BusinessMirror April 05, 2022 by BusinessMirror

BOC posts highest collection of ₧70.7B in Mar

‘Close borders, cut Omicron exposure risk’ By Cai U. Ordinario

By the end of 2021, BOC collected a total of P645.77 billion in revenues, higher than the no pre-pandemic collection By Cai U. Ordinario with their loved ones, while forwhich, she said, the economy can for government to of beP630.31 proactivebilin HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has achieved lion in 2019. @caiordinario eigners living in temperate regions longer afford. imposing them. nearly a third of its collectionusually target this Based on the preliminary reportwhen from the the want to relax in tropical “It is better that we do protective Previous instances year as it recorded its highest collection in Revenue Collection Monitoring Group (RCMG), LOSING the country’s borders countries like the Philippines. This preventive measures than get excountry had the opportunity to imhistory last March. surpassed annual collection target for is one of the most immediate year’s influx of OFWs is expected to posed again. We have a lot toBOC lose,” poseits travel restrictions did not preThe BOC said in the first quarter of the year, 2021 by 4.7 percent or P29.016 billion, colcourses of action the governbe heavier since many of them were Oplas said. “We should do it now so vent the spread of Covid-19. That was collections reachedthe P188.506 billion, 27.8 lecting a total of P645.765 billion against its mentits must take to prevent latunable to come home for the holidays that we can open just before Christmainly because the decision was not percent of the P679.23-billion target this year. target of P616.749 billion. This is higher than est Covid-19 variant, Omicron, from in December 2020. mas. If it gets contained, we can open made immediately, he said. March alone, the BOC recorded its“My highest the pre-pandemic collection P630.31 reachingInPhilippine shores, accordrecommendation is to protect it again.” “Kung papatayofpatay [Ifbillion we’re monthly collection in history with P70.727 bilin 2019. ing to local economists. the borders. Do not allow people with Ateneo Center for Economic Reslow] and we get caught flat-footlion. This 22.6 higher aorhistory P13.037 of San Fernando, Port of Manila, MICP, (ACERD) The BOC ’s [that’s positive revenue collection T he new varwas iant is percent a threat, of travelthe to ports countries with search and Development ed, risky] We were too rebillion more than its target for the month NAIA, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, performance last year was attributed to the e s p e c i a l l y w it h t he hol id ay s positive cases to enter,” Oplas said. Associate Director Ser Percival active instead of proactive before. pegged at P57.69 billion this year. Zamboanga, Davao, Subic, Clark, Aparri and improved valuation, intensified enforcecoming up and more foreigners “We should be more restrictive. [We K. Peña-Reyes said closing the We should learn from that,” Peñabureau consistently exceeded Limay. in terms against illegal balancing importabeing a“The llowed to travel to themet and have to be] more protective country’s borders would be ment effec- operations Reyes said. “It’s a delicate its monthly revenue collection target since “The BOC’s positive revenue collection tions, and improved compliance by traders Philippines, De La Sa lle Univerof our measures.” tive but should still adhere to the act. We need to push testing and January this year,” BOC said. “Based on the performance is attributed to the improving to customs laws. sit y economist Mar ia Ella Oplas Oplas said that while this will be standards set by the World Health tracing to be properly informed preliminary report from the BOC-Financial volume of importation in the country, the The agency alsodecisions. saw the gradual improvetold BusinessMirror. a setback to some industries, this Organization (WHO). of our Blanket/shotgun Service, 14 of the 17 Collection Districts hit improved valuation, and the intensified colment of importation volume and the The holidays usually bring in is a fair measure considering that What is needed, Peña-Reyes told approaches could have diregovernconsetheir target.” lective efforts of all the collection districts,” ment ensured the unhampered movement of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) this could help prevent placing the this newspaper, is for travel restricquences on the economy.” the BOC said, were the BOClockdown, said. goods internationally. who areThese eager collection to spend districts, Christmas country in another strict tions to be put in place swiftly and domestically and See “Omicron,” A2 @caiordinario

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JFC ASKS GOVT: RELEASE NATL GOVT BORROWINGS w w

n Tuesday, April 29, 5, 2022 179 Monday, November 2021Vol.Vol.1717No.No.52

P25.00 P25.00 nationwide nationwide || 22 sections sections 20 20 pages pages ||

IRR FOR REFORM LAWS FOR 10 MOS DIP TO P2.75T FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. does an “elbow bump”—a form of greeting popularized by the By Bernadette D. Nicolas Covid-19 pandemic’s social distancing restrictions— @BNicolasBM with his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, whom he met on Sunday in Beijing. The two officials discussed a wide range of issues impacting the “lovehate” relations between the Asian neighbors. Story on page A12. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHINA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY

NCR wage board rejects Omicron risk spurs revival TUCP wage hike petition

HE national government’s gross borrowings as of end-October shrank by almost 6 percent year-on-year to P2.75 trillion.

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that the government’s gross borrowings during the 10-month period fell by 5.99 percent from P2.92 trillion a year ago. With only two months left for this year, the latest figure is already equivalent to 89.6 percent of its P3.07-trillion borrowing program. Broken down, gross domestic borrowings from January to October settled at P2.23 trillion, down by 5.08 percent from P2.35 trillion in 2020. The bulk of the amount was PEOPLE walk past the mural of Gat Andres Bonifacio at Manila City Hall Underpass. sourced from Fixed Rate Treasury The country will celebrate the 158th birth anniversary of Filipino revolutionary Bonds (P1.19 trillion), followed by hero Gat Andres Bonifacio on Tuesday, November 30. ROY DOMINGO short-term borrowings from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP (P540 billion), Retail Treasury Bonds/Premyo Bonds (P463.3 billion), Retail Onshore Dollar Bonds (P80.84 billion). In the same period, there was By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas dating its registry following the them. This allows everyone to see also a net redemption of Treasury @jearcalas enactment of the Coconut Farmwho are listed in the registry and if Bills amounting to P43.94 billion. ers and Industry Trust Fund law. farmer doesn’t see his name then he Net debt redemption means ORE than 3 million Rosales explained that about shall coordinate with the PCA imthere were more debts repaid comcoconut farmers and 500,000 coconut farmers and mediately,” he explained at a recent pared to the amount borrowed durworkers are now regisworkers were added to the PCA’s dialogue with coconut farmers. ing the period. By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas tered with the government’s reg2018 list that had about 2.5 million “On the other hand, if people Meanwhile, gross foreign boristry, which serves as the basis coconut farmers and farm workers. would see names on the list and rowings in the same period also for the number of people to be The PCA’s next step is to conthey think they are not coconut contracted by 9.7 percent to P518.7 covered by the utilization of the duct an exclusion-inclusion profarmers or their details are incorbillion from last year’s P574.4 billion. P75-billion coconut levy fund. cedure by making the updated rect, they can report it to the PCA This was raised through global Philippine Coconut Authority farmers’ registry public, providfor immediate action,” he added. bonds (P146.17 billion), program By Cai U. Ordinario services to online channels. (PCA) Deputy Administrator Roel ing everyone the opportunity to The PCA official noted that loans (P139.98 billion), euro-de@caiordinario Countries like the Philippines M. Rosales said about 3.11 million check the veracity of the list, Rothe completion of the initial list nominated bonds (P121.97 billion), were amongfarmers those which didwould not coconut farmers and farm worksales added. of coconut registry a project loan (P86.41 billion), and HE country’s effort to have a foundational ID system ers have been registered with the “The list will be posted in public be just in time for the expected yen-denominated samurai bonds roll out thecan Philippine beyond registry. Efforts government since it started upspaces where people easily see rollout its ofcivil coconut levy-funded (P24.19 billion). Identification System to undertake the National ID See “Borrowings,” A2 (PhilSys) is a “great example” program are a step closer to of how governments can adstrengthening digital ecosysn US 50.4600 n JAPAN 0.4374 n UK 67.2329dress n digital HK 6.4722 n CHINA SINGAPORE 36.8968 n AUSTRALIA ecosystem gaps,7.9013 ac- n tems in the country. cording to World Bank experts. “The Philippines provides a World Bank ’s Yoonyoung great example of a government In a statement on Monday, “We share this administration’s Cho and Jonathan Marskell addressing digital ecosystem the JFC lauded the passage of thrust to propel the country’s ecostressed that having stacks of gaps—strengthening the founthree “game-changing” laws—the nomic recovery post pandemic digital IDs, digital payments dational ID, digital data govamended Retail Trade Liberalizathrough the enactment of gameand data sharing platforms alernance, and digital payments tion Act (Republic Act 11595), Pubchanging economic liberalization lowed countries to better cope systems,” the experts said. lic Service Act (RA 11659) and Forlaws,” the group said. with the pandemic by shifting See “PhilSys,” A2 eign Investments Act (RA 11647). See “JFC,” A2

ITING lack of jurisdiction, the Reg iona l Tr ipar tite Wages and Productivity Boards-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) has rejected the P470 wage hike petition of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP). In an SMS, RTWPB-NCR Chairman Sarah B. Mirasol told BusinessMir ror , “ We d ismissed the petition of TUCP for lack of jurisdiction of the RTWPB-NCR over the wage across-the-board increase.” TUCP’s five-page petition, filed last March 14, asked for a P470 daily wage increase for all private sector workers in the NCR “to be given across-the-board.” Under the Wage Rationalization Act, the RTWPBs could only handle wage petitions concerning minimum wage earners. Mirasol said the RTWPB-NCR continued to process the three other wage petitions pending before the RTWPB-NCR. “We gave due course to the other petitions as we already scheduled consultations on minimum programs as President Duterte wage hike this April,” Mirasol is expected to sign the industry said. development plan in early 2022.

OVER 3-M FARMERS LISTED FOR P75-B COCO LEVY FUND

HE Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) has urged the government to fast-track the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations of the enacted economic reform laws to ensure that gains from these measures are immediately PESO EXCHANGErealized. RATES

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 51.6640

PHILSYS A ‘GREAT EXAMPLE’ OF FILLING DIGITAL GAPS

Rosales said the PCA will not stop updating its list of coconut farmers and enjoined them to register in order to reap the benefits of the decades-long idled coconut levy fund. “We will not stop at 3.1 million. We hope that more individuals will register in our coconut farmers registry,” he said. The updating of the coconut farmers registry is mandated by Republic Act (RA) 11524 or the Coconut Industry Trust Fund Act. See “3-M farmers,” A2

of quarantine rules in PHL By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

NTER NATIONA L concerns over the possible spread of the more infectious Omicron Co“The wage board, as usual, sided with the vid-19 variant prompted the govinterest of business groups led by ECOP ernment to reimpose mandatory [Employers Confederation of the Philippines] facility-based quarantine for all to dismiss the petition.” arriving passengers in the country. spokesman Alan Tanjusay Acting—TUCP Presidential spokesperson Karlo B. Nograles announced Refiled petition on Sunday that the Inter-Agency IN a virtual on MonTask Forcepress for conference the Management day, TUCP Raymond C. Mendoza exof Emerging Infectious Diseases pressed outrage over the dismissal of (IATF) suspended the implementheir petition due to a technicality. tation of its Resolution No. 150“It is grossly unfair forimposing the wage A (s.2021), effectively board to just dismiss our petition stricter protocols for all inbound and choose to ignore the arguments travelers. andTocomputations which are all note, IATF Resolution 150about a minimum wage increase. A had allowed fully vaccinated While it travelers is true that RTWPB non-visa fromthe Green List cannot grant an across-the-board areas to enter the country withwage increase, it has jurisdiction out the need for facility-based insofar as providing an increase in quarantine as long as they secure minimum wage,” Mendoza said. negative Reverse TranscriptionNevertheless, he said they opted Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTto just refile their petition, PCR) test within 72 hoursremovprior ing the term “across-the-board” so to their departure. the“Except RTWPB-NCR could immediately for countries classified act on it. as ‘Red,’ the testing and quarantine See “Wage board,” A2 protocols for all inbound international travelers in all ports of entry shall comply with the testing and quarantine protocols for ‘Yellow’ list countries,” Nograles said, citing the provision of IATF Resolution No. 151-A. He noted Hong Kong, which has confirmed a case of the Omicron variant, will also fall under the Yellow list countries. The suspension of the rules for “Green List” countries will be in effect from November 28, 2021 to December 15, 2021. Continued on A2

36.2807 n EU 56.5758 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.4531

Source: BSP (November 26, 2021)

n JAPAN 0.4216 n UK 67.7470 n HK 6.5947 n CHINA 8.1498 n SINGAPORE 38.0807 n AUSTRALIA 38.7015 n EU 57.0422 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.7726

Source: BSP (April 4, 2022)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Despite missing 34, Senate panel closing e-sabong probe

By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

ENATE probers are poised to wind up the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs inquiry into the operations of online cockfighting (e-sabong) in connection with the reported disappearance of 34 cockfighting workers and players.

PhilSys...

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“ L e a r n i ng f rom t he c h a l lenges of socia l assista nce de l iver y w it hout a found at iona l I D du r i n g t he C o v id -19 re sponse, PSA recog ni zed d ig ita l SP del iver y as a pr ior it y a rea a nd is now work ing w it h t he Depa r t ment of Socia l Welfare and Development [DSW D]

to use Phi lSys for t he d ig ita l tra nsfor mat ion of t he countr y’s major socia l assista nce prog ra ms,” t hey added. Marskell said that based on the World Bank’s 2017 ID4D-Findex Survey, a fifth of the poorest Filipinos were denied government services and one seventh were denied

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, committee chairman, said the fourth and last hearing will be held April 18 right after their Holy Week recess. T he probe chair man ind ic ated t h at Sen ate probers a re not keen on st i l l e x tendi ng t hei r i nqu i r y a f ter h avi ng obt a i ned i n t hei r pre v iou s hea r i ngs wh at he deem s s u b s t a nt i a l i n f o r m a t i o n t o render a re por t w it h recommended ac t ion s to be t a ken re l ated to t he m i ssi ng coc kf ig ht a f ic ion ados. Dela Rosa indicated the panel report will also include crafting legislation needed to regulate esabong. On the case of the “missing”—believed to be abducted— sabungeros, dela Rosa said they would rather leave the matter to the law enforcement agencies, referring to the Philippine Na-

tional Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. S e n at e P re s i d e nt V i c e nt e Sotto III, however, had sa id earlier that the Senate is not inclined to let the matter rest until it sees a satisfactor y resolution of the mass abduction cases. On crafting remedial legislation, Dela Rosa indicated the committee report would likely include recommendations on whether to enact a law regulating or banning e-sabong, as many quarters have suggested. While acknowledging the social costs of e-sabong, especially gambling addiction and the apparent crimes committee like abductions, the Executive has stood pat on its decision to allow e-sabong to continue because, as President Duterte put it, the government is bankrupt and needs the billions in revenue.

government financial support because they lacked an ID. He said the PhilSys is important because many Filipinos still lack what is known locally as a “primary ID,” like a passport or driving license. As a result, when these Filipinos access a service, say, at a municipality or bank, they have to present multiple physical documents, often including a certified copy of a birth certificate, which creates barriers

and costs. “The ability for someone to prove their identity is increasingly a prerequisite for accessing services including social protection support from the government,” Marskell said. “As more transactions move online, digital ID systems are needed to allow people to securely prove who they are remotely, without physical interaction,” he added. Cho said the World Bank is now working with the DSWD to develop what is called a transformational digital trilogy composed of a digital ID (PhilSys), digital payments and digital data governance. He said citizens accessing government-to-persons (G2P) payments can easily prove their identity using the national ID without a lengthy application process. With less paperwork, Cho said people can receive their benefits through digital channels quickly and securely without a long travel and wait time. Also, Cho said, program implementers can use the ID, interoperable information systems, and databases to verify the beneficiaries’ eligibility and enroll them for suitable support programs. The World Bank expert said these efforts will save beneficiaries’ travel, time, and financial costs, as well as spare them from so much hassle, to access government’s services. “Efforts to shift cash transfer to digital payments followed through the partnership with financial service providers. As a result, the access points came c loser to be nef ic i a r ies, a nd the average travel and waiting time to cash out the benefits went down significantly by about 45 minutes,” Cho said. Last week, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said it is confident that less stringent mobility restrictions currently in place will encourage more Filipinos to register for a National ID. As of March 16, 2022, some 60.48 million Filipinos completed the PhilSys Step 2 Registration, which involves capturing biometric information such as fingerprints, iris, and front-facing photographs at registration centers. PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General, said more Filipinos will be able to register to PhilSys and allow PSA to meet this year’s target on time. In February, Mapa told BusinessMirror that the PSA is targeting to register the demographic and biometric of 92 million by the end of 2022. The PSA aims to distribute National ID cards to 31.3 million Filipinos by year-end.

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Bets...

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PHOTO COURTESY OF OVP

On t he use a nd promot ion of renewable energy as a step to mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, Robredo said she will “fix” and have a road map in achieving targeted energy “milestones.” “It’s clear to us that we are going in the direction of being carbonneutral, so we must prepare for how to transition from being fossil fueldependent for source of electricity to becoming carbon-neutral,” she said, partly in Filipino. The vice president noted that although the country targeted to be carbon-free in its energy use by 2050, its direction toward the 2050 goal was not clear. There should be milestones of “after five years, after 10 years – what should be our energy mix? When we look at our situation now, many years ago we should have had 34 percent renewables in our energy mix, but now it’s lower, it’s just 20 percent,” Robredo said. Noting that the country was among the states being severely affected by climate change, labor

JFC...

leader Leody de Guzman called on the government to allot funding to renewable energy as Filipinos should contribute more in mitigating climate change. De Guzman said the country should reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, especially coal, which is the dirtiest, and accelerate its shift to the use of renewable energy. On the other hand, for mer Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abel la sa id he wou ld develop agriculture industry in such a way that the use and development of renewable energy would be incorporated. On the issue of food sustainability, Senator Manny Pacquiao said the government should give focus to local production and reduce over-reliance on importation, which is killing the livelihood of farmers and fishermen. Lawyer-physicianJoseMontemayor agreed with Pacquiao and called for the scuttling of the rice tariffication law. He took to task previous administrations for neglecting the agriculture sector. Businessman Faisal Mangondato also aired similar concerns.

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“Prompt issuance of IRRs for these laws would hasten the realization of gains expected from the passage of these liberalization laws, to the benefit of the public. Indeed, we welcome recent statements by executive and legislative leaders to ‘get on with it’ after the successful efforts to pass the reforms in the Congress,” it added. The JFC also welcomed the issuance of the amended Retail Trade Liberalization Act. The JFC urged the government to issue the IRRs of the Public Service Act and Foreign Services Act before the end of the current administration. “Consistent with the aim of Executive Order 166, which adopts the Economic Development Cluster’s 10-point policy agenda for pandemic recovery, to speed up and sustain the country’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, we call on relevant government agencies to ensure that the IRRs on R A 11659 and 11647 are also issued, with sufficient stakeholder consultation, before the end of the current administration,” it said. T he JFC said its members “strongly” support the full implementation of the three economic reform laws and “pledged” their efforts to bring the attention of appropriate firms abroad to these measures and encourage them to invest in the Philippines. “The members of the JFC express strong support for the full implementation of these new laws and pledge our efforts to bring the

reforms to the attention of appropriate firms in our member countries in the United States, Australia-New Zealand, Canada, Korea, Japan, and Europe and encourage these firms to invest in the Philippines,” it said. “With its large, growing economy, we see the Philippines benefiting from the capital, technology, and greater competition these reforms will bring in the form of more jobs and better products and services more widely available to the Filipino people,” it added. The members of the JFC are American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, AustralianNew Zealand Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Philippines, Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Inc. Last month, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said the enactment of the amended Public Services Act could lead to over $100-billion investments in telecommunication, transportation and logistics in the next two years. Lopez said current potential investments in the sectors of telecommunication, transportation, logistics and railway—where foreigners are now allowed to own 100 percent equity—are estimated at over $60 billion.

Wage board... “We chose that path because we deemed to argue with them right now will delay the process....Time is of the essence,” Mendoza said. TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay assailed the RTWPB-NCR’s dismissal of their petition. “The wage board, as usual, sided with the interest of business groups led by ECOP (Employers Confederation of the Philippines) to dismiss the petition,” Tanjusay said.

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TUCP is pushing for the new wage hike in NCR to allow minimum wage earners to cope with the rising cost of living in the region, as inflationary pressures from the steady rise of oil prices, driven most recently by the Ukraine-Russia conf lict, have compounded shortages arising from supply chain issues gripping businesses worldwide throughout the pandemic.

The Nation BusinessMirror

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SC affirms ex-N. Ecija solon’s indictment over pork spending By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Supreme Court has affirmed the indictment by the Office of the Ombudsman of former Fourth District Representative of Nueva Ecija Rodolfo Antonino for two counts of graft and malversation in connection with the alleged anomalous utilization of his P15million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel funds for 2007. In a 13-page resolution, the Court’s Third Division junked the petition filed by Antonino seeking the reversal of the Ombudsman decision issued on January 11, 2017, on the ground of grave abuse of discretion. The SC did not give credence to Antonino’s claim that the documents, which became the basis of the Ombudsman’s filing of graft and malversation charges against him, were spurious and that his signatures thereon were forged. The petitioner was referring to the documents authorizing and signifying the release of his pork barrel allocation to the Department of Agriculture (DA), National AgriBusiness Corporation (NABCOR) and Buhay Mo Mahal Ko Foundation Inc. (BMMKFI). He contended that his 2007 PDAF allocations were transferred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and that his priority projects were implemented by the same agency through NE4 Incorporated. The petitioner claimed that this was confirmed by the Department of Budget and Management when it released a copy the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) indicating DSWD as the implementing agency of the first tranche of his PDAF. Thus, he insisted that he could not have assigned the same tranche of his PDAF to another agency. In its decision, the Ombudsman noted that Antonino requested and directly endorsed NABCOR and BMMKFI to the DA as implementors of his livelihood training kits (LTK) project. It noted that on March 22, 2007, BMMKFI through Antonino, exclusively procured from C.C. Barredo 7,275 sets of LTKs worth P2,000 each or a total of P14.55 million. A day after, the supplier allegedly delivered the LTKs in Roxas Boulevard which were accepted and

acknowledged by Antonino. However, upon actual field verification, it was found that these were ghost projects as several local officials of Nueva Ecija denied ever receiving any of the LTKs. T he Ombud sm a n sa id t he project was not supported by any project proposal, physical and audited financial reports, monitoring reports or due diligence conducted in the supplier and NGO-selection process. There was also no public bidding or any procurement conducted for the project. The SC held that Antonino’s defense of forgery should be raised and resolved during trial, not during the preliminary investigation stage. “At any rate, the Ombudsman made prima facie comparison of petitioner’s signatures, on the alleged spurious documents and his signatures on the documents he claimed to be authentic. The Ombudsman concluded that the signatures appear to have been written by one hand and the same person,” the SC noted. “This finding, at least for the purpose of determining probable cause, should be regarded with utmost respect as it is supported by substantial evidence,” the Court added. The Court also noted that based on the Ombudsman’s investigation, it was discovered that the petitioner himself requested for his PDAF to be allocated to the DA and transferred to NABCOR, an unlisted project implementer for the 2007 General Appropriations Act (GAA). The petitioner, likewise, requested BMMKFI, as project implementer despite not being in the list. “Thus, the Ombudsman could not have been guilty of grave abuse of discretion in finding probable cause to indict petition for violating Sec. 3 [e] of Republic Act 3019 [Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act] and malversation,” the SC stressed. “On the face of the documents and evidence on record, it seems that petitioner misappropriated his PDAF by making it appear that the same was used in his livelihood projects and approved the transfer of his PDAF to unauthorized agencies, which was properly considered by the Ombudsman in determining the existence of probable cause that he committed malversation,” it added.

Poll body pushes bill sanctioning candidates who shun debates

LECTION hopefuls who shun debates face possible disqualification under a proposed legislation being pushed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Comelec Commissioner George M. Garcia said lawmakers could consider the sanction to compel national and local candidates to participate in their organized debates. “If they will not [attend], it could be grounds for their disqualification and at the same time it could be grounds for election offense,” Garcia said in a televised interview on Monday. At the House, meanwhile, a party-list lawmaker said he is now seriously studying the filing of a bill categorically disallowing, penalizing and/or disqualifying candidates who skip debates mandated by the Comelec. House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate issued the statement as Garcia confirmed the poll body would ask Congress to pass legislation to make it mandatory for candidates to attend Comelec-organized debates. Under the Omnibus Election Code, an election offense can be sanctioned with imprisonment and disqualification from running for a public office. “We will try to convince the hon-

orable Congress to consider making attendance for local or national candidates in debates organized by the Commission on Elections a requirement,” Garcia said. Comelec maintains attendance in such debates is crucial for voters to come out with an informed choice during elections. Currently, the only sanction the poll body can come out for debate skippers is disqualifying them from making use of its e-rallies platform to disseminate their election materials. Garcia said they couldn’t impose harsher sanctions for debate skippers due to the lack of legal basis for it. In the ongoing 5-part PiliPinas Debate 2022: The Turning Point PiliPinas series of the Comelec for presidential and vice presidential candidates, only three candidates were unable to attend, namely, former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Buhay Party-list Rep. Jose “Lito” L. Atienza Jr. Of the said candidates, only Atienza was able to justify not attending the said debates due to his medical condition. He is still recovering from an urgent knee replacement surgery. Samuel P. Medenilla and Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, April 5, 2022 A3

Comelec debates: No major foreign policy shift for nine presidential bets By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

HERE will be no major foreign policy shift as far as the nine presidential candidates who attended the second part of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) presidential debate on Sunday night are concerned. Instead, candidates offered improvements to strengthen the Philippine role in the international stage, as well as protection of undocumented Filipino workers overseas. Survey frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—whose late father normalized the country’s diplomatic relations with China and the USSR and first asserted the Philippine claim over the South China Sea and Sabah— skipped the debate again. Veteran broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, who moderated the debate, asked three questions related to foreign policy to nine presidential wannabes who attended the debate—how to ensure protection on undocumented migrant workers in Asean, how to persuade members of Asean to forge a code of conduct with China in the West Philippine Sea, and the candidates’ position on human rights violations in Myanmar. Vice President Leni Robredo and Dr. Jose Montemayor Jr. recognized the bilateral agreements the

Philippines negotiated with sending countries in a number of Asean countries, but emphasized that they do not apply to undocumented or illegal overseas Filipino workers (OFW) which are more vulnerable to physical and economic abuses. It is important for undocumented OFWs to report wherever they are to the Philippine embassy or consulate nearest their workplace so they can be easily tracked especially during disasters or other crises, Montemayor said. Robredo thought government should provide “incentives” to undocumented Filipinos when they report on their whereabouts. Robredo noted that many OFWs who are already retiring or have already retired still refuse to come home to the Philippines because they would stand to lose their social welfare benefits or insurance coverage in their host country. She said she would work for the Philippines to have bilateral agreements with countries on “portability” of social security and insurance benefits from countries where OFWs have worked for years. “Kasi hinulugan naman nila ’yun eh. ’Yung mga social welfare benefits, mga health benefits dapat kahit umuwi na sila rito, they would still be entitled to it, mag-uusap na lang ang dalawang gobyerno,” she said. Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson recalled that Congress recently passed a law creating the Department of

Migrant Workers. He suggested “accelerating” the implementation of the law, instead of waiting for the two-year transition period for the new department to take into full effect so that the problems of OFWs would be immediately addressed. Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso wanted to go beyond Asean in pursuing bilateral labor agreements that encompass both documented and undocumented workers. Most of the candidates agreed that Asean’s policy to form a consensus was the major stumbling block to forging a regional agreement with China for rules of engagement in managing the South China Sea conflict. Montemayor said Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia are heavily indebted to China and because of that, he believes, “there is no way” there will be an Asean consensus on the code of conduct. Former National Security Adviser Norberto “Bert” Gonzales and former Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said Asean consensus-building approach should be set aside and the “majority” should lead the way on talks with China for a code of conduct in the South China Sea. Domagoso said he would not tolerate a similar incident in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, located some 180 nautical miles

west of Zambales, where Filipino fishermen are being apprehended by the Chinese Coast Guard whenever they do fishing near the rock formation. “Any foreign vessel entering into our territory, I will make sure there will be decorative items under the sea in the Philippine ocean. We have to be certain under our rules so that this country—the way that is being done in other countries— will respect us…. I’ll capture them. I’ll make sure they will be liable and I will ask the ambassador of that country to explain before the Office of the President,” Domagoso said. On the Myanmar human rights issue, labor leader Leodegario “Leody” de Guzman, Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao, Lacson and Domagoso were all in agreement that Manila should take a principled stance against junta repression of the people of Myanmar, and take the lead in Asean in ensuring this will also be the stance of the entire regional bloc. De Guzman and Pacquiao stressed, though, that the Philippine government should clean its own backyard first in terms of ensuring human rights are protected. “Walang kredibilidad ang ating pamahalaan kung sya mismo ang pangunahing sumusupil sa karapatan ng kanyang mamamayan, [Our government will have no credibility if it leads in suppressing the rights of its own citizens],” de Guzman said.

BFP adopts NGP reforestation areas in two Bulacan towns 797,181 learners By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has formally adopted two National Greening Program (NGP) sites, one each in the towns of Norzagaray and Doña Remedios Trinidad in the Province of Bulacan. The move came after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) outlining the partnership for the National Greening Program (NGP). Under the agreement, the parties will plant bamboo and other forest and fruit-bearing species on the 25-hectare reforestation area at Barangay San Lorenzo in Norzagaray and, a 25-hectare reforestation area at Barangay Kalawakan in Doña Remedios Trinidad. The DENR will provide a tree plantation plan and technical assistance, while the DILG-BFP will spearhead the plantation, rehabilitation, maintenance, protection, conservation, and other related activities of the adopted plantation sites to sustain the growth and survival of the planted seedlings for five years. DENR-Central Luzon Regional Executive Director Paquito T.

Moreno Jr. and DILG-BFP chief Director Louie S. Puracan led the MOA signing. In his keynote message read by DENR-Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service (SCIS) Director Khalil Sergio Bayam, Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna acknowledged the initial partnership of the two agencies. “We take this as a noble act on the part of the DILG-BFP because we at the DENR could certainly look forward to more successful and sustained forest rehabilitation efforts in these areas,” Sampulna said. Meanwhile, Puracan said the DILG-BFP initiated the partnership not only for environmental protection but also to empower and provide a livelihood to the local community and indigenous peoples living around the sites as well as for their own BFP firefighters given its “limitless potentials.” He estimated that around 40,000 BFP personnel would plant at least 10 bamboo seedlings, equating to 400,000 bamboo seedlings. Moreover, Moreno also highlighted the timeliness of the partnership, as the BFP will experience firsthand how to protect these sites during the dry season when forest fires are rampant in the country. “Forest fire is the biggest issue in terms of forest protection or estab-

lished plantation protection. I hope that this MOA will spur a sustainable, broader partnership among our partners on forest protection and establishment,” said Moreno. The MOA also allows the DILGBFP to engage the services of the concerned community in implementing seedling production, planting, maintenance, and protection activities. For these adopted areas, the DILG-BFP will also establish a forest fire station where basic firefighting equipment, supplies or vehicles are available for immediate response to forest fires. DILG-BFP is also responsible for the establishment of fire lookout towers and the provision of manpower. In 2020, forest fires destroyed 7,830 hectares of NGP forestland areas that cost about P120 million. Of the total damaged area, 2,169 hectares were in Central Luzon. In time with Fire Prevention Month, the MOA signing was conducted in collaboration with the DENR Tayo Ang Kalikasan and SCIS. The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council also supports it. Bamboo planting in various sites in Central Luzon and National Capital Region and coastal cleanup in Region 4A, in collaboration with the BFP, was also held in March.

Napolcom sets conferment rites for 263 police officials on April 27

FTER passing the two-phased Police Executive Service Eligibility (PESE) Examination, 263 Police Lieutenant Colonels (PLTCOL) and Police Colonels (PCOL) will be conferred with the PESE Certificate in the conferment rites to be held on April 27, 2022. These police officials from all over the country took the PESE Written Examination on October 21, 2022 held in Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City test centers. Out of the 532 examinees, 361 passed. They were joined by 36 passers of previous year’s written examinations to take the Validation Interview at the Napolcom Central Office on February 19, 20, 26 and

27, 2022. From the total of 397 interviewees, only 392 participated in the interview phase. Out of the 392 interviewees, 263 or 67.09 percent successfully passed both the PESE Written Examination and Validation Interview. The PESE is an eligibility requirement for the third level ranks of Police Colonel, Police Brigadier General, Police Major General, Police Lieutenant General, and Police General. Designed to select the best future leaders in the police service, the PESE, which consists of written examination and panel interview, tests the ability of police officials in answering analytical questions on police leadership

and police values. The PESE Validation Interview is also based on the approved procedural guidelines set by the Napolcom. Police interviewees undergo a thorough assessment by panelists composed of a Napolcom official, a PNP senior official, and a representative from the civil society/academe/ national government agency. As provided under Napolcom Resolution No. 2020-0892, only those who obtained an outstanding rating during the interview phase shall be conferred the PESE Certificate in a formal conferment ceremony. The complete list of PESE conferees can be viewed at the Napolcom web site at www.napolcom.gov.ph.

list for DepEd’s early enrollment program–data By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

T least 797,181 learners have enrolled for School Year (SY) 2022-2023 as of April 4, the Department of Education (DepEd) data showed on Monday. Data sent to the BusinessMirror showed that the three regions with the most number of registrants are the National Capital Region with 116,596, Calabarzon-110,685, and Davao with 79,527. The DepEd conducted the early registration for SY 2022-2023 from March 25 to April 30,2022 to help the department better anticipate and deal with possible challenges and concerns, as stated in the DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2018 or the Basic Education Enrollment Policy. “All incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7, and 11 learners in all public elementary and secondary schools are encouraged to pre-register to allow the Department to make necessary preparations and adjustment of plans for the incoming school year,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said earlier. Briones also reminded that Grades 2 to 6, 8 to 10, and 12 need not participate in the early registration as they are considered pre-registered. The DepEd encouraged private schools to conduct their respective early registration activities in the same time frame. “As we are set to conduct early registration, we remind our school authorities from both public and private schools to strictly implement the Kindergarten cut-off age under DO 020, s. 2018,” Briones said. Despite the developing Covid-19 situation in the country, DepEd urged everyone not to be complacent and follow guidelines on minimum health and safety standards. In the context of the prevailing Covid-19 public health emergency, the conduct of the early registration shall be done remotely in areas under Alert Levels 3-5.

A4 Tuesday, April 5, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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PhilGuarantee extends ₧2.95-B financial aid to 20,310 entreps By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

VER 20,000 entrepreneurs have received financing assistance from the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PhilGuarantee) as of March, the Department of Finance (DOF) reported on Monday. The DOF said the cumulative releases

for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) reached P2.95 billion as of March 10 this year. The assistance benefited 20,310 entrepreneurs. The financing assistance was extended through the MSME Credit Guarantee Program (MCGP), which grants a 50-percent guarantee for working capital loans and a guarantee of

up to 80 percent of the amount for term loans of up to seven years for capital expenditures. “The sizable increase in this staterun corporation’s financing assistance to MSMEs at the height of the Covid-19 outbreak underlines this administration’s commitment to rescue small entrepreneurs hardest hit by the global downturn and en-

sure their swift and strong recovery from the prolonged pandemic,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said. For 2022, PhilGuarantee President and CEO Alberto Pascual said he is projecting an MSME portfolio of P4.4 billion with an additional 8,800 in beneficiary-enterprises. Pascual added the agency’s credit guarantee portfolio for MSMEs performed well since the pilot implementation of MCGP in December 2020, with an initial portfolio of P207 million. Pascual added that a total of P1.48 billion of these releases were supported by the corporation’s credit guarantee facilities to such groups. “The quick recovery of MSMEs from the global health and economic crises is crucial to the country’s strong rebound at the soonest, considering that they make up 99 percent of all business enterprises and account for nearly 36 percent of the domestic economy,” Dominguez said. Top beneficiaries of the credit guarantee facilities of the agency belong to the wholesale and retail sector, which received P1.95 billion and manufacturing with P230.54 million. Other top beneficiaries were businesses engaged in transport, storage and communication which received P172.64 million; community, social and other establishments, P140.68 million; agriculture and forestry, P130.36 million; and hotels and tourism-related services, P114.53 million. Pascual said in terms of number of

MSME beneficiaries, Pascual said that more than 75 percent or 15,308 of the total enterprises are those in the wholesale and retail industry, while the remainders are from the manufacturing (1,685), transport (170), other communities (1,051), agriculture and forestry (271) and hotels and restaurants (1,096). These firms were based in Regions 4A (Calabarzon), 3 (Central Luzon), 1 (Ilocos), 5 (Bicol), and 10 (Northern Mindanao) comprise the major areas supported by the credit guarantee facilities, with P1.66 billion in cumulative releases since December 2020. MSMEs belonging to the National Capital Region (NCR) obtained a total of P207.65 million in working capital assistance extended by banks, with the support of the agency’s credit guarantee franchise. “The growth in the MSME credit guarantee portfolio, with the support of 18 banks in the country, represented more than 13 times or 1,325 percent since December 2020, and this was impacted further by PhilGuarantee in the implementation of its key assistance role,” Pascual said. Since the start of the MCGP at the height of the pandemic in 2020, the PhilGuarantee Governing Board thus far approved a total of P37.7 billion in credit guarantee facilities to 34 banks. Presently, there are a total of 48 banks having approved facilities with PhilGuarantee, where 18 are currently actively participating financial institutions, while 28 banks have completed guarantee agreement documentations.

Oil firms roll back fuel pump prices By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

OCAL pump prices will go down this week, oil firms announced on Monday. Gasoline prices will be reduced by P2.30 per liter, diesel by P1.85 per liter and kerosene by P1.65 per liter. The price reduction will take effect today, Tuesday, at 6 p.m. for Seaoil, Petron, Shell, Caltex, Total, Unioil, PTT, and Phoenix. For Cleanfuel, the price rollback is effective at 8:01 a.m. This week’s price adjustment is the sec-

ond rollback since the start of the year. Oil prices were on the rise for 11 consecutive weeks since this year brought about by movements in the world oil market. Last week, oil firms implemented a price increase in domestic oil products. Gasoline has increased by P3.40 per liter, diesel by P8.65 per liter, while kerosene by P9.40 per liter. These resulted to the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a net increase of P18.30/ liter for gasoline, P27.85/liter for diesel and P25.75/liter for kerosene.

Data governance and cross-border data flows

By Henry J. Schumacher

LLOW me to address two issues today: 1. US and EU Agree in Principle on New Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework In a joint press conference, US President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced last week an agreement “in principle” on a framework, called the Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework (“Privacy Shield 2.0”), to replace the USEU Privacy Shield. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) places restrictions on personal data transfers to countries outside of the European Economic Area. Privacy Shield 2.0 is designed to replace the original Privacy Shield which had made EU to US data transfers legal but was invalidated by the European Court of Justice in 2020 in the so-called Schrems II decision. Privacy Shield 2.0 would potentially revive the Privacy Shield and allow EU to US data flows for compliant companies. Few details have emerged on the terms of the agreement or how different its terms would be from the original Privacy Shield.

The concern of EU Courts has been the extent of the US government’s surveillance of personal data. Many in Europe are wary of any mechanism that allows data transfers to the US because they believe that the transferred data simply will not be protected from the eyes of the US government. Some European commentators are skeptical of Privacy Shield 2.0 as few details have emerged about how US government surveillance would change in order to have the regime survive scrutiny in EU courts and a possible Schrems III scenario. What is clear is that the success or failure of the forthcoming Privacy Shield 2.0 will have serious consequences for businesses of all sizes transferring personal data across the Atlantic, and beyond. For the Philippines as a data-driven economy with a business-process outsourcing industry that is employing 1.4 million people and generating revenues of $28.8 billion (2021 data), this Data Privacy Framework Development between the EU and the US is enormously important, as much of the data flow between the US and EU involves companies and people in the Philippines. While we wait to see the detail, businesses transferring personal data across the Atlantic should rely on adequacy safeguards under the GDPR such as the so-called “standard contractual clauses.” 2. Return to on-site work Today is April 5: on April 1, BPO companies were forced to resume full on-site operations or face penalties. work from home—no more. The Hybrid-System, which makes sense— was not considered. The Philippines rightfully wants to be a data-driven economy. What must the next government do to protect the important BPO industry? Feedback is needed! I look forward to your feedback; contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

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Senators weigh house arrest for detained Pharmally execs By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE Senate’s Blue Ribbon Committee has yet to grant or deny an appeal by two officials of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation earlier cited in contempt and detained at the Pasay City Jail to be placed under house arrest instead. Committee sources confided there was still no indication Senate probers have firmed up a consensus either way for the two detainees to remain at the city jail or house arrest as requested by detained Pharmally officials Mohit Dargani and Lincoln Ong. Senators said the matter is still under consideration but would not likely rush a decision on the request of Dargani, corporate secretary and treasurer, and Ong, a director of the corporation. Before that, probers recalled the Blue Ribbon panel on the third week of March received separate motions for house arrest from the two Pharmally officials. According to their lawyers, the two Pharmally officers and their families were also having extreme difficulties adjusting in over four months since they were detained at the Pasay City jail while their case has yet to be heard in court. It will be recalled that Senate probers ordered the Pharmally officials’ detention after being cited in contempt for refusing to submit to the senator’s pertinent documents related to Pharmally’s financial statements. Pharmally was subjected to inquiry after the Duterte government was reported to have bought multibillion pesos worth of suspected overpriced face masks, face shields and PPE from a newly registered corporation with P625,000 capital.

Agri industry groups press next admin to prioritize domestic food production

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

GRICULTURE industry groups on Monday called on the next administration to prioritize local production in ensuring the country’s food security amid various domestic and global challenges. Food security advocacy group Tugon Kabuhayan urged candidates to “prioritize” food security once they are elected, and pay attention to increasing domestic agricultural production. “This call is not just for the candidates to prioritize our food security but moreover, a call to all Filipinos to vote for the right candidate who

will propel our economy towards sustainable development, benefiting our major food producers; our fisherfolk and farmers,” the group said in a news statement. The group also pointed out that the demand for protein-rich foods in the country would continue to increase as the Filipino population steadily grows.

@maloutalosig

OUR Filipino seafarers were arrested in South Australia, after an elaborate multi-agency police and border force operation led to the seizure of around 416 kilograms of cocaine worth A$166 million last week. According to the Australian Federal Police, this is the “biggest haul of illicit drugs ever confiscated” in South Australia. The identities of the Filipino crew members, aged between 29 and 44, were withheld in the statement. They have been charged with importation of a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs. If convicted, the accused face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Australian media reports said the seafarers of Cyprus-flagged Safe Bulkers vessel Kypros Bravery, allegedly threw the drugs overboard at a predetermined location in ‘deep waters’ off the Yorke Peninsula on March 15. A joint agency investigation— codenamed Operation Lithgow— by the Australian Federal Police,

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, the group said that the self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) of the country for pork is at 91 percent, 92.9 percent for chicken, 89.4 percent for roundscad and 79.5 percent for tuna. “Another threat to our food security is the continuous intrusion of China in our waters despite protests from our government and calls to uphold the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that favored our claim over disputed territory in the West Philippine Sea,” the group said. National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. President Chester Warren Y. Tan urged the government to rethink its strategy in attaining food security amid rising costs of raw materials caused by global economic problems. “We have to rethink our strategy. Our feed producers need our support. One way of helping them is to increase corn production so

that there is enough to feed our livestock,” Tan said. “If we have enough feed, the cost of production for hog farmers will go down. We are able to lower the price and pass on the savings to consumers,” he added. Fresh Options Chief Executive Officer Robert Lo proposed that the next Congress prioritize the passage of the National Land Use Act to end people’s speculation on lands, leaving them “idle and non-productive.” Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc. President Rosanna Contreras urged the government to suspend the excise tax and VAT on crude oil to help fishermen cope with the rising fuel prices. “We also suggest allowing us to seek new fishing grounds to expand our operations. We hope to secure rights and licenses for these fishing grounds,” Contreras said.

Norbert Chingcuanco, Vice President for Corporate Planning of Feedmix Specialist Inc., said the government must streamline and fast-track the issuance of necessary permits for the operations of aquaculture farms so as not to waste prospective investments in the industry. “To grow the industry, we need a faster, more efficient way for fish farmers to acquire long-term permits. Most mariculture operation permits are issued yearly, this is very risky considering the huge investment on capital outlay, technology and personnel,” he said. “We are still waiting for the Water Use Act to be passed. We need those who are going to be in office to invest time in our industries. The aquaculture industry requests the government to allow us to lease water in different remote areas,” he added.

DOLE chief Bello issues holiday pay Pangarungan may be vested with power guidelines on Araw ng Kagitingan to place an area under Comelec control

RIVATE sector employees who will commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at work will get additional pay during the holiday this coming Saturday, April 9. In a Labor Advisory No. 8, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said the concerned workers would be entitled to 200 percent of their regular salary for eight hours of work. In case the affected workers will work overtime or beyond eight hours during the holiday, they will get an

additional 30 percent of their hourly rate. They will be entitled to another 30 percent of their basic wage that day if it will coincide with their rest day. “If the employee did not report for work, he or she shall be paid 100 percent of his or her salary that day,” Bello said. President Duterte declared April 9, 2022 as a regular holiday to allow Filipinos to commemorate the fall of Bataan to Japanese forces during the last global war. Samuel P. Medenilla

4 Pinoy seafarers nabbed in S. Australia’s biggest cocaine haul By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 A5

Australian Border Force, South Australia Police, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the Department of Home Affairs was launched. After three days of “methodical, arduous and endless search of the ocean area” using land, marine and air assets, the shipment was located. “This was an exceptionally wellexecuted operation by the ABF to effectively find a needle in a haystack,” Australian Border Force Acting Chief Superintendent Alex Kelsall said. The consignment was located on March 21 that led to the international bulk shipping. AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Harvey said it was likely the illicit drugs would have been distributed across Australia by criminals associated with serious organized crime. “While the alleged cocaine importation is the largest ever detected by law enforcement in South Australia, it is most certain the drugs would have been trafficked to other Australian states,’’ Assistant Commissioner Harvey said. Further testing will be done to determine the exact weight and purity of the drugs.

Melbourne ConGen

REPRESENTATIVES of the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne were able to speak with all four of the Filipino accused workers. They were also individually provided public defenders when they appeared at Port Adelaide Magistrates Court last Friday. “All four are in good health and are being treated well by Australian authorities. They also requested that their families be informed of what happened,” the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Canberra has also been in touch with the shipping/manning agency of the cargo vessel. “The DFA stands ready to provide necessary assistance, including legal assistance, if still necessary, to protect the Filipino seafarers’ rights and ensure that they are given due process and a fair trial. “The public is likewise reminded that the Philippine government, under the leadership of the President Rodrigo R. Duterte, expects all Filipinos to uphold the rule of law wherever they may be,” the DFA said.

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to empower its chairman to place an area under the poll body’s control for the 2022 polls. In a televised interview on Monday, Comelec Commissioner George M. Garcia said the Comelec en banc is now considering enabling Comelec Chairman Saidamen Balt Pangarungan to make such a declaration, but subject to confirmation of its members. The measure, he said, will allow Comelec to be more responsive to on-site security developments in the forthcoming 2022 national and local elections.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10757, it is only the Comelec en banc which has the power to place certain parts of the country under Comelec control if there are history of intense rivalry among contending candidates, incidents of politically motivated violence, and presence of armed threats from armed communist terrorist group and private armed groups in the said locations. Garcia explained that such a process might take time since the Comelec en banc meets only once every week. “If we will always wait for every weekly meeting of the Comelec en banc, it will take a long time before

With free postage stamps, Comelec official foresees better OAV turnout By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now anticipating a better turnout in the upcoming overseas absentee voting (OAV) after it was able to provide free postage for ballots, which will be sent via mail. Comelec Commissioner George M. Garcia said they were able to secure a budget for postage expense in time for the start of casting for votes for overseas voters this coming Sunday. “We were able to address that so our nationals will be able to vote through courier,” Garcia said. “We urge them to take advantage of the opportunity [overseas voting]—the start of their voting will be on April 10 and it will end on May 9 [2022]. So that’s a month-long period for voting,” he added. T he Comelec Office for O verseas Vot ing (OFOV ) sa id overseas voters, who w ill make use of ma i l vot ing , wou ld be

p ro v i d e d w it h f re e p o s t a ge st a mps to receive a nd ret u r n ma i l ba l lots. During the weekend, Comelec said it was already able to deploy 80 percent of around 1.7 million ballots for overseas voters. Last year, Comelec said it expected a 30 percent to 40 percent drop in mail voters due to the initial lack of funding for their postage stamps. It noted overseas voters were likely not to send back their completed ballots if they will be forced to pay for its postage. Based on Comelec data, 29 Filipino posts abroad will make use of postal voting and use an automated election system (AES) for counting votes. It also noted 37 posts will be using postal voting but would make use of manual counting of votes; 22 posts will require voters to personally cast their votes, which will be then counted via AES, and the18 remaining posts will hold personal voting and then count their votes manually.

there could be action to prevent violence from escalating turmoil in an area,” Garcia said. “That is why we are even contemplating or even authorizing the chairman to immediately issue the order to place a particular area of a country under Comelec control,” he added. As of last week, Comelec has yet to place any area under its control or as “areas of concern” in relation to preparations for the elections. Garcia said they are trying to avoid such declarations if possible since it could have negative effects to business operations and mobility in affected communities.

DOH logs 2,679 Covid cases from March 28 to April 3 By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported that a total of 2,679 Covid-19 cases were logged from March 28 to April 3, 2022, or an average of 382 cases per day. This figure, the DOH said, is lower by 2 percent as compared to the cases recorded on March 21 to 27. There were recorder 329 deaths. Of the new cases recorded, 1 or 0.04 percent are currently severe or critical Covid patients. As of April 3, 2022, there were 692 severe or critical patients admitted at the ICU. Of the 2,990 ICU beds for Covid patients, 492 (16.5 percent) are occupied. The DOH also continued to remind the public not to be complacent. “Continue to observe the minimum public health standards under Alert Level 1,” DOH said as it encourage the public to have themselves vaccinated against Covid -19 or get booster shots.

PNP chief wants to expedite dismissal of cop over e-sabong ‘addiction’

HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos on Monday has ordered to expedite dismissal proceedings against the police officer who is facing criminal and administrative complaints due to his addiction to esabong (online cockfighting). Carlos said summary dismissal proceedings are underway against Lt. John Kevin Menes, 24, assigned with the PNP Drug Enforcement Group—Special Operations Unit—4 (DEG—SOU4) of the Po-

lice Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon), who is now facing charges of estafa and illegal gambling. “His activity inside a gambling establishment is in violation of a specific directive issued by the National Headquarters which constitutes Grave Misconduct under PNP Rules,” Carlos said in a news conference in Camp Crame. Menes joins seven other PNP personnel penalized for similar gambling violations since February 2017 when the PNP started an internal

crackdown against personnel engaged in different forms of gambling. Carlos urged all unit commanders to inspect the gadgets of their subordinates to determine those who are hooked on e-sabong. “We are protecting our personnel from becoming addicted or addicted to that kind of gaming and will continue to inspect the cellphone of our personnel if they have such an app. If not, look at the trash bin and maybe just erase it. If you really want more, let's go for forensic, digital fo-

rensic for not following the specific instruction. Again we don’t do it for ourselves to help the police because no one admits that he is addicted to gambling. They never realize that it's too late in the day but we would like to help them, that’s why we are doing this inspection,” Carlos stressed. The suspect was earlier restricted to quarters inside Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna over an administrative complaint involving the operational funds of his unit. He later escaped and was arrested

by the Manila police inside a betting station in Sta. Mesa last March 30 after he was held by employees of the establishment due to unpaid debts worth P15,000. In a related development, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz said they filed criminal cases against eight people tagged in the kidnapping of at least six cockfighting players (sabungeros) at the Manila Arena who all remain missing until this time.

“Out of the eight cases of missing sabungeros being handled by CIDG involving 34 persons missing, we were able to clear one that is the incident that happened at the Manila Arena wherein we were able to file cases against eight suspects who were believed to be responsible in this case,” Cruz told reporters. Cruz said they are now also preparing another case for identified persons behind the kidnapping of online sabong (cockfighting) financier in Laguna. PNA

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Tuesday, April 5, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

777 KORPHIL HOLDINGS CORP. Unit 2604, 26th Floor Ibp Tower, Julia Vargas Ave. Cor. Jade Drive, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig CHUNG, SEUNGHWA Operations Manager 1.

Brief Job Description: Make important policy, planning, and strategy decisions. Build alliances & partnerships with other foreign organizations.

Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Korean fluently. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1, Pitx Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

ZHAO, GANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 2.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1, Pioneer St, City Of Mandaluyong JAIN, RAHUL Service Delivery Ops Lead Assoc Director 3.

Brief Job Description: -Assign all work assignments, commit the team to work. ARIS WINARDI Service Delivery Ops Senior Analyst

Brief Job Description: -Provide support in monitoring of performance gap in relation to language skills. ARIZA APRIANDONO Service Delivery Ops Senior Analyst

Brief Job Description: -Provide support in monitoring of performance gap in relation to language skills. KAWAGUCHI, SATORU Service Delivery Ops Senior Analyst

Brief Job Description: -Provide support in monitoring of performance gap in relation to language skills. KAUR, AMANDEEP Tech Del & Ops Excellence Manager

Brief Job Description: -Provide service level support for deals which are in Stage 1 to 3B.

No.

NGO THUY DUNG Vietnamese Language- Supervisor Marketing 17.

18.

19.

Basic Qualification: -College Graduate.

20.

21.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DINH THI KIEU LOAN Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE THI DIU Chinese Customer Service

10.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN VAN TUAN Chinese Customer Service

11.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

22.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write chinese language

12.

Brief Job Description: You shall be the point person in resolving compliance requirements across organization. Lead the company-wide implementation of portfolio management structure, processes and analytics to optimize returns from limit resources. YI, MING Strategic Consultant

13.

23.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

14.

15.

Brief Job Description: Initiate conversation to uncover customer’s needs, promote business and products.

RIKI SETIAWAN Bahasa Indonesian Language- Officer Customer Service Brief Job Description: develop robust financial policy and procedures CYNTHIA GUNAWAN Bahasa Indonesian Language- Officer Marketing

16.

Brief Job Description: communicate and cooperate with the product team for tracking and updating project status

Brief Job Description: Resolves issues utilizing excellent customer service skills, problem solving skills, technical thinking/ reasoning skills, and a high level of individual judgment to ensure outcomes of customer satisfaction

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goal

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Supervisor will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goals

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIAO, YUNFEI Mandarin Finance Supervisor 24.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, must fluently speak and write any of the ff languages (Bahasa Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai,) to cater foreign market. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: bachelor’s / college degree, Finance/ Accountancy/Banking or equivalent

25.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Knowledge and experience in accounting and finance Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Mechanical Project Supervisor will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goals

DU, QUHAO Chinese Customer Service Representative 26.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

29.

27.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LU, YOUCHENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 28.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. XIE, ZHUXIA Mandarin Customer Support Representative

30.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. YI, XIAOYONG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

31.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2602 & 2603 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Finish, German, Polish and in English

32.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Finish, German, Polish and in English

Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operations Manager, Familliarity Knowledge and Awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrate Experience in Developing Strategic Business Plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operations Manager, Familliarity Knowledge and Awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrate Experience in Developing Strategic Business Plan

Basic Qualification: MANDARIN MECHANICAL PROJECT SUPERVISOR

33.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

34.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

Basic Qualification: Excellent speaking, writing and reading in Chinese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

IDE, HIROTATSU Vice President And Head Of Sales (japanese Account)

Basic Qualification: Sales experience

Brief Job Description: Business development, post-merger integration

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque LE THI KHANH LINH Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 35.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services

YI, SHANGDI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 36.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services

ZHANG, ZHANGE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 37.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

EFS DOCUMENTATION SERVICES INC. Unit 1102-b 11/f Aic Center Escolta St., 027, Barangay 291, Binondo, City Of Manila OKORO, IREJAN KELLY Bilingual Urhobo-english Translator 38.

Brief Job Description: Speak, read, and write fluently in at least two languages, one of which is usually English CHANDANDEEP Indian Marketer

39.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to identify opportunities for promotion and growth GILL, KARMVEER SINGH Indian Marketer

40.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to identify opportunities for promotion and growth PARAMJIT KAUR Indian Marketer

41.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to identify opportunities for promotion and growth

Basic Qualification: Can translate written messages accurately, efficiently, and clearly Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Know how to translate Hindu language to English. Competitive marketer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Know how to translate Hindu language to English. Competitive marketer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Know how to translate Hindu language to English. Competitive marketer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

FLASH EXPRESS SOFTWARE (PH) CO., LTD. INC. 11/f Cybersigma, Lawton Ave., Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig ZHOU, JUNJIE Central Control Dispatching Supervisor 42.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese.

DIVERSIFIED TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 10/f Unit B, Robinsons Cyber Sigma, Lawton Avenue Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

Brief Job Description: Immediately escalating serious complaints or issues that you are not equipped to deal with.

AN, YUANLONG Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operations Manager, Familliarity Knowledge and Awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrate Experience in Developing Strategic Business Plan

NGUYEN THI HANG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

DIGIVIRTUAL TECH CORPORATION 7/f Ba Lepanto Bldg., 8747 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

DEXIN 999, INC. Red Hotel No. 345, Edsa Cor. Don Carlos Revilla St., Barangay 147, Pasay City GONG, HUIJUN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION XIE, QIUCHENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: must fluently speak and write Vietnamese

CLICKPLAY SOLUTIONS CORP. 11 Ab Cyberzone Plaza Bldg., Eastwood Ave., 3, Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Finance Supervisor will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goals

ZHANG, QUN Mandarin Mechanical Project Supervisor

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati MARIA ELISABET SILITONGA Bahasa Indonesian Language- Officer Customer Service

YOU, BENXIN Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Supervisor

AVANZADO OUTSOURCING SERVICES CORP. Unit 25d, 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Isidro, City Of Makati XIANG, LONGYIYU Strategic Consultant

Brief Job Description: Responsible for establishing and processes

WANG, JUNWEI Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: degree holder; must fluently speak any of the ff: Vietnamese, Indonesian

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Rm 501 Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D., Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque CHNG CHEE HOW Chinese Customer Service

THAKUR, CHITRANJAN Senior Manager - Business Analytics

CHMIELEWSKI, PIOTR Multilingual Service Desk Member

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: -Knowledge of software development process.

Brief Job Description: initiate conversation to uncover customer’s needs

CAROCA FIGUEROA, JONATAN Multilingual Service Desk Member

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LE THU HOANG Vietnamese Language-officer Customer Service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CGI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 2/f One World Square, Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: -College Graduate.

Brief Job Description: identify, develop and implement new strategies for selling products and services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

C3/CUSTOMERCONTACTCHANNELS PHILIPPINES LTD. 11/f, 17/f, 18/f, 19/f, 20/f Bonifacio One Technology Tower, 3030 Rizal Drive Cor. 31st St. Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: -College Graduate. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Ensure that deliveries and services are carried out in the most efficient and timely manner possible

LUO, ZHENG Hub Support Supervisor 43.

Brief Job Description: making sure all jobs are being done, that basic need are addresses and significant decisions are discussed and agreed with the wider team

Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree/ 5-10 yrs. Supervisory/ managerial experience in logistics or operations/ multilingual Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree/ 5-10 yrs. Supervisory/ managerial experience in logistics or operations/ multilingual Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SHAD, UMAR AHMAD Procurement Officer

44.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for evaluating suppliers, products, and services, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that approved purchases are cost-efficient and of high quality

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree/ 5-10 yrs. Supervisory/ managerial experience in logistics or operations/ multilingual Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

57.

BUI THI THEM Customer Service Representative

45.

CHI SAU PHUNG Customer Service Representative 46.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level, preferably with customer service or sales experience; Fluent in Mandarin/basic English

TRUONG BICH SAN Customer Service Representative 58.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

59.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

47.

HOANG TRUNG HIEU Customer Service Representative 48.

Brief Job Description: Supports Customers by Providing Helpful Information, Answering Questions and Responding to Complaints

Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level, preferably with customer service or sales experience; Fluent in Mandarin/basic English

60.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 61. Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably with Customers Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

49.

MA TIEU LINH Customer Service Representative 50.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

NGUYEN DUY PHUONG Customer Service Representative 51.

Brief Job Description: Supports Customers by Providing Helpful Information, Answering Questions and Responding to Complaints

NGUYEN MINH QUANG Customer Service Representative 52.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

NGUYEN VAN KIEN Customer Service Representative 53.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

NGUYEN VIET HUNG Customer Service Representative 54.

55.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

SANJAY NOEL SURENDREN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level, preferably with customer service or sales experience; Fluent in Mandarin/basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

62.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

56.

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

VO VAN DAT Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

XU, YUHAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Brief Job Description: To promote and market company profile within Korea Maritime industry, overcome communications with Korean principals

Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level, preferably with customer service or sales experience; Fluent in Mandarin/basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With extensive experience in Shipping industry for years

QIAN, YU Mandarin Human Resources Supervisor 63.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin human resources supervisor will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long-term goals.

YUAN, SHENGXIONG Mandarin Human Resources Supervisor 64.

LI, PENG Mandarin Operating System Supervisor 65.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin operating system supervisor will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long-term goals.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin human resources supervisor, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin operating system supervisor, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

DO THI KIM XUAN Mandarin Speaking Finance Analyst 73.

JIANG, XIANYU Chinese Customer Service Representative 66.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems

VANESSA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 67.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

74.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English Language both in written and verbal With working knowledge in construction

Brief Job Description: Lead the Planning and Implementation of project Facilitate the definition of project scope goals and deliverables

75.

TSAI, JIA-RU a.k.a. LULU TSAI Chinese Technical Support Representative 69.

Brief Job Description: Works with customers//employees to identify computer problems and advises them on solutions

70.

Brief Job Description: Oversee progress and implementation of our core transformation programs partnering with Investment Banking, Product and other Middle Office partners

76.

JT INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) INC. Penthouse, W Office Building, 28th St. Cor. 11th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Meet with assigned clients when needed and perform an initial assessment of a problematic situation YANG, MINGYUAN Collection Manager

77.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate activities of staff members to ensure a smooth and efficient department that reduces the number of cases that are overlooked, analyzing, and reporting on financial performance and translating in Chinese language. WANG, HAIJUN Credit Investigation Manager

78.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English Mandarin and Other Multi-Lingual Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English Mandarin and Other Multi-Lingual Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English Mandarin and Other Multi-Lingual Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible for processing credit applications after confirming financial status of applicants, analyzing and reposting financial performance and translating in Chinese language

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MAERSK GLOBAL SERVICE CENTRES (PHILIPPINES) LTD. Levels 6-8 North Wing, Estancia Offices, Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave., Oranbo, City Of Pasig RAMIREZ HIDALGO, HECTOR HERNAN Collector 79.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the management and collection of outstanding customer accounts, whilst maintining the highest level of customer service BOBADILLA LADINO, JHON JAIRO Process Expert

80.

Brief Job Description: Respond to all inquiries in a timely and accurate manner & escalate difficulties as defined in sop’s/ iop’s

Basic Qualification: Experience in handling Accounts Receivables and possesses a basic understanding of processes involved in Finance and Accounting Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Assist customers with their issues and inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City HUANG, QINGPENG Chinese Customer Service 81.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PA PA MOE Chinese Customer Service

82.

83.

84.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries HUYN THIEN TAM Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

YANG, LONGXIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level / fluent in mandarin / english level Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate / level and fluent in mandarin / basic english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 2/f 331 Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

DINI AMALIA SARI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 85.

Basic Qualification: Strong technical-driven project management and process improvement background. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible in Maintaining The Balance Between Spreadsheet and Bank Accounts

XIE, CHUISEN Business Consultant (mandarin)

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.- PHILIPPINE GLOBAL SERVICE CENTER 25f Jpmorgan Chase & Co Tower, 9th Avenue Cor. 38th St., Uptown Bonifacio, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig SANBORN, JOSHUA LEE Business Transformation Manager

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

LUCKY365 CONSULTING LIMITED CORP. U/18a 18f 18/f Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native langugae for the position applied for, Chinese mandarin is an advantage

Brief Job Description: Responsible in Maintaining The Balance Between Spreadsheet and Bank Account TRAN THI PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

JIANGSU DIBANG CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2106-a West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig CAI, CONGHUA Site Assistant Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Responsible in Maintaining The Balance Between Spreadsheet and Bank Accounts NGUYEN VAN SAM Mandarin Speaking Finance Analyst

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg., #48 President Avenue, B. F. Homes, City Of Parañaque

Brief Job Description: Ensure that clients receive assistance with the technical aspects of products.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field for support management roles.

KONGANBUDDIES MARKETING INC. 48/f Lower Ground Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

PARROTTE, CRAIG CHARLES American Support Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin human resources supervisor, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Basic Qualification: University degree in finance or accounting. Cpa, acca required. 7-10 years experience in fmcg in a multinational company as controller or financial reporting manager. Has extensive experience in external audit and internal controls (sox preferably) and frs reporting. International financial reporting standards, sox, corporate finance, accounting. Fluency in english.

KEYWORDS ASIA PRIVATE LIMITED Ortigas Technopoint, Don. F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Julia Vargas Ave., Ugong, City Of Pasig

Basic Qualification: College Graduate /Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Drive efficient and credible monthly financial reporting process in line with ifrs standards. Books of accounts (trial balance) are analyzed prior to closing of the books. Educate key stakeholders on proper accounting treatment of various transactions specially accrual and grir process

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: College Graduate /Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English

JIU ZHOU TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 25/f Robinsons Summit, Jg Summit Center, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level, preferably with customer service or sales experience; Fluent in Mandarin/basic English

71.

72.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

RYSER, FABIAN Entity Finance Director

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

68.

TO THI HA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries; Identifying and assessing customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction; Handle customer complaints, provide appropriate solutions and alternatives within the time limits and make follow-ups to ensure resolution of complaints; Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies; Keep records of customer interactions, process customer accounts and file documents; and perform other related tasks as may be assigned from time to time

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

Basic Qualification: College Graduate /Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English

No.

HECTECHURE CORP. Units A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries; Identifying and assessing customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction; Handle customer complaints, provide appropriate solutions and alternatives within the time limits and make follow-ups to ensure resolution of complaints; Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies; Keep records of customer interactions, process customer accounts and file documents; and perform other related tasks as may be assigned from time to time

LEE, JAEMIN Director

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably with Customers Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level, preferably with customer service or sales experience; Fluent in Mandarin/basic English

H. OCEAN MANILA CO., INC. 3/f Ecj Bldg., Real St., Barangay 655, Intramuros, City Of Manila

LY THI THANH TAM Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries; Identifying and assessing customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction; Handle customer complaints, provide appropriate solutions and alternatives within the time limits and make follow-ups to ensure resolution of complaints; Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies; Keep records of customer interactions, process customer accounts and file documents; and perform other related tasks as may be assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TRUONG THI HOA Customer Service Representative

CHU THU THUY Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries; Identifying and assessing customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction; Handle customer complaints, provide appropriate solutions and alternatives within the time limits and make follow-ups to ensure resolution of complaints; Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies; Keep records of customer interactions, process customer accounts and file documents; and perform other related tasks as may be assigned from time to time

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

TRENH MY LINH Customer Service Representative

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Ri Rance Ii Bldg., Block 2 Lot 3 Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems

STEVANUS RONALD DENNY RAINTUNG Indonesian Customer Service Representative 86.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION VERYN TANVIS Indonesian Customer Service Representative

87.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills

No.

WANG, BO Chinese Customer Service 104.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f, Pearl Marina Building Pacific Drive, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.

93.

94.

95.

CHEN, JUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

CHEN, LIHUA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

CHEN, QING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

DU, YANJIE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

GAO, JINGHUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

GUO, SHAOZHI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

HU, FEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

LI, CHAOFENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

LI, MINGRUN Chinese Customer Service 96.

97.

98.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LI, QINGPING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

LI, YANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

LIN, JIAHAO Chinese Customer Service 99.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LIN, RUIFENG Chinese Customer Service 100.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

105.

106.

107.

108.

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills 109.

110.

111.

112.

113.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 114.

115.

101.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

116.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LONG, ZHIQIAN Chinese Customer Service 102.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

SHEN, XIAOHUI Chinese Customer Service 103.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

TRAN THANH THUAN Vietnamese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

NGUYEN VAN GIANG Vietnamese Customer Service

117. LIU, HAO Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

NGUYEN THI TUYET Vietnamese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

NGUYEN THI DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

CHUNG VAN TAM Vietnamese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

CHI QUANG MY Vietnamese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

BUI VAN LANH Vietnamese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

KYAW MIN TUN Myanmari Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

KYAR YOE Myanmari Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

TAN WEI JIE Malaysian Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LEE ENG SOON Malaysian Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

KEVIN YEO CHENG HUANG Malaysian Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

WU, QING Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledge in Computer Applications with Good Oral and Written Communication Skills

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

TRAN VAN TUONG Vietnamese Customer Service 118.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

TRENH THI HOAN Vietnamese Customer Service 119.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

VAN QUANG HUY Vietnamese Customer Service 120.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

No.

VAY KIET BAO Vietnamese Customer Service 121.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

AN, KANG Chinese Customer Service Representative 122.

123.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

124.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

125.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and english)

126.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

127.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and english)

128.

129.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and english)

130.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and english) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and english) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIU, YANG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services SU, JIANJUN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services ZENG, QIANSHENG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services inquiries; identifying and assessing customer’s needs.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services inquiries; identifying and assessing customer’s needs. HO DONG TOAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services inquiries; identifying and assessing customer’s needs. HOANG THANH QUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

131.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services inquiries; identifying and assessing customer’s needs. KHUAT MY NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

132.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services inquiries; identifying and assessing customer’s needs. LE NGUYEN NHAT KHANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

133.

134.

135.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services inquiries; identifying and assessing customer’s needs. NGUYEN DUC DU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services NGUYEN THANH CHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services NGUYEN THI GIA HIEP Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

136.

137.

138.

139.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and english)

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

HO TAC VA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

HUANG, GUANGPING Chinese Customer Service Representative

CONG MANH PHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

CHIENG NGOC TRINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and english) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NOCMAKATI, INC. 8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18 & 19 Floors, Century Diamond Center, Poblacion, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

140.

141.

142.

143.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services inquiries; identifying and assessing customer’s needs. NGUYEN TRONG KHIEM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services PHAM NGOC THOA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services PHAM THANH TRUC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services PHAN KIM CHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

TRAN QUOC KHANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

TRAN THI KIM DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

TRAN THIEN TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Vietnamese and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Vietnamese and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Vietnamese and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Vietnamese and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Vietnamese and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Vietnamese and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Vietnamese and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

144.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION VO THI LAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

TRAN THU VY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

159.

ONWARD WORLDWIDE MANAGEMENT & CONSULTANCY SERVICES CORP. 5/f Greensun Bldg., 2285 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Magallanes, City Of Makati WANG, ZHI Business Operation Supervisor For Asia 145.

Brief Job Description: Participate in strategic planning & goal setting for various business function, including it & customer support.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin oral & written, analytical thinking.

146.

Brief Job Description: Able to confidently deliver performance feedback, set goals, foster teamwork, and clearly communicate business objectives. The assistant manager will draw up weekly schedules, order merchandise, and assist the general manager with training, recruiting, promotions and planning. Must be able to competently perform duties in the absence of the general manager.

160.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

147.

Brief Job Description: Leads our APAC region to shape our sales organization and scale revenue to the next level; responsible for architecting sales and selling into new markets, strategizing next steps negotiating complex deals and beating the competition in head to head opportunities.

148.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems. fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

JAMES NICHOLAS KODROWSKI Managing Director 149.

Brief Job Description: direct and control the company’s operations, give strategic guidance to the board

150.

Brief Job Description: Serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering customer complaints and work assignments

151.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

Basic Qualification: Any business-related degree with strong IT industry background; 1520 years of relevant sales experience with a track record of exceeding quota Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English, preferably 6mos to 1year customer service

AKIYOSHI, RYUTA Project Manager 163.

Brief Job Description: Creating and updating customer’s account information

153.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential Customers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services NGUYEN VAN TRUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

154.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential Customers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services NONG MINH TU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

155.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential Customers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services PHAN THI VAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

156.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential Customers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services TRAN NGOC GIAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

157.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential Customers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services

JIA, JUN Chinese Project Manager 164.

Basic Qualification: college graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English, preferably 6 mos to 1 year to the same field

158.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential CUstomers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Brief Job Description: Determines and define project scope and objectives. Prepares budget based on scope of work and resource requirements. Develops and manages a detailed project schedule and work plan.

WANG, XIANGPENG Chinese Project Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 165.

Basic Qualification: A native speaker of the Burmese language (spoken and written)

XIAO, YUFU Chinese Project Manager 166.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Basic Qualification: Ability to drive coworker commitment and motivation. Be able to work and manage within a matrix organization. Good adaptability, open to change with the drive to improve both self and business performance.

VICCI BUSINESS CONSULTANCY CORP. 10/f Liberty Plaza, 102 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati CHAI BEE LEONG Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation) 168.

Brief Job Description: Handle Service Support Calls, Emails and chats Related to Inquiry from Clients and/or Customer Through Mandarin to English Translation

CHIN BOON HING Bilingual Finance Support Specialist 169.

Brief Job Description: Perform routine calculations to produce analyses and reports as requested by the Finance Director

178.

XUSHENG TECHNOLOGY CORP. Flr. No. 1-5 Bldg., No. 0050 F.b. Harrison St. Cor. Williams And Roberts St. Zone 4, District 1, Barangay 13, Pasay City HO TAC NHIN Bilingual Customer Service Representative 170.

Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and provide excellent customer service experience

179.

LIN, CANYI Bilingual Customer Service Representative 171.

Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and provide excellent customer service experience NGO DUY KHANH Bilingual Customer Service Representative

172.

Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and provide excellent customer service experience QUAN DUC DUYEN Bilingual Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and provide excellent customer service experience TRAN CHI LINH Bilingual Customer Service Representative

174.

Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and provide excellent customer service experience

Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties FERA WATY Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

180.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties HAIRUL YANUAR PUTRA Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

181.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

KEVIN MARCELINO PRINCEN Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer 182.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties NICOLAST Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

183.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties SURIYANTO Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

184.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties TOMY LEONARDO Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

185.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties VITRIA SANDRICA Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

186.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties YU MAYCHELL SYAHPUTRA Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

187.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

LERDKAEW, UNGKANA Thai-speaking Customer Service Officer 188.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties EDY CHANDRA Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: The mandarin project manager will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

DARMAWAN PUTRA Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

Basic Qualification: Through , Extensive and Fluency in Mandarin Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin project manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZAPPORT SERVICES, INC. 36/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor., Washington St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

YANG, SHANXIN Chinese Project Manager

Basic Qualification: Excellent oral and written communication in mandarin

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

177.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

167.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHU, RUIFENG Mandarin Project Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: At least 15 years in similar work experience in overall project implementation and management of civil and marine works with Japanese technology good and services under JICA Step Loan

Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and provide excellent customer service experience

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

YUTEL CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT INC. Ub 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing and other relevant courses. Must fluently speak and write any of the following languages: Chinese, Bahasa Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai to cater foreign market

176.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and provide excellent customer service experience VO THI CUONG THINH Bilingual Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

173. TRAN THI LIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the overall project implementation and management

175.

VEHICLE MASTER SERVICE CORP. #27, T. Santiago St.,, Canumay West, City Of Valenzuela

SOMI UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS, INC. 10/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza Bldg., Edsa Corner Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City NGUYEN VAN THUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TRIEU THI UT TRINH Bilingual Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SKYLUSTER TECHNOLOGY, INC. 28/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

152.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential CUstomers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services

No.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TOYO CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. 3/f Planters Products Bldg., 109 Esteban St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

162.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JIANG, MINGJUN Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VO VAN THONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

SHANG SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 11/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Bel-air, City Of Makati

SUGIARTO Bahasa Indonesian Language - Trade Specialist

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

161.

RUNNINGMAN CORPORATION 8/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati TAM KEE SHELL Burmese-language Customer Support Staff

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential CUstomers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Basic Qualification: Understanding nature in order to support and guide team members. Strong leadership and decisionmaking skills to ensure that business operations function optimally at all times. The ability to cope well under pressure and come up with innovative solutions when issues arise.

RIGHT CHOICE FINANCE CORP. 5e-1 Electra House Bldg., 115-117 Esteban Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati LIN, JISHENG Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential CUstomers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services UNG THI HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

RAMCO SYSTEM INC. Unit 1805, 18/f Cityland 10 Tower 1, H.v. Dela Costa St. Cor. Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati PATAMBI ANANTHARAMAN Sales Head

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential CUstomers by Answering Product and Services Questions Suggesting Information About other Products and Services TRAN TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

ORIENTAL POWER EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 1717 San Marcelino St., 075, Barangay 694, Malate, City Of Manila

JI, XIAOXIAO Chinese Assistant General Manager

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Brief Job Description: Thai written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

SOMYONG, POHNTHIP Thai-speaking Customer Service Officer 189.

Brief Job Description: Thai written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

Basic Qualification: Indonesian speaking and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Thai speaking and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Apr 4, 2022 In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on March 22, 2022, the DANUPON, DAMRONGCHUSAP should have been read as DAMRONGCHUSAP, DANUPON and not as published. Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

A10 Tuesday, April 5, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Soaring prices seen hurting poor Filipinos

igh energy costs are stoking unrest in Europe. In March, Spain deployed more than 23,000 police officers amid a truckers’ strike. In Greece, hundreds of protesting farmers blocked traffic in central Athens to demand that the government grant them additional concessions to cope with high energy costs. In France, convoys of farmers on their tractors protested in the western Brittany region by driving slowly down a highway and blocking traffic to draw attention to their plight. In Germany, truckers drove through Berlin and other German cities, honking their horns to protest high fuel prices. The International Monetary Fund said that beyond the suffering and humanitarian crisis from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the entire global economy will feel the effects of slower growth and faster inflation. “Impacts will flow through three main channels. One, higher prices for commodities like food and energy will push up inflation further, in turn eroding the value of incomes and weighing on demand. Two, neighboring economies in particular will grapple with disrupted trade, supply chains, and remittances as well as an historic surge in refugee flows. And three, reduced business confidence and higher investor uncertainty will weigh on asset prices, tightening financial conditions and potentially spurring capital outflows from emerging markets,” the lender said. From the Associated Press: “Yearly inflation in Turkey hit 61.14 percent on Monday, climbing to a new 20-year high and deepening a cost of living crisis for many households. The highest yearly price increase was in the transportation sector, at 99.12 percent, while the increase in food prices was 70.33 percent, according to the data. It was the biggest year-on-year increase since March 2002.” From Bloomberg: “The overnight surge in living costs, which pushes up the burden on Britons already facing high inflation, will see the average domestic energy bill increase by 693 pounds ($911) over the next year as a result of sharp rises in wholesale prices. The UK is now facing the previously unthinkable prospect of double-digit inflation while households are facing a squeeze on incomes that Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey describes as “historic.” Sharp price increases will push millions in Britain toward poverty overnight.” This is alarming. If surging inflation can push the European middle class into poverty, what protection do we have from inflation, particularly from high power rates? Electricity prices in the Philippines are among the highest in Southeast Asia and are considered relatively high compared to global standards. Filipinos are among the highest-paying consumers in terms of the share of utilities to their income, according to a UK-based energy consultant Utility Bidder. The Philippines ranked third globally in terms of spending for gas and water; electricity; broadband; and mobile needs relative to their income. The study showed households in the Philippines spend 61.5 percent of monthly income on utilities. Of this percentage, some 38.9 percent were spent on gas and water (Read, “Pinoys 3rd top spender on utilities vs. income,” in the BusinessMirror, March 28, 2022). While the government cannot control the global factors pushing up the cost of electricity and essential goods, it needs to adopt stop-gap solutions that can help mitigate the impact of rising costs. Otherwise, like what is happening in Europe, many low-income households will be crushed. Since 2005

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Schools are an integral part of the economy Manny B. Villar

THE Entrepreneur

here is no reason why we should continue banning faceto-face classes when daily Covid-19 cases in the Philippines have sunk to the low numbers. Resuming in-person classes even under Alert Level 1 will have a clear trickle-down effect on the economy because about 40 percent of the Philippine population is of school age. The economic cost of keeping our children physically away from their schools and universities cannot be overstated. Opening all the nation’s 60,743 schools for in-person learning will increase economic activity by P12 billion a week, per the estimate of the National Economic and Development Authority. The figure is on top of the estimated P6.5 billion worth of economic activities being generated each week that the entire nation is under Alert Level 1. Schools on their own are an economic hub. They create services like transportation and board and lodging for students who come from the provinces. Schools give rise to food stalls and carts—mostly operated by small entrepreneurs—and add

to the incomes of sari-sari stores, book outlets and other commercial establishments. Students will need to buy new clothes, bags and shoes after being cooped up for two years in their residences. Their spending will boost the operations of shopping malls and fast-food outlets, which have on several occasions laid off their workers or resorted to a skeleton staff during the height of the pandemic. Open kindergarten schools in the neighborhoods in their own little way also add to economic activities. And so are the drivers of thousands of ubiquitous and yellow-colored school buses that fetch children from their homes to schools and vice versa. All told, and as the Neda

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ight now, you are probably asking yourself, “What the hell is going on and what can I do about it?” The first rule of self-examination and self-realization is to never ask a two-part question. The answer to the former part is supposed to lead to a solution for the latter part. It usually does not work that way. For example: The “going on” question could be about—but not limited to—Covid, the election, the war in Europe, or and the economy. These are broad topics and therefore, the proper answer to the second part would be “Nothing. Move along. Nothing to see here.” We are all insignificant cogs in the Great Wheel of the Universe, and it is better if we concern ourselves with breakfast, lunch, and dinner as much as we can. If our opinion and action are needed on those issues, someone much higher up the cosmic food chain will let us know. Do not hold your breath waiting for the call.

It has been my experience that when you ask yourself any question along the lines of what you can or should be doing, it is best to frame that question in terms of needing to provide protection and provision (read prosperity) for you and your family. My first thought-question when the eventual zombie apocalypse begins—because I am not really a good person—will not be “How can I save humanity?” I will ask myself “How can I save my own skin?” The second question will be, “How can I make some money from it?” Protection and provision. We are taught that we as individu-

estimated it, the absence of schools or face-to-face classes and the services generated around them had cost the economy P22 trillion in the past two years. Falling daily Covid-19 cases and the increasing vaccination rate of Filipino children provide a good argument for the reopening of faceto-face learning, where education is way better than online classes. The quality of education in onlinesetups leaves much to be desired. Moreover, the poorest of the poor, especially in the countryside, have a hard time gaining access to education simply because they do not have the wherewithal for online schooling. We also have heard of parents struggling to cope up with online classes. About one-fourth of parents have decided to stay home to help their children in their modular classes. The setup has limited the job opportunities for some parents who have to stay home to help in the education of their children. The resumption of face-to-face classes, thus, will help in the overall recovery of the economy, free up the manpower stuck in homes and maximize the benefits of Alert Level 1. Keeping students at home and closing down schools despite the improving Covid-19 situation will soon haunt the Philippines and endanger the future of our youth. I am disturbed by a World Bank report in

January that warned Third World countries about school closures during the pandemic. School closures, according to the bank, have caused large and persistent damage to children’s learning and wellbeing, the cost of which will be felt for decades to come. The report co-released by the World Bank warned that the short- and long-term impact of the Covid-19 crisis on children’s education, wellbeing and future productivity is profound. The report added that “while many other sectors have rebounded when lockdowns ease, the damage to children’s education is likely to reduce children’s wellbeing, including mental health, and productivity for decades, making education disruption one of the biggest threats to medium- and long-term recovery from Covid-19 unless governments act swiftly.” The report urged governments to take urgent steps to limit the damage. Our high literacy rate and advantage as an English-speaking country, meanwhile, have served us in good stead in several labor markets. This advantage, however, may be fleeting if we don’t resume in-person classes and keep our students in the confines of their homes.

For comments, send e-mail to mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph or visit www.mannyvillar. com.ph

als are special. We are not special at all at least in terms of The Collective. The Western honeybee lives for 30 to 60 days, producing 1 tablespoon of honey in its lifetime. One tablespoon. A honeybee hive usually has between 20,000 and 80,000 bees made up of one queen and several hundred drones (males), and tens of thousands of female worker bees. The queen lives for two to five years. Only the Queen is genuinely special and counts for something...at least for a couple of years. Fortunately, we do not have to be just drones and worker bees even if we can’t be “Queens.” But to do that we have to go against society and be selfish; selfish meaning not depending on others. In nature, organisms that depend on others are called parasites. There is dramatic difference between symbiotic relationships where people, animals, and plants help each other. Hookworms, lice, mosquitoes, and vampire bats are parasites. You and your employer or your own company and its employees live in a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship. However, your ultimate objective and purpose should be as complete financial independence as possible. “What is going on?” Pick any topic

and the answer is the same. Increasing chaos. “What can I do?” Invest to take advantage of it whether it is stock market, cryptos, commodities, or a siomai kiosk. You cannot, must not, wait for the storm to pass because the eye of the storm is not even near yet. Buy umbrellas, lots of umbrellas, and also rubber boots to protect your family and sell the excess for provision. But to do that you must educate yourself about “umbrellas” so that you are your own expert and are not depending on others for knowledge either. Mall traffic is building even as supermarkets are empty because of people using delivery services. So, put your siomai kiosk at the mall, not the supermarket, and take advantage of the malls offering reduced rental rates. Certain commodity prices are making cryptos look like a boring investment for old ladies. Both require knowledge but commodities have a much higher risk/reward potential. The stock market for many issues is surprisingly cheap and winners are easier to spot when the broad market is sickly. “Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’” Be a warrior.

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Disposition of excess income tax payments

Catching up is hard to do Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

Fulvio D. Dawilan

Tax Law for Business

T is not unusual for taxpayers to incur excess income tax payments in a given taxable year. This happens because of the practices under our existing tax system: the requirement to pay quarterly income tax and the advance payments through the withholding tax system. But it is mostly because of the latter. The withholding tax system forces the payor (customer) to deduct and remit to the tax authority a portion of the income, which is considered advance payment of the income tax due from the income recipient. Because of the high rate of withholding taxes and because most income are subject to withholding taxes, the sum may exceed the total income tax due from the taxpayer for the year. And this is more apparent now with the reduction of the income tax rate to 25 percent/20 percent, without a corresponding reduction in the withholding tax rates. If this happens, what are the remedies available to the taxpayer? This is nothing new. But since it is the income tax filing season, I thought of reminding taxpayers of the options available to them for these excess income tax payments, as any misstep may jeopardize the recovery of the excess tax payments. The annual income tax return contains a portion which enumerates the options which the taxpayer may select from for the disposition of the overpayment. These are: (a) To be refunded, (b) To be issued a Tax Credit Certificate, and (c) To be carried over as a tax credit for next year/quarter. “To be issued a TCC” is the same as “To be refunded” except that a certificate is issued instead of a cash refund. But that has also been discarded in the rules, so the choice is between “Refund” and “Carry-Over.” There is also a notation that “once the choice is made, the same is irrevocable”. This is where the tricky part is. What is really irrevocable? The Courts had been inconsistent on this. Earlier decisions declared that both choices (refund and carryover) are irrevocable, such that the choice of one precludes the other. It was then understood that the choice of either refund or carry-over makes it irrevocable. As such, the choice for carry-over excludes the refund remedy, and once refund is chosen, a taxpayer is no longer entitled to apply the overpayments as credit in the subsequent periods. This had been the notion, until a clarification was later made in GR 205955, March 7, 2018. In this case, the taxpayer filed its annual income tax return for the year 2006 showing an excess income tax payment, and marked the option “to be issued a tax credit certificate”. When it filed the following year’s annual income tax return, it actually carried over the excess from the previous year. Realizing its error, it amended the return on the same date and excluded the excess income tax payment for 2006 in the amount carried-over to 2007. Later, it applied for a refund for the 2006 excess income tax payment. The Court denied the refund, noting that the irrevocability rule applies only to the option to carryover. A taxpayer who originally opts for refund/issuance of TCC is not prevented from shifting to the carry-over of the excess taxes to the next periods. But once it decides to shift, it may no longer revert to its original choice due to the irrevocability rule. Essentially, what the Court said is that a refund option is not irrevocable. That option can be changed to a carry-over. But once carry-over is made, that could no longer be changed. A taxpayer may no longer go back to the refund option. Just as when that rule started to sink in, a decision (GR 206362, August 1, 2018) made a few months

Related to this, taxpayers are making advance tax payments for taxes that may eventually be recovered after a number of years, either through refund or through utilization in the following years. This is not to mention the possible loss simply because the taxpayer fails to comply with the prescribed procedures. As most excess income tax payments come from creditable withholding taxes, perhaps it’s time for the authorities to revisit the withholding tax rules, and limit the application to specific transactions. after again recognized that a refund option originally made precluded the carry-over. In that case, the taxpayer filed its income tax return for the year 2005 showing an excess income tax payment for which the option it indicated was “to be refunded”. In the three quarters of the following year, the excess tax payment was carried over as prior year’s excess credit. The taxpayer then applied for refund. The refund was granted, with the Court noting that the irrevocability rule took effect when the option was exercised. In marking “to be refunded” in the 2005 annual ITR, that constituted the option, and from then onwards, taxpayer became precluded from carrying-over the excess tax. The fact that the excess credits were reported in the quarterly income tax return of the following year did not reverse the option to be refunded of the 2005 excess tax payments. Interpretations still appear to be vague. But a simple reference to the provisions of the Tax Code would show that the irrevocability rule refers only to the carry-over option. To be prudent, however, a taxpayer has to decide what remedy it has to make on its overpayments. That decision has to be made when the annual income tax return is prepared, tick the appropriate box and stick with that decision. If it’s a refund, no carryover should be made in the following years’ quarterly and annual income tax return. If it’s a carry-over, then actual carry-over should be made, otherwise the excess tax payments would be lost. Related to this, taxpayers are making advance tax payments for taxes that may eventually be recovered after a number of years, either through refund or through utilization in the following years. This is not to mention the possible loss simply because the taxpayer fails to comply with the prescribed procedures. As most excess income tax payments come from creditable withholding taxes, perhaps it’s time for the authorities to revisit the withholding tax rules, and limit the application to specific transactions. Also, with the reduction of the income tax rates, lowering the withholding tax rates should also be considered. The author is the Managing Partner of DuBaladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a member-firm of WTS Global. The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at fulvio.dawilan@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 loc 310.

ased on the poll surveys, it seems that Vice President Leni Robredo and the other presidentiables are not gaining much ground, if they are making any, on the frontrunner, former Senator Bongbong Marcos. The numbers and ranking of the six prominent aspirants, to wit: BBM, VP Leni Robredo, Mayor Isko Moreno, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Ping Lacson and Ka Leody de Guzman have hardly changed since the surveys were conducted last year. The most recent survey results of Pulse Asia conducted from February 18 to 23 and released on March 14 showed that Marcos, Jr. has maintained his lead over his closest pursuers, notably VP Leni who has consistently placed a distant second. Among BBM’s leading opponents, VP Leni had the best chance of challenging the top candidate. Unfortunately, her February figure of 15 percent was 1 percent down from her January number, which was 16 percent. This was disappointing to her supporters who expected VP Leni to inch closer to BBM. On the other hand, the support base of BBM did not change between January and February where 60 percent of the respondents preferred him over all the other candidates. Instead of catching up with BBM, VP Leni and company are further lagging behind the leader. BBM continues to break away from the group and is further solidifying his seemingly insurmountable lead. Surprisingly, BBM made a giant leap in Metro Manila, which has the biggest number of voters in the country. In the Pulse Asia February polls, Marcos gained a 9 percent increase from 57 percent to 66 percent voter preference in the NCR. He is also the top choice among the C, D and E classes, which showed that the negative issues hurled against him such as corruption, lies and dishonesty hardly dented his appeal to the masses. In the past, the NCR had been the bastion of the opposition. As the nation’s capital and seat of political activism, it had been the waterloo of

establishment candidates. But not in recent years. Even after he was ousted from office and convicted for plunder, former President Joseph Estrada led in Metro Manila in the 2010 presidential election owing largely to the overwhelming votes he received in the poor and blighted areas in the NCR. When he ran for vice president in 2016, the slum districts delivered massive votes to BBM, thrashing VP Leni by a landslide. President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “masa” appeal thrust him ahead of his competitors all over Metro Manila, except in Makati City, which supported its favorite son, Jojo Binay. If it’s true that where Metro Manila goes, so goes the nation then VP Leni and the other contenders should do everything to stop BBM from scoring a decisive victory in Metro Manila. The latest OCTA survey for voter preference likewise showed BBM leading the presidential derby. He copped 55 percent of the votes and led VP Leni by a mile at 15 percent. There is not much difference between the Pulse Asia and OCTA polls. In both, BBM enjoys an overwhelming lead against VP Leni and the rest of the field. BBM’s votes exceed the combined votes of all his adversaries. As I have earlier observed, if this trend continues, we may have the first majority elected president in 2022 after President Ferdinand E. Marcos won handily over the opposition bet, Senator Sergio Osmeña, in 1969. BBM’s inexorable march to Malacañang is happening 36 years after his father was unceremoniously

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 A11

Surprisingly, BBM made a giant leap in Metro Manila, which has the biggest number of voters in the country. In the Pulse Asia February polls, Marcos gained a 9 percent increase from 57 percent to 66 percent voter preference in the NCR. He is also the top choice among the C, D and E classes, which showed that the negative issues hurled against him such as corruption, lies and dishonesty hardly dented his appeal to the masses. thrown out of Malacañang as an aftermath of the People Power Revolution in February 1986. It was not long in coming considering that the Marcos family has been a discredited name, which has been written off as a political force except in Ilocos. Unlike Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Noynoy Aquino who both inherited the worthy names of their illustrious parents, former President Diosdado Macapagal and former President Cory Cojuangco-Aquino, BBM has struggled to dissociate himself from the sins of his father. And the family efforts have borne fruits as they have succeeded to revise the image of the elder Marcos from heel to hero and the horrors of the martial law years into a golden age of renaissance. Would it still be possible for VP Leni to catch up, if not overtake, BBM in voter surveys? The answer is definitely yes. Voters have fickle minds and their support can shift depending on the development in the political landscape. An influential national leader looked up to by legions of followers may declare his or her support to VP Leni. A powerful local leader may transfer his allegiance to the only woman presidential contender and boost her political stock. An explosive political issue may emerge seriously impairing the chances of the leading contender. Right now, the unpaid estate tax issue against the Marcoses is hounding BBM no end. It’s a bombshell that can wreak political havoc if effectively dropped and detonated. This is a bread-and-butter issue, which affects the majority of the Filipinos. The country is hobbled by a

P12-trillion debt contracted to fund the pandemic program. Jeepney and tricycle drivers, food delivery service providers, motor vehicle owners and ordinary commuters could no longer afford the prohibitive cost of fuel. The government could hardly afford the meager cash aid that it promised to extend to the poor. Farmers and fishermen protest against the pump price of diesel and gasoline, which heavily impacts on their costs. Yet the government appears helpless to recover this huge tax liability from the Marcoses. Even the unlettered can easily connect that the collection of the P203 billion tax liability from the Marcoses will bring relief to the suffering Filipinos. As his rival presidential contenders have claimed, settlement of the estate tax by the Marcoses can do a lot for our countrymen. This outstanding estate tax liability smacks right into the corruption charges against the late President Ferdinand Marcos. It has raised relevant questions that can give nightmares to the frontrunner. How did Marcos amass such wealth, which has exposed his heirs to a very substantial estate tax liability? Even if you deduct the interests and penalties charged thereon, the principal tax of P15 billion will go a long way to feed our starving population. Who are now enjoying Marcos’ vast estate? Why have they refused to settle the tax all these years? What will happen to the collectible tax if BBM becomes our next president? Definitely, the unpaid estate tax is an issue that will stick until the end, which the voters will remember when they enter their voting booths. VP Leni should press this issue and collaborate with the other candidates like Mayor Isko, Senator Ping Lacson and Senator Manny Pacquiao who have been haranguing BBM about it on every opportunity they get. Together, they can amplify this issue to the voters and pin down BBM and his family for refusing to pay the tax. Tax evasion is the worst crime one can commit during this time of pandemic. And the offense is aggravated if the offender is seeking the highest elective position in the land. This gives VP Leni and company a window to derail BBM’s train to Malacañang.

With students in turmoil, US teachers train in mental health

By Jocelyn Gecker | The Associated Press

AN FRANCISCO—Since the pandemic started, experts have warned of a mental health crisis facing American children that is now visibly playing out at schools across the country.

Benito Luna-Herrera, a 7th grade social studies teacher in Southern California, tells of middle school students whose post-pandemic depression led them to thoughts of suicide. Other educators say they have never seen so much school violence, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and suicide ideation. The silver lining in Luna-Herrera’s case is that special training helped him know what to look for and how to respond to signs of a mental emergency. He is among a small but growing number of California teachers and school staff to take a course called Youth Mental Health First Aid. It teaches adults how to spot warning signs of mental health risks and substance abuse in children, and how to prevent a tragedy. The California Department of Education funds the program for any school district requesting it, and the pandemic has accelerated moves to make such courses a state requirement. The training program is operated by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and available in every state. “I don’t want to read about another teenager where there were warning signs and we looked the other way,” said Sen. Anthony Portantino, author of a bill that would require all California middle and high schools to train at least 75 percent of employees in behavioral health. “Teachers and school staff

are on the front lines of a crisis, and need to be trained to spot students who are suffering.” Experts say childhood depression and anxiety were on the rise for years, but the pandemic’s unrelenting stress and grief amplified the problems, particularly for those already experiencing mental health issues who were cut off from counselors and other school resources during distance learning. In low-income areas, where adverse childhood experiences were high before the pandemic, the crisis is even more acute and compounded by a shortage of school staff and mental health professionals. Many states have mandated teacher training on suicide prevention over the last decade and the pandemic prompted some to broaden the scope to include mental health awareness and supporting behavioral health needs. President Joe Biden has proposed $1 billion in new federal funding to help schools hire more counselors and psychologists and bolster suicide prevention programs. That followed a rare public advisory in December from US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on “the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis.” Many children bounced back after the extended isolation of distance learning, but for others it will take longer, and mental health prob-

The Youth Mental Health First Aid course helps distinguish typical adolescent behavior from warning signs of mental distress, which can be blatant or subtle. After noticing something might be wrong, the course teaches that the next step is to ask the student without pressuring or casting judgement and letting them know you care and want to help.

lems often lag a stressor. “We can’t assume that ‘OK we’re back in school, it’s been a few months and now everyone should be back to normal.’ That is not the case,” said Sharon Hoover, professor of child psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and co-director of the National Center for School Mental Health. The Youth Mental Health First Aid course helps distinguish typical adolescent behavior from warning signs of mental distress, which can be blatant or subtle. After noticing something might be wrong, the course teaches that the next step is to ask the student without pressuring or casting judgement and letting them know you care and want to help. Luna-Herrera, the social studies teacher at California City Middle School, took the course in spring 2021 and two weeks later put it to use. One of his 12-year-old students felt her world was falling apart. Distance learning had upended her friendships. Things with her boyfriend were verging on violent. Her home life was stressful. “I’m just done with it,” the girl told Luna-

Herrera, and shared a detailed plan to kill herself. The course teaches how to handle such a crisis: Raise the alarm and get expert help. Do not leave a person contemplating suicide alone. LunaHerrera continued talking to the girl while also getting school administrators and police involved. “He absolutely saved that child’s life,” said Mojave Unified Superintendent Katherine Aguirre, who oversees the district of about 3,000 students, the majority of whom are Latino and Black children from economically disadvantaged families. Another advocate for training teachers is Harry Bruell, who hopes it can prevent the tragedy his family endured. His daughter, Taya, died of suicide when she was 14. Soon after her death, Bruell found a journal she had kept as part of an assignment for her Colorado high school. In it, Taya drew a disturbing portrait that showed selfharm and wrote about how much she hated her body and was hearing voices she wanted to silence. Her teacher read the assignment and wrote: “Taya, very thorough journal. I loved reading the entries. A+” The teacher never told the school counselor or administrators about it. Three months later, in February 2016, Taya killed herself. “I don’t think the teacher wanted to hurt our daughter. I think she had no idea what to do when she read those stark warning signs in Taya’s journal,” said her father. He believes legislation to require teacher training in behavioral health will save lives. “It teaches you to raise the alarm, and not just walk away.”

A12 Tuesday, April 5, 2022

WHAT WOULD THEY DO ABOUT FOOD, WATER, ENERGY IF THEY MAKE IT? BETS GIVE A GLIMPSE By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

RESIDENTIAL candidates have provided insights on how they would handle water, food and energy issues if any of them become the country’s president in June this year. At the second presidential debates organized by Comelec on Sunday night, the candidates offered different solutions and saw the issues in diverging perspectives, but all agreed these three sectors face huge problems “Our problem with water is huge now as it is; it will grow even more,” said Vice President Leni Robredo in Filipino. She hoped to address the problem through water resources management by way of priority infrastructure projects. Her plans include identifying new possible sources of water, although she admitted that there have been studies, one of which is to tap rivers as sources, the funding for which she would

make a priority if she becomes president. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso said he will invest in water projects, the use and protection of watersheds and access to clean and potable water, as he noted that millions of Filipinos have yet to be connected to clean water in their homes. Moreno said having only a fraction of the population with access to clean and drinking water in the northern and southern portions of the country accounts for why many Filipinos are falling ill to water-borne diseases. “We’ll make this watershed protected. If we can rebuild and make it better for efficient use … you have water for irrigation and you have water for energy source, then I will invest in that,” he said. Sen ator Pa nf i lo L acson and former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales want to further invest in research and development and undertake careful planning, respectively. See “Bets,” A2

‘It’s more fun with you,’ DOT chief tells Koreans By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

OREANS are eager to visit the Philippines after learning that most of its tourism workers have already been fully vaccinated, and that entry protocols in the country are now relaxed. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat told the BusinessMirror, “They are happy over how easy it is to travel to the country. They especially asked about bringing along their unvaccinated children. They were pleased that unvaccinated children, 12 years and below, are allowed entry, and don’t have to be quarantined, as long as their parents are fully vaccinated. Koreans usually travel as a family.” The Philippines reopened to fully vaccinated leisure tourists from around the world last April 1, although it had already been accepting, since February 10, fully vaccinated tourists from visafree countries, which includes South Korea. “They were also happy and surprised that we had already vaccinated our tourism workers, and that we have Safe Travel Stamps from the WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council),” she said. Aside from the Philippines itself, several destinations in the country along with their hotels and resorts have been accorded WTTC Safe Travel Stamps. Prior to the pandemic, South Korea topped the list of source markets for tourism in the Philippines, sending close to 2 million tourists in 2019, up 22.5 percent from the previous year. South Korea ranked fourth among top source markets with 7,410 tourists from February 10 to April 4 this year, after the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Flights after 10 pm

ROMULO Puyat was in Seoul from March 28 to April 1 and met with Korean tour operators like Kyowon KRT, Mode Tour, and Hana Tour, along with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. She also met with represen-

tatives from the aviation industry, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Asiana, Air Seoul, T’way Air, Jin Air, Jeju Air, and Fly Gangwon. The DOT is currently promoting the Philippines to travelers abroad under its new brand campaign, “It’s more fun with you,” which showcases the health and safety measures adopted by leisure destinations during the pandemic. She said among the concerns of the Korean carriers is if they could be allowed to fly in after 10 pm in Bohol and other leisure destinations. In a separate interview with Tourism Attaché Ma. Corazon Jorda-Apo, she said, “The request came from airlines which use their planes for domestic travel in the morning. The Philippines is just a short four-hour trip from Korea, thus from an airline revenue point of view, a night time flight is a practical option for them to maximize flying time of their aircraft.” They expressed interest in flying directly to Bohol and Clark. She added, “Airlines interested to fly to our secondary destinations will start first with charter flights. When demand for outbound travel to the Philippines increases and becomes more stable, the airlines will apply to relevant aviation authorities in the Philippines and Korea for regular [scheduled] flights.” Returning Korean citizens are now allowed to enter their country without having to quarantine upon arrival. Most of its government agencies are just waiting for any changes in policies with the turnover to a new administration led by newly-elected President Yoon Suk-yeol this May. According to the DOT’s National Tourism Development Plan 20162022, South Koreans are interested in diving, adventures, shopping and entertainment, studying English as a second language, honeymoon destinations, beach and nature, MICE (Meetings Incentives Conferences Exhibits), and golf. Romulo Puyat also extended an invitation to government tourism officials and and Korean travel trade representatives to attend the WTTC Global Summit in Manila on April 20-22.

‘Improper measures’ damage our ties–Beijing to Manila

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

@maloutalosig

OREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. flew to China and met his Chinese counterpart, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the ancient district of Tunxi in Anhui Province Sunday. During their bilateral meeting, Wang and Locsin discussed the South China Sea, which for the longest time has been the thorn in the side of Manila-Beijing diplomatic relations. “The two sides exchanged views on the South China Sea issue, and believe that maritime issues should be put in a proper place in bilateral relations . . . Wang Yi stressed, at present, it is vital to prevent improper measures from disrupting or even damaging bilateral relations and the stability of the South China Sea,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement did not identify what “improper measures” Minister Wang referred to. Last week, the Chinese Foreign

Ministry spokesman said Philippine Coast Guard has been interfering with the patrol and law enforcement activities of their Chinese Coast Guard in Bajo de Masinloc, or Scarborough Shoal. The PCG, on the other hand, has complained that the Chinese Coast Guard has been doing dangerous close maneuverings with their vessels which have been escorting Filipino fishermen off Bajo de Masinloc. The Department of Foreign Affairs sent a protest note to Beijing over such latest close-distance maneuvering. Also this week, the Philippines and the United States are holding the biggest ever Balikatan exercises in areas near the disputed West Philippine Sea and off the northern

coast of Cagayan province, fronting Taiwan and Chinese mainland. “The Philippines is ready to strengthen communication and make joint efforts with China,” Locsin reportedly replied, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue a statement confirming or denying the details shared by Beijing of Locsin’s visit and the bilateral talks. Wang Yi also said China is “ready to work with other parties . . . to pool consensus on peace and stability, step up consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and make joint efforts to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace and cooperation.” China said it would take “as an opportunity” the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to finally have a rules of engagement in one of Asia’s security flashpoints. The Chinese Foreign Minister said he “hopes and believes” that the pro-China policy of President Duterte “will continue to be carried forward,” apparently in reference to the next administration. “China always stays committed to prioritizing the Philippines in its neighborhood diplomacy,

and China’s good-neighborly and friendly policy towards the Philippines has maintained continuity and stability. The two sides should eliminate interference, and calmly and properly manage differences, so as to prevent the overall ChinaPhilippines relations from being affected,” Wang Yi said. Wang Yi also let it known to Locsin that they are willing “to advance the construction of key infrastructure projects at a faster pace” to help the Philippines “achieve more results” under Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program. “China also stands ready to continue to provide Covid-19 vaccine assistance for the Philippines according to its needs and strengthen public health cooperation,” he added. China is the biggest source of Covid-19 vaccines in the Philippines, with 56 million doses as of March 2022. Of these doses, 5 million was donated by China. President Duterte himself received Sinopharm vaccine. Wang Yi claimed that Chinese vaccines have become a “lifeboat” for some regional countries during the pandemic. “The Philippines firmly rejects the defamatory allegation that China is carrying out ‘vaccine diplomacy,’” the Chinese foreign ministry said.

RESIDENTS of Poblacion in Makati City are busy setting up their Kubol/Kalbaryo or mini-cavalry that represents episodes of the suffering of Jesus Christ which ends in His Crucifixion. The mini-cavalry is being prepared ahead of Holy Week, which starts on April 10. NONIE REYES

BBM camp cites BIR execs’ stand on estate tax

EVERAL officers of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) have declared that the heirs and administrators of the late President Marcos’s estate cannot be compelled or sued in court for tax evasion, even if they failed to pay the P23-billion (now computed at P203 billion) tax assessment on the latter’s assets, presidential frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s camp said Monday. This, the Marcos camp said, may be deemed a direct rebuff to previous statements of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and presidential aspirants Isko Domagoso, Manny Pacquiao and Leni Robredo. The BIR officials had explained the estate tax is levied on real and personal properties of a dead person and not on the assets owned

by his relatives. “I can’t recall of any individual being sent to jail for non-payment of the said tax,” one of the regional directors said in an earlier interview with Manila Bulletin. The Supreme Court, noted the Marcos camp, apparently agreed with the BIR official when it said that it is the estate, and not the heir or heirs, which is liable to pay the taxes. In a decision (Marcos II v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 120880; June 5, 1997, 339 PHIL 253-275), the SC stated: “In the case of notices of levy issued to satisfy the delinquent estate tax, the delinquent taxpayer is the Estate of the decedent, and not necessarily and exclusively, the petitioner as heir of the deceased. In the same vein, in the matter of

income tax delinquency of the late president and his spouse, petitioner is not the taxpayer liable.” The newspaper report cited officials explaining that the proper thing to do under the Tax Code and revenue regulations is to seize and sell in public auction the properties of the deceased to settle the indebtedness. “That is what we have been doing for years since the death of the former strong man, but the problem nobody was interested in buying them,” the unnamed official added in the Manila Bulletin report. Earlier, the camp of the former senator denounced the “gutter politics” of rivals framing the estate tax case as a matter of tax evasion when, they said, the litigation over some properties listed in the estate is still pending in court.

“Our rivals are misdirecting everyone by claiming that the case has attained finality when the truth of the matter is, it is still pending in court and the ownership of the properties in litigation has yet to be settled,” said Atty. Vic Rodriguez, spokesman and chief of staff of Marcos. “That being the case, the fair and just tax base to be used in computing the estate tax cannot yet be established with certainty,” Rodriguez added. The BIR officials cited in the news report had explained that the bureau has now been negligent in collecting the estate tax. When the dictator died in 1989, the revenue examiners fixed his estate tax debts at P23 billion. The deficiency tax rose to P203 billion due to the one-time 50 percent surcharge and 20 percent yearly interest.

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

AC Energy to pour $200M into 1,000MW RE project

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

C Energy Corp. (ACEN), the listed energy platform of the Ayala group, will pour in $200 million to partly fund its newly-formed partnership with ib vogt GmbH of Germany which seeks to build up at least 1,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) capacity in the coming years. ib vogt and ACEN have agreed to set up a platform to fund the construction and operation of largescale solar power plants throughout Asia. They will focus on late-stage, shovel-ready projects in Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Bangladesh and other countries in the region.

The initial target is to build a minimum operational capacity of 1,000 MW with the potential for further extension. Under the terms of the deal, ACEN expects to invest up to $200 million equity investment, in addition to debt funding, to accelerate the deployment of RE in Asia. The majority of projects will stem

from ib vogt’s Asia development pipeline of more than 5,000 MW with initial projects planned to go into construction during 2022. The platform will also be open to acquire late-stage projects from local and regional developers. “We are enthusiastic to be working with ACEN and are convinced that the combination of the unique skillsets and strengths of both parties will accelerate our ability to impact on the transition to clean, sustainable energy in Asia. This platform will complement our global strategy of developing a diversified portfolio of high quality IPP (Independent Power Producers) assets,” said Anton Milner, CEO of ib vogt. ib vogt focuses on the global development of turnkey PV plants, the expansion of its IPP portfolio and the intensified development of battery storage projects. In these areas, the company offers all integral services of the value chain from development, financing, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) and

O&M (Operation and Management) to asset management in house. ACEN, meanwhile, has over 3,800 MW of attributable capacity in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Australia. The company’s renewable share of capacity is at 87 percent, among the highest in the region. It wants to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, with a goal of reaching 5,000 MW of renewables capacity by 2025. In October 2021, ACEN announced its commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. “ACEN has a strong history of partnering with best-in-class energy developers to build renewable energy projects across the Asia Pacific region. ib vogt has a proven track record of developing solar projects across Europe, Asia and North Africa and we are very excited to partner with ib vogt as we set up a platform to continue building out our presence across the region together,” ACEN International President and COO Patrice Clausse said.

Digital media spend reaches ₧10B By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

IGITAL media spend in the Philippines has reached P10 billion in March 2022, according to the latest Nielsen Ad Intel report. The top 10 advertisers between March 1 and 25 this year accounted for a quarter of the advertisements at P2.56 billion. The largest advertiser online in the Philippines in March was Lazada Philippines which spent P1.06 billion during the period. “This newly enhanced set of data for digital ad spend will enable our clients to monitor competitors’ media expenditure across social, video and general d isplay,” Nielsen Phi lippines Managing Director Ernestine Amper said in a statement. The Nielsen Ad Intel report provides marketers with detailed advertiser-level social, in-app advertising spend and creative data. The data showed apart from Lazada Philippines, other top digital advertisers are Shoppee Ph which spent P391.24 million; Spotify, P219.12 million; Casetify, P162.71 million; and, Riot Games, P154.67 million. Other top digital advertisers

AVEY Paul D. Francisco, a commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission, has been re-appointed to the post for a fresh term of seven years. Francisco was first appointed to his current post in 2018, taking over the unexpired term of Blas James G. Viterbo who resigned from that post during the same year. Francisco was tasked to supervise the agency’s Company Registration and Monitoring Department and Human Resource and Administrative Department, as well as the nine SEC Extension Offices located in Bacolod, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Legazpi, Iloilo, Tarlac and Zamboanga. Francisco is a homegrown talent of the SEC, having served the agency for more than 20 years. He started out as Securities Counsel 1 in 2001 and later named director of the SEC Davao Extension Office in 2007. He holds a degree in Bachelor of Arts, major in Philosophy, from the Ateneo de Davao University. He earned his law degree from the same university in 1995, being admitted to the bar in 1996. He then completed a Masters in Management degree

from the University of the Philippines Mindanao in 2005, and was granted Career Executive Service Eligibility in 2010. Francisco started his professional career as a lawyer at the Angara Abello Conception Regala and Cruz Law Offices for four years before entering government service through the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao. As supervising commissioner of the CRMD, Francisco played a key role in the crafting of guidelines that operationalize Republic Act 11232, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines. The SEC, has released, among others, SEC Memorandum Circular 16, series of 2020, which relaxed the requirements for company registration by allowing incorporators to authenticate articles of incorporation instead of having them notarized or consularized. It also issued SEC Memorandum Circular 22, series of 2020, which provided the guidelines on the amendment of corporate terms, and SEC Memorandum Circular 7, series of 2019, which provided for the establishment of one-person corporations. VG Cabuag

PHL has high awareness of cyber-threats, Palo Alto says

This October 22, 2017, photo from Bloomberg News shows a man transacting through digital wallet GCash. Lockdowns against the pandemic prompted the ubiquity of digital transactions and herded advertisers to online platforms. The latest Nielsen Ad Intel report showed digital media spend in the Philippines has reached P10 billion in March 2022, nearly five years after this photo was taken. Bloomerg News

were the Department of Tourism, which spent a total of P127.16 million; Nestle Philippines Inc., P119.94 million; Unilever Philippines Inc., P114.99 million; Pixonic, P106.4 million; and, UI Skin Sciences Inc., P103.68 million. “The added breadth of measurement to include these media provides new visibility into some of the largest

ad investments on digital. In addition, video collections are expanded to cover pre, mid and post-roll content for mobile and desktop devices,” Nielsen said. The new report helps identify prospects, analyze brand strategies, and learn from past campaigns to help plan for the future through a wide range of categories

which is currently pegged at 105 categories. Nielsen said the addition of social and in-app digital data will provide increased coverage by measuring additional sites and advertising types. Media buyers and sellers now have greater ease to monitor, adjust and measure their digital ad performance.

Medilines gives cancer equipment

EDILINES Distributors Inc. on Monday said it delivered cancer diagnostic equipment to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao for the center’s new Cancer Diagnostic Institute. The facility is the largest tertiary hospital under the Department of Health (DOH) that is becoming a world-class facility and the leading provider of health care and training in Mindanao. The new facility is equipped with three advanced cancer diagnostic equipment–the SPECT/CT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography), PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) and the Medical Cyclotron. These comprise the first complete cancer diag-

Francisco gets new term as SEC official

nosis package in Mindanao. The Molecular Imaging modalities of Siemens Healthineers, Symbia Intevo BOLD SPECT/CT and Biograph mCT PET/CT, complete the imaging needs of the Nuclear Medicine section of the cancer institute. The Cancer Diagnostic Institute facility was completed last March, with Medilines providing service and support since it start of construction on October 2019. The diagnostic facility is worth approximately P529 million, with the budget coming from the Office of the President through the Health Facility Enhancement program of the DOH. The SPMC Cancer Diagnostic Institute was inaugurated last March 25. “These advanced modalities es-

sentially equip the facility with the most useful diagnostic and/or treatment information for many diseases,” the company said. Nuclear medicine offers the potential to identify disease in its earliest stage, often before symptoms occur or abnormalities can be detected with other diagnostic tests. It enables the physicians to find, characterize and follow the development of the disease over time. A SPECT/CT procedure, like a whole-body bone scan, is less expensive and may yield more precise information compared to invasive procedures like exploratory surgery. Once a lesion is detected, a PET/CT procedure may provide additional diagnosis on whether the lesion is benign or malignant, without the need for surgical bi-

opsy. Additionally, both systems provide much needed information for radiotherapy planning. Having both the SPECT/CT and PET/CT within the same roof enables SPMC to deliver quality patient care that focuses on precision medicine and personalized care The combined capabilities and application of these revolutionary technologies are critical along the clinical journey of cancer patients. “With its partnership with Medilines, SPMC now has the tools to support their patients at any point in their condition–from detection and comprehension of each patient’s situation to effective and personalized treatment, therapy, monitoring, and even to restaging and follow-ups for those in remission,” the company said. VG Cabuag

ALO Alto Networks Inc. said that among countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region, Philippine organizations have a high level of awareness on the potential threats of cyber threats. In their latest research, Palo Alto Networks said more than half of the Philippine organizations conduct high-level cybersecurity discussions monthly. Furthermore, the cybersecurity solutions provider pointed out that Philippine organizations perceive the highest level of risks to cyber threats (48 percent) among Asean countries. It is, therefore, unsurprising that 64 percent of Philippine organizations indicate that they have increased their budget for cybersecurity in 2022. “It’s encouraging to see that Philippine businesses are confident and proactive in dealing with cybersecurity issues,” Oscar Visaya, the firm’s Philippines country manager, said in a recent online news briefing. Citing the survey, Visaya said the Philippines is the second-highest country in the Asean where business leaders are confident of their cybersecurity measures. “And this speaks volumes about our nation’s awareness as well as preparedness to potential cyberattacks,” he further said. “Having said that, Philippine organizations should continue to focus on post-Covid cyber protection in order to stay ahead of the evolving cyber threats.”

Pandemic as catalyst

THE research titled “State of Cybersecurity in Asean” polled 500 respondents representing businesses across the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand on their response to the cybersecurity challenges in 2021 and outlook for the future. In the same briefing, Palo Alto

Networks Field Chief Security Officer Ian Lim said the pandemic was the catalyst in making cybersecurity a priority for many Asean businesses. A vast majority (92 percent) believe that cybersecurity is a priority for their business leaders today. Nearly three in four (74 percent) also believe their leadership has increased the focus on cybersecurity. More than half (56 percent) of Philippine organizations indicated that they have been discussing their cybersecurity strategy on a monthly basis.

Concrete actions

MEANWHILE, Lim said Leaders also took concrete actions to beef up their organization’s cybersecurity capabilities, as 96 percent of organizations maintain a dedicated in-house IT team responsible for managing cyber risks. Over two-thirds (68 percent) are also planning to increase their cybersecurity budgets in 2022, driven by the adoption of next-gen security capabilities (48 percent); the need to address existing cybersecurity gaps (46 percent); and the need to optimize operations (44 percent). “The pandemic has served as a catalyst for Asean business leaders to pay greater attention to their cybersecurity defense measures. Many of them recognize the deep impact it can have on their business continuity. To manage today’s remote workforce in a digital-first environment, cybersecurity must be integrated horizontally across all facets of the business and considered as part of every corporate action,” Lim explained. “As new and unexpected threats continue to shake up businesses of all sizes and industries, there needs to be closer collaboration between both technology and business leaders to tackle these novel challenges.” Rizal Raoul Reyes

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Arayat-Mexico solar power farm exported to grid in Mar

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE 72-megawatt (MW) ArayatMexico solar power farm of Citicore Power Inc. and AC Energy Corp. (ACEN) started exporting power to the grid last month. The 72 MW solar farm is expected to produce 105 gigawatt hours of renewable energy annually, enough to power 45,000 households while avoiding approximately 72,000 MT of CO2 emissions annually. The Arayat-Mexico solar farm reached its full capacity last March

23 and is expected to add much needed capacity to the grid in time for the demand surge during the hot summer season, officials said in a statement Monday. After its successful energization, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) will be conducting its own set of

testing for grid compliance, which is expected to be completed by the second week of April. “As we prepare to infuse this new asset into CREIT to grow its renewable energy asset portfolio in the coming months, our construction team is ready to break ground the Phase 2 by next month which will increase the total plant capacity to 116 MW upon completion hopefully before the end of the year,” said Citicore CEO Oliver Y. Tan. He added that the energization of this project further demonstrated Citicore’s solid track record in greenfield development to Engineering, Procurement and Construction to Plant Operations and Maintenance. “This huge solar plant shall be managed and operated in-house

by our Citicore Property Management, Inc., currently, we have eight solar farms and one micro-grid solar rooftops under our management,” he added. ACEN Chief Development Officer Jose Maria P. Zabaleta said the Arayat-Mexico solar farm is yet another example of how partners leveraging on their collective expertise, experience and determination can deliver a high-quality project safely and on time. In a statement on its website dated June 24, 2021, ACEN said the solar project is a 50-50 joint venture with an estimated development cost of P2.7 billion. “This will be a critical contribution in Luzon, where the energy industry is working double time to ensure a steady power supply.

Globe seals JV for devt of data centers By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

LOBE Telecom Inc. and partners ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) of Singapore and Ayala Corp. (AC) announced last Monday they have officially “sealed” the joint venture for the development, construction, and operations of data centers in the Philippines. With the completion of the transaction, STT GDC and AC have subscribed to new shares in KarmanEdge Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe. KarmanEdge will house the data center business of the partners. With the deal, Globe remains as the largest shareholder in KarmanEdge with 50 percent sharehold-

ing, while STT GDC holds 40 percent, and AC, 10 percent. The capital infusion of the new partners results in a post-money valuation in the range of $350 million. Globe will receive proceeds of $100 million from the transaction with the remaining capital injected to be utilized by the business for future expansion and growth. “We are excited about the future of Globe in the data center space. With Globe’s deep understanding of its customers, STT GDC’s technical expertise and Ayala’s compelling business reach, this venture is poised to be a significant player in this space for years to come. Further, the transaction not only shows Globe’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders but also proves our ability to generate and unlock value,

Viber offers free trial of solution to traders By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

AKUTEN Group Inc. announced it has started last Monday offering enterprises with a 3-month free trial of its business messaging solution to connect with their customers in a personal way. The solution, called “conversational Viber business messages” (CVBM), provide them a one-toone and interactive communication with clients during the promo period from April 4 to June 30 across global markets, according to the operator of the crossplatform voice over IP (VoIP) and instant messaging (IM) software application Viber. Any enterprise with new or existing business messages account sending conversational messages for the first time can avail of this latest offering. The 90-day free communication begins from the date of the first message.

Conversational messages on Viber are counted by sessions, the Japanese multinational company said. A session is a 24-hour time window allowing brands and users to exchange multiple messages in a conversation. A brand can send up to 60 messages within this time frame. A session starts after a user messages the brand. The brand is only charged after replying to the user. With their real conversations, brands solve user issues in real time and build a relationship with their audience. While mainly used for customer support, the CVBM can also be utilized by enterprises with live agents, covering many subjects like managing order and delivery details, helping choose a product, making a booking or managing loyalty products, Rakuten Group said. Companies can also boost purchases via interactive communication, improve customer “retainment” and support the post-purchase experience, among others According to studies, 73 percent of consumers prefer to communicate with a brand they can message rather than call and 58 percent of them believe that messaging is also the fastest way to communicate with brands. In addition, 74 percent of patrons opt messaging with businesses if a real person is responding.

especially within our core business,” Globe President and CEO Ernest L. Cu said. KarmanEdge is expected to “accelerate Globe’s efforts to scale up its capacity and capability” in the data center space, banking on the expected demand from local enterprises and global hyperscalers.

Globe, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Innove Communications Inc., has been operating data centers in the country since 2001 and has since expanded its portfolio nationwide, serving both its internal needs, local enterprises and global hyperscalers.

mutual funds

April 4, 2022

NAV

One Year Three Year

Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

230.29

9.64%

-4.47%

-2.05%

-1.2%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.5223

18.1%

-2.22%

1.36%

-8.53%

10.56%

-8.12%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1817

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7504 1.34% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6909 3.94% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

5.1554

-4.78%

-1.73%

-7.16% n.a.

-0.81%

-7.17% n.a.

-10.38%

12.35%

-2.06%

0.13%

-0.53%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.7699

15.76%

-4.22%

-3.25%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

-8.89%

-11.88% n.a.

-7.59%

87.26

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

47.1409

9.31%

-3.23%

-0.71%

-2.05%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

494.35

9.42%

-3.12%

-0.8%

-1.27%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.3719

25.1%

1.54%

2.17%

1.15%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

36.2814

12.62%

-2.16%

0.53%

-0.86%

-3.3% n.a.

-0.42%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9374

11.73%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.8875

10.69%

-2.45%

0.03%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

812.23

9.98%

-2.59%

-0.06%

-1.96%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7347

10.35%

-7.4%

-2.93%

-2.38%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.7043

-1.48%

10.86%

-4.93%

-1.2%

-1.89%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9252

9.56%

-2.9%

-0.32%

United Fund, Inc. -a

9.34%

-2.87%

0.92%

-1.34%

3.3913

-1.71%

-2.04%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.1798

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

990.86 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

16.47% n.a. n.a.

1.47%

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c

109.5543

10.54%

-2.33%

0.39%

-1.72%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.0211

-18.27%

-0.26%

1.85%

-9.36%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.708

2.18%

10.18%

9.16%

-7.5%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.6286

0.29%

-1.83%

-1.1%

-3.75%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2264

3.23%

-1.26%

-0.49%

-2.42%

7.3%

0.46%

1.55%

-0.44%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6792

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.2082

10.8% n.a. n.a.

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9929

4.85%

1.33%

1.59%

-1.18% -1.62%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.704

4.04%

0.24%

0.51%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.608

4.05%

0.03%

0.48%

-1.41%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.1074

5.41%

-0.63%

0.32%

-0.66%

-2.26%

-0.11%

-1.55%

12.24%

-1.39%

0.31%

-1.51%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5905 Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.9398

-0.38%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a

0.9512

0.15%

-1.56% n.a.

-3.9%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.9198

5.53%

-2.7% n.a.

-2.62%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

0.9097

6.27%

-2.98% n.a.

-2.59%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.03553

-6.7%

-0.5%

0.08%

-6.35%

$1.0203

-9.08%

0.84%

1.66%

-4.39%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.4736 -0.51%

6.69%

6.43%

-6.84%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.1218 -3.23%

2.45%

2.69%

-6.41%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

373.77

1.08%

2.47%

2.44%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8876

-1.04%

0.12%

0.17%

-0.14% 0.15%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.237

0.62%

2.46%

3.6%

-0.22%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.216

-1.17%

0.91%

1.17%

-1.58%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4175 -0.27%

2.26%

1.84%

-0.35%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.3015

-3.23%

2.23%

1.18%

-2.14%

1.315

3.26%

2.76%

-0.31%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9253

-0.86%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

2.77%

2.5%

-1.02%

1.0126

-0.98%

3.3%

1.86%

-1.52%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1588

-0.18%

3.12%

3.05%

-0.9%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.711

2.28%

2.34%

-1.13%

-0.92%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$484.72

0.65%

2.24%

2.14%

-0.99%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є215.94

-1.6%

-0.01%

0.55%

-1.85%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1178

-5.13%

-1.36%

0.04%

-7.15%

-0.4% n.a.

-4.23%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0249 -3.11% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$0.9543

-9.44%

-3.54%

-2.22%

-6.7%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.3468

-4.43%

1.36%

1.31%

-6.34%

$0.0611061

-2.25%

1.74%

1.43%

-1.9%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.953 -4.66%

-0.22%

0.08%

-7.61%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

131.51

1.29%

2.46%

2.53%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

1.0606

1.03%

1.76% n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3206

1.52%

2.34%

2.5%

0.24% 0.27%

0.38%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0621

0.65%

1.28% n.a.

0.14%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

45.7949 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.3447

12.85% n.a. n.a.

-2.76%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.9173

-6.4% n.a. n.a.

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

c - Listed in the PSE.

-5.43%

d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.). 2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2021.

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

April 4, 2022

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

113,770 79,780,201 30,483,888 109,313,569 2,721,160 726,101 94,350,983 695,518 2,222,212.50 3,992,980 5,907,019 23,896,576.50 37,280 11,490 35,800 45,500 120,916 79,500

12,095,410 5,303,088 14,662,584 -281,073 26,540,535 71,040 3,075,000 -964,099 889,617.50 10,300 53,000

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 8.86 8.87 8.7 8.86 8.61 8.86 21,579,200 189,894,403 ABOITIZ POWER 35.85 36 35.95 36 35.7 36 786,600 28,292,610 BASIC ENERGY 0.415 0.42 0.415 0.425 0.41 0.415 3,440,000 1,430,350 FIRST GEN 26.1 26.15 25.9 26.15 25.9 26.1 5,700 148,205 FIRST PHIL HLDG 70 70.2 70.4 70.4 70 70 50,890 3,574,946.50 MERALCO 373 373.8 371 373.8 371 373.8 126,480 47,239,588 MANILA WATER 20.7 20.8 20.8 20.85 20.25 20.7 502,900 10,393,985 PETRON 3.32 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.3 3.32 1,274,000 4,221,270 PETROENERGY 4.83 4.95 4.8 4.95 4.8 4.82 723,000 3,487,620 PHX PETROLEUM 10.2 10.5 10.22 10.5 10.2 10.5 40,000 415,892 SYNERGY GRID 12.14 12.18 11.9 12.18 11.9 12.18 647,100 7,801,640 PILIPINAS SHELL 18.12 18.2 18.26 18.26 18.04 18.2 118,100 2,136,330 SPC POWER 14.54 14.7 14.62 14.8 14.5 14.54 291,500 4,255,820 SOLAR PH 1.88 1.89 1.88 1.94 1.86 1.89 37,100,000 70,611,320 AGRINURTURE 5.17 5.25 5.28 5.44 5.18 5.28 2,370,700 12,590,213 AXELUM 2.46 2.5 2.43 2.5 2.43 2.5 257,000 636,210 CENTURY FOOD 24 24.2 23.5 24.6 23.15 24.2 1,482,100 35,175,395 DEL MONTE 14.24 14.6 14.6 14.6 14.22 14.22 19,600 285,376 DNL INDUS 7.51 7.6 7.72 7.72 7.48 7.51 3,105,700 23,449,287 EMPERADOR 14.1 14.2 14.12 14.18 13.96 14.1 1,202,300 16,896,816 SMC FOODANDBEV 61.2 61.85 61.7 61.85 61 61.85 68,560 4,215,320.50 FIGARO COFFEE 0.64 0.65 0.6 0.65 0.59 0.64 15,478,000 9,753,360 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.58 0.59 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58 2,507,000 1,454,060 FRUITAS HLDG 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.14 1.11 1.14 7,019,000 7,907,550 GINEBRA 107.6 111.6 110.7 112 107 111.6 1,470 161,527 JOLLIBEE 227.6 228 222 228.6 222 228 385,320 87,409,346 KEEPERS HLDG 1.19 1.2 1.19 1.21 1.19 1.2 4,649,000 5,537,190 LIBERTY FLOUR 21.15 25.85 25.85 25.85 25.85 25.85 400 10,340 MAXS GROUP 6.1 6.15 6.2 6.2 6.1 6.1 12,100 74,399 MG HLDG 0.139 0.145 0.139 0.145 0.138 0.145 510,000 71,150 MONDE NISSIN 13.38 13.4 13.6 13.68 13.36 13.38 6,305,700 84,799,408 SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.72 7.75 7.8 7.85 7.72 7.72 469,000 3,636,178 ROXAS AND CO 0.57 0.59 0.57 0.59 0.57 0.59 392,000 224,970 ROXAS HLDG 1.16 1.24 1.28 1.28 1.15 1.16 283,000 339,010 SWIFT FOODS 0.101 0.107 0.101 0.101 0.101 0.101 220,000 22,220 UNIV ROBINA 121.4 121.7 119.3 121.9 119 121.7 687,990 83,289,369 VITARICH 0.61 0.63 0.62 0.63 0.61 0.63 319,000 196,940 CEMEX HLDG 0.85 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.83 0.85 3,492,000 2,947,620 EAGLE CEMENT 13 13.28 13 13.1 13 13 37,000 481,200 EEI CORP 5.29 5.3 5.55 5.55 5.3 5.3 494,000 2,630,321 HOLCIM 5.65 5.74 5.74 5.74 5.74 5.74 300 1,722 MEGAWIDE 5.11 5.2 5.19 5.2 5.12 5.2 92,000 475,876 PHINMA 19.44 19.46 19.46 19.48 18.82 19.46 173,300 3,288,188 TKC METALS 0.75 0.78 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 9,000 6,750 VULCAN INDL 0.98 0.99 1.01 1.02 0.98 0.99 2,232,000 2,219,490 CROWN ASIA 1.78 1.81 1.82 1.82 1.79 1.81 65,000 116,700 EUROMED 1.1 1.13 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1,000 1,100 CONCEPCION 19.66 20.75 20.65 21 20.65 20.75 1,300 26,955 GREENERGY 1.65 1.68 1.79 1.82 1.65 1.68 6,349,000 11,006,050 INTEGRATED MICR 8 8.05 8.1 8.1 8 8.01 292,800 2,346,642 IONICS 0.69 0.72 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68 5,000 3,400 PANASONIC 6.08 6.3 6.26 6.3 6.26 6.3 2,800 17,550 SFA SEMICON 1.06 1.07 1.03 1.07 1.03 1.06 65,000 68,160 CIRTEK HLDG 3.31 3.33 3.19 3.37 3.19 3.33 1,126,000 3,723,480

92,185,544 8,609,350 -649,200 25 -2,591,324 -7,685,464 7,357,450 620,710 515,040 -2,100 -2,344,156 148,732.00 7,350 1,314,960 87,377 -468,300 1,118,000 146,000 -13,380,693 -4,970,368 -3,179,926 -95,500 32,480 -49,511 11,624,236 -41,717,218 -3,446,856 7,410.00 -329,420 -30,659,072 -620 -251,690 39,200 13,250 -12,536 -3,442,350 -4,050 5,230 -71,710

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES TOP FRONTIER ZEUS HLDG

43.7 131.2 12.22 98.8 26.8 8.36 56.6 19.2 57.15 20.3 109 99.3 1.99 3.69 1,020 0.61 201 2,650

1.02 806 59.9 12.26 9.02 0.91 0.6 0.6 4.93 9.03 6.9 0.22 531 60.4 6.6 0.56 2.96 8.99 3.78 1.45 0.91 889 107.8 2.41 115 0.16

43.8 131.7 12.26 99 27 8.37 56.9 19.34 57.2 20.5 109.1 99.7 2.08 3.93 1,030 0.69 205.8 2,680

1.03 808 60 12.28 9.08 0.94 0.61 0.61 4.94 9.04 7.19 0.275 531.5 60.9 7.04 0.58 2.98 9 3.79 1.47 0.93 890 109 2.79 118 0.172

43.7 132.5 12.22 98.55 27 8.37 55.9 19.34 55.8 20.5 110 95.7 1.95 3.83 1,030 0.65 204.8 2,650

1.08 815 59.6 12.28 9.14 0.92 0.6 0.59 4.9 9 6.9 0.205 546.5 60 6.6 0.53 2.98 8.95 3.73 1.45 0.94 895 108 2.41 115 0.16

43.8 132.5 12.3 99.8 27 8.38 56.9 19.34 57.15 20.5 110 99.3 1.99 3.83 1,030 0.65 208.8 2,650

1.08 818.5 60 12.4 9.14 0.94 0.61 0.6 4.94 9.09 6.9 0.205 546.5 61.2 6.6 0.58 2.98 9.09 3.78 1.52 0.96 899 109.8 2.41 115 0.16

43.7 130.7 12.18 98.55 26.8 8.35 55.9 19 55.8 20.3 108.9 95.7 1.95 3.83 1,020 0.65 200.2 2,650

1 800 59.55 12.28 9 0.92 0.6 0.59 4.86 8.98 6.9 0.205 530 60 6.6 0.53 2.96 8.93 3.73 1.42 0.93 886 107.3 2.41 115 0.16

43.8 131.2 12.22 99 26.8 8.37 56.9 19.2 57.15 20.5 109 99.3 1.99 3.83 1,020 0.65 200.2 2,650

1.03 808 60 12.28 9.05 0.94 0.6 0.6 4.93 9.03 6.9 0.205 531.5 60.9 6.6 0.58 2.96 9 3.78 1.47 0.93 890 109 2.41 115 0.16

2,600 607,670 2,492,600 1,104,550 101,500 86,800 1,666,770 36,200 39,820 194,800 54,130 242,530 19,000 3,000 35 70,000 590 30

11,837,000 160,010 1,068,450 1,029,800 11,000 62,000 1,879,000 181,000 1,973,000 3,997,000 4,800 20,000 83,890 592,100 100 34,000 13,000 2,074,700 3,862,000 120,000 245,000 166,160 75,900 20,000 500 120,000

12,152,280 128,988,905 64,066,282 12,657,408 99,464 57,060 1,127,570 108,590 9,669,890 36,009,829 33,120 4,100 44,635,700 35,916,505 660 18,520 38,680 18,703,826 14,501,890 176,650 228,850 147,861,025 8,237,520 48,200 57,500 19,200

PROPERTY ANCHOR LAND 5 5.96 5 5 5 5 7,500 37,500 AYALA LAND 35.25 35.3 35.05 35.5 35.05 35.3 5,848,100 206,515,925 AYALA LAND LOG 4.93 4.94 4.98 4.98 4.81 4.94 839,000 4,080,020 ARANETA PROP 1.06 1.09 1.06 1.09 1.06 1.06 19,000 20,170 AREIT RT 46.9 47 46 47 45.95 47 185,300 8,672,885 A BROWN 0.89 0.9 0.92 0.92 0.9 0.9 25,000 22,680 CITYLAND DEVT 0.7 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.7 0.7 88,000 62,350 CROWN EQUITIES 0.089 0.091 0.09 0.093 0.089 0.09 2,440,000 220,380 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.96 2.98 2.97 2.98 2.96 2.98 250,000 742,440 CENTURY PROP 0.415 0.42 0.41 0.42 0.41 0.42 340,000 140,800 CITICORE RT 2.59 2.6 2.59 2.6 2.56 2.6 9,876,000 25,549,620 DOUBLEDRAGON 8.97 8.98 8.94 8.98 8.9 8.97 22,400 200,198 DDMP RT 1.58 1.59 1.58 1.59 1.58 1.58 1,217,000 1,924,730 DM WENCESLAO 6.88 6.89 6.89 6.89 6.88 6.89 20,400 140,534 EVER GOTESCO 0.255 0.265 0.255 0.265 0.255 0.26 1,840,000 477,900 FILINVEST RT 7.17 7.2 7.19 7.24 7.18 7.2 2,385,500 17,166,479 FILINVEST LAND 1.04 1.06 1.06 1.07 1.05 1.05 5,481,000 5,769,060 8990 HLDG 13.46 13.88 13.46 13.88 13.46 13.88 156,300 2,156,368 GOLDEN MV 641 685 685 685 685 685 300 205,500 PHIL INFRADEV 0.9 0.92 0.9 0.93 0.88 0.9 244,000 219,050 KEPPEL PROP 2.9 3.73 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 1,000 2,900 CITY AND LAND 0.88 0.92 0.94 0.95 0.87 0.92 419,000 386,030 MEGAWORLD 3 3.01 3 3.03 2.99 3.01 6,278,000 18,895,300 MRC ALLIED 0.247 0.25 0.248 0.25 0.247 0.247 930,000 229,990 MREIT RT 18.56 18.58 18.7 18.78 18.54 18.58 2,013,100 37,470,240 PHIL ESTATES 0.405 0.41 0.4 0.41 0.4 0.41 840,000 338,350 PRIMEX CORP 2.39 2.41 2.45 2.48 2.39 2.41 1,242,000 3,004,470 RL COMM RT 7.39 7.44 7.43 7.5 7.4 7.44 3,635,300 27,029,304 ROBINSONS LAND 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.3 20 20.1 600,100 12,082,845 PHIL REALTY 0.216 0.23 0.216 0.216 0.216 0.216 520,000 112,320 SHANG PROP 2.56 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.56 2.56 67,000 174,040 STA LUCIA LAND 2.71 2.91 2.9 2.92 2.9 2.92 100,000 290,820 SM PRIME HLDG 37.8 38.15 37.3 38.2 37.3 38.15 3,164,900 120,342,555 VISTAMALLS 3.21 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33 4,000 13,320 SUNTRUST HOME 1 1.05 1 1.06 1 1.05 92,000 92,160 VISTA LAND 2.66 2.67 2.6 2.67 2.58 2.66 1,798,000 4,737,430 SERVICES ABS CBN 12.8 12.82 12.74 12.82 12.74 12.8 41,700 531,940 GMA NETWORK 15.72 15.76 15.5 15.8 15.5 15.76 1,617,700 25,343,624 GLOBE TELECOM 2,498 2,514 2,492 2,530 2,492 2,498 51,825 129,624,160 PLDT 1,812 1,815 1,795 1,849 1,795 1,815 36,070 65,534,825 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.049 0.05 0.047 0.05 0.046 0.049 954,700,000 46,037,000 CONVERGE 28.95 29 29.85 30.1 28.7 28.95 15,412,000 449,320,980 DFNN INC 2.64 2.7 2.89 2.99 2.64 2.64 894,000 2,417,440 DITO CME HLDG 5.28 5.3 5.28 5.36 5.28 5.28 7,577,300 40,173,521 NOW CORP 1.15 1.16 1.18 1.2 1.15 1.16 1,535,000 1,784,200 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.34 0.345 0.35 0.355 0.34 0.34 4,670,000 1,603,000 2GO GROUP 7.47 7.49 7.23 7.49 7.23 7.49 27,400 204,393 CHELSEA 1.58 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.55 1.58 55,000 87,040 CEBU AIR 47.55 47.8 47 48 47 47.8 241,100 11,451,280 INTL CONTAINER 224 224.8 222.2 225 222.2 224.8 729,340 163,380,762 LBC EXPRESS 22.1 22.65 22.1 22.1 22.1 22.1 2,500 55,250 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.88 0.92 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.86 1,000 860 MACROASIA 5.73 5.74 5.62 5.74 5.62 5.74 677,600 3,865,403 METROALLIANCE A 0.95 0.99 1 1 1 1 1,000 1,000 PAL HLDG 6.33 6.35 6.6 6.6 6 6.35 95,000 603,957 HARBOR STAR 0.72 0.73 0.71 0.72 0.71 0.72 69,000 49,480 ACESITE HOTEL 1.66 1.75 1.75 1.82 1.75 1.75 111,000 198,070 DISCOVERY WORLD 1.78 1.86 1.86 1.86 1.78 1.78 41,000 73,060 WATERFRONT 0.435 0.455 0.435 0.435 0.435 0.435 20,000 8,700 IPEOPLE 6.91 7.23 7.23 7.23 7.23 7.23 5,000 36,150 STI HLDG 0.355 0.365 0.365 0.365 0.355 0.355 17,390,000 6,173,750 BELLE CORP 1.28 1.32 1.28 1.29 1.28 1.28 22,000 28,180 BLOOMBERRY 6.36 6.37 6.59 6.6 6.31 6.37 3,106,100 19,885,759 LEISURE AND RES 1.27 1.3 1.31 1.31 1.27 1.3 1,996,000 2,539,630 MANILA JOCKEY 1.81 2.16 1.82 1.82 1.82 1.82 5,000 9,100 PH RESORTS GRP 1.02 1.03 0.97 1.02 0.95 1.02 824,000 820,230 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.46 0.465 0.445 0.465 0.445 0.465 6,960,000 3,204,400 PHILWEB 2.27 2.29 2.26 2.29 2.26 2.29 122,000 276,720 ALLDAY 0.47 0.475 0.48 0.48 0.465 0.47 5,390,000 2,538,050 BERJAYA 5.59 5.69 5.59 5.59 5.59 5.59 1,500 8,385 ALLHOME 7.7 7.75 7.8 7.8 7.69 7.7 325,600 2,508,503 METRO RETAIL 1.37 1.4 1.37 1.4 1.37 1.4 6,000 8,250 PUREGOLD 36.95 37.2 35.9 37.2 35.1 37.2 2,388,800 87,239,730 ROBINSONS RTL 56.45 56.5 55.7 56.5 55.5 56.45 627,680 35,236,120.50 PHIL SEVEN CORP 66 67 62 67 62 67 1,140 73,245 SSI GROUP 1.11 1.12 1.09 1.12 1.07 1.11 2,430,000 2,690,120 WILCON DEPOT 27.45 27.5 27.1 27.7 27.05 27.45 372,300 10,198,525 APC GROUP 0.25 0.255 0.247 0.255 0.24 0.25 1,740,000 433,930 EASYCALL 4.05 4.43 3.99 3.99 3.99 3.99 3,000 11,970 MEDILINES 0.88 0.89 0.88 0.9 0.86 0.89 428,000 378,440 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.57 0.58 0.55 0.58 0.54 0.58 8,964,000 5,125,370 MINING & OIL ATOK 5.63 5.89 5.94 5.94 5.6 5.89 4,800 27,237 APEX MINING 1.67 1.68 1.68 1.69 1.66 1.67 2,050,000 3,428,580 ATLAS MINING 6.92 6.94 6.77 6.92 6.77 6.92 349,700 2,410,303 BENGUET A 7.07 7.1 6.64 7.12 6.64 7.07 214,900 1,492,769 BENGUET B 7 7.1 6.72 7.1 6.72 7 83,500 583,620 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.243 0.265 0.242 0.242 0.242 0.242 40,000 9,680 CENTURY PEAK 2.7 2.79 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 18,000 50,400 DIZON MINES 4.54 5.09 5.09 5.09 5.09 5.09 900 4,581 FERRONICKEL 3 3.01 2.9 3.07 2.84 3.01 13,578,000 40,813,240 GEOGRACE 0.181 0.201 0.179 0.206 0.178 0.206 750,000 134,720 LEPANTO A 0.151 0.155 0.152 0.155 0.148 0.155 7,610,000 1,152,590 LEPANTO B 0.15 0.154 0.15 0.15 0.149 0.15 600,000 89,960 MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 1,700,000 17,100 MARCVENTURES 1.68 1.69 1.66 1.71 1.62 1.69 1,502,000 2,541,570 NIHAO 1 1.02 1 1.01 1 1.01 21,000 21,160 NICKEL ASIA 8.01 8.03 7.72 8.15 7.72 8.03 4,967,800 39,837,658 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.96 0.98 0.95 0.99 0.95 0.98 446,000 432,870 PX MINING 5.36 5.4 5.43 5.43 5.35 5.38 613,900 3,298,263 SEMIRARA MINING 30.3 30.35 30.65 30.85 29.8 30.35 3,256,800 98,727,255 UNITED PARAGON 0.0062 0.0063 0.0063 0.0063 0.0062 0.0063 11,000,000 69,200 ACE ENEXOR 16.8 16.82 16.5 17.02 16.5 16.8 13,700 228,708 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 12,500,000 143,400 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.013 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 100,000 1,100 PHILODRILL 0.0091 0.0094 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 1,000,000 9,300 PXP ENERGY 5.7 5.75 5.59 5.75 5.41 5.75 171,900 955,338 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 99.9 101 101 101 101 101 410 41,410 AC PREF B1 503.5 514.5 503.5 503.5 503.5 503.5 4,850 2,441,975 ALCO PREF D 512.5 520 512 512.5 512 512.5 12,470 6,389,275 AC PREF B2R 502 505 505 505 505 505 6,000 3,030,000 BRN PREF A 103 105 102 102.7 102 102.7 101,390 10,406,873 CEB PREF 46.75 47 46.8 46.8 46.75 46.75 9,300 435,180 DD PREF 99.8 100 101 101 99.6 99.6 2,020 201,362 EEI PREF A 102 104 104 104 104 104 90 9,360 EEI PREF B 107 109.6 109.6 109.6 109.6 109.6 48,150 5,277,240 GTCAP PREF B 1,010 1,040 1,010 1,015 1,010 1,010 700 707,625 JFC PREF A 970 1,020 1,000 1,000 970.5 970.5 2,050 2,048,525 JFC PREF B 948 1,000 1,000 1,000 931 931 445 431,200 PNX PREF 3B 100.5 101 101 101 100.8 101 2,010 202,894 PNX PREF 4 972.5 980 974 980 970 980 780 757,105 PCOR PREF 3A 1,055 1,070 1,070 1,070 1,070 1,070 5,000 5,350,000 PCOR PREF 3B 1,083 1,090 1,090 1,090 1,090 1,090 135 147,150 SMC PREF 2F 76.5 77.5 77.95 77.95 77.5 77.5 960 74,760 SMC PREF 2H 75.4 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.4 75.5 9,170 692,185 SMC PREF 2I 76.25 78 78 78 76.05 76.2 66,130 5,041,065 SMC PREF 2J 70.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 750 57,375 SMC PREF 2K 75 76 75 75 74.8 75 89,420 6,706,410.50 TECH PREF B2C 51.5 52.85 52.85 52.85 52.85 52.85 20 1,057 TECH PREF B2D 54.25 54.95 54.95 54.95 54.95 54.95 300 16,485 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS GMA HLDG PDR 14.74 14.76 14.6 14.9 14.6 14.74 83,100 1,226,252 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.67 0.68 0.64 0.7 0.63 0.68 838,000 565,390

2,621,930 42,512,760 -13,833,471.50 -2,231,004 36,000 -10,000 10,921,330 -32,430 -25,061,395 13,779,462.50 -8,880 -1,735,987.00 1,364,920 -14,443,490 896,875 23,000 16,000 25,000 2,032,040 -108,470 -3,257,150 -77,220 680,150 32,340 -248,190 63,421 -3,150,810 276,274 -20,550 4,590 -1,800 6,117,290 -13,762,762 -1,133,540 -438,443 -2,724,715 10,400 -35,040 28,992,110 5,000 -1,835,630 22,418,880 12,926,965 -209,200 61,701,475 -474,200 3,226,568 -3,500.00 2,030,525 1,645,174 -860 -109,077 141,748 0 -15,360 -3,131,691 -675,700 9,400 90,362 57,188,610 29,740,188 -12,600 1,917,010 4,036,645 950 -66,300 61,570 -58,643 -6,766,080 -35,970 2,555,856 591,469 3,574,285 56 11,140

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

16.24 1.15 0.95 1.83 0.32

16.68 1.16 0.96 1.84 0.325

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF

109.9

110

16.7 1.16 0.94 1.84 0.325

16.7 1.16 0.96 1.85 0.325

16.24 1.14 0.93 1.81 0.32

16.24 1.16 0.96 1.84 0.32

3,000 232,000 177,000 695,000 160,000

49,778 267,120 168,490 1,275,120 51,950

230,000 -113,100 19,125 -48,660 303,580 6,500

109.8 110.5 109.5 109.9 25,630 2,817,631 156,112

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

LBP disbursed ₧133.61B to 7-million cash transfer beneficiaries in 2021 By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

& Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

TATE-OWNED Land Bank of the Philippines reported that it has disbursed a total of P133.61 billion to more than 7 million beneficiaries of the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) programs in 2021. According to a statement released by the bank on Monday, P123.74 billion of this amount was under the CCT program that benefited 4.4 million low-income families, for education and health needs of the children and financial support for households. Meanwhile, a total of P9.86 billion was delivered to 2.8 million UCT beneficiaries, as part of support interventions in line with the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. “[We] remain steadfast in the timely delivery of social protection interventions to the most vulnerable sectors. We will continue to work closely with the DSWD to contribute to the National Government’s inclusive development agenda,” LandBank President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo said. The bank also said they upgraded the Cash Cards of all CCT and UCT beneficiaries into transaction accounts, to provide the beneficiaries wider access to an array of banking services. “Beneficiaries can now perform cash card loading via Landbank branches, receive funds through the Landbank Mobile Banking App, and cash-in via Landbank Cash Deposit Machines, among others,” the bank said. Previously, the CCT and UCT beneficiaries could only do limited transactions with their cash cards, such as withdraw cash from Landbank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Agent Banking Partners (ABPs) nationwide. As of end-February this year, the state-run Bank has provided Cash Cards to 9.8 million CCT and UCT beneficiaries to facilitate more convenient withdrawals of social pension and grants in future payouts.

Profiteering?

Meanwhile, a deputy majority leader has asked the leadership of the House of Representatives to look into the alleged illegal profiteering of some insiders of

the bank, who act as “go-betweens” or “agents” in loan applications. In House Resolution 2543, ACTCIS Rep. Nina Taduran said her office received information that these “gobetweens” or “agents” promise the fast approval of a loan in exchange for a 10percent cut in the loan proceeds. Taduran said she received information that 30 borrowers, more or less, were victimized by this scheme of LBP insiders. “Some loans amounted to less than P100 million while others were way above said amount,” he said. “This representation [also] wrote the management of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) regarding the plight of Mr. Alberto Ching, President of American Boulevard Trading Corp. American Blvd., through Mr. Ching, was sweet-talked into this scheme and applied for an initial loan of P50 million,” she added. Despite the receipt by the LBP insiders of their cut, Taduran said a significant part of the loan proceeds was not released. “The borrower was given all sorts of excuses and was coaxed by the “agents” to apply for another P50 million loan. Still, the release of the loan proceeds was delayed and incomplete. As a result, American Blvd. defaulted in its payments to suppliers and other creditors, which eventually led to the closure of its business and the loss of livelihood of its employees,” she added. According to Taduran, the LandBank told her that it conducted an internal investigation and as a result, the bank terminated the involved employees and filed cases against them. “Given the magnitude of the loan amounts involved and the Land Bank is a government-owned financial institution, it is urgent for this House to probe the matter,” said the lawmaker. “The scheme, if proven true, will erode the public’s trust in the banking system,” she said. “The Congress is duty-bound to protect the borrowing public as well as the entire banking system from nefarious practices of unscrupulous bank personnel,” she added. Taduran said a copy of this resolution will be immediately sent to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through the Monetary Board, for its appropriate action.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Tuesday, April 5, 2022

BTr fully awards bids for T-bills; rates dip on inflation, Fed pace

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

HE Bureau of Treasury (BTr) announced that it has fully awarded bids for Treasury bills (T-bills) in Monday’s action after last week’s rejection of all bids for the 182and 364-day instruments.

Data from the Treasury showed that all T-bill tenors were oversubscribed during the auction, with the 91-day T-bills receiving the highest amount of bids. The amount offered for the 91day T-bills were at P5 billion, while the amount tendered hit P29.35 billion during the day. Meanwhile, both 182-day and 364-day T-bills were also offered at P5 billion each. The 182-day tenor fetched P14.17 billion tenders, while the 364-day tenor hit

P11.07 billion. Rates, on the other hand, saw mixed movement during the day. The 91-day T-bills hit a rate average of 1.38 percent on Monday, down from the 1.578 percent in the previous auction. The 182-day bills, meanwhile, fetched an average rate of 1.781 percent, up from the 1.607 percent in the previous auction. The 384-day bills’ rates were also up, from 1.792 percent to 1.883 percent in Monday’s auction.

APFRE Insular Insurance Corp. announced it has inked an agreement with Delivery Hero (Philippines) UG (haftungsbeschränkt) & Co. KG, operator of food-delivery platform foodpanda, to provide the latter’s delivery riders with Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) insurance. A statement from Mapfre said that through the partnership, the insurer will equip thousands of foodpanda motorcycle riders nationwide with CTPL insurance. “Mapfre offers one of the most affordable CTPL insurance in the market as it provides protection from liabilities arising from death of or bodily injury to third parties,” the company said. Delivery Hero (Philippines)

In photo (left to right): Bayad Chief Commercial Marketing Officer Dennis G. Gatuslao, PNB President and CEO Wick Veloso, PNB Senior Vice President and Institutional Transaction Banking Group Head Muffet Flores-Caculitan and Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer . This strategic partnership offers a one-stop-shop solution for the best customer experience. With Bayad as a payment gateway of PNB, both companies will eventually onboard more biller partners on the PNB Digital App, aside

Operations Director Patricia Jacinto extended her gratitude to Mapfre for the partnership that protects the essential workforce, especially in these trying times. “We are hoping this will pave the way for more partnerships that bring peace of mind,” Jacinto was quoted in the statement as saying. Mapfre President and CEO Tirso Abad, on the other hand, appreciated the opportunity to lend a helping hand to frontliners in the food delivery industry. “MAPFRE is beyond honored to provide a good number of our modern day heroes with the protection they need, taking care of them and their essentials while they carry out their noble services,” Abad added.

haven investments as a form of insurance. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing BetterBanking service as we become the most customercentric bank in the Philippines.” said Jim Yap, SVP and Treasury Sales Head at Security Bank. Now on its 17th year, the PDS Annual Awards continue to recognize the outstanding performance, leadership, and innovation of financial institutions that contribute to the development of the domestic capital market. To know more about Security Bank’s products and services you may visit www. securitybank.com or Security Bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Securitybank

end of the 2 to 4 percent target range in 2022 at 4.3 percent, higher than the February forecast of 3.7 percent. Despite this, the BSP maintained its monetary policy levers at alltime lows in its latest meeting, with the governor saying they still have enough room to keep rates low and support the economy. “The BSP continues to see scope to safeguard the momentum of economic recovery amid increased uncertainty, even as indications of sustained improvement in credit activity allows the BSP to gradually unwind its pandemic-related interventions,” the BSP said last week. For this year, the government is expected to borrow a total of P2.2 trillion, of which around 75 percent is expected to come from domestic sources. As of end-February this year, the government’s outstanding debt hit a new record-high of P12.09 trillion, due largely to more borrowings and the expectation of a weak currency ahead.

This undated photo courtesy of the Mapfre Insular Insurance Corp. shows Mapfre President Tirso C. Abad and Vice President and Sales Territorial Director Jojie L. Alvarez together with Foodpanda operator Delivery Hero (Philippines) UG (haftungsbeschränkt) & Co. KG Operations Manager Ron Michael Sanders, Operations Director Patricia Jacinto and Senior Head of Logistics and Operations Snehasis Despande attended the signing of a memorandum of agreement in Makati.

from Meralco. PNB President and CEO Wick Veloso said the bank’s partnership with Bayad addresses the customer’s increasing preference for online transactions. “Partnering with a reliable and trusted name fully supports our efforts

to provide safer banking to our customers and the banking public,” he said. “As our country enters a new phase in its history where our new normal is characterized by going digital and contactless, this partnership is very timely as we are able to serve the bills payment needs of our customers while helping them stay safe at the same time.” To date, Bayad collects for more than 450 biller brands from basic utilities such as electricity and water, cable & internet, to government contributions and loan payments, school tuition fees, online shopping, insurance, and many others. For banks and financial institutions like PNB that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an e-mail to partnerships@ bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

Security Bank bags top spots at PHL Dealing System Awards ECURITY Bank Corp. was recognized by the country’s fixed income exchange, the Philippine Dealing System (PDS) Group, at the recently concluded PDS Annual Awards held on March 25. During the virtual event, the Bank bagged, for the second consecutive year, the Top Fixed-Income Cash Settlement Bank award for generating the highest volume, as measured by the total number of fixedincome transactions settled. The Bank was also ranked fourth by PDS in the Top 5 Corporate Securities Market Makers for 2021. “Public interest on fixed income investments and the securities market has grown exponentially during these unprecedented times with more clients flocking to safe

According to National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon, the 91-day rates declined as higher inflation and US Fed normalization hounded the sentiments of the market. “Finally full award. Saw rates declined in 91-day with oversubscription as market took position in the front end with faster inflation, expected surge on Fed rate and possiblerate action from the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] in the second half,” de Leon said. “Continued rate upward movements in the182- and 364-day, given higher inflation forecast this year and as BSP starts hiking policy rates,” she added. Just last week, the BSP said it expects inflation to settle between 3.3 and 4.1 percent in March. While it did not breach the annual target, it is, however, a sure acceleration to the 3-percent inflation in February this year. In their March monetary policy meeting, the BSP said average annual inflation could breach the upper

Mapfre, Foodpanda ink deal for riders’ insurance

Bayad, PNB in deal to push digital bills payment in real-time IS Bayad Center, Inc., or Bayad, the country’s biggest and widest multi-channel payment platform, and Philippine National Bank, the fifth largest bank in the country, have partnered to make it easier for Filipinos to settle payments electronically. In a recently held virtual signing of a memorandum of agreement, the two companies forged a partnership that would allow Meralco postpaid customers to pay their bills real-time through the PNB Digital App. According to Bayad’s President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer, “We at Bayad take on an ecosystem-oriented stance which we believe is key in accelerating growth for our company, partners, and industry as a whole. We also continue to innovate and introduce key features in our system such as Bayad’s real-time posting of payments to offer them the ease and convenience of transacting with us.”

Security Bank Corporation was recognized by the country’s fixed income exchange, the Philippine Dealing System Group at the 17th PDS Annual Awards. From left to right: Carlyn Therese X Dulay, FVP and Head of Wholesale Treasury Sales; Jim C. Yap, SVP and Treasury Sales Head and Andre P. Ibarra, SVP and Treasurer.

Dollar-Yen signals point to less turbulent times

HE yen’s recent wild swings against the dollar may be coming to an end, according to pricing signals from the option and rates markets. The currency pair’s three-month implied volatility—a gauge of future movement factoring in recent price moves and upcoming event risks— has dropped from a two-year high. Meanwhile, expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes may have peaked out. As the Fed first hiked in March and then signaled a more aggressive pace of increases, traders seized on dollar-yen as the best way to trade the sharp policy divergence with the Bank of Japan, which doubled down on its easing. In just three weeks, the dollar surged more than 9 percent against the Japanese currency. That trade may now be over-extended, according to Jane Foley, head of FX strategy at Rabobank in London. Investors have already priced in over two hundred basis points of further Fed tightening this year. “It is difficult to imagine a scenario in which the Fed will be hiking more than is currently already priced in, which suggests scope for some dollar-yen profit-taking in the weeks ahead,” said Foley. The dollar touched 125.09 against the yen on March 28, the highest level since 2015. It has since dropped 2 percent from that level to around 122 yen on April 1. The yen’s downside could be lim-

ited. Unless Federal Reserve pricing is greatly unwound, the two-year yield spread between Treasuries and Japanese sovereign bonds is unlikely to narrow much. “It is likely that volatility eases into Q2 as interest rate markets calm,” said Mitul Kotecha, chief EM and Europe strategist at TD Securities in Singapore. Japan’s central bank has insisted it will stand its ground with rockbottom rates because the country’s underlying inflation remains anemic—in sharp contrast with the US, where the Fed is now rushing to contain the biggest consumerprice increases in four decades. To show its commitment, the BOJ last week unleashed special bond-buying operations, before announcing on Thursday that it will also buy more debt through the second quarter. Still, swings in dollar-yen in the second quarter could be limited by technical resistance around 125.86, its 2015 high. “The 125 level in dollar-yen will likely provide formidable technical resistance, given the verbal intervention from Japan’s finance ministry,” said David Forrester, foreign exchange strategist at Credit Agricole in Hong Kong, adding that this would weigh on the pair’s implied volatility. Given the above reasons, the dollar-yen pair may be due a period of consolidation this quarter. If its three-month implied volatility pushes lower, the option market will certainly be signaling so. Bloomberg News

Art

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Pharrell Williams, 49; Mike McCready, 56; Mitch Pileggi, 70; Agnetha Faltskog, 72. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Put your talent to good use, and build something concrete. Refuse to let secrets, emotional problems or meddlers come between you and what you want to pursue. Think smart, follow through and choose to associate with positive individuals who offer solutions, not criticism. Put your thoughts in motion, and stand behind your work. Don’t let personal matters drag you down. Your numbers are 7, 18, 21, 27, 32, 35, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t risk your health trying to impress someone. You are better off preparing by yourself and surprising everyone when you are satisfied with your offer. Confusion regarding love and money can be costly. You can’t buy love. ★★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put your head down, and focus on getting things done on time. Don’t change direction midstream or let someone distract you. Your dependability and reputation are at stake, and living up to expectations is necessary if you want to excel. ★★★

WE Are There Together, Roby Dwi Antono

ENCOUNTER with Myself, Mr. S

From the vantage point of the wide-eyed

MALL children take on gargantuan roles in the ongoing twin solo exhibitions of Galerie Stephanie. They get familiar with monsters, voyage into the unknown, and ultimately invite us to uncharted perspectives.

In Intensity, Intimately, Indonesian artist Roby Dwi Antono veers away from the familiar vibrancy and details of his fantasy worlds, leaving only the outlines and drama of young subjects and their unlikely companions, all rendered bare in black and white. Meanwhile, Reflections showcases the wandering characters of Filipino artist Mark Jeffrey Santos, who also goes by Mr. S, as they set off on a journey of self-discovery in lands laden with Japanese-inspired elements. The two pop-surrealist shows opened over the weekend. Both will be on view at the gallery’s space in Shangri-La Plaza until April 17.

in 2016. Characterized by a peculiar aesthetic rich in details and depth, his surrealist works were fixtures in the gallery’s presentations at Art Fair Tokyo and Art Fair Philippines. In this latest exhibition, Antono swerves and expresses himself in grayscale, perhaps to suggest that the life of his art lies not in the background nor in the colors of his saccharine settings, but in the wide, commanding eyes of his subjects. Intensity, Intimately presents two categories of the artist’s works. One is a compilation of oil-on-paper drawings, featuring humans and monsters in doodles. The other offers more or less the same subjects, but they are more fleshed out and rendered using charcoal on canvas.

‘INTENSITY, INTIMATELY,’ ROBY DWI ANTONO ANTONO has been a staple of Galerie Stephanie’s programs since his first solo exhibition with the space

CONTINUED ON B5

Focus on Caviteño artists ❶ DR. Jates

Jose poses with his Triptych, a visual representation of Sigmund Freud’s Theory on the Id, Ego, and Superego.

❷ NOW a full-time artist and the son of renowned artist Manny Garibay, Bam Garibay is shown beside his Jolly Checkup.

GENERATIONS of Caviteño artists recently showcased their works in exhibits at SM City Molino and SM City Dasmariñas. And it’s not surprising. With its many art groups and the establishment of prestigious schools in fine arts and visual communication, Cavite today has one of the fastest growing communities of artists outside Metro Manila, and is on its way to becoming a viable center of contemporary art. The exhibit featured pages from the My City, My SM, My Art book, which is a compilation of the campaign highlighting the best of Philippine visual arts—painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and filmmaking. During its three-year cultural journey from 2016-2019, the exhibit of the same title featured masters, modernists and millennials in a roadshow around the SM Supermalls as far north as the Cordilleras and as far south as General Santos. During the exhibit, mallgoers had a rare glimpse of the book at the My Art house, which is inspired by Luzon’s Bahay na Bato. The larger-than-life book pages showcased the life and works of Master Artist Eduardo Castrillo and Cavite’s renowned visual artists. Mallgoers had a glimpse of his sculptures from the

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): An inquisitive attitude will help you differentiate what you can do and what you cannot. Put everything you’ve got into what you want most, and you won’t be disappointed. Momentum will build, and you will reach your goal. ★★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Check into financial options that will allow you to expand your interests and goals. Gather facts and figures, and don’t assume anything. Information is valuable, especially when trying to keep your costs down. Budget wisely. ★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Ask reliable people for assistance. A robust support system will help you avoid unwanted changes or restrictions. Use your intelligence to develop a workable plan and your brawn to initiate and finish what you want to achieve. ★★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take care of your health. Get involved in new prospects that will give you the edge when doing business with others. Detail and strategy will help you overcome any problem you encounter. ★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’ll be privy to inside information. Attend meetings and participate in demonstrations that offer a vivid picture of what’s to come. Networking and partnerships are in your best interest. Don’t overspend or invest in people or products that promise the impossible. ★★★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Step outside your comfort zone, and size up what’s happening. Having a clear picture will give you the wherewithal to decline an offer without hesitation. Use your insight to gain perspective, and don’t be afraid to do your own thing. ★★★

❶

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Seize the moment, speak freely and put together a strategy that will help you stick to a budget, routine and plan that suits your lifestyle and long-term goal. Don’t fall prey to someone toting colorful ideas that are costly and unrealistic. ★★★

❷

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Hone your skills, diversify and structure a plan that encourages you to earn your living doing something that brings you joy. Make domestic changes that incorporate a space conducive to being productive. Don’t argue with a friend, relative or colleague. ★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You know the drill and how to get the most out of the least. Stick to your routine, give your all and use your intelligence to make a decision that encourages profit, comfort and convenience. ★★★★★

Castrillo Family collection and assets; as well as the works of his son Nixxio. The exhibit also featured My City, My SM, My Art book pages of the other Castrillo children—Mierro Castrillo and Ovvian Castrillo-Hill. The public also had a glimpse of the works of Caviteño

artists Voltaire Perez, Dr. Jates Jose and Lirio Salvador at the exhibit; as well as those of young artists Alee Garibay, Nina Garibay and Bam Garibay, children of master artist Manny Garibay. More information can be found at bit.ly/38ePC4c.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Mind what others say and how they feel before you bring about change that can affect your reputation. Getting along will make your life easier. Find a way to compensate for any situation that disrupts the lives of others. Play fair. ★★ BIRTHDAY BABY: You are persistent, enthusiastic and playful. You are engaging and demonstrative.

‘outside of work’ BY GARRETT HERZFELD The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 He was slain by Cain 5 Chowed down 8 Apt-sounding surname for a child 12 Odd 14 Lenovo competitor 15 Went separate ways 17 Smooth transitions 18 Mocked 20 Pen ___ (distant correspondent) 21 Avoid, as an issue 23 Ocean State sch. 24 Packer’s status before moving? 28 Makeup of some muffins 29 The Color Purple Pulitzer winner Walker 30 Response to “Am not!” 31 Captain Kirk’s conveyance 35 Starts a poker pot 36 Word after “puff” or “puzzle” 37 X’s, to Athena 38 Holds out 43 Treat, as leather 44 First sound in “GIF,” some say

45 46 48 51

Bathroom, in Bath Vexing Remained in hiding Is serious, or a hint to the end of each starred clue’s answer 54 “Jane ___” 55 Leave, like a crowd after a show 56 Totally exhausted 57 Big name in jewelry 58 Renders speechless DOWN 1 Become visible 2 Snoopy, e.g. 3 Pale color that’s French for “unbleached” 4 Renaissance Faire instrument 5 Abet’s partner in crime 6 Tic-___-toe 7 Like a sensual novel 8 Done for 9 “___ Has Cheezburger?” (early meme) 10 Bedside glass fillers 11 Like some boards and markers

13 Paul dubbed the “Thomas Edison of music” 16 Singer ___ J. Blige 17 Beach lotion letters 19 Ankylosaurus or iguanodon, informally 21 Church camp? 22 Bit of protection for a Rollerblader 25 Simplifies 26 Golden or pale drinks 27 Martini ingredient 28 Fleeting 30 Curved paths 31 Safe and sound 32 Dirty look 33 Wrestling venue 34 Street crosser, for short 35 Theater opening? 38 ___ Club (warehouse store chain) 39 Alex who hosted 37 seasons of Jeopardy! 40 Legal threat 41 Chickens’ perches 42 Cut, as grass

44 Perfected 47 Ramirez who portrayed Dr. Callie Torres 48 Like an exciting party 49 Taylor-Joy of The Queen’s Gambit 50 Cartoony cry of pain 52 Actress Thurman 53 Plant or mole

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, April 5, 2022

FROM THE VANTAGE POINT OF THE WIDE-EYED Continued from B4 Showcased in this show are iconic Japanese characters—including behemoths known as Kaijus and the popular extraterrestrial hero Ultraman—both interacting with human children. Antono’s choice of characters serves as a commentary on how his generation formed a parasocial relationship with the TV characters they grew up watching, predating the Internet and social-media culture. In We Are There Together and Us, Antono depicts human victory but at varying costs. Meanwhile, in Lonesome Hero, a celebrated icon somehow feels lacking.

PRESIDENT of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaks on screen at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in Las Vegas. AP

Olivia Rodrigo wins 2 Grammys, Zelenskyy appeals for Ukraine L

By Jonathan landrum Jr. The Associated Press

AS VEGAS—Olivia Rodrigo has won the best new artist crown at the Grammy Awards, joining esteemed previous company including Carly Simon, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Tom Jones, the Beatles and Billie Eilish. A veteran of the High School Musical series, Rodrigo became the breakout music star of 2021, leading with her massive viral hit “Drivers License” and following with the aching album Sour and the single “Good 4 U.” So far Sunday, “Drivers License” has earned her the trophy for best pop solo performance, and it is up for record of the year, while Sour is up for album of the year. Rodrigo came into the night nominated for the night’s top four awards—best new artist, album, record and song of the year—but lost the best song trophy to Silk Sonic. “This is my biggest dream come true,” she said. Earlier in the show, she performed her heartbreak song “Drivers License” in a white ruffled dress and black boots. The night’s festivities grew grim when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the gathering with an update on the war and his numbers included children injured and killed. “Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos,” he said. “We are fighting Russia, which brings horrible silence with its bombs. The dead silence. Fill the silence with your music.” He ended by saying: “Tell the truth about the war on your social networks, on TV. Support us in any way you can any, but not silence. And then peace will come to all our cities.” John Legend then performed “Free” with Ukrainian exiles including singer-actress Mika Newton and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk. Silk Sonic—the all-star union of Bruno Mars and

Anderson .Paak—opened the Grammys in Las Vegas with their high-energy, infectious fix of retro soul and funk by performing their “777.” They returned to the stage a short time later to collect the song of the year trophy for “Leave the Door Open.” The win helps Mars tie the record for most song of the year wins. He had previously won for “24K Magic.” Both Mars and .Paak jumped out their seat, threw up their hands and dance to their song. “I couldn’t be more proud to be doing this with than anyone other than you,” Mars said to .Paak. “We’ll be singing this song together for the rest of our lives.” Host Trevor Noah introduced the duo’s opening performance by saying they were singlehandedly bringing back the 1970s, “which might explain the inflation.” By the time the show started on CBS, Jon Batiste had already taken home four Grammy Awards, including his first ever. Batiste won for best American roots performance, best American roots song, best music video and tied with Carlos Rafael Rivera for best score soundtrack for visual media. His song “Freedom” in the music video category beat out several other tough competitors, including Rodrigo, Lil Nas X and Eilish. All the honors were handed out during a pre-telecast ceremony. It was a family affair from cousins Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar, who won best rap performance for their song “Family Ties.” Lamar won his 14th Grammy and the first for Keem, who said “nothing could have prepared me for this moment” after stepping out onstage to claim his trophy. Dressed in all black, BTS took the stage with a flirty moment between V and Rodrigo before the group performed their hit single “Butter.” They made an appearance after one of the members tested positive for Covid-19. All seven of the members—Jin, Jimin, V, RM, J-Hope, Suga and Jungkook—acted

as if they were secret agents with neon-blue lasers, dancing with smooth choreography before going into a brief rap portion of the song. Foo Fighters won three awards Sunday, but were not in attendance to pick up their trophies following the recent death of its drummer Taylor Hawkins. The rock band did extend their record for most best rock album wins with five for Medicine at Midnight. The group’s song “Making a Fire” won best rock performance and “Waiting on a War” bested other nominees for best rock song. TJ Osborne, who came out as gay last year, fought back tears as he and his brother accepted a Grammy for the Brothers Osborn song “Younger Me.” He noted the song was inspired by his coming out. “I never thought that I would be able to do music professionally because of my sexuality. And I certainly never thought I would be here on the stage accepting a Grammy after having done something I felt like was going to be life-changing and potentially in a very negative way,” Osborne said. “And here I am tonight, not only accepting this Grammy Award with my brother, which I love so much, but I’m here with a man that I love and he loves me back.... I don’t know what I did to be so lucky.” Chick Corea and Vicente Fernandez each won posthumous Grammys. Joni Mitchell won best historical album for Joni Mitchell Archives—Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967). “Thanks to the academy for this nomination and this win, I didn’t expect this,” she said. Artists competing with Eilish for album of the year include Rodrigo, Batiste, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, H.E.R., Taylor Swift, Lil Nas X and Kanye West. Bennett extended his record as the artist with the most traditional pop vocal album with 14 wins with Love for Sale, a duet album with Lady Gaga.

AP ENTERTAINMENT WRITER MARK KENNEDY CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY.

Darryl Yap’s derring-do

IT’S either you like him or you don’t, but content creator and controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap doesn’t really care. Yap’s satisfaction comes from being able to create content—content that stirs curiosity, affects people, is out of the box, is oftentimes way ahead of its time—and people can think whatever they want, say whatever they wish, and react however they desire. When the local election campaign shifted to the fast lane recently, Yap found himself at the core of many disputes between his followers, who have

been consistently loyal to him; and his bashers, all because of his new outputs on different social-media platforms—all of which rocketed to the top of the trending charts a few hours after they were released. Take, for instance, the much-talked about the “Lenlen Series [Not a Political Content!]” which has garnered more than 30 million views to date. The number of Yap’s bashers rose, mostly coming from the supporters of opposing political players, but his followers and his fans also multiplied to unimaginable numbers. “I always go back to this challenge that I pose to them: content versus content. But those on the other side don’t seem to get it, or perhaps they simply cannot get it!” he said. The LenLen series stars Sen. Imee Marcos, It’s Showtime’s Ms. Q&A grand winner Juliana Parizcova, and Urian-nominated filmmaker Roanna Marie Mercado, who is also a signature actress in many of Yap’s movies for his mother studio Viva. It was with Viva where Yap’s star started to shine. After Jowable, his first project with Viva, hit it big, there was no stopping Yap. During the pandemic, he

created and directed 13 feature films, most of which were big hits on the Vivamax streaming platform. “I really wanted to take a break from making movies this 2022 because I was aware that it’s an election year and I planned to focus on projects related to politics. I have clients during the previous elections and I was starting to receive calls, offers and inquires from those running for posts this year,“ he shared. Because he is a creative workaholic, Yap immediately decided to shoot his new series, a contemporary love story titled Baby M, starring newbies PJ Rosario and LJ Ramos. Like his many previous video outputs, Baby M trended right away after its first episode was launched. Where does Darryl Yap get his drive, wit, toughness and passion? Nobody really knows. What we recognize is a young creative mind who did not fear to pursue what his heart dictates, a derringdo who used his challenging past growing up in Olongapo, to seize all the opportunities in his colorful present, so he can create the amazing future he has already affirmed in his beautiful mind this early.

‘RefleCtions,’ MR. s MR. S makes the most of his background in video and film as a world-building visual artist. He creates lived-out settings and characters with distinct personas and goals as seen yet again in his latest solo exhibition. Reflections takes viewers on a journey alongside his character in search of meaning. We follow in this series an adventurous young boy coming across copies of himself, in Doppelganger and Encounter with Myself. He also stares down with hannya masks in Eye to Eye and Looking Down at my Demon. While the foreground tells much of the story, examining the background is an exploration on its own as Mr. S always leaves out something for the true wanderer. For inquiries on the shows, contact inquiry. galeriestephanie@gmail.com or 7940-5726. n

GMA PINOY TV NOW LEADING INTERNATIONAL FILIPINO CHANNEL ON SOCIAL MEDIA

GMA Pinoy TV is now the most followed international Filipino channel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. As of March 17, 2022, GMA Pinoy TV has amassed 1,889,466 followers on its Facebook page compared to its rival The Filipino Channel (TFC) which has 1,750,665 followers. On Twitter, GMA Pinoy TV has 103,754 followers compared to TFC’s 42,759 followers. GMA Pinoy TV has more than 247,208 followers on Instagram, which is 135,000+ followers bigger than TFC’s 111,568. In line with GMA Pinoy TV’s “#StrongerTogether” campaign, the channel continues to produce and publish engaging and informative content for its followers and fans in the digital space. On Facebook, the public can be updated with the latest shows and stars through GMA Pinoy TV’s digital series “Quick Chat.” In a recent episode, Quick Chat interviewed Dingdong Dantes, who hosts the world’s favorite game show Family Feud. Among other things, Dingdong reveals the international artists he would like to guest in the program. Meanwhile, Widows’ Web stars Carmina VillarroelLegaspi, Ashley Ortega, Vaness del Moral and Pauline Mendoza explain why they do not keep secrets from their family and loved ones. On March 11, GMA Pinoy TV also held an online meetand-greet, titled “March-Merizing FunCon.” The event was attended by the cast of Artikulo 247 bannered by Rhian Ramos, Kris Bernal, Mark Herras and Benjamin Alves; and Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss starring Bianca Umali, Kelvin Miranda and Ken Chan. “EntrePinoy Abroad,” another GMA Pinoy TV original on Facebook, was awarded on March 16 by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas Migration Advocacy and Media Awards 2021. It was hailed as the Best TV Special in the Television Journalism category. On the GMA Pinoy TV YouTube channel, fans everywhere can subscribe to watch exclusive videos. In “Kapuso 101,” netizens can know more about their favorite stars—how they were discovered, their notable programs, and their official social-media accounts. Those who want to get a good laugh, or watch relatable and viral scenes from GMA programs should also check out the GMA Pinoy TV’s TikTok account, which now has more than 198,500 followers and 1.9 million likes. On February 1, GMA Pinoy TV also launched the #StrongerTogetherDanceChallenge on TikTok to unite all Pinoys here and abroad against our common challenges— the Covid-19 pandemic, Asian hate, and the continuous fight for inclusivity. It now has more than 1.2 million video views across GMA Pinoy TV’s social media accounts. This month, “Stronger Together: The GMA Pinoy TV Podcast” opened its second season featuring stories of outstanding Filipinos abroad. For its first two episodes, the audio show featured Fil-Canadian voice-over actor Eric Bauza who voices Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety Bird and other famous cartoon characters; and Fil-Am animator, writer and director Bobby Rubio who created Pixar’s short film Float. This year, GMA Pinoy TV will continue to use its social media platforms not only to keep overseas Filipinos updated on its latest programs, promos and events, but also with information and entertainment that will bring them closer to the Philippines.

B6 Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Turning the spotlight on potential small food businesses and bringing them closer to Filipinos via Indie Eats

Shop and Share, Mastercard gift e-tablets to 1,210 SM scholars

MALL food businesses have certainly taken the local food scene by storm. You’ve seen them everywhere – from milk tea shops with their adventurous flavors to creative burger concepts you’ve never seen before. These businesses, however, must not be underestimated for their size as the quality of their offers will have you thinking hindi pa sila sikat, pero ang sarap. Beyond these, small businesses hold a special spark to them as they come from our own communities, and are a testament to how everyone has the potential to share their offerings to a large audience. Now, to help more consumers discover the unique and rewarding flavors these merchants can offer, everyday superapp Grab has launched Indie Eats, a program aiming to help merchantpartners amplify their presence on GrabFood and bring their offerings to the spotlight!

Eats that are worth the try

INDIE Eats hosts a full roster of small and local merchant-partners that are perfect for every craving. Whether you’re looking for refreshing mango coolers to beat the heat from Mango Series, the hearty and comforting taste of lugaw from Lugaw ni Pinggoy, or a quick bite of your favorite pastries from Panaderia Pantoja, Grab has you covered with its range of merchant-partners! Leading the call to support these merchant-partners is the tandem of Indie Eats ambassadors Erwan Heussaff and Sassa Gurl.

REPRESENTATIVES from the SM Foundation and The SM Store prepare the e-tablets for distribution to SM Foundation scholars

M Foundation’s 1,210 scholars across the Philippines are now better equipped for their studies through the electronic tablets gifted by Mastercard, The SM Store, and their customers. Shop & Share campaign, which ran for three days in October 2021, allowed The SM Store shoppers nationwide to take part in the initiative. For every Mastercard transaction in-store or via the Personal Shopper, regardless of the amount, Mastercard gave P100 to the drive geared towards supporting the online learning of select student beneficiaries. “Shop & Share with Mastercard is a great example of a shared value in action. Through simple business-asusual transactions in our stores using Mastercard, we were able to raise

funds to buy electronic tablets for SM Foundation’s scholars,” said Chelo Monasterio, The SM Store president. “We are fortunate to have found an ally in Mastercard to give back through this campaign.” Mastercard Country Manager Simon Calasanz reiterated how partnerships could help make big goals a reality, and this is his hope for the scholars receiving the e-tablets. “I hope the e-tablets will make a positive impact in your education and in your lives. Perhaps, one day, it could be your initiatives driving financial inclusion and sustainability in the country.” In turn, Eleanor Lansang, SM Foundation Senior Assistant Vice President for Scholarship Program, highlighted the importance of students being equipped with the right devices for their learning. “With your support,

we are able to empower students, giving them a fighting chance in their current education and, eventually, the workplace. This will enable them to uplift the economic status of their families and eventually inspire them to spread social good in their respective communities.” In addition to supporting SM Foundation’s programs on education, health, and disaster response The SM Store also implements regular corporate social responsibility programs to share happiness to communities through various donation drives such Share Your Extras, Share Shoes, Donate A Book, and Share A Toy. Year round, all branches house coin boxes for the benefit of the company’s partner organizations, such as UNICEF, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Good Neighbors Philippines, and World Vision.

Honda opens 2nd Metro Manila flagship store

RIVEN by the passion to share the joy of mobility to every Filipino family, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, introduces its newest flagship store in Metro Manila in partnership with the Guanzon Group of Companies. Located at Juan Luna St., Tondo, City of Manila, the new store offers more than 500 sqm of space in presenting HPI’s complete motorcycle product line-up. It is only the second shop in the metro where HPI’s coveted big bikes are available, including The All-New CBR650R (2022 Year Model). The latest model of the super sports bike features race-inspired performance and everyday versatility. Another ride to look out for in this new store is The New Honda X-ADV, which offers unique design and exemplary features, perfect for unique individuals who love urban adventure. The new flagship store in Manila comes equipped with separate facilities for commuter bikes and big bikes, as well as a showroom, a customer lounge, and a service pit. “We are thrilled to open this newest flagship store in NCR at a time when more people are understanding the joy and convenience of riding motorcycles,” says Susumu Mitsuishi, HPI President. “We hope that the strategic location of this store will help us bring our offerings closer to consumers within NCR and its surrounding areas, particularly our topof-the-line motorcycles.” “Manila City being the location of our flagship store, is built not just for motorcycle enthusiasts, but for big bike riders in Metro Manila and nearby

Grab’s continuous commitment to support their merchant-partners

WITH Indie Eats, Grab hopes to provide assistance to their vast community of small and local merchant-partners. Those interested to onboard can partake in Grab’s upskilling seminars, providing training in building their brand and menu. This ensures that merchantpartners are able to improve their brand every step of the way. “At Grab, we are always ready to provide support to our merchant-partners to ensure they are able to meet success and have a rewarding experience on our platform; in particular, small food businesses hold a lot of potential not just in Grab but in our local food industry as a whole,” says Martin Luchangco, Head of Merchants and Partnerships.

Senatorial candidates face youth panelists at #AmbagKo voter’s education live interviews

CI Philippines, the first nationally organized leadership development organization in Asia, sustains its voter’s education digital initiatives through its Ambag Ko Rehistro Boto campaign. One of this online forum - Ambagan ng Bayan – has launched a special series of interviews with senatorial candidates through its multiple Facebook pages. The program will be putting senatorial candidates for the 2022 elections in the hot seat, facing JCI youth panelists to discuss the nation’s most relevant events and issues. Among the first set of senatorial candidates interview that took place in

March were Atty. Chel Diokno, Atty. Alex Lacson, David d'Angelo, Samira Gutoc and Atty. Luke Espiritu and on April 1 were Elmer Labog, Atty. Neri Colmenares and Roy Cabonegro. Moderated by millennials and Gen-Z JCI members from chapters nationwide, Ambagan ng Bayan gives each senatorial candidate a chance to discuss their platforms and advocacies concerning broad topics. The candidates will also answer different questions from the panelists and live audience in the comments section. JCI Philippines aims to encourage the public to vote wisely and choose the right candidate fit for the position. Ambagan ng Bayan streams live every Thursdays at 8:30 PM in Ambagkoph, JCI Philippines, JCI Senate Philippines, JCI Iloilo and JCI Senate Iloilo Facebook pages. Followers may catch next the interview episode with partylist nominee Jude Acidre of Tingog Partylist and Atty. Rowena Guanzon on PWD. To learn more, visit ambagko.ph. Follow the campaign @ambagkoph on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

DHL Express tops the list of best workplaces in the Philippines for the second year in a row

SUSUMU Mitsuishi, president of Honda Philippines, Inc., turns over the marker to Guanson Lo, president of Guanzon Group of Companies. areas who would like to see and experience Honda's top-of-the-line models,” says Guanzon Lo, Guanzon Group of Companies President. Mr. Lo added that the new store opening highlights Guanzon’s strong and growing partnership with HPI, as both have survived the challenges from recent years under the pandemic. He said they are beaming optimistic that the new flagship store will help spur economic activity in Metro Manila, given the increased demand for motorcycles, particularly in the country’s most urbanized area. Guanzon continues to uphold HPI’s standard policies and guidelines to keep

pace with ever-changing innovations and evolving marketing activities. Mr. Lo says: “Our company stands hand-inhand with HPI to serve as a gateway for every Filipino family into the world of mobility.” Honda Tondo Guanzon is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information, follow Honda Big Bikes Tondo on Facebook or contact branch manager Ruel Esperida at raesperida@guanzongroup. com.ph or at 0923-311-6888. For the newest Honda products and promos, visiti www.hondaph.com. Follow Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram (@hondaph_mc).

HL Express tops the Large category of the Philippines’ Best WorkplacesTM 2022. With 99% of employees saying that the logistics company is a great workplace, DHL Express demonstrates its continued commitment to its people-first culture. The company has held the number 1 spot as Philippines Best Workplaces™ for two consecutive years. “DHL Express’ people-first culture is anchored to its purpose of ‘Connecting people, improving lives.’ Their people practices are best-in-class as those were created in response to their employees’ changing needs, such as the focus on the employees and their families’ safety and well-being,” said Antoinette Talosig, Managing Partner, Great Place to Work Philippines and Principal Consultant of Great Place to Work ASEAN Great Place to Work is a prestigious global consultancy firm and the data scientist behind the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. For over 30 years, business leaders, research institutions, and the public worldwide have relied on the Great Place to Work Trust Model© as the definitive standard of what

it means to be a great workplace. The Trust Model serves as the foundation of the Trust Index© Employee Survey, which analyzes participating employees’ experiences through five dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. DHL Express’ Focus strategy is key to its success. The strategy saw the company shift its purpose towards motivating first the people working with them. Since implementing the Focus strategy in 2009, DHL Express has consistently put its employees’ needs first. And despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, DHL Express Philippines topped the 2021 and 2022 lists. “At DHL, we believe that our highly motivated people are our core strength—the first pillar of our success. Therefore, it is our goal to provide them with the supportive working environment that they deserve,” said Nigel Lockett, country manager, DHL Express Philippines. “We always adhere to our people-first, safety-first philosophy— safeguarding the well-being of our workforce while taking care of our business. We believe we cannot be a great place to work without being a safe place to work.”

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

The World

China Covid crisis grows with infections surging C

hina’s Covid-19 situation is on a knife’s edge, with a lockdown of its financial hub intensified amid a surge in new cases and reports of new sub-strains of the Omicron variant emerging as clusters flare nationwide. The country, which managed to live much of the pandemic effectively virus free after quashing its initial outbreak in Wuhan, is experiencing its biggest jump in daily infections since that period. Shanghai reported 9,006 cases Sunday as the city readies to test all 25 million residents in its latest efforts to weed out infections, amid accounts of un-reported deaths in a nursing home and ongoing food shortages. The entire population is now under some form of movement restrictions. Thousands of medical staff from around the country arrived in Shanghai on Sunday to help with the city-wide test, Xinhua News Agency reported. The People’s Liberation Army has also mobilized more than 2,000 military medics to support Shanghai’s virus control, according to the PLA Daily. Businesses and some factories remain shuttered, with Tesla Inc.’s Shanghai plant—its first Gigafactory outside of the US—entering a second week of disrupted operations. Adding to concern about the situation is the emergence of what appears to be new sub-types of the highly contagious omicron strain. A Covid patient in a city some 40 miles from Shanghai was diagnosed with a new iteration of the virus that evolved from the BA.1.1 branch of omicron, the state-run Global Times newspaper reported at the weekend, citing sequencing data from local health authorities. The report said the subtype doesn’t match other strains in China, nor those submitted to GISAID, the global database for coronavirus sequencing and monitoring mutations. A case in Dalian city in northern China reported on Friday also didn’t match any coronavirus found domestically, the municipal government said on its WeChat account.

With the situation spiraling, Beijing sent Vice Premier Sun Chunlan to Shanghai to oversee prevention efforts. Sun ordered local officials to curtail the outbreak “as soon as possible,” indicating China remains wedded to its rigid Covid Zero stance despite the escalating crisis. For much of the pandemic the nation has sought to eliminate the virus, something that’s become more challenging as the pathogen mutated to become more transmissible, evading even the toughest border curbs and quarantine regimes.

mRNA vaccines

Still, in further evidence Beijing is at least planning for an eventual exit from the strategy—which has left it isolated as the rest of the world opens up—two Chinese vaccines using messenger RNA technology, or mRNA, were approved to start clinical trials. More effective vaccines are seen as key to China being able to normalize without a high number of virus deaths, political anathema to President Xi Jinping’s government. China is the last country in the world to still be taking such a hard line with Covid, after other places that pursued elimination, including Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, started to open up once vaccination reached key levels. The experience of Hong Kong is providing a cautionary tale for mainland officials, with the city going from virus success story to the highest death rate in the world at one point. Hong Kong didn’t lock down and mass test its population, despite Beijing’s urgings, and cases rapidly exploded into the tens of thousands within days, triggering an unprecedented wave of death mostly among the under-vaccinated elderly community. China’s elderly vaccination rates are better than Hong Kong’s, but still low by global standards, particularly among the very old. Just over half of those aged 80 and older are fully vaccinated against Covid in China, officials said March 18, before launching a push to get more older people to get shots. Bloomberg News

Police: 2 shooters kill 6, wound 12 in Sacramento S

ACRAMENTO, California—At least two shooters opened fire early Sunday in Sacramento in the city’s second mass shooting in five weeks, killing six people and wounding 12 others as bars closed for the night and crowds emptied onto downtown streets, police said. Three men and three women were killed, Police Chief Kathy Lester said. Their bodies remained on the pavement hours after the gunfire erupted around 2 a.m. Police sought clues from a crime scene that stretched across multiple city blocks as they searched for the shooters. At least four of the wounded were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not offered a possible motive and have so far identified only one victim, 38-year-old Sergio Harris, without providing a cause of death. His sister Kay Harris, 32, told The Associated Press just hours after the shooting that she had been asleep when a family member called to say they thought her brother had been killed. She said she thought Sergio Harris had been at the London nightclub, which is near the shooting. Pamela Harris, Sergio Harris’ mother, told The Sacramento Bee the family had not heard from him since the shooting. “We just want to know what happened to him,” she said early Sunday. “Not knowing anything is just hard to face.” Investigators pored through hundreds of pieces of evidence—much of it documented on the streets with blue and yellow markers—as officials begged the public to come forward with tips and videos that could help find the suspects. Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, who represents the area, said she’s fielded many phone calls reporting violence in her district during her 15 months in office. She cried at a news conference as she told reporters that the latest phone call woke

her up at 2:30 a.m. “I’m heartbroken and I’m outraged,” she said. “Our community deserves better than this.” Sunday’s violence was the third time this year in the US that at least six people have been killed in a mass shooting, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University. President Joe Biden called for action on gun crimes in a statement Sunday. “Today, America once again mourns for another community devastated by gun violence,” Biden said. “But we must do more than mourn; we must act.” Sacramento has endured two mass shootings in the last five weeks. On Feb. 28, a father killed his three daughters, a chaperone and himself in a Sacramento church during a weekly super vised visitation. David Mora, 39, was armed with a homemade semiautomatic riflestyle weapon, even though he was under a restraining order that prohibited him from possessing a firearm. The area where Sunday’s killings occurred is on the outskirts of the city’s main entertainment district and has many bars and restaurants. It’s anchored by the Golden One Center that attracts big-name concerts and is home to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. City officials have invested heavily in the area to promote development. Videos on social media showed what appeared to be an altercation before the gunfire in California’s capital city. Sgt. Zach Eaton, a police spokesperson, said investigators don’t know if that fight led to the shooting. Kelsey Schar was staying on the fourth floor of Citizen Hotel when she said she heard gunshots and saw flashes in the dark. She walked to the window and “saw a guy running and just shooting,” Schar told the AP. AP

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Russian army massacre civilians, city strewn with mutilated bodies By Oleksandr Stashevskyi And Nebi Qena

The Associated Press

UCHA, Ukraine—Bodies with bound hands, close-range gunshot wounds and signs of torture lay scattered in a city on the outskirts of Kyiv after Russian soldiers withdrew from the area. Ukrainian authorities accused the departing forces on Sunday of committing war crimes and leaving behind a “scene from a horror movie.”

As images of the bodies emerged from Bucha, European leaders condemned the atrocities and called for tougher sanctions against Moscow. In a sign of how the horrific reports shook many leaders, Germany’s defense minister even suggested that the European Union consider banning Russian gas imports. Ukrainian officials said the bodies of 410 civilians were found in Kyiv-area towns that were recently retaken from Russian forces. Associated Press journalists saw the bodies of at least 21 people in various spots around Bucha, northwest of the capital. One group of nine, all in civilian clothes, were scattered around a site that residents said Russian troops used as a base. They appeared to have been killed at close range. At least two had their hands tied behind their backs, one was shot in the head, and another’s legs were bound. Ukrainian officials laid the blame for the killings squarely at the feet of Russian troops, with the president calling them evidence of genocide. But Russia’s Defense Ministry rejected the accusations as “provocation.” The discoveries followed the Russian retreat from the area after Moscow said it was focusing its offensive on the country’s east. Russian troops had rolled into Bucha in the early days of the invasion and stayed up until March 30. One resident, who refused to give his name out of fear for his safety, said that Russian troops went building to building and took people out of the basements where they were hiding, checking their phones for any evidence of anti-Russian activity before taking them away or shooting them. Hanna Herega, another resident, said Russian troops started shooting at a neighbor who had gone out to gather wood for heating. “They hit him a bit above the heel, crushing the bone, and he fell down,” Herega said. “Then they shot off his left leg completely, with the boot. Then they shot him all over.” The AP also saw two bodies, that of a man and a woman, wrapped in

plastic that residents said they had covered and placed in a shaft until a proper funeral could be arranged. “He put his hands up, and they shot him,” said the resident who refused to be identified. Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described bodies lying in suburban streets as a “scene from a horror movie.” He claimed some of the women had been raped before being killed and the Russians then burned the bodies. In a video address, Zelenskyy said Russian soldiers who killed and tortured civilians were responsible for “concentrated evil.” “It is time to do everything possible to make the war crimes of the Russian military the last manifestation of such evil on earth,” he said in remarks translated by his office. He directed some of his remarks at the mothers of Russian soldiers involved. “Even if you raised looters, how did they also become butchers?” he said. “You couldn’t overlook that they are deprived of everything human. No soul. No heart. They killed deliberately and with pleasure.” Zelenskyy said his government would take steps to create a special justice mechanism to investigate every crime committed by the Russian forces in Ukraine. Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement that photos and videos of dead bodies “have been stage managed by the Kyiv regime for the Western media.” It noted that Bucha’s mayor did not mention any abuses a day after Russian troops left. The ministry said “not a single civilian” in Bucha had faced any violent action by the Russian military. Russia asked for a meeting Monday of the UN Security Council to discuss events in the city. The US and Britain have recently accused Russia of using Security Council meetings to spread disinformation. In Motyzhyn, some 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of Kyiv, residents told AP on Sunday that Russian troops killed the town’s mayor, her husband and her son and threw

Lifeless bodies of men, some with their hands tied behind their backs lie on the ground in Bucha, Ukraine on April 3. Associated Press journalists in Bucha, a small city northwest of Kyiv, saw the bodies of at least nine people in civilian clothes who appeared to have been killed at close range. At least two had their hands tied behind their backs. AP/Vadim Ghirda

their bodies into a pit in a pine forest behind houses where Russian forces had slept. Inside the pit, AP journalists saw four bodies of people who appeared to have been shot at close range. The mayor’s husband had his hands behind his back, with a piece of rope nearby, and a piece of plastic wrapped around his eyes like a blindfold. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk confirmed that the mayor was killed while being held by Russian forces. Some European leaders said the killings in the Kyiv area amounted to war crimes. The US has previously said that it believes Russia has committed war crimes, and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called images of what happened near Kyiv “a punch to the gut” on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “It is a brutality against civilians we haven’t seen in Europe for decades,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on the same show. Ky iv Mayor Vitali K litschko called on nations to immediately end Russian gas imports, saying they were funding the killings. In a turnaround, Germany’s defense minister said that the EU should consider doing just that. Ministers “would have to talk about halting gas supplies from Russia,” Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Sunday night on German public broadcaster ARD. “Such crimes must not go unanswered.” Russia provides 40 percent of Europe’s gas and 25 percent of its oil, and until now many EU nations have resisted calls to scale back or fully end reliance on Russian fossil fuels. Giving them up would mean even higher prices at the pump and higher utility bills, potentially creating an energy crisis and a recession. T he US h a s pre v iou s ly a nnounced a ban on Russian oil, but it imports only a small share of Russia’s oil exports and doesn’t buy any of its natural gas. As Russian forces retreated from the area around the capital, they pressed their sieges in other parts of the country. Russia has said it

is directing troops to the Donbas in eastern Ukraine, where Russiabacked separatists have been fighting Ukrainian forces for eight years. In that region, Mariupol, a port on the Sea of Azov that has seen some of the war’s greatest suffering, remained cut off. About 100,000 civilians—less than a quarter of the prewar population of 430,000—are believed to be trapped there with little or no food, water, fuel and medicine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said Sunday that a team sent Saturday to help evacuate residents had yet to reach the city. Ukrainian authorities said Russia agreed days ago to allow safe passage from the city, but similar agreements have broken down repeatedly under continued shelling. The mayor of Chernihiv, which has also been cut off from shipments of food and other supplies for weeks, said that relentless Russian shelling has destroyed 70 percent of the northern city. The Ukrainian military said early Monday that its forces had retaken some towns in the Chernihiv region and that humanitarian aid was being delivered. The road between Chernihiv and the capital, Kyiv, was to reopen to some traffic later in the morning, according to the news agency RBK Ukraina. The regional governor in Kharkiv said Sunday that Russian artillery and tanks launched over 20 strikes on Ukraine’s second-largest city and its outskirts in the country’s northeast over the past day. The head of Ukraine’s delegation in talks with Russia said Moscow’s negotiators informally agreed to most of a draft proposal discussed during face-to-face talks in Istanbul this week, but no written confirmation has been provided. The Russian invasion has left thousands dead and forced more than 4 million Ukrainians to flee their country. Qena reported f rom Mot yzhyn, Ukraine. Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Ukraine, and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.

Lithuania cuts off Russian gas imports, urges EU to do same

ILNIUS, Lithuania—Lithuania says it has cut itself off entirely of gas imports from Russia, apparently becoming the first of the European Union’s 27 nations using Russian gas to break its energy dependence upon Moscow. “Seeking full energy independence from Russian gas, in response to Russia’s energy blackmail in Europe and the war in Ukraine, Lithuania has completely abandoned Russian gas,” Lithuania’s energy ministry said in a statement late Saturday, adding that the measure took effect in the beginning of April. Lithuania managed to reduce imports of Russian gas to zero on Saturday, a move

seen a milestone in achieving energy independence in the former Soviet republic of 2.8 million, the ministry said. “We are the first EU country among Gazprom’s supply countries to gain independence from Russian gas supplies, and this is the result of a multi-year coherent energy policy and timely infrastructure decisions,” Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys said. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda posted an upbeat tweet on his account and urged other European nations to do the same. “From this month on— no more Russian gas in Lithuania. Years ago, my country made decisions that today allow us with no pain

to break energy ties with the aggressor. If we can do it, the rest of Europe can do it too!” Nauseda tweeted. In 2015, nearly 100 percent of Lithuania’s gas supplies derived from imports of Russian gas but the situation has changed drastically over the past years after the country built an off-shore LNG import terminal, launched in 2014, in the port city of Klaipeda. The energy ministry said from now on all gas for Lithuania’s domestic consumption would be imported via Klaipeda’s LNG terminal. Last year, some 26 percent of Lithuania’s gas supplies derived from deliveries from a Russian gas pipeline while 62 percent came via Klaipeda’s LNG terminal and the

remaining 12 percent were imported from a gas storage in neighboring Latvia. Baltic neighbors Latvia and Estonia are also heavily dependent on Russian gas but the operator of Latvia’s natural gas storage said none of the three Baltic states were importing Russian gas as of April 2. Uldis Bariss, the CEO of Conexus Baltic Grid, told Latvian media on Saturday that the Baltic gas market was currently being served by gas reserves stored underground in Latvia. Last month, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said Klaipeda’s LNG terminal wouldn’t have enough capacity to provide gas for all the three Baltic countries. AP

Sports

UAAP welcomes return of fans; UE coach suspended two games

NOTHER heavy four-game schedule is set on Wednesday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 84 men’s basketball tournament but other than the games, attention will be on the fans and students who will be allowed entry starting Tuesday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. Though on a limited scale—only the upper aand lower box sections and general admission will be opened to fans—the collegiate league atmosphere is slowly returning to pre-pandemic normalcy. Ateneo Head Coach Tab Baldwin looked glad on the development. “I’m excited about seeing the crowd and the fans back, I hope it’s a big crowd for all the games,” said Baldwin, whose Blue Eagles target a fourth-straight victory when they face the National University Bulldogs in the 7 p.m. night cap. “Hopefully things will get well with less restriction,” Baldwin added. Only 40 percent—roughly 7,000 of the 14,000 seats—of MOA’s capacity will be opened to fans. Also, halftime cheering by the schools’ pep squads remain banned but they will now be at the general admission section to root for their teams. The other matches pit University of Santo Tomas (2-2) against De La Salle University (3-1) at 10 a.m., University of the Philippines (3-1) against Adamson University (1-3) at 1 p.m. and FEU (1-3) against struggling University of the East (0-4) at 4 p.m. The Red Warriors—who for several seasons have been prowling the bottom of the standings—will play the

Tamaraws without their head coach Jack Santiago who was suspended two games for “conduct unbecoming of a head coach” from three games to two games. The suspension stemmed from UE’s game against UP last Saturday where Santiago was heard instructing his student-athletes to deliberately harm UP’s Ricci Rivero in the second quarter. UAAP Season 84 basketball commissioner Tonichi Pujante said a thorough review of the videos indicated Santiago telling his players to inflict harm on Rivero. Pujante recommended that Santiago be suspended for the rest of the first round eliminations, but Santiago appealed and got his punishment reduced to two games. “Violence is never an option,” Pujante said. “Let this serve as a lesson to the entire UAAP community as well.” One of the three referees who supervised the UE-UP game was also suspended for not acting on Santiago’s unsportsmanlike instruction to his players. The league didn’t reveal the official’s UE’s Harvey Pagsanjan was also summoned by the Commissioner’s Office for his unsportsmanlike foul penalty two on UP’s Zavier Lucero. Tickets to the games, according to MOA’s website, are pegged at P450 each for lower box, P225 for upper box and P75 for general admission. Students of the member schools, however, are entitled to huge discounts, according to UP’s representative to the board Dean Francis “Kiko” Diaz. Josef Ramos

POC LIFTS SANCTIONS ON JUICO, PATAFA

HE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Executive Board deactivated a resolution that declared Philip Ella Juico persona non grata and at the same time time trashed another resolution suspending the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa). “It’s a gentlemen’s agreement among us as we lifted the persona non grata [on Juico],” POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said Monday after the POC Executive Board held an emergency meeting at the Grandmaster Hotel in Tagaytay City. “And Patafa’s suspension will no longer push through,” he said. “It’s a unanimous decision—no objection—s so it’s time to move on.” Tolentino said the quashing of the resolutions were a result of the successful Philippine Sports Commission-led mediation that settled the rift between world-ranked pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and the Patafa. The mediation also led to the reinstatement of Obiena as a member of Patafa’s national team, thus his endorsement for international competitions. The Executive Board meted the Patafa and the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) a 90-day

HE touring ladies girds for a duel of skills, smarts and putting when the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Hallow Ridge Challenge gets going Wednesday at the Filipinas Golf Hallow Ridge in San Pedro, Laguna. Emphasis will also be on stamina in anticipation of another grueling campaign in arid conditions the way the field endured the debilitating heat at Luisita in Tarlac two weeks ago where they adjusted their nutritional intake in order of keep themselves performing at a high level. Still, it will boil down to who survives the test at the rolling par-72 layout which is hosting a ladies pro tournament for the first time with no one from the among the fancied bets, headed by Princess Superal, Harmie Constantino, Daniella Uy, Sunshine Baraquiel and Chanelle Avaricio, holding a distinct advantage.

Comm Mon in PSA forum

suspension each, but only the PHILTA’s punishment was ratified by the POC General Assembly last March 17. Tolentino deferred the ratification of Patafa’s suspension, citing humanitarian reasons and the approaching Lenten season. “It’s a lesson learned by everybody, including us. So we have to review our policy in order this thing won’t happen again,” Tolentino added. “There are no losers here, only winners—the biggest winner being the Filipino athlete.” There was no immediate reaction from Juico and the Patafa camp on Thursday but Obiena told BusinessMirror that “life goes on” and he’s “now back to full competition and training mode without. “I will do my best to defend the gold for our fellow Filipinos, who stood beside me,” Obiena said, referring to the Southeast Asian Games men’s pole vault title which he intend to retain in Vietnam in May. “All I can promise is I’m going to rise to the challenge of winning another gold in the SEA Games,” he said. “I have to focus now on the competition to defend the title. Let’s see how it goes. I just hope to bring my mindset to 100 percent on the game.” Josef Ramos Arnie Taguines, Eagle Ace Superal and Kristine Fleetwood, meanwhile, join the pros in the hunt in the 54-hole championship serving as the second leg of this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT), all hoping to keep the amateurs’ win run going after Rianne Malixi ruled the last leg at Midlands last year and the year’s kickoff event at Luisita last month. The 15-year-old Malixi has shifted her campaign to the American Junior Golf Association circuit as part of her buildup for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi next month. The rising star also topped the national team qualifying, also at Luisita, and will help lead the country’s titleretention drive with Lois Kaye Go and Mafy Singson. That leaves the multi-titled Superal and the other leg winners to dispute top honors in the P750,000 championship but the likes of

HILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez will give an update on the preparations for the 31st Southeast Asian Games when he appears as main guest in Tuesday’s virtual Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

BusinessMirror

| Tuesday, April 5, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

WILL HE OR WILL HE NOT PLAY?

TIGER WOODS hits on the driving range while practicing before the Masters on Sunday. AP

UGUSTA, Georgia—A comeback unlike any other for Tiger Woods might start at the Masters. Just over 13 months since Woods damaged his right leg so badly he said doctors considered amputation, Woods arrived at Augusta National on Sunday afternoon and warmed up on a range where there were more photographers than players. Woods hit balls for about 20 minutes and then got in a cart and headed to the course, which is closed Sunday afternoon to everyone except players and caddies. Already a star attraction, the hype over the five-time Masters champion is higher than ever after a violent single-car crash that looked as though it might end his career. Still to come is the decision on playing. In a tweet Sunday morning announcing he was coming to Augusta to resume preparations for the Masters, he said it will be a “game-time decision” whether he competes. The Masters does not have a firm deadline to commit like regular tour events. It is an invitation tournament, and players typically notify the club only if they do not plan to play. Tee times are published Tuesday. “Knowing Tiger the way I

know him, if he wasn’t totally like... pretty much feel he has a chance to win, he wouldn’t tee it up,” Mark O’Meara said. “The thing about Tiger Woods is usually when everybody thinks he can’t do something, that’s when he does it.” If Woods decides to play—he played 18 holes at Augusta National five days ago—it would be his first competition against the world’s best players since November 15, 2020, when the Masters was moved to autumn because of the pandemic. Photographers and media waited at the far end of the viewing area on the range near the caddie house to see when he would arrive. Woods showed up on the other end, shaking hands with defending champion Hideki Matsuyama. Kevin Na and Billy Horschel were among those who came over to shake hands or hug him. Also on the range were Sungjae Im, Mackenzie Hughes and Jason Kokrak. Sunday afternoon before Masters week is a quiet time most years. Just not this one. Woods was recovering from a fifth back surgery when on February 23, 2021, two days after he presented the trophy at the Genesis Invitational that he hosts at Riviera, he crashed

Tight battle up among ladies at Hallow Ridge Chihiro Ikeda is also due for a big finish after a string of failed bids in circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Out to spoil the favorites’ title drive in the event are Sarah Ababa, Florence Bisera, Apple Fudolin, Lovelyn Guioguio, Lucy Landicho, Pamela Mariano, Eva Miñoza, Majorie Pulumbarit, Gretchen Villacencio, Sheryl Villasencio and Korean Jane Jeong. Though some bidders have tested the hilly layout in the lead-up to the tournament, they remained wary and at the same time excited over how would they fare in the next three days and get a crack at the championship. Constantino, who claimed two titles in her rookie season last year, both at Eagle Ridge’s Aoki course, found the course long and tight while Avaricio, who posted her first win at Rivera-Couples last year, said the course is very different from the other

LPGT venues while putting premium on the long game and accuracy for one to produce good scores. Superal, on the other hand, is focusing on putting, noting the Hallow Ridge’s surfaces to be undulating while Uy underlines the need to come up with smart decisions from tee-to-green.

Fernandez is the Team Philippines chef de mission to the SEA Games that start in a month from May 12 to 23 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The weekly public sports program presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee,

Unilever, Amelie Hotel Manila and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. srats at 10 a.m. The Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and officially shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

PRINCESS SUPERAL knows Hallow Ridge’s surfaces to be undulating.

his SUV over a median on a suburban coastal road in Los Angeles and down the side of a hill. Police estimated he was going at least 84 mph in a 45 mph zone. Doctors said Woods shattered tibia and fibula bones in his right leg in multiple locations. Those were stabilized by a rod in the tibia, while a combination of screws and pins were used to stabilize additional injuries in the ankle and foot. Woods said he spent three months immobilized in a makeshift hospital bed set up in his Florida home. Only then he could start moving around on crutches, and eventually he was able to walk on his own. Woods won the US Open at Torrey Pines in 2008 with a double stress fracture and torn knee ligaments in

his left leg. He made it back from a scandal in his personal life to become No. 1 in the world again. Nothing was more amazing than three years ago at Augusta National when he won a fifth green jacket after four back surgeries that made him fear he might never walk again. That he is even contemplating playing in this Masters is remarkable in its own right. If he can, questions are sure to shift to whether he can win. A week before Thanksgiving, he posted a three-second video hitting one shot with two words: Making progress. Two weeks later at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, a holiday event Woods hosts, he was on the back end of the range at Albany hitting drivers. AP

Ginebra-Meralco duel brings back memories, renewed heated rivalry CONE

BLACK

By Josef Ramos

ARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel and Meralco collide head on for the second time in two years as they battle in a race-to-four Finals series for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup starting Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Gin Kings won their series in pre-pandemic 2019, 4-1, and are hoping to repeat over an equally motivated Bolts side that obviously doesn’t want to be on the losing end anew. Ginebra’s Tim Cone and Meralco’s Norman Black have buried the past and are looking forward to a renewed battle between two blue-chip teams in the league. “Past is past, and we want to stay focused on what’s right in front of us—that’s the philosophy we want to bring all the time,” Cone told Monday’s face-to-face Finals news conference at the Novotel in Quezon City on Monday. “We have really tried to change our mindset by not thinking that this is our fourth time [to face each other],” Cone added. Both teams faced each other in the Finals thrice before—2016, 2017 and 2019—and Ginebra won all of them with resident import Justin Brownlee. Black said that being in the Finals for a fourth time is a blessing for the Bolts. “I don’t control who we play against, you just try to get to the Finals,” Black said. “So like I said, it’s a blessing just to be here because this doesn’t happen everyday, it doesn’t happen often, and you’ll never know when you’re going to get back to the Finals.” “And it’s okay that we’re playing

Ginebra again,” he added. Black’s aware that in all their three losses to Ginebra in the Governors’ Cup Finals has one common denominator: Brownlee. “They’re very consistent over the years particularly in this conference mainly because of their coaching, their local players, but more importantly because of Justine Brownlee,” Black said. “He’s been pretty much the leader of this Governors’ Cup so it’s going to be tough. He’s seemingly reaching his peak just at the right time which he normally does.” Brownlee has been averaging 30.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 17 this season, but more importantly, the intangibles that he brings for Ginebra make them a vaunted team. The Gin Kings reinforcement exploded for 47 points with 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks in 44 minutes of play when they eliminated NLEX in the semifinals. Brownlee was instrumental in helping pull Ginebra from a sixthseeded team in the quarterfinals and into the championship. But he downplayed his strength. “No, it’s just me going out and playing hard, I’m just doing everything to help the team win,” said Brownlee, who’s aiming to add a fifth PBA to the three Governors’ Cup and one Commissioner’s Cup (2018) that he owns. Game 1 on Wednesday starts at 6 p.m. Games 2 and 3 will be at the Mall of Asia Arena while Game 4 will be back at the Big Dome. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said that there’s a possibility that if the series reach Game 7, it will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.