /Bloomberg
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza MAKE
12 biz groups send Marcos wish list of 21 reform bills
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
AHEAD of the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., 12 business groups including the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, have written to the President, seeking his support for 21 “critical” legislative measures currently pending in Congress.
The 12 groups said these proposed reforms are aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing global competitiveness, and promoting inclusive development.
In their letter, the business groups penned, “In July 2022, we wrote to share a list of 24 legislative measures that 12 of the undersigned groups agreed to prioritize and advocate for before the 19th Congress.”
The statement was signed by: the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. (AmCham), Association
of International Shipping Lines, Inc., Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc., Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc., Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc.,Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines,Makati Business Club,Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, Incorporated (Pamuri)
and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc.
Of the 24 measures they deemed urgent, the groups noted that three have been signed into law, and three more have been identified for priority passage in the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
On top of the agenda of is the removal of foreign equity restrictions in the Constitution.
“Amendment is sought to the economic provisions of the Constitution to remove foreign equity restrictions,” the groups said.
Their wish list also included the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, which “seeks to lower barriers and cost to entry for data service providers, promote sharing of infrastructure and efficient use of resources, and lower internet costs for Filipinos.”
On the promotion of digital payments, the business groups asked the President to back the passage of a bill mandating the use of “safe and efficient digital or electronic mode of payments by all national government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations, and local government units.”
On their call to allow locators greater flexibility in setting work
from home arrangements, the groups backed amendments to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) Act.
Another priority pitch: the Freedom of Information Act, which it said “provides the parameters and mechanisms for citizens’ access to information in all government offices.”
The 12 groups are also prodding the President to back the reform on Capital Income and Financial Taxes, which they said, “seeks to simplify taxation of passive income and financial transactions, harmonize tax rates on interest, dividends, and capital gains, and rationalize the documentary stamp tax to reduce costs and improve compliance.”
They support the amendments on the Secrecy of Bank Desposits Law, which they noted, “allows the BSP, in the exercise of its supervisory powers, to examine, inquire, or look into deposits under certain conditions related to unlawful activities.”
The National Unemployment Insurance is also their priority, as it “institutionalizes” a National Unemployment Insurance Program to cushion the income impact on workers of job loss by providing unemployment benefits while they seek new employment.
The business groups also urged Marcos to support the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience which “will be given the mandate to lead in the planning, coordination, monitoring, oversight, and implementation of disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management.”
These groups also wish to see updates on the Electronic Commerce Act to align with “treaty obligations and international best practices for electronic signatures, contracts, communications, and documents.”
On health, these organizations sought priority for the Pandemic Protection Act which aims to prevent the “overburdening” of the health care system, develop health care and manufacturing, create jobs during pandemics, ensure supply of critical products, protect consumers, and build partnerships with the private sector.
Also on their list is the Holiday Rationalization Act, which “rationalizes” the number of non-working holidays comparable to our neighboring Asean countries and reduce business cost.
The groups likewise urged the government to create a Philippine Airports Authority to improve safety and efficiency.
In terms of port management, the concerned business groups are prodding Marcos to support the need to amend the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) charter, particularly to transfer PPA-operated ports to a separate public sector entity to improve safety and efficiency.
Also on the business groups’ priority list is amending the Intellectual Property Code, particularly to “update and modernize” the IP code to comply with treaty obligations and adopt international best practices.
More laws that these 12 groups wish to prioritize are the Philippine Pension System Portability and Strengthening, Apprenticeship Program Reform, Agricultural Land Ownership easing, Commonwealth Act 138 (FLAG Act) Repeal, the International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act, and the Satellite-based Technologies Promotion Act.
With one year left in the 19th Congress, “We believe that the 21 measures are achievable reforms that will generate substantial impact in achieving our shared vision of inclusive growth through job generation, poverty reduction, and global competitiveness,” said the groups.
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
Tchicken imports at 99,122 MT. This was followed by the purchases of chicken leg quarters at 49,125 MT. The United Broiler Raisers Association (Ubra) noted the challenge faced by local players due to theimport
ban on chicken in several areas due to bird flu.
“I heard that importing is a challenge these days because many countries have been banned [as source] owing to the spread of AI [Avian influenza] [” Ubra President Jose Gerardo Feliciano told reporters, speaking partly in Filipino, on the sidelines of a poultry forum in Pasay City.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier ordered a series of temporary import bans on domestic and wild birds and their associated products such as poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen originating from Michigan, United States and Australia due to reports of AI outbreak in the area. Meanwhile, Brazil was the top supplier of chicken at 98,318 MT with the United States trailing behind at 58,389 MT, based on BAI data.
Spain was the Philippines’s top supplier of pork from the January to April period at 64,719 MT, followed by Brazil at 58,354 MT and Canada at 36,514 MT.
In terms of beef imports, BAI data showed that Brazil was also the country’s biggest supplier at 23,959 MT followed by Australia at 20,440 MT. The DA earlier imposed a temporary ban on live cattle and meat imports from the United Kingdom after mad cow disease was detected in Scotland.
New accord sets up hotline for China, PHL presidents
By Jim Gomez The Associated Press
ARECENTLY signed agreement will open a direct line of communication between China and the Philippines’ presidential offices to try and prevent any new confrontation from spiraling out of control in the disputed South China Sea, according to highlights of the accord seen by The Associated Press on Tuesday.
China and the Philippines have forged such emergency telephone hotlines at lower levels of their bureaucracies in the past to better manage their disputes, particularly in two fiercely disputed shoals where the Philippines has accused Chinese forces of increasingly hostile actions and China says Philippine ships have encroached despite repeated warnings.
The territorial faceoffs, however, have persisted uncontrollably in the past year, sparking fears of a larger armed conflict that could involve the United States, which has repeatedly warned that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines, a key Asian treaty ally, if Filipino forces come under an armed attack in the disputed waters.
In a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine forces at the Philippines-occupied Second Thomas Shoal in August 2023, the Philippine
government said it was unable to reach Chinese officials through an established “maritime communication mechanism” for several hours as the clash happened. That emergency telephone hotline was arranged after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in January 2023. Chinese and Philippine officials dealing with the territorial disputes held crucial talks in Manila on July 2, following a violent confrontation in the Second Thomas Shoal in which Chinese coast guard personnel reportedly wielded knives, an axe and improvised spears in a chaotic faceoff that injured Philippine navy personnel and damaged two of their motorboats. The Chinese forces also seized seven Philippine navy rifles, said the Philippine military chief, who demanded China return the firearms and pay for the damages. Both sides “recognized the need to strengthen the bilateral maritime communication mechanism on the South China Sea” and signed an arrangement “on improving Philippines-China maritime communication
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
A-Flow secures LandBank
AFLOW Properties I Corp. and Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) signed an agreement for a P2.4-billion loan for the company’s data center.
commitment to develop t he largest carrier-neutral data center campus in t he Phi lippines. We are excited to bui ld an ecosystem to attract a combination of inter national hyperscale customers and local enter prise customers,” A-Flow President Amandine Wang sa id.
“Beyond o ur wo r k w i t h
ALI President and CEO and ALLHC Cha ir man Anna Ma. Margarita B. Dy sa id d ig ital transfor mation, cloud computing and t he rise of artif icial intelligence are technolog ies t hat require robust and scalable data center solutions.
“Ayala Land is proud to be participating in t his new oppor tunity leverag ing our land and our lucrat ive abi l it ies to cont ribute to t he cou nt r y’s move towa rds a d ig ital economy,” sa id Dy.
“L i ke any ot her i nf rast ruct ure project, capital is key. So, we t hank LandBank for t he P10.8-bi llion loan faci lity to A-Flow, a critical enabler for t his project,” Dy sa id. T he joint venture par tnership
campus project is targeted to be ready-forser v ice by t he end of t he year “T hi s ag reement ma rks a signif icant step for ward in our shared
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
t he d ig ital vent ures a r m of Met r o Pac i f i c Tollways
Cor p., sa id on Tuesday it has par tnered w ith LausGroup of Companies to introduce enhanced roadside assistance solutions and ser v ices. T h e st r ateg i c collabo r at i on— signed by t he LausGroup and MP T Mob i l ity’s s u bs id i a r y Ass i st and Assistance Concept Inc. (AACI)— allowed t he par tners to introduce LausGroup Cares, which stands for Customer Assistance for Roadside Emergency Ser v ices).
Lau sGroup Ca res w i ll prov ide comprehensive suppor t to new vehicle owners and Cor porate Guarantee Motor Insurance policyholders under t he LausGroup. “T he collaborat ion w
he automot i ve, non-life insurance, med ia, and food and hospitality industries. T hr o u g h t hi s pa r tne r s hi p, el ig i ble new ve hi cle owne r s f r om any pa r t i c i pat i ng La u sA u toG r o u p deale r s hi ps and Co r por ate G u a r antee Moto r Ins ur ance pol i cy h olde r s can ava i l r oads i de ass i stance benef i
at u p to P3 2,500 fo
one yea r, p r ov i ded at no add i t i onal cost. MP T Mobi lity announced in December 2023 t hat t he local gover nment of Bag uio g ranted the company
cloud operation posted f irst-quar ter profit of $900 million—well ahead of analysts’ projections of $672.4 mi llion. Google’s cloud unit is v iewed as one of
m’s best bets for
orig inal proponent status for its unsolicited proposal for the P2.5-billion Smar t Urban Mobi lity Solutions. Unde r its 15-yea r concess i on proposal, MP T Mobi lity w i ll deploy in
mon itori ng and enforcement capabi lities, smar t command cente r, sma r t pa rk i ng systems, eff icient public transportation and fleet management solutions, peak-hour congestion pricing solutions, and roadside assistance suppor t.”
TBy Lenie Lectura @llectura
HE Depa r tment of Energy (DOE) is keen on par tnerships w ith interested fir ms to help manage risks in developing additional geot her mal energy resources. “We are talk ing to possible an implementing par tner as our study is almost complete. We’re just looking for a f inancing par tner or an agency t hat w i ll co-manage t he f und or t he facility. We are under discussion w ith various f inancial f ir ms and agencies,” sa id DOE Assistant Secretar y Mylene Capongcol.
T he DOE and t he Asian Development Bank (ADB) are work ing on a roadmap for derisk ing geot her mal development in t he Phi lippines.
“T he risk iest and most expensive par t of geot her mal development is exploration. T his is what we are derisk ing. We w i ll be uti lizing a derisking tool which we have to work w it h an ideal par tner We w i ll launch t his derisk ing tool, a sor t of g uarantee for t he project, once we f ind a par tner,” sa id Capongcol.
“T he geother mal resource derisk-
w ith possible entities t hat wou ld house t he GRDF. Among t hose considered were t he Phi lippine National Oi l Co., National Development Co., and Power Sector Assets and Liabi lities Management Cor p.
w it h a f i nanc i al cont ri but ion of € 10 m i ll ion.
“AWS is a found ing member of CISPE and has reg u larly made voluntar y contributions to CISPE,” AWS said. “Enter prises across ever y major industr y have long suppor ted trade associations in simi lar ways.”
W hi le Google h as long t ra i led Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft in the cloud market, it’s begun to see impressive resu lts. After break ing even for t he f irst time last year Google’s
as its
search adver tising business matures. Its per for mance
boosted by i nc reasi ng reg u lator y scrutiny into Microsoft’s activ ities. EU probes can lead to f ines as high as 10% of global sales if reg u lators f ind proof of compet ition abuses— increasing t he incentive on f ir ms to settle w it h compla inants. A Google spokesperson said that it has long suppor ted t he principles of fa ir software licensing and t hat t he f ir m was hav ing d iscussions about joining CISPE, to f ight anticompet itive licensing practices. A CISPE spokesperson sa id t he assoc i at ion’s membe r s we re presented w it h alter native options to accept ing t he Microsoft deal, but t hey ref used to conf ir m any of t he ter ms of t he deal. M i c r osoft po i nted towa r d an
earlier statement f rom its President
Brad Smith, in which he said the company was pleased to have resolved EU antitrust concer ns. Microsoft has a histor y of sidestepping antitrust scrutiny by brokering deals w it h compla inants. In 2004, it handed over $9.75 mi llion to a Google-backed group—the Computer and Communications Industr y Association, in order for it to drop a compla int into Microsoft’s practices before EU reg u lators. In Apri l 2021, CISPE published a paper calling on Microsoft to allow its customers to use software like Office on a w ider range of cloud prov iders. It ramped up t he pressure t he follow ing year, f i ling an antitrust compla int aga inst Microsoft w it h Europe’s top compet ition reg u lator alleg ing it had made it d iff icu lt for customers to change t heir cloud prov iders by ty ing its business software to its cloud. W hi le t he cloud settlement removes one legal headache for Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft, it’s sti ll in t he EU’s cross-ha irs. Microsoft $13-billion investment into OpenAI Inc. is coming under added scrutiny f rom Brussels antitrust watchdogs, who are quizzing rivals about t he AI f ir m’s exclusive use of Microsoft’s cloud technology. It also
THE Energy Reg u lator y Commission (ERC) has g ranted interim relief to t he National Grid Cor poration of t he Phi lippines (NGCP) and Ing rid Power Hold ings Inc. (IPHI) to implement t heir mod if ied anci llar y ser v ices procurement ag reement (ASPA). “T he Commission, after due deliberation and evaluation, resolved to par tially g rant IPHI’s motion for recons ide r at ion,” t he ERC not ice read. T he NGCP posted t he notice on its website. “T he notice is being issued due to lack of material time in promulgating t he off icial order T he for mal order w i ll be issued shor tly,” ERC Cha irperson Monalisa Dimalanta sa id. From P1.50 per k i lowatt hour (kW h), t he new rates increased to P4.19 per kW h T his is t he new authorized rate that NGCP w ill pay IPHI for t he schedu led capacities stated in t he ASPA.
T he higher rate is due to t he fact t hat t he plant is only par tially contracted, and to ensure t he v iabi lity of t he power plant follow ing t he increase in input costs and cost of capital.
IPHI w i ll continue to supply an-
By VG Cabuag @villygc
Why leadership?
Aand
Grow your team THE end goal of influencing and nav igat ing your team is to g row t hem. Grow t hem to become over-comers, t hrivers and flyers. Consistently push t hem outside t heir comfor t zones unt i l t hey lear n to overcome t he feel ing of surrender and beg in to t hrive in a continuously evolv ing landscape called t he marketplace.
Grow t hem unt i l t hey are able to fly i ndependently, and a re al ready equipped to begin to influence, nav igate and g row t heir own teams.
What’s next?
WHAT’S next after t his? Lead.
Alexey Rola Cajilig is the president of Arcway Consultancy Inc., executive director of ARC Docendi and senior vice president and chief operations officer of EM-Core Dotnet Inc. He is a sales leadership coach, strategic sales operations consultant, Christian motivational speaker, human ecologist and author of “The Effective Seller.” He is also the creator of “ARCH Styles,” a behavioral and personality assessment tool. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror’s. If you have questions and suggestions, you may send an email to alexey.cajilig@gmail.com.
Coca-Cola support to small entrepreneurs sweetened
By Manuel T. Cayon
TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte—The Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) has doubled down on its support to owners of micro-sized businesses by offering incentives to recent graduates of its sponsored training program.
T he company “celebrates your achievement and looks for ward to your next success,” CCBPI President Anton io del Rosa rio sa id duri ng ceremonies for some 800 owners of micro-enter prises in t his city who g raduated f rom an online course on business and resource access.
“After 112 years in t he Phi lippines, we have anot her mi lestone today to empower Fi l ipi nos w it h t he launch of t he IStar Center for Entrepreneurship,” Del Rosario sa id on Ju ly 4. Accord ing to CCBPI, t he center is named after its successf u l STAR, or t he “Sari-Sari Store Tra ining and Access to Resources,” program. Documents prov ided by the beverage manufacturer read t hat t he prog ram was “designed to empower ind iv iduals in entrepreneurship and equip t hem w ith the necessar y sk ills through the use of d ig ital platfor ms for star ting and manag ing reta i l businesses.”
T he g raduates t his year took t he i nnovat ion of t he Sta r prog r am, which is t he iStar.” Par ticipants in t he latter course “are encouraged to complete si x modu les to help formu late a simple business plan and improve t heir business operations.”
Owners or operators of sa ri-sa ri stores, carinderia (eater y) and bakeries are taught and tra ined on inter nal operations such as bookkeeping, keeping of inventor y and ot hers related to running t heir business.
Del Rosario said the iStar program wants “to transfor m t he entrepreneurial landscape t hrough d ig ital lear ning.” He expla ined t he prog ram “ is the evolution of the sari-sari store accessing resources.”
To implement t he prog ram, CCBPI tied up w it h t he gover nment’s Technical Education and Sk i lls Development Aut hority (Tesda). T he company also f unded t he establishment of “Centers for Entrepreneurship” (CFEs). T hese CFEs are located in Davao del Nor te, Cagayan de Oro, Tag uig City, Nueva Ecija, Cebu Bacolod City and Camarines Sur Accord ing to t he company, each center ser ves as a “susta inable hub offering tra ining, mentoring and f inancial suppor t to help small business owners t hrive.”
Acco r d i ng to doc u ments t h e CCBPI prov ided to repor ters, t he iSTAR” also a ims “to address key barriers that hinder the development of women entrepreneurs, suc h as
limited access to tra ining, resources and mentorship.”
Anot her innovation to t he Star prog ram is its link up to t he company’s “Tindahan Extra Mile” (TEM) prog ram. Accord ingly, iSTAR prog ram g radu ates can receive moneta r y i ncent i ve afte r collect i ng polyet hylene terepht halate, or PET, bottles and returning these to CCBPI.
T he TEM prog ram collects and retrieves plastic waste to be recycled and reused by t he company “so sarisari store, carinderia and trad itional food outlet owners can become stewards for a cleaner env ironment whi le ear ning extra income f rom t he collected recyclable materials.”
Four years ago, CCBPI entered into a joint venture w it h Bangkok, T ha i land-headquar tered Indorama Ventures Public Company Ltd. (IVL) to establ i sh Petvalue Phi l ippi nes Cor p. to manage t he P2.28-bi llion bottle-to-bottle recycling faci lity in t he Phi lippines. Si nce it began operat i ng i n 2022,
t he fac i l ity h as received and collected PET bottles f rom va riou s locat ions, includ ing Nueva
T he duo has been work
toget her w ith FAME companies for more than five years. “We already know how t hey work and what t hey’re capable of,” sa id Nazareno. Lic hauco adds t hat for t his ed it ion, they are “challeng ing the manufacturers to use t he same tec hniques, but take t he next level aest het ic-w ise.” T he ir t heme i s “Beyond Real ity,” where instruments, ubiquitous materials and life for ms such as extinct animals and plants w i ll be used as references to reinter pret t hem as f unct ional homeware. T hey w ill reimagine these ever yday concepts and apply t hese as inspirat ions for l ight ing f i xt ures, tables, wall decors, 3D scu lpt ures and novelty pieces. Also taking inspiration from different countries and their design principles, the tandem w ill feature Shibari—Japanese rope bondage—rope ty ing and Ikebana flower arrangement from Japan, art deco architectural style from Paris and fan designs from Japan and Korea. They will also make use of clay pots, barrels, buoys and UFOs in creating their designs.
Delving into natural imagery for fashion
A SEASONED designer and no stranger to Mani la FAME, Designer Marconol i “Maco” Custod io w i ll work w it h 15 local enter prises in anot her sett ing of Design Commune focused on fashion. Sit uated in t he fashion hall, t he pav i l ion w i ll explore “Parametricism,” or creating design based on ex ist ing organic struct ures. Custod io w i ll take inspirat
patter ns and biomimicr y or strateg ies of designs f rom nat ure. “I want to c hallenge t he
DAVAO CITY—Fifteen small ent r ep r ene ur s f r om t h e Davao Reg ion earned P5.57 million during the Depar tment of Trade and Industr y (DTI)-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair (NFF) held on July 3 to July 7 in Mandaluyong City.
T he pa r t ic ipat i ng m ic ro-si zed, small-scale and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) here were products of t he DTI’s “One-Town-One-Product” (OTOP) Phi l ippines prog ram and t he Comprehensive Ag ra ri an Refor m Prog ram (CAR P).
“The market responded well to the variety of products t hat we offered at t he NFF, which included coconutbased items, processed f ruits and nuts, coffee, cacao, far m-f resh produce, native ing red ients, trad itional delicacies and halal foods; hence, t he favorable outcomes,” DTI 11 Reg ional Director Romeo L. Castañaga said.
Accord ing to Castañaga, t he part ic ipat i ng MSMEs showcased t he reg ion’s f inest innovative ag ri-based products “t hat speak of Davao’s potent ial and abundance of nat ural resources in a w ider market.”
He added t h at t he expand i ng ma rket he re reac h cou ld lead to s u bstant i al prof it ma r g i ns, w it h f ur t her benef its includ ing a positive economic impact t hrough increased job creation and investment.
T he “Bagong Pi lipinas” NFF was organ i zed by t he DTI– Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP under t he MSME Development Group, in coord ination w it h t he reg ional and prov incial off ices of t he trade and industr y depar tment.
Accord ing to t he DTI, t he ex hibitors were among t he benef iciaries of its range of prog rams, such as product development, sk i lls en h ance-
ment and market tra ining seminars.
T hese are “all a imed at fostering susta inabi lity and g rowt h in local businesses,” Castañaga sa id From Januar y to June of this year t he DTI Reg ion 11 off ice has already assisted 305 MSMEs in t heir participation in d ifferent trade events nationw ide.
‘Vibrant celebration’
IN a statement, the DTI said the 2024 “Bagong Pi lipinas” NFF generated P57.83 mi ll ion in combined cash booked sales and pend ing orders for its 233 par ticipating MSMEs.
“T he food fa ir was a v ibrant celebration of Filipino culinar y heritage and entrepreneurship that attracted 50,000 ent husiastic v isitors,” read t he statement. “T hi s rema rkable tur nout high lights t he g row ing national interest in local food products and t he t hriv ing MSME sector.”
Accord ing to t he DTI, t he event featured an array of food products f rom all reg ions of t he Phi lippines. T hi s c u l i na r y showcase i ncluded fresh agricultural produce, processed and bottled food, healt hy snacks, trad itional reg ional delicacies, and w ines and beverages, among ot hers.
“W hen oppor t u n it
Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug
COCACOLA
BIR orders online marketplace operators to start taxing sellers
By Reine Juvierre Alberto
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR) has issued a circular ordering electronic marketplace operators to start the imposition of withholding taxes to sellers and merchants beginning July 15, 2024.
Inter nal Revenue Commissioner
Romeo D. Lumag ui Jr issued Revenue Memorandum Circu lar (RMC) 79-2024 last Monday, stating t hat sellers in marketplaces for online shopping, food deliver y and booking accommodations w i ll be taxed star ting Ju ly 15.
“We have already extended this by 90 days,” Lumag ui sa id. “No f ur t her extensions w i ll be g iven.”
THE Bureau of the Treasur y (BTr) borrowed P30 billion from the domestic debt market through the sale of Treasur y bonds (T-bonds) amid lower investor asking yields.
T he auction committee made a f u ll award of t he reissued 10-year Tbonds on Tuesday. Wit h a rema ining life of nine years and five months, the long-ter m debt papers w ith a coupon rate of 6.250 percent fetched an average rate of 6.212 percent, accord ing to t he Treasur y. T he average rate is lower by 0.056 percent than the comparable 10-year PHP BVAL y ield at 6.268 percent as of Ju ly 16, 2024. Meanwhi le, t he average y ield is also lower by 0.542 percent t han t he
HOUSE Appropriations Commit-
tee C h a ir man Rep. El i zaldy S. Co (Ako B i col Pa r ty-l i st) anno u nced last Tu esday h e h as endo r sed a move by t h e Depa r tment of F i nance (DOF) to tap b i ll i ons of pesos i n u nu sed f u nds of gove r nment-owned and controlled cor porations (GOCC) to help agenc i es l i ke Phi l h ealt h ( Phi l i pp i ne Healt h Ins urance Co r p.) del i ve r m u c h needed h ealt h and soc i al se r v i ces and ot h e r c ru c i al p u bl i c secto r p ro j ects. “T hi s i n it i at i ve w i ll r e-c h annel b i ll ions of dor mant f u nds to help m i ll ions of Fi l ipi nos enjoy bette r healt hca re and soc i al se r v i ces, and bolste r econom i c act i v ity by i nvest i ng mo r e i n soc i al se r v i ces and i nf r ast ru ct ur e p r o j ects at no ext r a cost to gove r nment,” sa i d Co, w hose comm ittee i s p r epa ri ng fo r gove r nment’s s u bm i ss i on of t h e 2025 Nat i onal Expend it ur e Pr og r am. A statement by Co’s off i ce read c ited t h e DOF as say i ng t h at t h e r ed ir ect i on of i dle f u nds of GOCCs fo r p u bl i c
T he BIR has already g ranted an extension for online sellers to register t heir businesses and submit a Swor n Declaration of Gross Remittance unti l Ju ly 14 to comply w it h Revenue Reg u lations (RR) 162023 T he RR 16-2023 implements a w it hhold ing tax system on g ross r em ittances made by elect r on i c marketplace operators and d ig ital f inancial ser v ices prov iders to sell-
6.754 percent average rate of 10-year tenor T-bonds in t he past T-bonds auction on June 11, 2024. Offers made by investors for t he y ield ranged f rom a low of 6.180 percent to a high of 6.223 percent. T he auction was more t han t hree t i mes ove r s u bsc ri bed w it h total tenders reaching unusually high at P95.605 bi llion. R izal Commercial Bank ing Cor p. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. R icafor t sa id t he T-bond y ields fared better t han t he PHP BVAL y ield after t he US Federal Reser ve (Fed) and local monetar y aut horities issued dov ish signals. R icafor t also pinned the improvement in auction y ields to t he easing of local inflation at 3.7 percent and to projections t he rate wou ld f ur t her
ease in t he coming mont hs g iven t he reduction in rice tariffs to 15 percent f rom 35 percent.
T he Monetar y Board is expected to cut interest rates as early as Aug ust as delay ing it may lead to output losses for t he Phi lippine economy, Bangko Sentral ng Pi lipinas (BSP) Gover nor Eli M. Remolona assured (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph / 2024 /0 7/0 9/further-delaysin-easin g -may-cause-outputlosses/)
A total rate cut of 50 basis points (bps) t his year is expected, w it h rate cuts possibly delivered in two tranches of 25 bps in t he second semester of 2024, Remolona sa id. Meanwhi le, R icafor t also c ited Fed C h a ir man Je r ome Powell’s
statement t hat inflation in t he US is reaching t he Federal Reser ve’s goal of 2 percent and possibly pav ing t he way for a near-ter m rate cut.
“Fed Fund Futures priced in about -0.67 or at least 2 Fed rate cuts in 2024; w it h at least 101 pe rcent chance of a Fed rate cut by September 2024,” R icafor t sa id. For t he mont h of Ju ly, t he Treasur y w i ll hold an auction to ra ise P115 bi llion f rom the sale of T-bonds and P100 bi llion f rom offering Treasur y bi lls (T-bi lls).
T he gover nment has borrowed P1.422 tri llion f rom Januar y to May t his year, w it h domestic borrow ings reaching P1.170 tri llion and foreign borrow ings at P251.712 bi llion. Reine Juvierre Alberto
GUEST COLUMN
‘PHL fintech-ready, has firm
WBy Yogesh Daware
pelago, t
pines has faced many obstacles on its journey towards financial inclusion for all citizens, including the countr y’s vast geographical stretches across oceans. However, technology has bridged many of those challenges, with the 2021 Financial Inclusion Sur vey highlighting that the number of unbanked Filipinos dropped from 51.2 million in 2019 to 34.3 million that year
Technology is just one contributor to f inancial inclusion being realized. Ot her contributing factors include a welcoming reg u lator y f ramework, infrastructure, supporting products, and g reater awareness of its importance among consu mers, brought to life t hrough education initiatives presented by f inancial ser v ices prov iders such as t hose introduced by TISI in t his countr y. One of t he contributors to t his expanded f i nanc i al i nclu s ion, i n add i t i on to expand i ng i nte r net connectiv ity, is li kely a high mobi le penetration rate, w it h GSMA data ind icating t hat mobi le connections were equivalent to 144.5 percent of the population in Januar y 2023 w ith a 75 percent mobi le penetration rate and the number of connections having increased by 6.6 percent in t he preced ing 12 mont hs.
W hi le it was a major d isruptor across t he world, t he COVID-19 pandemic accelerated d ig ital transformation in the Philippines, setting the stage for d ig ital bank ing, money serv ice businesses, remittance agents, online lend ing platfor ms and ot her FinTech solutions.
T he Bangko Sentral ng Pi lipinas (BSP), the Philippines’ Reser ve Bank, has been par ticu larly welcoming of Fi nTec h oppor t u n it ies, i nclud i ng lau nc hi ng t he “ Phi l ippi nes Open Finance Pi lot” in 2023 empowering f inancial institutions and t hirdpar ty prov iders to bui ld an “open” ecosystem to accelerate t he deliver y of FinTech products and solutions to citizens.
By Ada Pelonia
of i
s
T h e app r op ri at i ons comm i ttee c h a ir man sa i d s i nce t h e Phi lHealt h rese r ve f u nd came f rom gove r nment, it i s only p r ope r to r e i nvest t h em to benef it more people i nstead of ju st leav i ng t h em i dle. “I mu st po i nt o ut, howeve r t h at only excess f u nds mu st be r eallocated, not hi ng mo r e,” h e added.
Co sa i d p u tt i ng t h ese do r mant f u nds to bette r u se w i ll lessen t h e p r ess ur e on gove r nment to bo rr ow mo r e and Cong r ess to pass new tax meas ur es.
“T hi s w i ll w i den t h e scope fo r t h e p ri vate secto r to so urce mo r e f u nds f r om t h e cap ital ma r ket as well as f r ee up more f u nds for i nvestments i nstead of u s i ng t h em to pay taxes. All t hi ngs be i ng e qu al, it s ho u ld be a pos it i ve development fo r t h e economy and fo r effo r ts to c r eate mo r e j obs,” Co sa i d. Among t he projects t h at may benef it f r om t h e r eallocat i on of GOCC f u nds i nclude t he Met ro Man i la Su bway Project and soc i al p r og r ams s u c h as t h e Teac h e r Effect i veness and Competenc i es En h ancement Pr o j ect. Co sa i d Cong r ess won’t i nte r pose any ob j ect i on to t h e DOF plan, w hi c h u nde r sco r es t h e comm itment of t h e adm i n i st r at i on of Pr es i dent Fe r d inand Ma rcos Jr to eff i c i ent r eso urce
ut ions made by Phi l h ealt h membe r s and a r e meant to be u sed fo r t h e co u nt r y’s development” h e sa i d. “Cong r ess h as done its pa r t i n its exe rc i se of ove r s i g ht f u nct i ons on t h e nat i onal b u dget, w it h r espect to Phi lHealt h s u bs i d i es,” sa i d Co. “Notw it hstand i ng act i ons by Cong r ess, hu ge amo u nts of st r anded f u nds i n Phi lHealt h ex i st and it wo u ld be a g r eat i nju st i ce to F i l i p i nos i f t h ese f u nds r ema i n u nu sed.”
vely.
t h e agency
i ms to expand cove r
to 1.2
ll i on fa r me r s, 21,000 l i vestock r a i se r s, and f i s h e ri es stake holde r s,” t h e DA’s statement r ead. W it h an annu al b u dget of P4.5 b i ll i on so urced f r om t h e Gene r al App r op ri at i ons Act (Rep u bl i c Act 11975), t h e DA sa i d t h e P CIC p ri ma ri ly foc u ses on i ndemn i fy i ng i ns ur ance cla i ms, h av i ng se rv i ced 744,000 fa r me r cla i ms last yea r alone.
T h e depa r tment sa i d t h e d ir ect i ve u nde r sco r es its comm itment to mode r n i z i ng ag ri c u lt ur al p r act i ces and ens uri ng t h at P CIC plays a p i votal r ole i n safeg u a rd i ng t h e l i vel ihood of rur al commu n it i es ac r oss t h e Phi l i pp i nes. It added t h at P CIC, an agency t h at was r ecently r et ur ned u nde r t h e w i ngs of t h e DA, plays a c ru c i al r ole i n p r omot i ng food p r odu ct i on by p r ov i d i ng i ns ur ance p r otect i on to fa r me r s, f i s he r men, and l i vestock r a i se r s aga
T he BSP f ur t her demonstrated its commitment to FinTech solutions t hrough its extension on g ranting l icenses to new e-money i ss ue r s (EMIs) unti l t he end of t his year in t he context of a reg u lator y sandbox approach t hat w i ll foster innovation and susta inabi lity in t his space.
T his, and other initiatives, such as its g ranting of dig ital bank ing licenses to si x entities, stand aga inst t he backdrop of t he BSP ’s Dig itization Roadmap, set to steer t he countr y toward becoming more f inancially i nclu sive v i a d ig ital tools. It h as
Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
Smaller family companies are the unexpected innovation powerhouses in many countries in the world
FINDING YOUR CENTER: THREE REASONS WHY YOU’RE LOSING YOUR BALANCE
HAVE you ever ridden a rollercoaster, had a bit too much to drink, or sailed over rough and choppy seas? Then you may have experienced a temporary loss of balance, that woozy, room-is-spinning feeling that leaves you staggering and holding on to support until you’ve regained your steadiness. A loss of balance and its accompanying symptoms can also be the result of a medical issue.
“Your ability to sit, stand, and walk without falling or swaying from side to side involves more than your muscles and bones,” says Franco Louie L.B. Abes, MD, of the department of otorhinolaryngology of Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph).
“These actions also involve your eyes, inner ear, nerves, heart, brain, muscles, and blood vessels. Once one of these key organs doesn’t function as it should, it can impact your balance.”
According to MakatiMed, health-related balance problems can stem from one of three sources:
The vestibular system “is usually related to the inner ear. Certain medications, ear infections, calcium crystals that move to the wrong side of the inner ear, too much fluid in the inner ear (Meniere’s disease), or a benign tumor in the ear (acoustic neuroma) can affect your balance,” says Abes. “Common symptoms to look out for are dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, blurred vision, and even falling.”
The vascular system “controls the flow of blood to the brain. Poor circulation, standing up or sitting down too quickly (orthostatic hypotension), and stroke can manifest in the form of dizziness, lightheadedness, and the feeling of fainting,” Abes explains.
The nervous system, “which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and other nerves, can also be the cause of your imbalance issues,” bes points out. “Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cervical spondylosis, multiple sclerosis, as well as the presence of an infarct or a concussion are conditions that can result in a loss of balance.”
A thorough clinical examination and further diagnostic tests aid a physician in getting to the bottom of your balance problem. “You should likely see an otolaryngologist, who specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, neck and throat,” says Abes. “If your loss of balance is due to dislodged crystals in your inner ear, then the doctor may do the Epley maneuver, which moves the calcium crystals back into their proper place. Steroids and vestibular rehabilitation therapy can address an inner ear infection and Meniere’s disease.”
Proper vestibular evaluation and imaging tests of your head and brain are recommended if initial examinations and treatments do not resolve the problem.
“The point is not to delay a consultation,” advises Abes. “An unsteady gait doesn’t just interfere with your daily activities. It could lead to more problems like falls that could result in fractures or head trauma. By addressing your loss of balance issue early, you save yourself from complications that could be more detrimental to your health.”
Lessons
team wants to learn more about the legal
on leadership from walking a dog
ONE of our adopted dogs, Sammy, used to live on the same street as us. Our neighbor took him in Sammy was not very friendly, but when our neighbor living with our neighbor, but we have adopted him as one of our own.
One lesson is the bond between a dog and its owner in leadership. Being reliable, keeping promises, and
have
ensure everyone is aligned and understands their roles. the surroundings to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Similarly, leaders should be observant, paying timely interventions and support, addressing issues while remaining sensitive to the needs of their team. in leadership. Just like what John Maxwell said, environment where everyone develops into their
PHOTO BY KARL JOSHUA BERNAL ON UNSPLASH
Sun Life, Lifestyle Medical Group Manila partner to empower Pinoys towards a healthier future
SUN Life of Canada
(Philippines), Inc. recently announced their tie-up with Lifestyle Medical Group Manila, a premier healthcare services provider. This collaboration aims to empower Filipinos to prioritize their health and well-being through a holistic approach that combines financial security and high-quality healthcare.
This strategic collaboration brings together the financial security and peace of mind offered by Sun Life with the top-notch medical care expertise of Lifestyle Medical Group Manila. Through strengthened offerings and solutions, individuals and communities can focus on maintaining good health with greater confidence.
“This collaboration marks a step forward in fulfilling our core purpose – to help Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “By joining forces, Sun Life Philippines and Lifestyle Group Medical Manila will be able to
create awareness about illnesses to watch out for, ensure lifestyle modification, and foster general wellness among our clients.”
Dr. Marc Dexter Macalintal, CEO of Lifestyle Medical Group Manila, echoed this statement, stating, “By collaborating with Sun Life Philippines, we will be able to empower more Filipinos to take control of their overall well-being, and create a healthier future for themselves and their families.”
The strategic tie-up was formalized at
an event attended by top executives from both organizations, including Benedict Sison, Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head; Atty. Edgar Tordesillas, Sun Life Philippines General Counsel; Al Quitangon, Sun Life Philippines Chief Distribution Officer; Dr. Marc Dexter Macalintal, Lifestyle Medical Group Manila CEO, Dr. Nicole Anne Buenavista, Lifestyle Medical Group Manila Chief Operating Officer; and Jan Paolo Dipasupil, Lifestyle Medical Group Manila Chief Financial Officer.
IN the photo are, from left, Dr. Jan Paolo Dipasupil, Chief Financial Officer, Lifestyle Medical Group Manila; Dr. Marc Dexter Macalintal, CEO, Lifestyle Medical Manila; Dr. Nicole Anne Buenavista, Chief Operating Officer, Lifestyle Medical Manila; Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head, Sun Life Philippines; Atty. Ed Tordesillas, General Counsel, Sun Life Philippines; and Al Quitangon, Chief Distribution Officer, Sun Life Philippines
Shell, PDRF roll out Oplan Kanlaon; distribute hygiene kits to affected families
SHELL Pilipinas Corporation, in collaboration with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), recently distributed hygiene kits to the affected families from the Kanlaon Eruption in Negros Occidental last June.
PDRF and Shell volunteers handed over 500 hygiene kits to Bago City, La Castella City, and La Carlota, the hardest-hit cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental.
PDRF procured the kits from micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises
(MSMEs) to support and promote local businesses. A local grocery store, KJ Fairmart, supplied the response and even offered help along with Shell.
“On our part, our bosses wanted to help local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs).
For example, they are offering free use of trucks, [and] free deliveries to those who ordered from us as our way of helping the [communities] affected by the disasters,” said store operations assistant Emafe Velano.
Each kit meets the humanitarian standard for hygiene kits, which addresses the hygiene challenges faced during a disaster.
After receiving the aid, Donna Hidalgo, an evacuee in La Castellana, expressed her appreciation for Shell, “We are very thankful because this is a big help to us, [farming is our only source of living] and now that Kanlaon erupted, we have no income. So, this aid from Shell is a big help for us and the kids here [in the evacuation center] because we don’t have anything with us, just our clothes.”
“For personal use, it’s a huge help to us, especially financially and because we can’t go out and buy things like this.” said Marize Mendoza, an evacuee from La Castellana.
“Earlier, while I was giving kits, it was heartwarming for them [beneficiaries] that they were served, given attention, and they were not ignored. That means our government and the private sector are not neglecting them,” said Shell Terminal Supervisor JC Magno.
As one of PDRF’s Member Companies, Shell has been a strong partner of PDRF, especially during disaster response. “Shell’s relief effort in Kanlaon demonstrates what the private sector can do in difficult situations. PDRF is pleased to have been part of the initiative,” said PDRF President Butch Meily.
Cebu keeps pace with PHL Energy Security goals
AS the Philippines secures its power supplies for the near and medium terms, Cebu is aligning its own resources to meet the energy demands of its booming outsourcing, tourism and manufacturing industries. At a recent energy forum in Makati
and
electricity from neighboring islands of Panay and Leyte electricity comes from plants outside Metro Cebu.
Given the great Panay Blackout earlier this year and
a projected shortfall in the next three to four years, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia underscored the need to build baseload power plants in Cebu to meet its demand for reliable power to support its rapidly growing economy and population.
“We cannot be relying mainly on others for our she said. Rapid development in the Queen City of the South is driven by its strategic location, robust infrastructure, thriving tourism industry, and burgeoning business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. This growth significantly contributes to the national GDP, creating jobs, attracting foreign investment, and promoting regional prosperity.
On the sidelines of the recent Cebu Business Month Summit, acting Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia assured that they are taking steps for a guaranteed sufficient power supply, saying that “we have to invite investments from the private sectors, especially the power generation companies already here. We only have to let them expand their capacity to supply power to Cebu Island.” At the same forum, Aboitiz Power Corp., through
For Ronaldo Ramos, chief operating officer for operated assets of the AboitizPower Thermal Business Group, the target completion of the brownfield expansion plant in Toledo City will depend on the timely approval and release of the prerequisite permits. He assured that once all these requirements are approved, the company
Lotilla said at the Makati Forum that while he sees a “massive room” for growth for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, its current contribution to the power mix remained sluggish at 22 percent and far from the goal of hitting 35 percent in six years. On the requirement. While the DOE continues to maintain a moratorium on the development of new coal plants, he said that exemptions were in place “for committed, indicative, and expansion plans. We do not set aside our responsibility to ensure adequate baseload capacities in conjunction with our push to increase Renewable Energy’s share in the power mix.”
Turn Everyday Expenses into Extra Cash with Maya Savings
LOOKING for ways to make the most out of your spending? With Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, your everyday transactions can lead to bigger savings and better perks. It’s like earning freebies from the interest you accumulate, turning every purchase into an investment for your future.
Whether you’re treating yourself to that must-have latte or picking up your essentials, each transaction using Maya contributes to your financial game plan. Maya Savings offers up to 15 percent interest p.a., the only savings account that lets you earn for every spend, with interest credited daily, ensuring that your money doesn’t just sit there; it grows, making your savings work as hard as you do.
Meet Charisse Kim, a marketing executive who relies on Maya for her jet-setting lifestyle. At 40, Charisse thrives on exploring concerts abroad and venturing into new experiences with friends.
During a recent K-pop sensation’s concert in Singapore in 2023, Charisse leaned on her Maya Card exclusively. "I used it everywhere, even at the train station!" she said. Throughout her four-day trip, Charisse was thrilled to see her Maya Savings interest rate soar. "I hit seven percent for the first time," she marveled. "I never forked out cash."
As Charisse gears up for her upcoming Eurotrip, she has meticulously planned her finances using Maya's Personal Goals feature. This budgeting tool allows her to set up to five goals for expenses like tickets, hotels, and shopping. Compared to what traditional banks offer, Maya Personal Goals guarantees a competitive four percent interest p.a. "The interest I earn could mean extra pocket money. I might even treat myself to a fine bottle of French wine," she added.
Meanwhile, Amanda Castillo, who introduced her friends to the digital bank, finds it convenient when shopping using Maya. "I took my Maya Card to Japan," Amanda recounted, beaming at the favorable exchange rates she secured on sneaker purchases. With Maya Cards accessible in over 200 countries, users can tap, swipe, or check
out online seamlessly, no matter where they are in the world.
Back home, Maya remains Amanda's go-to for daily essentials, from utilities to groceries, while seamlessly managing household bills. "Paying bills means my savings grow on autopilot," she shared. "It’s like earning cashback, enough for a couple of lattes and a slice of cake each month."
Trish Chua, a 25-year-old content creator, also enjoys the perks of using the Maya app and card for her daily needs and overall wellness. "I’ve used Maya for everything from skincare treats to updating my wardrobe," Trish shared. "It's so easy to indulge a bit with my Maya Card knowing that the interest from Maya Savings is working in the background."
Like Charisse and Amanda, Trish also embraces travel. "Tracking expenses through the app is also a breeze—and my Maya Card is very stylish too!"
What sets Maya Savings apart? It’s not just about stashing cash; it’s about empowering you to make savvy financial moves. With Maya’s seamless integration of banking, e-wallet, and investments, managing your finances is as easy as a few taps on your phone. Kickstart your financial journey by opening a Maya Savings account today—it’s quick, easy, and FREE! Don't let life's little luxuries slip away—like Charisse, Amanda, and Trish, harness Maya to grow your money effortlessly!
For more information and to kickstart your journey with Maya Savings, visit Maya’s website today. Get the latest updates about Maya by following @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.
New Insights offered on attraction of chocolates
MONDELĒZ International, a leading snacks company known for its iconic brands such as Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Toblerone, Tang, Eden Cheese, and Cheez Whiz announced the release of its insights about the global love for chocolate in time for the celebration of World Chocolate Day. The findings are part of the 5th annual State of Snacking report and the Company’s ongoing commitment to understanding consumer preferences and delivering the best snacking experiences while maintaining its mindful snacking approach.
In celebration of World Chocolate Day this July, Mondelēz International reports that an overwhelming 82 percemt of global consumers believe that “chocolate is good for the soul.” This sentiment underscores the bond that people have with chocolate, transcending generations and regions across the globe.
Additionally, 73 percent of consumers feel that chocolate has the sweet power to “turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary,” highlighting its role in making every day experiences extra special and enjoyable for everyone.
As the world celebrates this beloved snack, it’s also worth noting that 72 percent of global consumers fear that a “world without chocolate would be a world without joy.”This feeling, reported as consistent across various geographic locations, underlines the universal appeal of chocolates as a source of happiness, comfort, and satisfaction.
In a testament to chocolate’s cherished status, 57 percent of those surveyed indicated that they would rather give up social media for a month rather than go through a month without chocolate. This preference emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable delight that chocolate provides, making it a treat that is loved around the world.
As part of the State of Snacking report, consumers also stated other various reasons for their love and fondness of chocolate is like taking a mini vacation for your senses.” brightens my day, every day.” just about the snack; it’s about breaking barriers and creating bonds with others.”
These insights demonstrate
As
fulfilling snacking experience. Locally this advocacy is called “Snack na Swak,” which highlights the Company’s purpose of empowering people to snack right.
To learn more about the State of Snacking, the report is published and available at Mondelēz International’s website: www.mondelezinternational.com/stateofsnacking.
PDRF and Shell volunteers distributed hygiene kits in an evacuation center in La Castellana City.
Editor: Tet Andolong
Property investors going south
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @ brownindio
BUYERS of residential properties are going to the southern part of Metro Manila according to data provided by Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
According to the two organizations, residential real estate loans in Metro Manila experienced a 31 percent decline in the first quarter of 2024. As a result, loans for condominium units posted the biggest decline in the first quarter of 2024, overtaken significantly by single detached houses, 43 percent against 34.7 percent.
Roy Amado Golez, Jr., director research and consultancy, Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), also noted loans taken out were for purchase of properties outside Metro Manila registered a 2 percent rise. The trend shows buyers are moving out of Metro Manila. “Our outlook for the sector is that developers are taking a cautious stand in terms of intro-
ducing new projects. They are also aware of the capital expenditure [CAPEX] projection as the first half of the year but apparently it has been a decrease. Perhaps, in the second half of the year, we will see some expansion by the introduction of new projects by the developers,” said Golez during the firm’s 2 Q 2024 Philippine Property Market Update held in its Makati office
Golez said the highest concern among the developers is the interest rates which are still considered high by the property sector. He pointed out that this is a significant factor for development as well and new sales especially when the buyers transfer their accounts to bank loans.
According to data from LPC and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the fourth quarter of 2023 saw loans for single detached houses had the biggest takeout of42.6 percent followed by condominiums (42.6 percent), and townhomes (14.7 percent). Duplex had a measly 0.1 percent take out.
In the first half of 2024, BSP data indicated a one percent rise to 43 percent of loans for single detached homes. Nevertheless, it was a big drop for condominium loans to 19 percent as only 34.7 percent were obtained. Townhouses displayed an impressive
True to its new ‘Live Differently’ motto, VCDC’s modern homes unleash homeowners’ individuality
ABy Roderick L. Abad
MID a glut of residential projects in and out of the metropolis nowadays, Victor Consunji Development Corp. (VCDC) is a league of its own, always setting a benchmark of what contemporary living is with creative home designs yet customized to every buyer’s preference. Owning a place at any of its projects is, after all, a “dream home” come true, so might as well build it fit to the owner’s fancy and desire.
Venturing into a new journey of property development, VCDC has launched a brand new slogan, “Live Differently,” which highlights its innovative home concepts and underscores its thrust of empowering future residents to organize their living spaces based on their unique personal choices and discerning tastes on luxury living.
Such brand strategy serves as a lighthouse, encompassing all aspects and details of the company’s property developments—from planning to layouts, communal area design, and tailored amenities. It’s 360-degree-oriented solutions lend a flexible canvas for modern clients who are brave enough to live on their own created kind of a lifestyle.
With the “Live Differently” ethos, the pioneering flexibility-first approach of VCDC is highly apparent in its sustainability-conscious construction details, green spaces, wellness sanctuaries, and complementary bespoke services. For instance, inhabitants may enjoy features such as indoor-outdoor integrative spaces.
At home, residents can dwell comfortably and opulently in its expansive living areas, airy and naturally light-filled rooms designed with generous floor-to-ceiling windows, roof decks, and private gardens. Outside their abode, the interactive and vibrant community can host them well at its all-inclusive fitness centers, familyfriendly clubhouses, multifunctional spaces, and other state-of-the-art amenities. The properties of VCDC mostly offer a suburban sanctuary with the bustling vibe yet convenience of an urban setting. They are strategically located in such a way that they provide a serene environment that offers tranquility and, at the same time, utmost ease due to proximity
to essential services and establishments like malls and supermarkets for their daily needs. All of these befit the demands and needs of modern families, thriving entrepreneurs, and courageous creatives who, albeit their different nature, are similar in their unique passions and goals in life, inclination towards modern living, and global and environmental consciousness.
“Live Differently” debuted simultaneously with the marking of VCDC’s important milestone—the groundbreaking for its upcoming property development in Katipunan City. This adds to the firm’s expansive portfolio of single-family homes and lowdensity, gated neighborhoods situated in most sought-after metropolitan areas of Taguig City and Q uezon City (Q C), as well as Calamba in Laguna. The developer’s latest acquisition in
Q C is an 8-hectare lot along Katipunan Extension, once a quiet address that has metamorphosed into a vibrant, familyoriented neighborhood. The area enjoys a burgeoning student population, as it is home to some prestigious schools and colleges. Malls, cafes and restaurants, among other topnotch establishments, are merely a short drive away.
VCDC constantly aims to deliver not only excellently-designed residences, but also homes that Filipinos can truly craft and call their own for upcoming generations. Guided by the new motto, the visionary real estate developer’s inventive way of building a home that’s not just a place to live in but also a reflection of their personality and aspirations truly brings out the homeowners’ individuality. Watch out for more updates on this exciting project. Visit: http://vconsunji.com.
50 percent surge with 22 percent were released. Duplex also posted a growth of 2 percent to 0.3 percent from 0.1 percent from the previous period.
In general, Golez said the market expansion is going southward through the Cavite Toll Expressway Project Cavite (CAVITEX), and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Moreover, he said the completion of the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4, Light Rail Transit 1 Cavite Extension and the Cavite-Batangas Expressway CBEX) and the Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX) in three to four years would solidify the viability
of the Southern part. At present, developers that have presence in the South are Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land, VistaLand, Rockwell Land, Federal Land and Filinvest Land Inc. Moreover, the prices of the properties being developed have been experiencing robust growth.
For instance, Federal Land Inc.’s Riverpark, which currently sells at 66,800,00 per square meter (sqm), has a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26 percent. Megaworld’s Arden Botanical township (phase 1) has a current price of P51, 000 per sq m and a CAGR of 20 percent.
HBA Manila creates spaces to call
CELEBRATIONS, the arts scene, flavorful desserts, rich old architecture, the contagious joie de vivre, and the relaxing vibe, where time seems to move at a slower rate are just some of the draws of Negros, especially in the summer. There is, too, the unstoppable growth of Bacolod City, and HBA Manila Design Office kept all those feels in mind when designing interiors for the Citadines group’s recently opened hotel in Bacolod.
HBA Manila created the hotel interiors that feature the unique flavor and spirit of Negros in this international 200-unit serviced apartment and facilities that include a ballroom, meeting rooms, swimming pool, gym, and restaurant. And because The Citadines Bacolod is situated in a dynamic commercial and lifestyle hub in this swiftly developing city, the design team ensured that the rich Negros heritage would be highlighted in the midst of all the 21st-century trappings around it.
Norman Agleron, HBA Partner, says that in marrying the Citadines brand of ‘where you can live, work, and play at the cities you love’ and the smiles and festivals Negros has been known for, they executed designs that evoke both the contemporary and the distinct local cultural flavor.
Agleron adds that they are most proud of showcasing ascent: Bacolod Rising, and Negros Occidental moving into the New Age. “The Citadines Bacolod marks a new milestone for the Southeast Asia’s City of Smiles as being its first international hotel brand. The hotel’s addition to the city skyline signifies Bacolod’s unprecedented growth. The [interior] design is inspired by Negros Occidental’s climb from a sleepy province known for its majestic sceneries and idyllic haciendas to a major business hub in the Philippines’ southern region.”
Led by Project Director, Ar. Ice Lagman, this concept was executed throughout the hotel with rhythmic play of layers, forms and clean lines that exudes an elegant flair that is soothing and uncomplicated.
In Laguna, Rockwell Land’s Rockwell South is selling at P65,000 per sq m with a CAGR of 15 percent.
Meanwhile, Golez said the area under the Municipality of Bulacan will experience economic growth once the New Manila International Airport developed by diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp will start operations. “Right now, the focus is in the San Jose del Monte area. But once the new airport is up, expect the area of Bulakan, Bulacan to grow economically,” he said.
Golez said the luxury and highend condominiums continued to defy economic challenges as it showed consistent capital appreciation. For example, a unit in Park Terraces-Point Tower experienced a 7.8 percent increase in the average asking price to P347,000 per sq m in the second quarter of 2024 from P322,000 per sqm in the same period of last year. Forbes Park, considered as the most prestigious address of the high network wealthy individuals (HNWIs) in the country, posted a 6.4 percent increase in property prices starting at P642,000 per sqm. Meanwhile, Dasmarinas Village posted 1.1 percent growth with a selling price of P635,000 per sqm.
“Through the subtle application of Bacolod’s craftmanship in the textures, materials, and color palette—from the fluid textured walls and flooring patterns, down to the furniture and artworks—we worked to guarantee that the interiors alone adequately commemorate the people and their heritage,” Lagman said. The concept of locally traditional + globally modern is most significantly showcased in the lobby, where one would be greeted by the famous Bacolod’s craft, the “Libon Kwadro” or woven pandan basket. “By expressing it in the pendant lights, it was transformed using modern elements. The design seeks to express different forms and patterns to be applied in the interior contrasted with organic movements against the rigid bacdrop,” Agleron explains. The Citadines Bacolod is yet an-
other project HBA Manila Design Team had been able to carry out displaying that HBA brand of expertly celebrating what is locally embraced in a world-class design setting. After this project, the design group will continue with the work lined up for the rest of the year, looking forward to even more ways to learn about new places and cultures, while continuously growing with the world of interior design. “We see ourselves working on more hospitality projects that would inspire, challenge, and bring our expertise in interior
MODEL townhouse at M Residences
SAMPLE of modern, “green”-inspired living area design of Victor Consunji Development Corp.
FROM left Mikko Barranda, LPC associate director; Alfred Lay, LPC director for hotels, tourism and leisure; Roy Amado Golez Jr. LPC director, research and consultancy; and Tam Angel, LPC director for investment sales. PHOTO CREDIT LPC PHOTO
‘Puso
Sports BusinessMirror
B8 WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024
mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph
Editor: Jun Lomibao
grit, glory
in Paris 2024’ champions Filipino athletes’
SMART Communications Inc. (Smart) goes behind the scenes looking into the preparations of the Paris Olympics-bound Filipino athletes through a mini-documentary series “Puso in Paris 2024.”
The series features stories of hopes and dreams, struggles and determination, victories and defeat, and, more importantly, of hearts that bear these challenges to make an archipelagic nation of more than 100 million Filipinos proud.
“Puso in Paris 2024” will be streamed on the Smart Livestream App for free and will be made available to all networks.
“Smart is committed to helping Filipino athletes perform their best in the world’s biggest stage,” said Alex Caeg, Head of Smart Consumer Wireless Business. “We share their passion and we join them in their exciting journey of bringing honor to our country.”
The four-part series opens with the returning Olympians Carlos Edriel “Caloy” Yulo, world No. 2 pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Felix Marcial, as well as debuting Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan.
They head to Paris revealing their hardships and the blood, sweat and tears they shed to realize their Olympic dreams.
Also featured are first-time Olympic weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando and John Ceniza, all of who are aiming to uphold the legacy set by Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist.
“I urge Filipinos to support our national athletes. Tune in to their competitions with the Smart Livestream App which will broadcast the Paris 2024 games round-the-clock from opening up until the closing ceremonies,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.
Smart—an official broadcast partner of the Paris Olympics— offers the documentary through Smart LiveStream App on Google Play Store and App Store for free and is accessible by subscribers of all networks
“Puso in Paris 2024” is also available on Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas official YouTube and Facebook pages.
Definitely, we’ll deliver in Paris –Tolentino
Korean debuting pro Lee shines in tough conditions
YOUNG Jiwon Lee survived a late mishap with a crucial birdie on the last hole to salvage a 73 for a one-stroke lead over Florence Bisera after the first 18 holes of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Splendido Taal Championship Tuesday in Laurel, Batangas. Building on her previous success at the Lakewood Championship, which she won as an amateur,
Lee took charge midway through the round with a frontside 35.
But she encountered challenges with bogeys on Nos. 13, 15 and 17 to expose some vulnerabilities in the game of the 16-year-old Korean.
Lee regained her composure and birdied the tough finishing hole to separate herself from flight mate Bisera, who mounted her own comeback with back-to-back birdies from No. 15.
PBy Josef Ramos
HILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino gave a fearless forecast on the Paris Olympics campaign: We will deliver!
“Definitely, we will deliver,” Tolentino told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, 10 days before the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad get going with a never-donebefore opening ceremony on the River Seine in the French capital.
“Definitel, we will surpass Tokyo [Olympics],” added Tolentino in the held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex’s Conference Room. “And we are excited.” Tokyo 2020, which was delayed for one year because of the pandemic, saw weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz win the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal—and with two silvers from Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and one bronze from their fellow boxer Eumir Felix Marcial. That was Tolentino’s first watch as POC president and now with a template that’s been applied and proven, he’s become braver in making a prediction.
22 Filipino athletes who have qualified for Paris.
“Actually, we surpassed the number of athletes from 19 in Tokyo to 22 in Paris,” he said. “My target was 25 if cycling and skateboarding made it. If basketball made it, that’s a different story.”
“It depends if it’s one gold, two golds or three golds as long as we surpass Tokyo,” he said. “We’re all excited and the mood of the athletes is different, all leveled up.” He added: “So, I’d like to thank the Philippine Sports Commission and
to Lee despite bogeys on Nos. 16, 18 and 1—she battled through the winds and birdied Nos. 2 and 7 but faltered with a double bogey on the ninth, missing a chance to share the lead.
“The weather is very challenging, with constantly changing wind directions,” said Monsalve, who fell to joint third with Chihiro Ikeda, who recorded a 38-37.
The Davaoeña finished with a 74 to secure her position as the main challenger in the 54-hole championship put up by ICTSI.
AIYA SUZUKI birdied the 18th hole to cap an eagle-spiked 67 to catch Clyde Mondilla and Min Seong Kim at the helm at the start of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Splendido Taal Championship in Laurel, Batangas, on Tuesday. Mondilla and Kim earlier endured last-hole miscues in opposite nines to match fiveunder cards under preferred lies, enabling Suzuki to gain a share of the lead in what promises to be a wild, wideopen battle for glory in the
Cone’s unorthodox ways
WHAT makes a basketball coach good?
I ask in light of current developments in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Of course, first and foremost is, a coach is good for as long as he is winning
If
Cone hit the headlines again after an eye-popping trade that sent two of his stars at Barangay Ginebra to Terrafirma. A shocker? Not to me. Yes, I grant that it’s a bit of a shock to see Cone
“I really wanted to finish at twounder after a strong frontside 35,” Lee said. “But unfortunately, I made several bogeys on the back nine and the greens were very challenging.”
The change in weather also impacted her performance, differing from her experience when she won the Junior Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Luzon Series 1 last May.
“With the rainy weather, the ground is very soft, and the greens don’t offer much roll,” Lee said. “The course plays longer under these conditions, making it more difficult.”
Boasting drives of 240 to 250 yards, Lee plans to improve in the next two rounds, emphasizing the importance of staying on the fairways to avoid the difficulties of the rough.
Marvi Monsalve, who initially led with a birdie on No. 10, stayed close
$2-million championship marking the resumption of the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) after a five-week hiatus.
Aidric Chan rattled off six birdies after a bogey start, showcasing a stellar performance since topping the PGT Q -School, but the former national team standout closed out with another bogey on the 18th to card a 68 to slip to joint second with Angelo Q ue and Tae Soo Kim, who both matched 32-36 nines.
Que, winner at the Philippine Masters, also marked his round with an eagle on No. 2, while Tae Soo Kim shot eight birdies, including four straight
release Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle in one fell swoop. These are marquee players. Key cogs in Ginebra’s superlative showing in the last season. Superstars in their own right. To see Standhardinger and Pringle being swapped with Stephen Holt and Isaac Go kinda smacked of aberration? In a way, yes. Holt and Go are untested. Raw. No pretentious pedigrees. N’yet, anyway. But Cone has always had an eye for talent. He knows a diamond in the rough when he sees one. That’s what distinguishes him from the rest of the pack. How many times has he
Mikha Fortuna briefly held the lead with an even-par score after 12 holes. However, the Match Play Championship winner last year struggled with the challenges of Splendido Taal, bogeying four of the last six holes to finish with a 76, tying for fifth with Kayla Nocum.
Nocum, who had a promising start with a one-over card after 10 holes, also stumbled in the final stretch, conceding three strokes in the last five holes for a pair of 38s.
Mafy Singson, the 2022 event winner while playing as an amateur, birdied the second hole to spark hopes of an explosive start. However, she made three bogeys in the next six holes.
Although she birdied the ninth, Singson settled for pars in the last two long holes on Nos. 10 and 11 and finished with four bogeys in the last seven holes for a 77.
She tied for seventh with Sarah Ababa and Rev Alcantara, while Pamela Mariano and Gretchen Villacencio matched 78s.
from the second, against four bogeys. Building on the momentum of his pro-am victory on Monday, Tony Lascuña birdied seven of the first 11 holes in breezy conditions under varying skies.
But Lascuña faltered with three straight bogeys from No. 12 and though he recovered his composure with a birdie on the 15th, the four-time Order of Merit winner overshot the demanding par-three 17th and ended up with a double-bogey for a 69.
He dropped to joint seventh with Fidel Concepcion, who parred the last nine holes for a 33-36.
“With a template, with this preparation, we will deliver,” Tolentino told the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, POC, Smart/PLDT, Milo and ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment in the Philippines. The template, Tolentino said, is to go maximum in training an athlete—a squad of coaches, nutritionist, strength and conditioning experts, physical therapists and psychologists. And these have been applied to the
judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, rower Joanie Delgaco, golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina and fencer Sam Catantan.
Benilde gals snatch bronze medal
COLLEGE of Saint Benilde turned to Wewe Estoque in the nip-andtuck deciding set to defeat pesky Letran, 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15, in Game 2 for the bronze medal in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The wing spiker scored the Lady Blazers’ last four points capped by backto-back aces to complete a sweep of the best-of-three series.
Saint Benilde, the reigning threetime National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion, clawed back from a 1-2 match deficit for its first podium finish in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Team Rebel Sports and Mikasa.
Estoque scored two of the Lady Blazer’s three unanswered points in the fifth set that gave her squad a 13-12 lead but the Lady Knights fired back with consecutive hits from Ni-
zelle Martin and Gia Maquilang that pushed Letran at matchpoint. Lady Knights middle blocker Angelique Ledesma committed an error in the next play that extended the set before Maquilang scored on a kill for the matchpoint advantage. Estoque knotted the game at 15 off a tip before sealing the deal at the service line to finish off the same team Saint Benilde beat in the NCAA Season 99 finals.
Rhea Densing fired 24 points off 20 kills and four kill blocks, Estoque had 18 points while Zamantha Nolasco and Clydel Catarig added 14 points apiece for the Lady Blazers, who took the series opener, 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, last Monday.
“We trusted ourselves, our teamwork,” said Densing, who scored four of Saint Benilde’s last five points in the fourth set that shattered a 20-20 deadlock to force a fifth set. Grace Borromeo posted 11 points for Saint Benilde.
WEWE ESTOQUE sparkles for the Lady Blazers.
DEBUTING pro Jiwon Lee holds a one-stroke lead after the first round.
DAIYA SUZUKI spikes his day with an eagle.
PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino’s trust and confidence with the Paris-bound athletes are that high. NONIE REYES