IF the Philippines wants to see an upgrade in its credit ratings, the country must make greater headway in addressing its pandemic-related debts and register fast and sustained economic growth, according to Moody’s Ratings.
On Friday, Moody’s Ratings affirmed the country’s investmentgrade credit rating of “Baa2” with a “stable” outlook.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said maintaining the Baa2 rating is a recognition of the country’s economic reforms and fiscal consolidation efforts.
“Upward pressure on the rating would develop if there are signs of a more rapid reversal of the deterioration in fiscal and government debt metrics stemming from the pandemic shock accompanied by a sustained pickup in economic growth, in a context of broad macroeconomic and financial stability. Such improvements would further bolster our assessments of macroeconomic and fiscal policy effectiveness,” Moody’s Ratings said.
Moody’s Ratings pointed out, however, that the country’s ratings could be downgraded if there is a greater deterioration of its debt
metrics or the erosion of the country’s liquidity conditions, among others.
“The reversal of reforms that have supported prior gains in economic and fiscal strength, as well as a substantial deterioration in institutions and governance strength, with signs of erosion in the quality of legislative and executive institutions, would also be credit negative,” Moody’s Ratings said.
Outlook on Sukuk Trust, BSP
THE credit watcher also affirmed the government’s foreign currency senior unsecured shelf rating at (P) Baa2, ROP Sukuk Trust’s backed senior unsecured rating at Baa2 and the senior unsecured ratings for the country’s central bank, BSP at Baa2.
Moody’s believes that the credit quality of the Philippines’s Central Bank is closely aligned
PHL set to host Sept gab
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
AS the Philippines gears up for the country’s hosting of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 (APMCDRR) next month, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia YuloLoyzaga underscored the need for the Philippines and other AsiaPacific countries to play catchup to hit their respective goals of achieving the 2030 ambitions of the
with that of the government. The outlook on ROP Sukuk Trust and BSP is stable.
The Philippines’s local and foreign currency country ceilings are unchanged at A1 and A2, respectively. The local currency ceiling, four notches above the rating, reflects a small government footprint in the economy, moderate political risks and limited external imbalances.
“The foreign currency ceiling, one notch below the local currency ceiling, primarily reflects potential constraints to capital account openness, despite limited evidence of transfer and convertibility risks given ample reserves and low external debt relative to peers,” Moody’s Ratings said.
In its brief, Moody’s Ratings said the country’s sovereign credit ratings were maintained due to fis-
cal consolidation to pare down the country’s debts from the pandemic.
However, Moody’s Ratings also kept the country’s investment grade rating due to the rising cost of debt, weakness in the Philippine peso, geopolitical risks, and the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
Moody’s Ratings expects debt affordability to weaken over the next two years; this, despite BSP’s recent decision to cut its policy rate to 6.25 percent on August 15.
It noted that government funding costs remained elevated and the weaker Philippine peso will continue to drive the interest burden higher.
Moody’s said interest payments will edge up to around 13 percent of general government
Continued on A2
tem,
By Emmie G. Velarde
ISITING meditation teacher Jayanti Kirpalani sees herself as “an instrument to clarify the teachings of the East and bring them to the West.” She says, matter-of-factly, “I think it was a Divine plan. There’s a plan for each one of us.”
She never strayed from the path laid out in the plan with her name on it. Born in India, she was 8 when her family moved to London in 1957. Today she is one of the top three administrators of Brahma Kumaris, the world’s largest spiritual organization/university led by women, with a network of 4,500 centers in 110 countries.
Over a million students of the university worldwide—men and women of all ages and ethnicities—look up to “Sister Jayanti,” although she is under five feet tall and is slight of build, almost fragile-looking.
That is not nearly the most mystifying thing about her.
This is: She spends a portion of every year at the main campus and headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India, but is otherwise based in London at the Global Co-operation House, which is the BK international coordinating office. In her case, “based in” is not to be confused with “stay put.” She also directs the organization’s activities in the Middle East and around Europe.
Merely catching glimpses of Sister Jayanti at work in the main campus can be very instructive. Every day is an exercise in purposeful time management. Every minute is accounted for, and there’s nary a fuss, although smiles are exchanged all around, often in silence. The best part is that all the work gets done.
She explains: “I [am propelled by] values that I hold very dear— peace, love, truth, joy and purity. These are values that we all understand and wish to adopt in our lives… not just in an abstract way but in very real ways that bring about real change. If even a powerful minority follows these basic, fundamental spiritual laws, we can transform the world into a better place and light will return to the world.”
First a teacher FIRST and foremost, she is a teacher. As such she has authored a wide collection of books about spirituality in daily life, and about Raja Yoga Meditation, centerpiece of Brahma Kumaris principles and practices. She has also recorded an extensive archive of meditation commentaries that have been used worldwide for many years now.
There’s no way she is taking all the credit: “Spirituality gives you a very clear picture and a guideline of what you can do for yourself
“As
Jayanti Kirpalani of Brahma Kumaris, proponent of peace, speaks in free public programs about a brighter future
JAYANTI KIRPALANI of the Brahma Kumaris: “Change
MOODY’S FLAGS RISKS AS IT KEEPS CREDIT RATING
revenue in 2024 to 2025 compared to 10.2 percent in 2022, before stabilizing below 13 percent in 2026, which is relatively higher than similarly rated peers.
“The rating also considers weakening debt affordability amid higher interest rates and a weaker Philippine peso. Structural challenges include low per capita income relative to similarly rated peers, some constraints to the quality of institutions which stand in contrast to strong policy effectiveness, and high exposure to physical climate risks and broad social risks. Heightened geopolitical uncertainty amid territorial tensions with China remain a constraint for the rating,” Moody’s Ratings said.
BSP, DOF hail ratings action
MEANWHILE , the BSP said the stable outlook reflected the balance of risks. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. welcomed the latest ratings action of the credit watcher.
An investment-grade rating signifies low sovereign risk, helping the country secure cheaper funding and redirect funds from interest payments to social programs and projects.
“The BSP welcomes Moody’s affirmation of the country’s investment-grade rating, even as we work with the government to improve the country’s ratings. We are taking a measured approach in safe-
guarding price stability conducive to sustainable economic growth,” Remolona said.
For his part, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto welcomed the latest ratings action of Moody’s Ratings. He noted that the credit ratings agency expects the government debt will stabilize to the level of its regional peers, with national government debt burden settling at around 60 percent of GDP and general government debt at around 50 percent.
The DOF said the government’s fiscal consolidation will be supported by improved revenue and expenditure reforms over the course of 2024 to 2025.
Moody’s noted that Congress’s failure to pass the proposed fiscal reform bills will be a downside risk that would derail the fiscal consolidation path.
The DOF has been closely working with Congress and is confident that most of the priority tax reforms will be passed this year, starting with the bills on valueadded tax on non-resident digital service providers and the CREATE MORE (Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy), among others. These reforms will not only improve revenues equitably but will also enhance the country’s business environment.
“Moody’s affirmation is another victory for Filipinos as this means greater access to more affordable financing to support our projects. These will create more quality jobs, increase incomes,
and reduce poverty incidence in the country. With our growth-enhancing fiscal consolidation plan in place, we ensure that we have adequate fiscal space to invest on infrastructure, education, human capital development, and social protection programs, which have the high multiplier effects on the economy,” the Finance Chief said.
“We also put greater emphasis on creating a better enabling environment for stronger private-sector collaboration so we can bring in more investments and technology, create high-quality jobs, and spur industry development. And with this credit rating affirmation, we can attract more of these high-impact investments into the country,” Recto added.
Earlier, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said the national government surpassed its P20-billion borrowing program, raising P22.6 billion through the sale of Treasury bills (T-bills), as almost all interest rates dropped after the anticipated reduction in key policy rates.
The BTr fully awarded the three tenor short-term debt papers on Monday’s auction as investors’ asking yields are all lower than the secondary market benchmark rates.
The government borrowed P6.500 billion as programmed from the 91-day T-bills, with tenders reaching P15.003 billion (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/08/20/rate-cut-allows-ngto-exceed-borrowing-goal/)
With Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
PHL set to host Sept gab on disaster risk reduction in Aspac
Continued from A1
trial hazards,” she said, citing the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan triggered by a strong tsunami.
Closer to home, she mentioned that during the onslaught of Haiyan in Iloilo, a power barge was driven ashore, causing a power outage.
“We need to be conscientious of where such facilities are in place and whether or not hazards are possible that combine natural and technological and industrial hazards,” Yulo-Loyzaga said.
Another area for improvement is engaging strategic stakeholders at the local level from the top to the local government levels, but also across different sectors, she said.
Lastly, she said, localization and contextualization for early warning systems need to be implemented and delivered in the voice of the vulnerable, and not in the voice of the scientists.
“That way, those populations that need to use this information to save their lives and livelihoods are able to consume and make decisions that are most critical to this purpose,” she said.
The Philippines, which YuloLoyzaga said has always been “on the top in terms of disaster risks” yet also one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, will showcase success stories and highlight Filipino resilience in facing disaster.
With the conference, she said, the Philippines needs to identify the needs across the different sectors to access financing and learn from other countries on dealing with disaster challenges.
Gibo: Info sharing crucial
DEFENSE Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, co-chair of the APMCDRR, said in hosting the conference, the Philippines aims to enhance its resilience as well as disaster response.
He underscored the importance of information sharing among Asia-Pacific countries, highlighting the interagency collaboration in the Philippines during disaster response.
“What we need is to strengthen our interagency coordinative abilities and information gathering abilities for a focused response to anything, whether in mitigation or whether it be a response,” he said.
The APMCDRR 2024 aims to rally Asia-Pacific countries to unite for collective action towards the 2030 ambitions of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
More than 2,500 individuals from 62 countries are expected to take part in the event come October 14 to 18, with the DENR taking the lead along with other government agencies.
At the media launch, YuloLoyzaga and Teodoro said it is a distinct honor for the Philippines to host this year’s event, as well as an opportunity to learn and share best practices to better face the challenge of disasters.
Garafil: Communication is key
PRESIDENTIAL Communications
Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the Philippines is committed to reducing disaster risk in hosting the event as the theme reflects the shared vision of Asia-Pacific countries to enhance community resilience and save lives in the face of the immense challenge posed by climate-change effects.
She underscored the importance of communication in raising awareness, fostering collaboration and ensuring that critical information is fully disclosed.
Yulo-Loyzaga said an interagency committee of 10 Departments is working closely as part of the event hosting’s preparation.
“Those Departments have been working together in the last 10 months and we only have 34 working days left,” Yulo-Loyzaga said.
She said while the Philippines is indeed one of the most vulnerable, on a positive note, it is also now emerging as one of the strongest economies. She said the Philippines will showcase and highlight the resilience of the Filipinos.
A biennial multistakeholder event convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted this year by the Philippines next month, the APMDRR carries the theme: “Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction.”
The conference aims to resolve current challenges to survive what lies ahead in terms of disaster risks.
The Asia-Pacific region is the most disaster-prone region in the world. It is home to 60 percent of the global population, but it is also the fastest-growing regional economy in the world today.
The Sendai Framework is a global agreement created to help countries plan, respond, and build back better for disasters, like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other emergencies. It was named after the city in Japan, where UN member-states adopted
it on March 18, 2015.
The Framework emphasizes the importance of collaboration, risk reduction, resilience-building, and sustainable development to create safer and more resilient societies. By implementing the Sendai Framework, countries aim to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the devastating effects of disasters and to promote a culture of safety and disaster resilience.
Unfortunately, the midterm review of the Sendai Framework last year showed, among others, that countries in the region are way behind in their commitments, and there is a need for a sense of urgency because they are not acting fast enough to meet the goals.
Country commitments include citizen awareness towards DRR, disaster waste management, and investment in more resilient assets to save money for all levels of government in future disasters which directly align with the priorities of the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“The Sendai Framework guides us in this journey. It calls us to make the world a safer place by reducing the risks posed by natural and manmade hazards,” Yulo Loyzaga said in a statement. DENR also introduced the conference branding which depicts converging shields.
The shield was chosen as the main icon in the branding because, in ancient times, people used shields as tools to protect themselves from harm and defend themselves, their homes, and their communities. The branding symbolizes all Asia-Pacific countries coming together and uniting with their shields to prevent disasters and protect the planet as we surge to 2030.
The shield also represents the goals of the Sendai Framework to understand risks, prevent new risks from emerging, reduce existing risks, and increase resilience. Aligned to reduce existing risk, the shield symbolizes the capacity to mitigate risk. Armed with science, fortitude, and determination, countries use their shield to forge forward, armed with knowledge, resources, and commitment.
“The 2024 APMCDRR offers us the chance to come together, share what we have learned, and strengthen the partnerships necessary to move forward. This is an opportunity to continue our progress, build on our successes, and reinforce our commitment to protecting our communities and ecosystems,” Yulo Loyzaga said.
How to live one life and benefit all
Continued from A1
and what you can contribute to the world. Meditation is an opportunity to take my consciousness to a higher level; to think about myself as an eternal soul connected with God.”
UN Peace Messenger AS a non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations, in fact holding a General Consultative Status with its Economic and Social Council, Brahma Kumaris lends its best teachers to the international body for world service. Sister Jayanti has been BK representative to the UN in Geneva since 1982. She has brought spiritual principles to the discussion tables of politicians, economists, business leaders, and scientists.
Since 2009, she has headed the BK delegation to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP), and has spoken internationally on the link between consciousness and climate change.
“Our affiliation with the UN has helped enormously in giving us credibility in certain circles,” she points out. In 1986 we received seven Peace Messenger Awards from the UN for our project, ‘The Million Minutes of
Peace,’ and our work for the International Year of Peace. A lot of our work in recent times has been related to climate change, biodiversity, environment. It’s been a very beautiful partnership.”
Inter-religious friendships
SHE is known for imparting deep spiritual truths with the utmost clarity—surely the natural outcome of deciding as early as age 19 what she was meant to be. This was after meeting Brahma Kumaris founder Brahma Baba in the course of several family visits to India.
An eloquent speaker, albeit in the softest voice and gentlest manner, she has consistently played a prominent role in fostering inter-religious friendship and dialogue. In 1993, she was an adviser to the Council for the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Since 2009 she has championed the inclusion of faith-based organizations at the UN COP conferences, resulting in a highly valued platform for the spiritual voice and perspective. She continues to serve on the Board of Religious Leaders of the Elijah Interfaith Institute based in Jerusalem.
Hearing it from her, it sounds simple enough: “Each religious
tradition has supported life and civilization for thousands of years. On the surface it often seems as though our ideals are dissimilar, and yet friendship is based on an understanding and acceptance of differences. There is a limited consciousness when I am attached to my body or faith community. I belong to this bigger family. Only in this spiritual consciousness can we maintain the awareness of togetherness and it is by reaching out to each other in this consciousness that great friendships can be forged for the benefit of all.”
Sister Jayanti will speak in a public program, “Sowing Seeds of Hope for the Future,” on September 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the JYD Hall of the Security Bank Head Office, 6776 Ayala Ave., Makati. (RSVP: 09178340118.) On September 11, she will be one of three resource persons for another public program, “Journey Towards a Climate of Healing and Hope (An Environmental Forum for a Healthier Planet)” at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, 1000 Cordillera cor. Liberian Streets in Bacood, Santa Mesa, Manila.
Thai ambassador seeking enhanced trade, investments in Clark freeport
FREEPORT—
LARK
CThailand Ambassador
Tull Traisorat has highlighted this freeport as a prime location for expanding trade and investment relations between Thailand and the Philippines.
During a recent visit to the Clark Visitors Center, Traisorat, after a presentation by Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President Agnes VST Devanadera, expressed optimism about collaborating on air connectivity, hospitality, and renewable energy.
“I’ve seen from the [CDC] presentation a lot of opportunities that we could work together in enhancing trade and investment between Thailand and the Philippines,” Traisorat said.
The ambassador emphasized Clark’s strategic advantages, noting its freeport zone status and expanding air connectivity with Bangkok and other cities.
“I see a lot of opportunities here that you’ve been promoting as a freeport zone and an airport. I would like to see more air connectivity between Clark and Bangkok, and to some other cities as well,” the Thai Ambassador said.
He said Thailand and the Philippines could benefit from connecting Clark to U-Tapao, particularly because both locations are strategically positioned for
industrial, high tech, and tourist development. He also highlighted the potential for air connectivity between Clark and U-Tapao, noting that U-Tapao’s proximity to the Eastern Economic Corridor, a special economic zone, and Pattaya, a major tourist destination, could create opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Traisorat also highlighted the potential for Thai companies to grow their presence in Clark, particularly in food, hospitality, banking and finance, and medical services. Additionally, he proposed a collaborative effort between Clark and Thailand to share best practices in freeport zones, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), and other mutual interests, including sharing clients.
The ambassador also noted infrastructure projects, such as the elevated railway being constructed by Italian-Thai Development (ITD) between Clark and Malolos, as key areas for potential collaboration. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties between Thailand and the Philippines and plans to bring a business delegation to Clark to explore further opportunities.
The Thai delegation’s visit to Clark is part of their activities in commemorating the 75th anniversary of Thailand-Philippines diplomatic relations.
BOC seizes ₧5.5B in fake items, smuggled cigarettes
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized counterfeit items and smuggled cigarettes amounting to P5.5 billion in a raid of 19 warehouses in Meycauayan City, Bulacan, on Thursday.
In a statement, the BOC said the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) intercepted devices, garments and gadgets worth P5 billion and cigarettes valued at P500 million in Green Miles Compound, Sitio Cabatuhan in Camalig.
The BOC said the raid was conducted with the CIIS-MICP, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS)-MICP, Prosecution
and Litigation Division-Bureau Action Team Against Smuggling (PLD-BATAS), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
“Removing illicit, unsafe, and untested tobacco products from our markets is one of the many functions of the BOC. This safeguards our community and ensures that our consumers only have access to products that underwent
rigorous standard testing,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said.
“In the same manner, we must also protect products with intellectual property rights because failing to do so puts the country in a bad light and thus affects how these companies, brands see the legal protection accorded to them,” Rubio added.
The BOC said the warehouses were temporarily padlocked and sealed to protect the seized items as it is currently undergoing final inventory by the assigned BOC examiners.
The shipment’s consignors and consignees could face charges for violating Sections 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) and 1400 (Misdeclaration in Goods Declaration) in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
They will also be charged
under Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN Law) and the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Board Resolution No. 079-2005, which includes amended rules and regulations for the export and import of leaf tobacco and tobacco products.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy warned consumers to be certain of the quality and durability of the fake products as the BOC cannot provide them the same protection that authorized and legitimate items provide.
“And not only does smuggling make unsafe products accessible to Filipinos, some of whom are unsuspecting, but they also steal from the economy and prevent us from collecting taxes that could be used for social benefits and the like,” Uy added.
HK, SG, Japan top destinations for Pinoys traveling abroad
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
CLOSE to 4 million Filipinos traveled to various countries in the first seven months of the year, slightly beating the current inbound travel numbers of 3.77 million.
Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed, of the 3.92 million outbound Philippine residents from January to July 2024, the most number of departures, at 656,544, were made in June alone. The data is based on the e-travel online app of the Bureau of Immigration, and covers both outbound Filipino tourists and Filipinos traveling overseas for work (OFWs), according to tourism officials.
Both major tourist locations in Asia and traditional Middle East destinations for overseas Filipino workers took the top spots as outbound travel markets. Hong Kong was the major destination of choice with 502,261 Filipinos traveling there for the period in review, and accounting for 12.8 percent of total outbound travelers. Singapore followed, receiving 460,535 Filipino travelers (11.75 percent); Japan ranked third, with 444,834 Filipino travelers (11.35 percent);
UP Mindanao lodges milestone
DBy Manuel T. Cayon
AVAO CITY—The Mindanao campus of the University of the Philippines announced it has marked another year of seeing more students coming from indigenous communities and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), as it also guaranteed safe spaces for them.
The UP Mindanao administration welcomed its newest batch of Freshmen students in last week’s First-Year Convocation “with an emphasis on inclusivity, regional representation, and opportunities for students from minorities and GIDAs.” “You come from different regions in the Philippines, including BARMM [Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao].
We also have 12 Lingap scholars from the GIDA,” Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao said, adding that the university has the commitment “to democratize access to tertiary education to students from diverse
socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.”
UP Mindanao enrollment data show an improved regional representation among enrollees for academic year 20242025. “Compared to the previous year, regions like Davao, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga have seen increased enrollment numbers due to the university’s commitment to broadening access and ensuring a more equitable distribution of opportunities for students across the country.
“This is the kind of home that we have built for UP Mindanao, a home for inclusive development. We provide a safe space that will allow you to live your full potential and totality as individuals,” Murao continued.
The UP plans to have at least one UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) testing center for every province. Currently, there are eight in the BARMM, seven in Caraga, six in Zamboanga Peninsula, and five in Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen, respectively. This was intended to allow greater opportunity for
then Saudi Arabia 268,935 (11.34 percent); and the United Arab Emirates 264,721 (6.75 percent).
Other top destinations of Filipino travelers from January to July 2024 were: Taiwan at 240,433 (or 6.13 percent of total); Thailand 217,108 (5.54 percent); the United States 191,680 (4.89 percent); South Korea 116,271 (2.97 percent); and Qatar 107,360 (2.74 percent). Australia and Vietnam were also huge recipients of Filipino travelers at 104,917 (2.68 percent), and 101,966 (2.68 percent), respectively. The rest of the outbound markets received less than 100,000 Filipino travelers.
No comparative data from previous years were available as the “outbound information was only integrated in the e-travel system last May 2023,” a DOT official explained. Latest data from the Department of Migrant Workers showed some 430,000 OFWs were deployed in the first quarter this year, 32.51 percent less than the 635,800 deployed in the same period in 2023.
Stronger outbound tourism
MEANWHILE , Aileen Clemente, president of Rajah Travel Corp., a pioneer among Philippine travel
agencies, told the BusinessMirror that outbound tourism is stronger this year compared to 2023, but is still not at the level of prepandemic 2019. “Nothing is deterring Filipinos from traveling abroad except the limited flights,” even if the weak peso has made travel packages abroad more expensive. “The cost is higher,” she noted, “so even if airfare may have slightly dropped, the foreign exchange has increased.” Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed the average forex rate from January to July 2024 was US$1:P57.11 versus $1:P52.06 in the same period in 2019.
She said, though, that those who have been cautious about traveling abroad are the “immuno-compromised, including a sector of the seniors, who usually fund the travel of the family.” But overall, said Clemente, who was once president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, there were some destinations that were still not fully open to foreign tourists last year, like Hong Kong, “so it’s only now that Filipino leisure travels there are picking up, or they were late starters in traveling [there].”
At her company, Japan “is still”
the top choice of her clients’ destinations, followed by Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, then Singapore. This was similar to 2019, she said, although the other destinations after Japan, played in terms of ranking, “but more or less, it’s the same markets.” Filipinos have been expected to go on more holidays abroad this year to watch concerts and visit set locations of popular Korean dramas streaming locally. In the case of concerts, for instance, many Filipinos went to Singapore, Japan, or Australia to watch pop superstar Taylor Swift perform, as she bypassed the Philippines. (See, “‘Gig Tripping’, ‘Set Jetting’ travel trends for 2024–PTAA,” in the BusinessMirror, January 19, 2024.)
Meanwhile, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed outbound tourism expenditure, which falls under travel imports in the Balance of Payments, reached some US$3.08 billion (P175.56 billion) from January to March this year, up 113.6 percent from the $1.4 billion (P79.8 billion) spent in the same period in 2023. Total outbound expenditure last year reached P208.25 billion, up 10 percent from 2022.
in more students from tribes, GIDAs
more youth from the most marginalized areas in Mindanao to access UP education.
The UP has opened programs to allow the disadvantaged sectors get UP education bypassing the competitive UP College Admission Test. These include the Associate in Arts in Sports Science (AASS) and the Lingap Iskolar programs.
UP Mindanao said the AASS program, along with other associate in arts degrees across the UP system, is a two-year prebaccalaureate program that ladderizes into the Bachelor of Arts in Sports Science (BSS) program. AASS students do not need to take the UPCAT, as they can transition into the BSS program after completing their associate degree. This pathway is one of the many alternatives to gaining admission to UP without taking a test to offer students more routes to enter UP. Plans are underway to offer more associate degree programs in UP Mindanao.
Twelve first-year students are part of the roll-out of the Lingap-Iskolar
Program this year, which aims to address the financial challenges faced by around 1,500 GIDA qualifiers annually by providing comprehensive assistance in housing, meals, transportation, and educational materials.
During the Strategic Plan 2023-2029 Rollout last May 7, 2024, in UP Mindanao, UP President Angelo Jimenez highlighted the importance of the Lingap-Iskolar Program, noting that approximately 1,500 UPCAT qualifiers from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) do not continue their education at UP each year. Despite the free tuition offered under RA 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, these students often face financial challenges that prevent them from pursuing their studies at the university.
UP Mindanao has crafted the “Road to 5K (R2-5K)” plan to expand its enrollment to 5,000 students by 2029. It has launched new degree programs such as a Doctor of
Medicine program in collaboration with UP Manila, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with UP Diliman, an Associate in Entrepreneurship, and two Master of Science degrees in Qualitative Methods in Modeling and Biology.
THAI Ambassador Traisorat is welcomed to the Clark freeport by CDC President Agnes Devanadera. PHOTO FROM CDC
Comelec turns down over half of party-lists for 2025 elections
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
AS of August 22, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had already rejected registrations from more than 130 from party-lists and political parties vying for a spot in the midterm elections next year.
Out of approximately 200 applications submitted for the upcoming polls, a mere 30 have been given the green light so far—marking the fewest approvals in the commission’s history.
“Ito na ang pinaka mababang na-accredit ng commission sa bawat eleksyon since time imme -
morial,” Comelec chairman George Garcia said on Thursday. (This is the lowest number of accreditations ever granted by the commission for any election since time immemorial.)
Garcia explained that most rejected groups failed to submit the complete list of documents
required by the commission. Some even had “doubtful” advocacies that seemed to misrepresent the sectoral group they intended to represent.
“Minsan may mahuhuli [kami] na mukhang hindi naman makakatotohanan ang advocacy para sa mga sectoral groups…Kitang-kita kasi namin yun ’e,” the chief added.
(Sometimes [we] encounter groups whose claimed advocacies don’t seem genuine... We can clearly see that.)
Plea to party-lists
THE commission acknowledged its limitations in addressing the influx of candidates who, after losing in regular elections, turn to slots in party-lists as an alternative.
To avoid further misrepresentations, Garcia emphasized that the commission will focus on ensuring that those who will be nominated for the party-list seat will have
“proven” advocacies that align with the needs of the sectors they aim to stand for.
“Yung mga party-list existing, ang pakiusap namin, sana makapili sila ng mga tunay at lehitimo na mga miyembro ng sektor kung ano yung nirerepesenta,” he pleaded.
(To the existing party-lists, our request is that they select truly legitimate members who genuinely represent their respective sectors.)
While the commission cannot directly prohibit members of political and wealthy clans from acquiring more power through the elections, Garcia said that the Comelec will take action if a petition is filed to disqualify a nominee or an entire party-list.
The Comelec eyes to release the final list of approved party-lists by the end of August. Qualifying groups will be required to submit a fixed list of 10 nominees, which cannot be altered once submitted.
₧87-M seawall completed in Cadiz City, Negros Occ.
COASTAL communities are now protected against strong waves and tides with the completion of a concrete seawall by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in
Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. Undertaken by DPWH Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office, the project involves the construction of an 835.5-lineal meter long, 3-meter high concrete seawall designed to absorb and reflect wave energy which will prevent erosion and stabilize the coastline.
“This seawall assures fisherfolk and residents living along the shorelines of Barangay Zone 1 that they are now safe from the threats of sudden tidal surge and raging waters,” said DPWH Region VI Director Sanny Boy Oropel.
Bong Go reminds PhilHealth: Expand benefits, increase case rates, lower premiums
SEN. Christopher “Bong”
Go has highlighted the challenges faced by patients relying on the government support and the disproportionate services and packages offered by PhilHealth amid the availability of excess funds.
“That’s why we are again appealing to PhilHealth to use their funds to expand benefit packages, increase case rates for various ailments, and lower premium contributions of members,”
Go said after a recent hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Health which he chairs.
He found it “unacceptable” that PhilHealth has a P500-billion reserve fund, including the P90 billion excess funds to be returned to the National Treasury “while patients are seriously ill or dying in hospitals but have no money to pay the bill,” he added, partly in Filipino.
During the hearing, Go detailed the complex processes patients face to secure funding support from government for hospital bills through various agencies. He suggested that PhilHealth, with its significant reserves, could substantially ease this burden.
DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo also highlighted the critical role of Malasakit Centers as comprehensive support hubs for indigent patients, functioning as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs. “The Malasakit Center has been a big help as a one-stop shop,” he stated.
Moreover, the structure also serves as a separator which can be utilized by fisherfolk as a docking area during high tides and typhoons.
“With this all-weather protective structure, coastal communities can effectively manage flooding risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of their coastlines,” added Oropel.
Costing P87 million, the seawall project involves other construction works such as a 4-meter wide reinforced concrete slab and 0.5-meter high mattress that will serve as wave deflectors.
The DOH further explained the order of charging in Malasakit Centers, where PhilHealth often stands first in line in covering a portion of hospital charges. With this, Domingo explained that if PhilHealth assistance availed through Malasakit Centers can be increased to cover a substantial amount of the hospital bill, medical assistance from other agencies such as DOH, Department of social Worker and Development, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office may not be necessary. Meanwhile, Go reminded
DOH to ensure that no patient is denied medical assistance due to financial incapacity. This is solidified by a standing department order, as confirmed by Domingo.
Go emphasized the need for better utilization of available resources to expand benefit packages and move closer to achieving genuine zero billing as envisioned in the Universal Healthcare Law.
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe opened another discussion about the status of PhilHealth’s substantial reserve funds. She questioned PhilHealth President Ledesma about the transparency and timely use of these funds, emphasizing the need for better utilization to expand health coverage.
PhilHealth President Mandy Ledesma was also questioned extensively on his tenure and the initiatives he introduced to enhance the benefits and services provided by PhilHealth. He highlighted that during his leadership, there have been significant improvements in the benefits packages, with a notable 30-percent increase across the board, and plans for another 30-percent increase by year-end. These enhancements were intended to address long-standing stagnation in case package enhancements, dating back over a decade.
Meanwhile, amid concerns about public awareness of PhilHealth benefits, Ledesma emphasized the importance of improving information dissemination. “Some people don’t even know that they are a member of PhilHealth. People are saying, we keep on increasing our benefit packages, but if the information doesn’t reach the far-flung areas, it’s useless.” Go emphasized the necessity for PhilHealth to prioritize effective service delivery and the importance of continuing to address the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable populations: “Anyway, let me remind you [Ledesma]. Aside from your job to collect, collect, collect, please prioritize and help, help, help the poor patients. Please, President Ledesma.”
Makatizens alerted to vog by sensors
MAKATI Mayor Abby Binay said on Friday air quality sensors installed in strategic areas in every barangay have greatly helped the city government provide timely and accurate air pollution advisories at the height of vog emissions from Taal volcano.
These internet-enabled monitoring devices send real-time data to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center via wireless data transmission.
“With these sensors, we are able to zero in on areas in the city where poor air quality posed serious health hazards. This has been very useful in the wake of the recent vog emissions from Taal Volcano,” she said. Makati’s air quality advisories are posted on social media, warning residents and the general public in affected areas to take precautions against possible adverse health effects.
To date, there are 824 units of indoor air quality monitoring devices and 200 outdoor air quality monitoring devices with solar panels installed in strategic locations throughout the city.
“These smart devices also help the city government monitor compliance with the Clean Air Act and related regulations, particularly among businesses,” she said.
The mayor added that the air quality sensors help the city identify pollution sources and implement countermeasures, and to detect changes in weather patterns to anticipate climate change impacts on air quality.
Air quality sensors provide realtime monitoring of heat index, ambient temperature, humidity, CO2 level, and dust levels (Particulate Matter).
These sensors can also view accumulated data and generate reports.
This year, the city has allocated a total of P165 million for the pro -
curement of various types of smart devices in line with its adoption of the Internet of Things in its environmental management initiatives.
The Internet of Things consists of a network of smart devices or physical objects embedded with sensors, software and network connectivity that enable them to collect and share data. These devices are able to communicate with each other and with other internet-enabled devices.
“These devices are useful tools in quantifying, measuring, monitoring and tracking the city’s performance against environmental standards. They also enable the city government to efficiently and effectively monitor risks and hazards through real-time data,” Mayor Abby said.
The city is also able to develop evidence-based policies and make decisions that address urban challenges and promote a more sustainable and liveable city, she added.
AERIAL view of the P87-million seawall that the DPWH says will now protect coastal communities from tidal surge. PHOTO FROM DPWH
Time BusinessMirror Our
₧3 billion allotted for octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians in 2025
By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA—The government has earmarked about P3 billion for the cash gifts to elderly Filipinos aged 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 in the proposed 2025 national budget, a lawmaker said on Wednesday.
In a statement, Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo said the P3 billion proposed allocation for next year would cover the P100,000 cash gift for 1,730 new centenarians amounting to P173 million, while the remaining allocation will be used to pay for the P10,000 grant for octogenarians and nonagenarians.
“Based on the 2025 National Expenditure Program, the government intends to spend up to P3 billion for the initial implementation of the Expanded Centenarians Law,” Rillo said.
Through the expanded Centenarian Act, senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, will receive a P10,000
cash incentive for every age milestone and will still receive P100,000 upon reaching 100 years old. He encouraged the elderly covered by the law to register to receive the grants next year.
Rillo noted that the National Commission of Senior Citizens is working with local government units, the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, for the online registration.
“We would encourage all families to register their elderly members online with the National Commission of Senior Citizens, which runs the Elderly Data Management System that will help facilitate payments of the P10,000 cash gift,” he said.
The original Centenarian Law previously covered only Filipinos who turned 100 years old.
The average life expectancy in the Philippines is about 72 years, according to the United Nations. PNA
DBM: Social pension for indigent seniors gets P49.8B in 2025 NEP
By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA—The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated some P49.8 billion in the proposed 2025 budget to fund the social pension of over 4 million indigent senior citizens nationwide next year.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DBM said the funding for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) under the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) will ensure the continuous implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) social protection program for senior citizens.
The allocation will benefit 4,085,066 indigent senior citizens, who will receive a monthly allowance of P1,000 to supplement their daily living and medical expenses, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his Budget Message.
The SPISC Program aims to improve the well-being of qualified indigent senior citizens by supplementing their daily living and medical requirements, alleviating hunger, and protecting them from deprivation, neglect, or abuse.
Under Republic Act (RA) 11916 enacted in July 2022, beneficiaries of the SPISC Program are entitled to receive an enhanced monthly stipend of P1,000 this year.
RA 11916 doubles the monthly pension for senior citizens from P500 to P1,000.
Two kindred presidential campaigns
I’M not a political person but more of a social observer. But something is astir in the current American presidential campaign that has piqued my interest.
To be honest about it, I was really not interested in the politics of that part of the world until a friend residing in the US excitedly told me that he is now witnessing the same phenomenon that happened here in the Philippines during our own presidential elections in 2022. That was enough to get me to click on the streaming platform and watch all available clips on the Harris and Walz’s candidacy past and present to put me up to speed on their campaign. My friend also continuously sends me short clips of their rallies.
True enough the more I watch and the closer I observe their campaign, the more I see resemblances and similarities between the two campaigns.
But there’s something more.
I’m beginning to see that the Ka-
By Nick Tayag
mala Harris ascendant candidacy is now going beyond the political. It is not the typical US presidential campaign we’ve seen in the past, it is morphing into a social movement infused with a sense of joy. Indeed, there is a gathering genuine momentum in the HarrisWalz campaign. I’ve seen their rallies in Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin and other so-called swing states. They are packing stadiums to the brim everywhere they go. The enthusiasm is felt in the grassroots, as people who were never interested in political campaigns before are now lining up under the midday sun to attend and participate in Harris-Walz rallies. I was awestruck at the deafening cheers and applause at the National Democratic Convention recently held in Chicago. It’s genuine, spontaneous, organic and palpable. It was as if the voters—Democrats, Republicans, independents, and formerly apathetic voters—have been given an
electric shock or a re-energizing shot of oxygen and are now rallying around a candidate they can believe in.
I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu, that “I’ve seen this before” sentiment. Indeed as I watch the ecstatic faces of the rally attendees, images of “Kakampinks” and “Pinklawans” of the Leni-Kiko Pink Movement of 2022 breeze through my mind. The crowds then were awesomely huge as many as 400,000 at one time.
For all the differences in time and place, there are aspects that are so uncannily familiar to Filipinos because Leni and Kamala shared so many commonalities.
They are both vice presidents who happened to be women. They are both lawyers, socially conscious legal eagles who chose to espouse the cause of the poor, the disadvantaged, the marginalized, the vulnerable and the voiceless. Leni with farmers and fishermen, Kamala with victims of child abuse and neglect and hate crimes. No wonder they know how to talk to people and engage them.
Both were significantly underrated and experienced early struggles, gradually evolving along the way as they found the power of their own voice, feeling a sense of liberation.
With the spotlight focused on Leni, the public discovered her unique talents and traits that made her a stronger candidate than her record might suggest. The same thing is now happening to Kamala as American voters are now only seeing her amazing full story.
Both represent the face of change and new politics. Just as young educated voters loved Leni, Kamala is much favored by Gen Z voters.
Both their campaigns are em-
Eligible recipients must be 60 years old and above, frail and sickly, and without pensions from other government sources such as the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Social Security System, and private insurance companies.
They should also not have a regular source of income or support from family or relatives to cover their basic needs.
“We are only following the President’s directive to provide care and concern for our indigent senior citizens,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
“It is also appropriate that these programs have sufficient funds so that our grandparents can get the benefits that are intended for them,” she added.
13.4K ‘unqualified’ elderly delisted ILOILO CITY—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Thursday that 13,468 elderly from Western Visayas have been delisted from the Social Pension Program, effective
blematic of the joyous spirit they are trying to project. Leni liked to banter with people, reading their hand-drawn improvised made posters and making witty comments. People are finding Kamala’s “cackle” or unique way of laughing not irritating but endearing and hopeful.
What is remarkable about them is that their respective campaigns have sparked self-organizing activities. We saw this in the LeniKiko campaign. People organized themselves into “Gwapos for LeniKiko, “Bikers for Leni-Kiko, “Badings for Leni-Kiko,” and so on.
Today in the US volunteers are self-organizing, grouping themselves into “Cat ladies for Kamala” “Black Mamas for Kamala” “White Dudes for Harris, “Black Dudes for Kamala,” “Comics for Kamala,” “Christian Evangelicals for Harris,” “Republicans for Harris,” and other circles of volunteers.
It is timely or serendipitous that while this is happening in the US, we now have the documentary of Ramona Diaz about to hit local theaters. Entitled “And So It Begins,” it depicts the Leni-Kiko’s Pink Movement as I described above, people banding together in joyful acts of defiance against the well-financed powerful ruling dominant party.
My takeaway from this documentary film is that it serves to underscore the fact that the people-driven phenomenon that’s being seen in the USA happened in the Philippines first, in the same way that the Edsa People Power revolution happened first in our country and went on to spark other dictator-toppling movements in other countries.
We Filipinos sure know how to show the world how to do people power. We provide other countries a model or a template or playbook
immediately.
DSWD 6 (Western Visayas) Director Carmelo N. Nochete said the revalidation of beneficiaries ensures that only those qualified are receiving the government stipend. Nochete said those removed were senior citizens erroneously included in the program.
“The purpose of the program is to augment the daily subsistence and medical requirements of the beneficiaries, reduce the incidence of hunger, and mitigate the cause of neglect, abuse, or deprivation among the indigent senior citizens,” he said in a statement.
Of the delisted, 1,327 were pensioners of the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System, 830 had honorarium or salary, 331 received regular support from their family, and the rest died or transferred residence and could not be located.
Iloilo has the highest number
for their own struggles. But sadly, we have not learned to gain the knack of getting it right. “Kapos na bandera” is a phrase race bettors used to say when a favored horse loses steam at the end.
On the other hand, maybe our Pink Movement in 2022 was just a trial run and the playbook has been polished by fate for Kamala’s presidential run.
In an alternate world, Leni and Kamala win and become Presidents of their respective countries. Then the two kindred spirits meet and exchange notes on their similar experiences. That’s a parallel reality that I love to see happen.
Right now, I can only watch and envy the millions of American voters who seem to have regained the sense of joy in politics. It’s the kind of uplifted feeling we too once upon a time had when we were on the crest of a wave called hope for a better leadership. Those enthusiastic rallies are now just a part of people’s memories. Nice to recall and revisit now and then. But is it really nothing but nostalgia?
Ramona Diaz the director of “And So It Begins” urges us to go beyond nostalgia: “Nostalgia is great, but that energy has to evolve into something, into movement, into action, into engagement, whatever that is for you. I’m not prescriptive on what that is. But to make you question where you are in the political spectrum is all that I hope for.”
Touche!
In the meantime, will Kamala, the USA kindred version of Leni, make history? Will she be able to translate the awesome groundswell of enthusiasm of supporters into actual votes come November? The world must hold its breath until the moment of truth in November.
of delisted elderly, with 5,324, followed by Negros Occidental with 3,282. Aklan has 1,494, Antique has 1,308, Capiz has 1,594, and Guimaras, with 466. Nochete added that “there are more senior citizens who need the pension” because their families cannot support them and have no funding sources.
“They should be the ones to be prioritized under the Social Pension Program,” he said.
While the department intensifies its revalidation efforts, Nochete called on family members to support their elderly. He said while most parents and grandparents would say that their children and even grandchildren have no obligation to support them, entrusting them to the government is the last resort.
“It is still the family that should be first responsible,” he said. Perla Lena/PNA
Spanish woman believed to be the oldest person in the world has died at age 117
MADRID—Maria Branyas, an American-born Spaniard considered the world’s oldest person at 117 years old, has died, her family said on Tuesday. In a post on Branyas’ X account, her family wrote in Catalan: “Maria Branyas has left us. She has gone the way she wanted: in her sleep, at peace, and without pain.”
The Gerontology Research Group, which validates details of people thought to be 110 or older, listed Branyas as the oldest known person in the world after the death of French nun Lucile Randon last year.
The next oldest person listed by the Gerontology Research Group is now Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who is 116 years old. Branyas was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907. After living for some years in New Orleans, where her father founded a magazine, her family returned to Spain when she was young. Branyas said that she had memories of crossing the Atlantic Ocean during World War I. Her X account is called “Super Catalan Grandma” and bears the description: “I am old, very old, but not an idiot.”
At age 113, Branyas tested positive for Covid-19 during the global pandemic, but avoided developing severe symptoms that claimed tens of thousands of older Spaniards. At the time of her death she was living in a nursing home in Catalan town of Olot.
Her family wrote that Branyas told them days before her death: “I don’t know when, but very soon this long journey will come to an end. Death will find me
down from having lived so much, but I want to meet it with a
and
Sen. ‘Win:’ ‘Batang Magaling’ bill to enhance SHS work immersion
SEN.Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 2367 to improve senior high-school (SHS) learners’ labor immersion program and their work readiness.
Gatchalian’s call followed the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council, which would enhance the work-immersion program and align the curriculum with current industry standards. Ten public schools are set to join in the pilot run.
For the senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, the signing of the agreement is a welcome development and a step in the right direction, since it aligns with the “ Batang Magaling
IDP’s UK, Ireland education expo makes study-abroad opportunities within reach
WORLD leader in international education and proud co-owner of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test IDP Education is back with its “Study World UK & Ireland Education Expo” happening today, August 24, at Makati Diamond Residences from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
IDP’s Study World UK & Ireland Education Expo 2024 is the country’s biggest free physical event dedicated to connecting aspiring international students, with representatives from prestigious schools, universities, and institutions in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Event attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to meet 22 school and institution representatives from the two European countries face-to-face and gain first-hand information about their chosen school’s programs, scholarships and exclusive discounts, campus life, admission requirements and more.
IDP’s Education Counselors will also be present to provide free study-abroad consultation to attendees. There will also be free seminars focusing on topics about studying in the UK, as well as updates about the latest international student policies, scholarships, and postgraduate opportunities.
Attendees will also have the chance to submit their school applications and receive free assistance from IDP, as well as gather information about IELTS, play games, and win prizes at the event.
Those interested to the chance and take the first step in becoming an international student in the UK or Ireland can join the education expo for free by registering via https://bit.ly/IDPStudyWorld2024 , or visiting https://www.idp.com/ philippines.
Act,” which he filed. Aside from ensuring the work readiness of SHS graduates, the proposed measure also seeks to align schools’ curricular offerings and the SHS program’s work-immersion component with market needs identified by industry partners and government agencies. It also seeks to institutionalize the provision of free national competency assessments for the awarding of national certifications. He said in Filipino that, if passed, the Batang Magaling Act could strengthen the collaboration between schools and the
private sector to ensure that SHS graduates are ready to join the country’s labor force.
The bill also bats for the creation of the National Batang Magaling Council. It will be composed of DepEd, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Department of Labor
and Employment, three national industry partners, one national labor group, and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. The act will also mandate the DepEd to ensure the SHS program’s compliance with Tesda’s quality-assurance framework and training norms.
Tetra Pak-Del Monte create classrooms from cartons
WORLD-LEADING processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak and Del Monte Foundation— the nonprofit corporate social responsibility organization of Del Monte Phils., recently renovated classrooms in six schools in Mindanao through their collaboration under the “Cartons for Communities” recycling initiative, in support of “ Brigada Eskwela .” Del Monte Foundation plays a vital role in this initiative by promoting sustainable practices and providing essential resources to local communities.
The linkage between Tetra Pak and the Del Monte Foundation, which was formed last year, has so far yielded 115 desks, 460 chairs, and boards that can be used as walls, floorings, and roofs made with recycled used beverage cartons (UBCs).
“Sorting UBCs responsibly is crucial for the recycling process. [This] initiative showcases how recycling and circular-economy principles can drive positive change,” said Tetra Pak sustainability manager for the Philip -
pines Catherine Chua. “This collaboration with the Del Monte Foundation, school partners and [others] underscores the necessity of collective action for achieving sustainable and impactful change. Through this program, we not only promote recycling, but also demonstrate how environmental initiatives can directly benefit communities.”
Chua explained that the Cartons for Communities program aims to support community initiatives like in Mindanao and improve the learning quality of schools there. Moreover, students also learn about sustainability by experiencing the benefits of recycled UBCs, while fostering an appreciation for sustainable practices. According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, there are several issues in improving school infrastructures across the country, with Mindanao being one of the focus areas. In 2023, the Cartons for Communities initiative successfully collected 618,000 UBCs, with an ambitious target of collecting 5.5 million more in 2024. The bene -
ficiary schools are spread across Cagayan De Oro and Bukidnon in Mindanao—including Bugo Central School, Puerto Elementary School, San Miguel Elementary School, Camp 14 Elementary School, Sta. Fe Elementary School, and Suntingon Elementary School.
“At Tetra Pak, we are committed to meeting consumer demands ,while enabling communities and the planet to thrive,” said the company’s sales director David Tan. “This initiative not only addresses immediate needs, but also fosters a culture of recycling and sustainability.”
Tan added that “by collaborating with our customers and partners, we are able to provide innovative packaging solutions that help improve customers’ sustainability profile and benefit both the environment and the local communities. The positive feedback we’ve received from our customers underscores the value of this program and reaffirms our dedication to protecting food, people, and the planet.”
Rizal Raoul S. Reyes
MMDC, Globe Prepaid back working students to step up in their careers, lives and finances
MAPÚA Malayan Digital College (Mmdc) and Globe Prepaid have partnered up for “Step Up Sessions:” an incredible opportunity for working students and hustlers to learn from top industry leaders through six free upskilling talks all hosted on the immersive GoHUSTLE digital interactive platform of the Globe Hangouts portal. The sessions are in-line with the “Step Up sa Pangarap ” movement’s mission launched by MMDC that provide working students enough support to earn a college degree, while excelling at work and empowering them to step up in their careers. With these talks, the college and the telco’s prepaid unit aim to equip participants with the right tools to achieve their dream careers, and empower them to make
it happen at their own pace. Top industry leaders—from CEOs of startups to digital marketers and content creators—shared their expertise and experiences on various topics such as leadership, financial literacy, and content creation.
MMDC’s very own Kirbie Lao and April Rose Punay from the Integrated Advising Team serve as the sessions’ hosts.
Working student Shekinah Florentino found the learning sessions to be very empowering, and have inspired her to work toward her future: “I found the Step Up Sessions to be very motivating, as it focused on important values and skills that are essential for my future career. The Step Up sa Pangarap community support is also engaging, with the speakers using their experiences to connect with the audience.”
Maja Samaniego, another participant, shared that the sessions have been inspired by the speakers who shared their experiences: “So far, Step Up Sa Pangarap has done wonders for my confidence as a young freelancer, knowing that others have also successfully gone through what I’m experiencing now: that we all start somewhere as beginners! The community has also been invaluable in providing not only a sense of camaraderie and support, but also the resources to go forward at your own pace, in your own time.” With more than 800 registrants for the first four sessions, the Step Up Sessions were successful in reaching a diverse audience from around the country who have the chance to level up in their careers, and are ready to grow personally and professionally.
Editor: Mike Policarpio
TVET grads vie in natl skills contest
By Roderick L. Abad
THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) opened the “2024 Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC)” on August 21 and showcased the exceptional skills and talents of Filipino technical-vocational education and training (TVET) graduates at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Themed “Empowering the Future: Advancing Skills for Tomorrow,” the 2024 PNSC was expected to gather more than 200 competitors nationwide to participate in 25 different skill areas as part of Tesda’s 30th anniversary celebration.
The skill areas covered cybersecurity, information network cabling, IT network systems administration, IT software solutions for business, web technologies, computer numerical control or CNC maintenance, electronics, carpentry, mechatronics, welding, cabinet-making, cooking, hotel reception, plumbing and heating, hairdressing, wall and floor tiling, mechanical engineering computer-aided design, restaurant service, bakery, refrigeration and air conditioning, beauty therapy, electrical installations, fashion technology, graphic-design technology, and automobile technology.
During the PNSC recent kickoff, Tesda spokesperson and deputy director general for TESD Operations Vidal D. Villanueva III underscored that the event is not just a showcase of talents, but also a powerful demonstration of how
skills development can transform lives and build a more resilient nation.
“Through this competition, we are not only empowering our youth to excel, but also preparing them to make a meaningful impact on the global stage,” Villanueva said.
This year’s PNSC also served as a platform for collaboration between Tesda and various industry partners. The competition was supported by Goldtown, Hytec Power Inc. with Yalong, Dolang, Doosan, and Schneider Electric, Hexatronics, FESTO, Middleby Philippines, KNX Training, Astoria Plaza, FELTA, and Equilibrium Intertrade, among others, which provided valuable resources plus expertise, and ensured the success of the event. Other partners are DOOH, Samsung, David’s Salon, Grab, Mineski Philippines, Hypertech, Kitchen City, Daikin, Solane and MIHCA.
“Their involvement in the conduct of [the national skills competition underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the country’s [TVET] system,” the Tesda official confirmed.
The public—students, various industry sectors and all TVET stakeholders—were invited to witness the actual competition happening at the WTC Metro Manila which is happening until today. Skills demonstration and a technology exhibit is scheduled to be part of the event. Those interested may register for free access via https://bit.ly/PNSC2024Registration.
AIM, BMAP launch first-ever Brand Marketing Academy for banking pros
THE School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (SEELL) at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) is collaborating with the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP) to launch two new educational programs aimed at enhancing skills of marketing professionals in the banking sector.
The Basic and Advanced Financial Marketing Professional programs are designed to enhance participants’ fundamental marketing skills, as well as deepen their expertise and strategic thinking in bank marketing.
The programs are customized for bank marketing professionals nationwide. They cater to individuals at various stages of their careers in bank marketing: from those with foundational experience, to seasoned marketers aiming to enhance and expand their strategic skills.
SEELL school head Prof. Albert Mateo expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, as he highlighted the significance of these programs for the banking sector:
“It has been our dream to create something for the banking industry. AIM is proud to be the only school in the Philippines ranked in the Financial Times , placing sixth
in Asia and 70th worldwide—reflecting the high quality of education we offer.”
The professor emphasized the potential impact of these programs: “We hope marketing professionals in the banking industry will benefit from lifelong education and training with us. Effective marketing can help integrate more people into the formal banking system, fostering business growth, and ultimately national transformation.”
BMAP executive and head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Mai Sangalang echoed Prof. Mateo’s sentiments: “This has been a long-standing aspiration for BMAP: to provide education and continuing education for bank marketing professionals. There is no formal education specifically for bank marketing, and we feel these programs are the answer. AIM is our first and only choice for this partnership.” With the new programs, SEELL and BMAP aim to fill the gap in formal education for bank-marketing professionals, providing them with tools and knowledge to excel in their roles, while contributing to the transformation and growth of the banking sector.
BMAP executives with AIM faculty and staff
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
WHAT’S NEW IN PARADISE
DIScovERINg THE uNExPEcTED
Story & photos by Nicole Paler
As our plane descended towards the northern tip of Palawan, the first thing that I noticed were the enchanting islands with white sand beaches, and once we landed, the limestone cliffs that took my breath away. El Nido Palawan, is an escape to paradise, with its name “El Nido” derived from spanish, meaning “the nest.”
well as their Sky Deck, is the perfect place to have cocktails and watch the stunning Palawan sunset overlooking Bacuit Bay.
The room I got to check in was a Premiere Suite that had the same majestic view, as well as a luxurious bathtub, spacious room with a sitting area, work desk, and balcony. The main thing that I liked about the room aside from the view and tub is that Lime Hotel offers smart hotel rooms. You can easily personalize your TV channels, room temperature, and lighting settings to suit to your liking via their in-room tablet.
coconut trees up above where there is plenty of shade to lounge or play volleyball. We also snorkeled here to our heart’s content. Our tour guide from Señorita Travels mentioned the origins of its name. He said that “while not proven, it is known the name 7 Commandos came from the fact that during the Second World War, 7 soldiers got stranded on the island.” An interesting history lesson while traveling is always fun.
island adventure. Another underrated spot that you should definitely drop by is a visit to Cathedral cave, with huge stalactites like pillars in the cave that goes back more than 40-meters. Usually you can go inside to swim, but during sea krait mating season, the cave becomes a breeding ground for sea snakes, and entering it could disturb them.
Eco-conscious culinary delights
Exploring The Nest
A SHOrT drive from Lio, El Nido Airport is Lime r esort and Hotel where we checked in. Opened only last January 2022, this beachfront hotel in Sitio Lugadia, is just a stone’s throw away from popular spots like Corong-Corong Beach, Marimegmeg Beach, Vanilla Beach, and Lapus-Lapus Beach. Their Sky Lounge with infinity pool, as
This place is famous for its serene islands filled with majestic limestone cliffs, topped off with forest green fringes, all surrounded by blue-green, crystalline waters filled with marine life. With the plane landing in Lio Airport, the sea breeze, limestone cliffs, and the anticipation of a great discovery of the weekend filled the air. First-timer or not, El Nido, Palawan never bores. There is always something waiting to be discovered on its shores, with new hotspots ready to pamper you with a unique and unforgettable getaway, rain or shine.
UNBROKEN OFF THE BEATEN PATH
After a relaxed first day highlighted by gorging on scrumptious meals, we woke up the next morning ready for an adventure. Our first stop of the day was a boat ride to Seven Commandos Beach. Located just around the corner from El Nido town proper, this stretch of powdery white sand is usually a first stop for tours. We were greeted by a panoramic view of stunning turquoise waters of the Sulu Sea, promising a proper escape from real life. The place is lined with
Preparing to venture to uncommon destinations
Research is
Whe T
We’ve all heard the phrase “off the beaten path” and have likely seen content about adventure-seekers making their way to places that are undiscovered by mass tourism. There is something alluring about finding hidden gems and feeling like you’ve discovered this secret paradise. Travelling off the beaten path is not just about deviating from the usual tourist routes and hotspots. It could also be stepping out of your comfort zone to see and do something extraordinary. But these days, there are very real risks to channeling your inner
you’re planning ahead of a
or making a spur-of-the-moment detour, there is no excuse not to research on local laws and customs, travel advisories or guidelines, weather forecasts and even checking a map. There is so much information accessible online. Doing your homework could help avoid inconveniences or unintentional offenses or cultural disrespect.
Gather intel
Th I s is where the “marites” in us can work wonders! Talk to locals or fellow travelers. Don’t be shy to ask and chat with people. More often than not, most people are happy to share more about their home or places they have been to. s earch Facebook, Instagram or other platforms for groups related to travel to specific destinations. Often, you’ll find fresh updates and reviews about places you
wanted to explore from other travelers that could be helpful.
Of course, do so taking precautions! Be careful what personal information you disclose. The objective is to gather tips from others and not you sharing information. Trust your instincts. If it feels weird, it’s too good to be true or it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. And if the locals say don’t go, or it’s a bad idea, listen.
Get off the tourist trail
The common routes or areas where most tourists are dropped off or congregate would be the busiest and most commercialized. veer away from the main areas and you will be surprised at what you might see or find, or even meet.
Use public transportation Whe T her it’s a tuktuk, or public bus or train, take it! It’s a great way to explore a place on the cheap and possibly see things you would not ordinarily see.
Pack essentials e xpl O r I ng places not typically visited by tourists (especially foreigners) increases the chances that there are less amenities and conveniences available. here are some items you should consider bringing:
1. First aid kit—A small, compact pouch with ample supply of bandages, as well as emergency and prescription medication can be a lifesaver especially in areas where medical facilities or even a pharmacy are unavailable.
A more interesting part of the tour for me was when we transferred to Serenity Beach. Much like its namesake, this is a picture-perfect tropical setting that feels more private as this is usually connected with Tour D, the less crowded one. The beach, located near Cadlao Lagoon, is encircled by majestic limestone cliffs, vibrant greenery, and gently swaying coconut palms. It presents an idyllic tropical paradise for travelers to relax and immerse in tranquility. Add in capturing our memories with some drone shots, coconut juice, fruits, and sandwiches, all prepared by Seniorita Travels and it was a great conclusion to our relaxed
FOr lunch after the tour, we headed further north to discover El Nido’s latest gem, Angkla El Nido Beach Club, situated along the pristine white sands of Nacpan Beach. The soothing sounds of waves lapping on the shore and the promise of carefree relaxation greeted us upon arrival. We had a feast of their best, with the beef and mushroom Salpicao that stole the show with its succulent beef cubes bathed in a rich, garlicky soy sauce.
And as night fell, we visited Barakuda in the town center, offering a blend of Filipino flavors and European culinary techniques, centered around the freshest seafood from Palawan’s
2. Tools and gadgets— I usually take travel cutlery and a foldable silicon travel cup with me, along with a water tumbler. I
waters. Launched in late October of the previous year, it has sustainability at its core. With its subdued, intimate lighting and chic beach house ambiance, it sources decorative elements such as chandeliers from local craftsmen and obtains seafood straight from the town’s fishermen. We really loved the Pulpo Adobo here, a sous vide octopus tentacle accompanied by a rich squid ink adobo sauce and garlic tomato confit that features what can come from old and new in El Nido.
From my travels within this nest of a paradise, it’s the undiscovered corners that truly captivated my spirit of adventure. Away from the famed lagoons and beaches lie other hidden treasures that offer a unique view of this tropical haven. Be it a secret cove, an untouched island, or new restaurants that can take your taste-buds to a different place altogether, these discoveries encourage us to see El Nido through a different lens. As you map out your journey to this beloved island, make sure to embrace the unexpected— that’s what El Nido is all about.
Photos by Charo Logarta
VANILLA Beach (mIRO)
BARAKUDA Ambiance
BARAKUDA Baraccuda Fish with
and tahini paste OVER Serenity Beach
BusinessMirror
How AI can help with brand innovation
FOR the first five months of 2024, only 35 percent of global CPG (consumer packaged goods) launches across food, drink, household, health, beauty, personal care, and pet care are genuinely new products, according to Mintel’s Global New Product Database (GNPD). Mintel said this was the lowest proportion of innovation Mintel has recorded since it began tracking new products in 1996. About 65 percent of launches in 2024 are relaunches, line extensions, reformulations, or new packaging.
Mintel said Covid-19 “disrupted the ability of research and development (R&D) teams to collaborate face to face and in the lab.” The pandemic also got companies into the defensive because of increasing ingredient costs, raw material shortages, and downsizing, leaving little time for brainstorming. Shoppers have also become more conscious about getting value for money, rather than discovering new and exciting products.
Domino’s CEO Russell Weiner recently told the Wall Street Journal, “Consumers just don’t want surprises.”
As the digital transformation of CPG accelerates, big brands have been growing slower than smaller and private-label ones. AI and e-commerce have allowed smaller, direct-to-consumer brands to build their brand equity and sales online and develop a detailed understanding of their consumer, before getting into physical retail.
With AI, being smaller is no longer a disadvantage because algorithms can help support innovation, formulate marketing campaigns, come up with consumer insights, and improve customer service.
Here are ways in which AI can help companies:
■ AI logo generators can create designs based on a company’s target audience. These logo generators are of big help to small business owners in saving money on traditional graphic services.
■ AI can help businesses analyze customer feedback and consumer behavior data to better understand customers.
■ Brands can use AI product recommendations, targeted ads, and interactive email content.
■ With AI, brands can use data-driven insights to anticipate consumer needs and make the right offers.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT, said in his book Our AI Journey that artificial general intelligence (AGI) will dramatically transform marketing, with 95 percent of tasks currently performed by marketing agencies, strategists and creatives already being handled by AI.
However, AI is not without controversy in business use. Toy company LEGO was criticized for incorporating AI-generated images into a Lego Ninjago-themed website quiz. The AI-generated images had some of the characters sporting weird fingers and this emphasized the challenges faced by AI use in replicating human anatomy. Some tools, such as generative AI, have been found to perpetuate biases against certain races and age demographics. In fact, some brands have forbidden their agencies to use generative AI in their campaigns without their prior consent.
Another issue against AIs is copyright infringement. A US district judge advanced all copyright infringement and trademark claims in a pivotal win for artists after he found that Stable Diffusion, Stability’s AI tool that can create hyperrealistic images in response to a prompt of just a few words, may have been created with the intent to “facilitate” infringement.
The order could entangle in litigation any AI company that incorporated the model into its products. The ruling also found that Midjourney, DeviantArt, and Runway AI were violating artists’
Keep
rights by illegally storing their works in their image generation systems. Meanwhile, some brands are limiting their use of AI.
In April, beauty brand Dove said it would not use AI in any of its campaigns in place of real women.
“Today, almost 9 in 10 women and girls say they have been exposed to harmful beauty content online. One of the biggest threats to the representation of real beauty is artificial intelligence. With 90 percent of the content online expected to be AI-generated by 2025, the rise of AI is a threat to women’s wellbeing, with one in three women feeling pressure to alter their appearance because of what they see online, even when they know it’s fake or AI generated,” said Dove in a press release.
In May 2024, companies signed the “Frontier AI Safety Commitments” document at the AI Seoul Summit. The document lays out guidelines for limiting AI misuse. The signatories include industry generative AI leaders OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic.
Despite the challenges, there are many opportunities for brands in the future as the use of AI is only seen to grow and develop in the coming years.
“Innovation cycles that previously took years can now take just months, and algorithms can make sense of a dizzying array of new digital data points as they happen. As a result, bigger brands need to become more agile and faster to win the race for ‘white space,’” said Mintel. ■
Twilio sees growth opportunities in building local brands
BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES
CUSTOMER engagement platform Twilio sees a lot of growth opportunities in the Philippine market as business organizations seek to develop closer interaction with their customers to strengthen their market share.
Nicholas Kontopoulos, vice president of marketing, Asia Pacific and Japan at Twilio, told BUSINESSMIRRO� in a one-on-one interview that the company is also actively supporting businesses not only in the Philippines but also in the Asia Pacific region and Japan.
“When you look at Southeast Asia, you are actually looking at that as a bloc of countries and huge market itself of a global scale,” Kontopoulos said.
“And then you look at Philippines, it has a population of 119 million which 55 percent of [which] is based in Metro Manila.”
With such demographic, Kontopoulos said the huge population actually presents a lot of interesting challenges for businesses that want to get a bigger market share. Moreover, he said Twilio wants to hopefully be part of helping them solve and stay connected with their customers.
“I see the Philippines as a key growth market for us. We’ve got some really good iconic brands here that
we work with, across multiple industries, whether it’s financial services or retail. And again, we’re seeing a lot of strong interest in how businesses can continue to evolve their approach to delivering better customer engagement experiences,” he explained.
In its annual State of Personalization Report, which highlights perspectives and predictions from business leaders across 12 countries and a diverse range of industries, Kontopoulos said evolving demands are driving business leaders to focus on delivering predictive, emotionally intelligent, and highly personalized customer experiences. Further, he said artificial intelligence (AI) has been in the center to this transition, with businesses utilizing more dynamic models and metrics, enhancing interoperability between tools such as Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and data warehouses, prioritizing data privacy, and the ethical use of AI.
With AI becoming ubiquitous across industries, Twilio’s research shows that 89 percent of respondents believe ethical use of AI can be a competitive business advantage, and over half (54 percent) of business leaders said they are addressing consumer concerns around data privacy and ethical considerations in AI by implementing robust privacy controls.
Twilio’s recent State of Customer Engagement
Report found that almost half (49 percent) of respondents said they would trust brands more if they openly disclose the use of customer data and AI-powered interactions. With a careful balance of innovation, transparency, data privacy, and ethical best practices, organizations can maintain consumer trust as they leverage AI to deliver better customer experience
For the Philippine market. Kontopoulos said the trends showed that trust and how data is managed is absolutely critical. “There’s clearly a sophistication and expectation in terms of what services they’re looking for and the type of experiences, and there is a willingness to share data if they can see that translate into individualized experiences,” he said.
He said brands that understand the problems can easily get ahead of the competition. So far, Kontopoulos said 53 percent of brands are still struggling with compliance and they need to address the problem.
He said the broader communication capabilities of Twilio can address these challenges through their customer engagement platform.
“Obviously, there’s a demand for more and more options and I think that presents options for both local brands, as well as global brands to come into a market like the Philippines,” Kontopoulos said.
your modem needs some tender loving care to keep it running smoothly, especially when it comes to avoiding overheating.
Overheating is your modem’s biggest enemy. It can lead to connectivity issues, performance degradation, and even hardware failure. Globe At Home shares five ways to keep your modem cool and efficient:
■ PLACE YOUR MODEM IN OPEN AREAS. Ventilation is key: Ensure your modem is placed in a well-ventilated spot. Avoid confined spaces such as cabinets or drawers where airflow is restricted. Keep it uncovered: Do not place items on top of or around your modem. Covering it with books, sheets of paper, or decorative items can block airflow and trap heat.
■ KEEP IT AWAY FROM HEAT SOURCES. Maintain distance from hot appliances: Position your modem away from heat-generating devices such as refrigerators and ovens. These appliances may raise the ambient temperature and affect your modem.
Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight may significantly increase the temperature of your modem. Place it in a shaded area away from windows to prevent overheating.
■ MINIMIZE ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE. Avoid other electronic devices: Keep your modem away from running electric appliances such as TVs, cordless phones and personal computers. These devices can emit electromagnetic interference, which not only affects performance but can also contribute to heat buildup.
■ STABILITY AND PLACEMENT. Use a stable, flat surface: Ensure your modem is on a solid, level surface. Avoid soft or uneven surfaces that may block vents or cause the modem to tip over.
■ USE THE ORIGINAL ADAPTER. Power matters: Always use the original power adapter that came with your modem. It’s designed to deliver the correct voltage and current. Using a different adapter may lead to power fluctuations, increasing the risk of overheating.
By following these tips, you can protect your modem from overheating, ensuring that it operates efficiently and maintains a stable internet connection. Take good care of your modem to avoid charges for device replacement in case of damage.
“The modem is the gateway to a WiFi connection. We encourage our customers to take care of it just as they look after their mobile phones and other devices that keep them connected. Being mindful of the location of the modem is key in preventing unexpected disruptions,” said Abigail Cardino, vice president for broadband business at Globe.
Remember, a properly placed modem is a safe modem. More tips on optimizing your internet setup and fixing connection issues are available in this video: fb.me/1PZcGJ97450cxCk.
A8 Saturday, August 24, 2024 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
JUDGE TELLS GOOGLE TO BRACE FOR SHAKEUP OF ANDROID APP STORE AS PUNISHMENT FOR RUNNING A MONOPOLY
SAN FRANCISCO—A federal judge on Wednesday indicated he will order major changes in Google’s Android app store to punish the company for engineering a system that a jury declared an illegal monopoly that has hurt millions of consumers and app developers.
Over the course of a three-hour hearing in San Francisco, US District Judge James Donato made it clear that the forthcoming shake-up he is contemplating will probably include a mandate requiring Google’s Play Store for Android phones offer consumers a choice to download alternative app stores. Donato has been weighing how to punish the Google since last December when a jury declared the Play Store a monopoly following a four-week trial. The verdict centered on Google’s nearly exclusive control over distribution of apps designed for Android phones and the billing systems for the digital commerce occurring within them—a system that generates billions of dollars in annual revenue for the company.
In protesting the judge’s potential requirements, Google has raised the specter of consumers’ devices being infected by malicious software downloaded from third-party app stores, triggering “security chaos.”
But Donato repeatedly hammered on the need for a major overhaul of the Play Store, even if it causes Google headaches and huge bills that the company has estimated could run as high as $600 million, depending on what the judge orders.
“We are going to tear the barriers down, that is going to happen,” Donato told Google attorney Glenn Pomerantz. “When you have a mountain built out of bad conduct, you are going to have to move that mountain.” Donato said he is hoping to issue an order outlining the framework for the changes to the Play Store within the next few weeks, possibly before the Labor Day weekend.
Google’s tactics in the penalty phase of the Play Store case may foreshadow its strategy in a similar round of so-called “remedy hearings” that will be held in an even bigger antitrust case that resulted in a judge branding the dominant search engine as an illegal monopoly, too. Those hearings focused on the crown jewel of Google’s empire are scheduled to start September 6 in Washington, DC.
In the Play Store case, Donato still appears to be grappling with how much time he should give Google to make the changes to its Android operating system and Play Store, and also for how long the restraints he imposes should remain in effect.
Google wants 12 to 16 months to make the adjustments to ensure a smooth transition and avoid glitches that could affect the performance of Android smartphones. Epic Games, the video game maker that filed the antitrust lawsuit that resulted in the Play Store being declared a monopoly, contends Google could do everything in about three months at a cost of about $1 million.
Without revealing a timeline he has in mind, Donato indicated he isn’t going to give Google as much time as it wants to make the required changes.
“Google is telling me it will take eons for all of this to happen, but I am skeptical about it,” the judge said. “I am dubious that all that brainpower can’t solve these problems in less than 16 months.”
Epic Games wants whatever Donato orders to remain in effect for six years, but the judge said Wednesday that he thinks that proposal is too lengthy. He wondered aloud if a five-year term for his order might be more appropriate. Google wants the order to expire after one or two years.
Donato assured Google that he isn’t going to attempt to micromanage its business, even as he braced the company for a significant shake-up.
“The whole point is to grow a garden of competitive app stores,” the judge said. AP
BusinessMirror
From ‘telebabad’ to unlimited connections
IN today’s world, the word “telebabad” is often associated with hours spent binge-watching your favorite show on TV. But for an older generation, telebabad” meant those long, often late-night phone conversations that stretched for hours—with a family member, your barkada, or a friend who more often than not would eventually become so much more. Imagine this: It’s the late 1990s, and instead of sitting in front of a screen, you’re lying on the floor with a phone receiver pressed to your ear. The cord is stretched across the room, and your voice is a hushed whisper, trying not to wake your parents.
On the other end of the line is someone special, someone you’re getting to know through these nightly conversations. This was “telebabad”—where relationships grew not through text messages or social media, but through the warmth of each other’s voices.
We didn’t have the internet yet, so the telephone— our “landline”—did pretty much everything. It was our “messenger,” “social media” and “dating app” all in one—and instead of filters, it was our voices that turned on “beauty mode.” While smartphones can do almost anything today, nothing compares to the thrill (or occasional frustration) of hearing the phone ring, dashing down the stairs, and wondering who might be on the other end. Technology might have changed the way we connect, but the importance of staying in touch with loved ones remains the same. This is where PLDT Home steps in as it introduces its new Fiber Unli All Plans.
The PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plans now have enhanced Unli Fam Call, a feature that lets the whole family enjoy free calls and texts from mobile to mobile, unlimited calls from mobile to landline, landline to landline, and landline to mobile, ensuring everyone in the household can stay connected effortlessly, whether through voice or digital channels. You can nominate up to five Smart or TNT numbers as part of the Unli Fam Call, which is very useful when you need to reach any family member in case of an emergency or when you run out of regular call or text load.
What’s great about the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plans is that they come in two value-packed options to suit the size and needs of the household. The enhanced PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 is now 2x faster at 100 Mbps, while Plan 1799 comes with up to 200 Mbps. The average Filipino household is estimated to have four members, but no two homes have the same internet requirements. Families with young children and teenagers may require more bandwidth for their online leisure activities, while households with work from home setups and multiple smart devices may demand higher internet bandwidth. Now, customers have more options best suited to their whole family’s internet usage. And going back to the modern telebabad, these bundles also offer endless entertainment from CignalTV’s diverse array of viewing options. With access to a vast selection of channels—including popular movies, TV shows, sports, and kids’ programming—there’s definitely something to bingewatch.
Whether it’s movie night for the singles in their condo, a family catching up on the latest sports events like the Olympic Games Paris 2024, or keeping the kids entertained with their favorite cartoons and educational shows, CignalTV guarantees that all members of the household stay engaged and entertained.
Just as telebabad” once kept families and friends connected through endless conversations, these new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plans are designed to bring the whole family together with high-speed internet and seamless connectivity. They bridge the gap between past and present, keeping connections strong—only now, it’s better, faster, and more connected than ever before.
More information is available at www. pldthome.com/internet.
MOST AFFORDABLE 5G DEVICE IN PHL LAUNCHED
REINFORCING its long-standing commitment to democratizing access to cutting-edge technology, Smart Communications launched its most affordable 5G capable handset—the ZTE Blade A75 5G.
From the beginning, the telco was driven by the vision of providing a “Cellphone for All,” ensuring that every Filipino could benefit from the latest advancements in mobile technology. With the launch of the ZTE Blade A75 5G, in now brings the power of 5G within reach of more Filipinos than ever before. During the launch, Alex O. Caeg, head of Smart consumer wireless business, said, “Price remains the biggest barrier for many Filipinos to upgrade to a 5G smartphone. We aim to break that barrier with the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G, which is quite a steal considering its features and inclusions. Now, there’s no more reason to hold off upgrading to a 5G device and enjoying a differentiated experience in terms of ultrafast speeds, reliable coverage, and ultra-low latency.”
“In the same way that Smart ushered in the massive adoption of GSM and LTE technology through budget-friendly offers, we now want to bring 5G to all Filipinos so they can level up their mobile experience,” he added. While I have yet to fully review the ZTE Blade A75 5G, it does have several notable features despite its affordable price tag.
Starting with the cameras, the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G has a 50MP AI dual camera with RAW Super Night Mode that should help capture better photos at night or less than ideal lighting situations. It also has an 8MP front camera with advanced beauty algorithms to effortlessly capture natural and stunning selfies.
A 120Hz refresh rate is a feature usually for pricier
phones so it’s a most welcome addition to its 6.6-inch UltraSmooth Display. This feature should transform your viewing experience to make every interaction incredibly fluid. To enhance your overall multimedia experience, it comes with DTS technology that provides higher volume and superior sound quality, ensuring that your music, videos and games sound as good as they look.
Under the hood, the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G boasts of a 6nm 5G processor that clocked at up to 2.2GHz, and 4GB RAM that can be boosted up to 8GB via memory fusion technology. This should help the device handle multiple apps running simultaneously with ease and minimal lag.
The ZTE Blade A75 5G is equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery, ensuring that you can go through your day without worrying about running out of power. This long-lasting battery supports extended usage, whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming, allowing you to stay connected longer with fewer interruptions.
The ZTE Blade A75 5G is available with various Smart Prepaid and Postpaid plans. Prepaid users can enjoy bundles with open access data, unlimited texts, and even three months of unlimited TikTok access. Users can also get the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G with Smart Postpaid’s Plans+ 999, which comes with Unli 5G, Unlimited AllNet Calls and Texts, Unlimited AllNet Landline Calls, 20 GB open access data and entertainment perks, among other inclusions. Additionally, Smart offers flexible payment options, including a six-month installment plan at zero-percent interest, making it even easier to own a 5G device. To make it even more accessible and budgetfriendly, the device will also be available via six months installment at absolutely zero-percent interest, or P908.33 for six months, at Smart Stores, Smart Online Store at store1.smart.com.ph, and partner stores nationwide. ■
By Josef Ramos
Itime for Aleah Finnegan after experiencing the glare and toughness of the Olympics in Paris.
“I’m heading back to school in two weeks and I will graduate in May,” said the 21-year-old Filipino-American, a Marketing senior at University of Louisiana where she’s a member of the school’s gymnastics team.
Her Olympic debut borders from fantastic to fruitful in terms of experience—along with fellow first-time Olympians Levi Jung-Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo—but the daughter of Don and Lianabelle CruzFinnegan, who’s formerly from Manila, has her priorities set on her education.
The Los Angeles Olympics are four years away and a lot of things could happen in between.
“I’m just taking it one step
Aleah Finnegan: Future beckons
a time after graduation,” she said. “I do not have too many plans.”
Finnegan switched federation from USA Gymnastics to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and since then, she had delivered for the country’s colors—gold medals in vault and team and silvers in allaround and balance beam at the yeardelayed 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi.
She got bronze medals in vault and balance beam at the Asian champion ships in Singapore in 2023. Before her tour of duty as a Filipino, Finnegan helped the US to the team gold at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
Duque, Kobayashi in breakthrough victories in JPGT Luzon leg at Luisita
Next up for Finnegan could be the SEA Games anew this time in Thailand in December 2025.
“It’s not a yes but it’s not a no,” said Finnegan, who was 47th in the women’s all-around in Paris. “So we’ll just kind of see where the wind takes me.”
Finnegan also said she’s awed with double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who has persevered to become one of the most successful male gymnast at the Paris Olympics.
“We knew his sacrifices before achieving this glory,” she said. “Carlos gave the Filipinos something to cherish for a lifetime.”
“It’s very inspiring to witness him
achieve history in Paris, he has been in this sport for the longest time and he now inspired the entire nation,” she added.
More young Filipinos could also excel in gymnastics after Yulo’s historic achievement.
“There are tremendous absolute talents here in the Philippines and it’s supporting those talents and giving them the necessary support for the future,” Finnegan said. “I really hope we can continue to progress.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored Finnegan, her fellow Olympic gymnasts and golfer Dottie Ardina in Malacañang last Wednesday and rewarded them for their efforts in Paris.
Eala yields to experienced Romanian
for the 19-year-old Filipina ace who came so close to making the main draw of the US Open. It was one exhausting match for both with Eala needed to call her physiotherapist for a medical timeout thus adding drama to the duel which the Filipina needed to become the first from the Philippines to play in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament.
As cheers of “Let’s go, Alex!” and “Laban, Alex!” reverberated from her fans from the Filipino community—many
and post rounds of 77, 85 and 83, earned her 15 points, boosting her bid for a spot in the Match Play Championship in the premier category.
Rada finished second with a 360 total after an 89 and earned 12 points,
“This win means a lot to me because in the recent JPGT events, I haven’t been performing as well as I wanted,” said Duque, who finished second at Splendido Taal and third at Pradera Verde before heading to the US to further refine her game.
“The heat got to me towards the end of the front nine, and I started to feel a bit fatigued. Additionally, some of the tee boxes were placed a little further back today,” added Duque.
“But I always love playing in JPGT events because they are so well-organized and professionally run.”
Anciano, the Pinewoods leg playoff winner, wound up third with a 93 for a 363, while Angelica Bañez placed fourth with a 397 after a closing 100. In the boys’ side, Kobayashi also cruised to victory, carding an 82 to secure a six-
skipped worked on a weekday— Eala soldiered on to try to salvage the victory.
But Ruse, who at 26 has played a total of 246 matches and won 152 of them, had an answer to every effort for a comeback by Eala, who’s 37-28 in her young career.
For one, the Romanian’s ranked No. 149 but was once No. 51 in the world in singles to Eala’s career best No. 143.
The result was disappointing, but Eala’s fight, strength and golden heart touched the audience, who remained loyal until the end.
A bronze medalist at last year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou, Eala would have to wait until January to try again at making the main draw of a major after missing thrice this season.
Eala took control early with a confident 6-3 win in the first set, but couldn’t sustain her momentum in the second set where she struggled with discomfort.
Ruse capitalized and
stroke win over Zachary Villaroman, finishing with a 306 total.
Villaroman carded an 80 to take second place with a 312, while Francis Slavin rallied to finish third with a 329 after an 84.
The victory marked Kobayashi’s first after three consecutive thirdplace finishes at Pradera Verde, Pinewoods and Riviera, solidifying his position in the Match Play race.
“I had three third-place finishes, so I’m really happy to finally secure this win. I enjoy the experience here in JPGT,” said the 18-year-old student from the School of Tomorrow in Parañaque.
“I aimed to be more aggressive with my putts, but I think I overdid it,” Kopbayashi said. “I ended up with a lot of three-putts and missed several lines.”
Not even a triple bogey on the par-five 16th and a bogey on the next could threaten Kobayashi’s commanding lead, as Villaroman managed to close the gap to just five strokes with a series of pars over the final four holes as the former claimed a six-shot romp with a final-hole birdie from five feet.
Deasily took the second set and looked headed to the victory when Eala called for time and summoned her physiotherapist.
The medical attention briefly eased her pain but it was clear she wasn’t at her best anymore, unlike Ruse who also called for medical timeout only to let her veteran act do the talking.
Eala’s dad, Mike, later said that his daughter played through discomfort but was determined to finish the match for the fans, including Philippine Consul General of New York, Senen Mangalile.
A tearful Eala managed to sign autographs and smile for fans with many telling her “It’s okay, Alex,” “Great game,” “We love you, Alex” and “Thank you, Alex!”
Eala defeated earlier Maddison Inglis of Australia, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, and No. 99 Nuria Párrizas Díaz of Spain, 7-5, 7-5, in one of the 16 qualifying round brackets that would determine the 16 players who will advance to the main draw.
Ruse qualified for the main draw.
Requierme gives RTU-Boni
MACAILA JANE REQUIERME anchored Army to the gold medal in two women’s relay events in athletics to emerge as the most successful athlete at the close of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games National Championships at the Cavite State University (CVSU oval in Indang, Cavite.
The 20-year old Requierme towed Rackel Batoy, Bernadeth Batoy and Airish Dag-um to victory in the women’s 4x100 meters relay in 52.6 seconds and a minute later, they were back on the track to dominate the 4x400-meter relay in 4:17.3.
Requierme, a Physical Education sophomore at the Rizal Technological University-Boni Campus, wound up with three gold and one bronze medals—she won the women’s long jump (5.27m) on Tuesday and finished third in the 200m run (27.3).
“I poured all I’ve got to win,” she said. “And I thought I couldn’t hav ing injured my ankle.”
Air Force cadet Jhed Rome Ojeno led John Lloyd Moreno, David Paul Balagat and Romeo Constancio Jr. to the men’s 4x100m relay title in 44.4 seconds and 4x400m relay in 3:32.9. Ojeno, running out of University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, finished with two golds with silvers in the 100m
ON’T be surprised if National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar Kyle Kuzma takes his own sweet time before playing the sport he loves or simply agreeing to an interview.
“But first, coffee,” one may hear Kuzma, formerly one of the reliables for the Los Angeles Lakers now with the Washington Wizards.
The 29-year-old Kuzma is in the Philippines for the first time this weekend and what a way to highlight his brief visit through “KUZ COFF33 BREAK” at But First, Coffee, the fastest-growing coffee shop chain in the Philippines which is celebrates its fourth anniversary with a remarkable journey at the SM Mall of Asia’s Main Atrium this Sunday (August 25) at 6:30 p.m.
From the coffee shop’s signature blends to exciting new drink series like the “49-Peso Sip ‘N Save,” But First, Coffee has redefined the coffee experience for Filipinos, offering a wide variety of coffee blends that cater to different markets.
With a commitment to innovate, But First, Coffee has steadily grown into an established coffee franchise brand with more than 170 branches nationwide with the anniversary also marked with the official launch of new locations, further expanding their reach and bringing their coffee to even more communities. Known for his prowess on the court, Kuzma is a coffee lover, making this event the perfect blend of sports and lifestyle.
This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to meet the basketball star in person which is part of the celebration that will fill the day with more than just coffee.
But First, Coffee has prepared a lineup of activities on exclusive promotions, giveaways and introduction of new merchandise.
The fourth anniversary is not just a celebration of the brand’s success but also a way of giving back to the loyal customers who have supported But First, Coffee throughout the years.
ALEAH FINNEGAN gets the chance to meet
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.
LIA DUQUE finally clinches a win in the tough series.
Whose ball?
NorthPort’s William Navarro and Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson chase the loose ball during their Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup game on Friday
Canada’s government steps in to resolve rail workers’ lockout, preventing economic crisis
By Rob Gillies & Josh Funk The Associated Press
TORONTO—Freight trains in Canada could be running again within days after the government forced the country’s two major railroads into arbitration with their labor union Thursday, a move aimed at averting potentially dire economic consequences across the country and in the US if the trains are sidelined for a long period.
The government’s action came more than 16 hours after Canadian National and CPKC locked out workers over a labor agreement impasse. Both railroads said they would work to get trains moving again as soon as possible.
The union representing 10,000 engineers, conductors and dispatchers responded angrily to the order, accusing the railroads of intentionally creating a crisis to force the government to intervene. It also said it would keep its picket lines in place while reviewing the decision.
The government ordered the railroads into arbitration with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference to end the lockout that began at 12:01 a.m. Thursday after the two sides were unable to resolve the contract dispute.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced the decision to order the arbitration at a news conference Thursday. MacKinnon said he expects the trains will resume moving within days. Ending the lockouts is the first step.
The arbitration process was
moving quickly, with the railroads meeting with the Canada Industrial Relations Board on Thursday night, according to a person familiar with the schedule who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss it. The Teamsters confirmed that the union was also meeting with the board Thursday night. Throughout the day Thursday, both sides negotiated unsuccessfully while workers picketed outside and business groups urged the government to force the arbitration.
Teamsters Canada Rail Conference President Paul Boucher criticized the government’s decision to step in so soon.
“The two major railways in Canada manufactured this crisis, took the country hostage, and manipulated the government to once again disregard the rights afforded to working-class Canadians,” Boucher said. “The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) is deeply disappointed by this shameful decision.” The railroad companies hailed
US set to send $125 million in new military aid
to Ukraine, officials say
By Lolita C. Baldor & Matthew Lee
The Associated Press
ASHINGTON—The
WBiden administration will send about $125 million in new military aid to Ukraine, US officials said Thursday, even as Washington works to get a better understanding of Kyiv’s incursion into Russia and how it advances the broader battlefield goals more than two years into the war.
US officials said the latest package of aid includes air defense missiles, munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Javelins and an array of other anti-armor missiles, counter-drone and counter-electronic warfare systems and equipment, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, vehicles and other equipment.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid has not been publicly announced. The formal announcement could come as soon as Friday, which is the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day.
The weapons are being provided through presidential drawdown authority, which means they are taken from Pentagon stockpiles and can be delivered more quickly.
The aid comes as Ukrainian forces continue to broaden their surprise offensive into Russia, where officials say they have taken about 100 square kilometers (62 square miles) of territory around
Kursk. Russian troops, meanwhile, are making gains in the east, around the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a critical logistics hub.
Pentagon officials have said repeatedly that the US has been talking with Ukrainian leaders to get a better assessment of their longer-term goals for the Kursk operation, particularly as they see Russia advancing near Pokrovsk. If Pokrovsk falls, the defeat would imperil Ukraine’s defenses and bring Russia closer to its stated aim of capturing the Donetsk region. Russian soldiers are now just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away.
Asked about the Kursk operation, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Thursday that “we are still working with Ukraine on how that fits into their strategic objectives on the battlefield itself.”
The US, she said, understands that Ukraine wants to build a buffer zone along the border, but the administration still has more questions about how it furthers Ukraine’s broader war effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first visit Thursday to the border area where his forces launched the offensive on Aug. 6. He said Kyiv’s military had taken control of another Russian village and captured more prisoners of war.
The latest package of aid brings the total amount of US security assistance to Ukraine to more than $55.7 billion since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
the decision, saying the government had no choice.
“The Canadian government has recognized the immense consequences of a railway work stoppage for the Canadian economy, North American supply chains and all Canadians,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “The government has acted to protect Canada’s national interest. We regret that the government had to intervene because we fundamentally believe in and respect collective bargaining; however, given the stakes for all involved, this situation required action.”
MacKinnon said the government wanted to give negotiations every chance to succeed, but ultimately the economic risk was too great to allow the lockouts to continue. He had declined to order arbitration a week ago.
“Canada’s economy cannot wait for an agreement that has been delayed for a very long time and when there is a fundamental disagreement between the parties,” he said.
All of Canada’s freight handled by rail—worth more than $1 billion Canadian (US$730 million) a day and adding up to more than 375 million tons of freight last year—stopped Thursday along with rail shipments crossing the U.S. border. About 30,000 commuters in Canada were also affected because their trains use CPKC’s lines. CPKC and CN’s trains continued operating in the US and Mexico during the lockout.
Many companies in both countries and across all industries rely on railroads to deliver their raw materials and finished products, so they were concerned about a crisis without regular rail service. Billions of dollars of goods move between Canada and the US via rail each month, according to the US Department of Transportation.
Trudeau decided not to force the parties into binding arbitration before the deadline passed for fear of offending unions and the leftist NDP party that his government relies on for support to remain in
power, but he ultimately decided he didn’t have a choice.
“Collective bargaining is always the best way forward. When that is no longer a foreseeable option—when we are facing serious consequences to our supply chains and the workers who depend on it—governments must act,” Trudeau said.
Most businesses probably have enough supplies on hand and room to store finished products to withstand a brief disruption. But ports and other railroads would have quickly become clogged with stranded shipments that Canadian National and CPKC won’t pick up.
Many companies made supply chain changes after the Covid-19 pandemic that can help them withstand a short disruption, said Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau.
The real trouble starts if it drags on, he said.
Most previous Canadian rail stoppages have only lasted a day or two and usually involved only one of the big railroads, but some have stretched as long as eight or nine days. The impact was magnified this time because both railroads had stopped.
“They are so integrated and tied into the economy,” Windau said. “Just the breadth of products that they haul.... Ultimately, I think we need the rails to continue to be running.”
Chemical businesses and food distributors would have been the first to be affected. The railroads stopped accepting new shipments of hazardous materials and perishable goods as they began gradually shutting down last week, but most chemical plants had said they would be OK for about a week.
The auto industry also may have seen problems quickly because it relies on just-in-time shipments, with significant cross-border
deliveries of engines, parts and finished vehicles. Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, posted on X that about four of every five cars made in Canada are exported to the US almost exclusively by rail. He said a prolonged lockout could cause temporary work stoppages similar to the impact of the five-day 2022 Ambassador Bridge blockade.
More than 30,000 commuters in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal were the first to feel the pain of the lockouts and they may be stuck taking the bus again Friday. Their commuter trains aren’t able to operate while CPKC dispatchers are locked out.
CN had been negotiating with the Teamsters for nine months while CPKC had been trying to reach an agreement for a year, the union said.
The Canadian negotiations are stuck on issues related to the way rail workers are scheduled and concerns about rules designed to prevent fatigue and provide adequate rest to train crews. Both railroads had proposed shifting away from the existing system, which pays workers based on the miles in a trip, to an hourly system that they said would make it easier to provide predictable time off. The union said it doesn’t want to lose hard-fought fatigue protections.
The railroads said their contract offers have included raises consistent with recent deals in the industry. Engineers already make about $150,000 a year on Canadian National while conductors earn $120,000, and CPKC says its wages are comparable.
Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska. Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Buellton, California, contributed to this report.
Venezuela’s high court backs Maduro’s claims that he won presidential election
CARACAS, Venezuela—Venezuela’s
Supreme Court has backed President
Nicolás Maduro’s claims that he won last month’s presidential election and said voting tallies published online showing he lost by a landslide were forged.
The ruling is the latest attempt by Maduro to blunt protests and international criticism that erupted after the contested July 28 vote in which the self-proclaimed socialist leader was seeking a third, sixyear term.
The high court is packed with Maduro loyalists and has almost never ruled against the government.
Its decision, read Thursday in an event attended by senior officials and foreign diplomats, came in response to a request by Maduro to review vote totals showing he had won by more than one million votes.
The main opposition coalition has
accused Maduro of trying to steal the vote.
Thanks to a superb ground game on election day, opposition volunteers managed to collect copies of voting tallies from 80% of the 30,000 polling booths nationwide and which show opposition candidate Edmundo González won by a more than 2-to-1 margin.
The official tally sheets printed by each voting machine carry a QR code that makes it easy for anyone to verify the results and are almost impossible to replicate.
“An attempt to judicialize the results doesn’t change the truth: we won overwhelmingly and we have the voting records to prove it,” González, standing before a Venezuelan flag, said in a video posted on social media.
The high court’s ruling certifying the results contradicts the findings of experts from the United Nations and the Carter
Center who were invited to observe the election and which both determined the results announced by authorities lacked credibility. Specifically, the outside experts noted that authorities didn’t release a breakdown of results by each of the 30,000 voting booths nationwide, as they have in almost every previous election.
The government has claimed—without evidence—that a foreign cyberattack staged by hackers from North Macedonia delayed the vote counting on election night and publication of the disaggregated results.
González was the only one of 10 candidates who did not participate in the Supreme Court’s audit, a fact noted by the justices, who in their ruling accused him of trying to spread panic.
The former diplomat and his chief backer, opposition powerhouse Maria
Corina Machado, went into hiding after the election as security forces arrested more than 2,000 people and cracked down on demonstrations that erupted spontaneously throughout the country protesting the results.
Numerous foreign governments, including the US as well as several allies of Maduro, have called on authorities to release the full breakdown of results.
Gabriel Boric, the leftist president of Chile and one of the main critics of Maduro’s election gambit, lambasted the high court’s certification.
“Today, Venezuela’s TSJ has finally consolidated the fraud,” he said on his X account referring to the initials of the high court. “The Maduro regime obviously welcomes with enthusiasm its ruling… there is no doubt that we are facing a dictatorship that falsifies elections.”
Nicaragua government closes US Chamber of Commerce and 150 other organizations
MEXICO CITY—Nicaragua’s government closed another 151 nongovernmental organizations Thursday, among them some of the most important trade organizations, including the American Chamber of Commerce, coming just days after the government shuttered some 1,500 nongovernmental organizations, many of them religious in nature.
The Interior Ministry also cancelled the legal status of the umbrella organization for European countries’ chambers of commerce in Nicaragua.
The US chamber, known locally as AMCHAM, had been in existence in
Nicaragua for 47 years. It focused on promoting investment and bilateral trade with Nicaragua’s most important trade partner. The Associated Press left messages with the chamber seeking comment on the move.
The relationship between the US and Nicaragua has been strained for years, especially since President Daniel Ortega’s deadly crackdown on massive street protests in 2018, but commerce continued.
Other groups closed in the decree were the National Union of Farmers and Ranchers, as well as chambers of commerce from various other countries including Mexico,
Panama and Uruguay. Ortega has targeted nongovernmental organizations since the 2018 uprising, alleging that organizations receiving foreign funds were involved in what he considered an attempt to oust him from office. To date, his government has closed more than 5,000.
On Monday, Ortega decreed that 1,500 organizations, mostly religious and including churches, be closed. Officially, the government said they had not correctly reported their financial statements to the government. Enrique Sáenz, an economist and political analyst, said that the closure of
organizations tied to the private sector, which he characterized as “absolutely irrational.”
“They’re shooting themselves in the foot with a shotgun,” he said, noting that the government is reducing public spending and now will lose the jobs those organizations created.
“It sends a disturbing message” to businesses and overseas and displays “a climate of uncertainty for trade and investment,” he said.
The closures impact Nicaraguans as well since many of the organizations provide some form of relief to people in need, he said. AP
